About Representation
Mendola Artists has been representing illustrators since the 1960s. Throughout the years, we have helped hundreds of illustrators take their careers to the next level. The coaching, marketing, business support, and community we provide our illustrators is an unmatched resource.
We are honored to represent such a talented group of illustrators and animators, and we are always looking for new talent to join our team.
If you are interested in representation, please email us at info@mendolaart.com Include your portfolio and a short paragraph about your illustration process and the type of projects you are looking to work on.
Given the volume of applications we receive, unfortunately, we are unable to respond to everyone individually. If you do not hear from us, please do not be discouraged, and please keep on illustrating!
F.A.Q.
What does an illustration agency do?
We collaborate with our talent through sales, marketing, administration, and moral support to grow their careers. Our primary goal is to increase your annual billings by creating awareness for your work which in turn generates interest in actual projects. We develop long-term relationships with the talent we represent and our clients to find ongoing opportunities. Custom marketing programs are developed for each artist that matches the talent’s primary focus and interests. Our agents support our illustrators through every step of a project, from negotiating its price and timeline to invoicing and processing the payment.
When’s the right time to look for representation?
Every illustrator’s journey to representation is different. Generally, it is good to have a full portfolio of illustrations with at least a couple of client projects before seeking representation.
Do you have to be a full-time freelance illustrator to be represented?
No, although having flexible availability is important as a freelance illustrator, we represent illustrators who also pursue other passions. Many projects do require timely completion but the most successful illustrators are effective time managers. A number of our illustrators are illustration professors, fine artists, graphic designers, or art directors as well.
Do you represent animators as well?
Yes! Our roster of animators is always growing as the market for animation and motion graphics expands. Check out all of their portfolios here.
What makes a portfolio good?
A good portfolio shows the personality and range of an illustrator. It shows the strengths of an illustrator and a variety of subject matter while maintaining a cohesive and unique style. A portfolio should show that its style is desirable across multiple industries or among many clients within an industry.
Our Story
Mendola Artists is a family-owned, United States-based illustration agency founded by Joseph Mendola in 1960, before CGI, JPGs, fax machines or even FedX. The agency continues to evolve and expand under the expert guidance of his two sons Tim and Tom. Since the very beginning, Mendola Artists has sought out the best talent from around the globe, establishing relationships with the country’s top ad agencies, package design firms, editorial publications, and toy companies. Whether they be masterful oil painters or innovative CGI animators, Mendola Artists currently represents over 100 of the world’s most accomplished illustrators.
Our Clients
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Editorial
Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Eating Well, Harvard Buysiness Review, Times Magazine, Scholastic…
Book Publishing
Harper Collins, Penguin Random House, Disney, Kensington…
Toys
Hasbro, Mattel, Fisher Price, Spinmaster…
Packaging
Boston Beer, Publix, Pringles, Nantucket Nectars, Celestial Seasonings, Dunkin Donuts Coffee, Pepsico / Kevita, Makers Mark…
Consumer Advertising
BBDO, Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis, Havas…
Pharma/Agricultural
Abelson Taylor, Sudler / VMLYR, Vanguard, Ogilvy Commonhealth, McCann Health, Bader Rutter, Razorfish…
Our Agents
Tim Mendola
Agent
tim@mendolaart.com
Tim took over the family business back when paintings were actually hand-delivered to art directors and portfolios consisted of 8×10 transparencies. He has led the agency’s transformation into the technological age of tablets, Instagram, and zoom meetings. When he’s not manning the helm at the firm’s intergalactic headquarters in SoNo, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters and playing golf in Redding Connecticut.
Nancy Moore
Operations Manager & Agent
nancy@mendolaart.com
After over 20 years at the company, Nancy has earned an honorary place in the Mendola family. With a background in the fine art world as a gallery owner and director, she really understands the nitty gritty of running a creative business and has a sharp aesthetic eye. Outside of the office, Nancy enjoys theatre, visiting museums and engaging with her church and Hell’s Kitchen communities.
Tom Mendola
Vice President & Agent
tom@mendolaart.com
Tom joined his brother Tim’s mission to take their family business to the next level. His own creativity makes him our go-to for sourcing new talent and predicting the latest illustration trends. When he’s not in his art and plant-filled office, Tom enjoys cooking six course tasting menus, making digital art, engaging in sports with his son and daughter, hiking and walking his two cats.