Interview: Annemiek ter Linden of Art + Commerce, pt.2

Annemiek ter Linden at Art + Commerce offices

Photographer’s agent Annemiek ter Linden was born and raised in the Netherlands. After completing a degree in communications, she came to NYC in January 2000 and began her career in the world of photography with the Dutch photographers’ agency NEL. Base NYC had opened one year prior, and its Flemish-speaking Belgian designers gravitated toward the lovely and good-natured agent. Today, Annemiek works with powerhouse agency Art + Commerce, and represents Norwegian photographer Sølve Sundsbø.

B: Is “branding” a part of a photographer’s career? Meaning, are efforts—books, exhibitions—made in part to help them become more known/visible?
AtL: Of course. The ultimate, long-lasting career has its foundations in all different media.

Solve Sundsbø_Yellow Trio

B: Who are your favorite photographers?
AtL: I am very blessed to be working with photographers now and in the past whose work and careers are quite impressive to me. They are beyond passionate about what they do, and make a difference. Some other photographers I admire are Inez [Van Lamsweerde] and Vinoodh [Matadin], David Sims, Alastair McLellan, Viviane Sassen, Horst Diekgerdes, Serge Leblon, and of course Martien Mulder.

B: In this increasingly digital era, is Art + Commerce having to deal with copyright issues à la musicians or Hollywood writers?
AtL: We deal with copyright issues more and more, due to digital and syndication opportunities. Magazine contracts are becoming more and more intense. They would like to own copyright if they could. Dealing with contracts is a big part of my job, unfortunately.

B: What new areas do you find your photographers working in?
AtL: You mean new media? Film. People seem to be really interested—maybe also for budgetary reasons—to have the photographer shoot the print campaign as well as direct the commercial.

B: Do you find that for many jobs, you hire out “packages” of artists? And do certain of your photographers work frequently with certain of your stylists or hair stylists?
AtL: Most photographers really have their preferences, and we don’t compromise a shoot like that. There is creative freedom to work with whomever is best suited for the project. Having said that, there are several artists within our roster that like to collaborate.

Solve Sundsbø_Beauty

B: How much of a commercial photographer’s success is personality, and how much the work?
AtL: I think nowadays, with the amount of competition out there, personality certainly matters a great deal. For a photographer to know when to let something go, or what to fight for and be persistent on, is important. But then, maybe they can compensate by having an agent who is awfully charming?

B: Speaking of which, why don’t professional photographers ask their subjects to, “Say Cheese!”?
AtL: They don’t?!

B: How deep is the Art + Commerce image archive, and how much business does it generate?
AtL: It represents some fantastic archives and estates. The archive is not very wide, but certainly deep. That is done on purpose. The main objective is to protect the images and make sure they are placed in the right context.

B: What artists would you like to see added to Art + Commerce’s portfolio?
AtL: All photographers who make a difference within the industry, are successful, can have a long-lasting career, have been able to navigate that career in which they produce highly creative work that could be applicable for a commercial market as well and have a great personality! Oh, and more inspiring creative directors.

B: Are there other services Art + Commerce might offer in the future?
AtL: We are opening a Paris office and we are selling prints! Erwin Frotin is the first photographer to embark on this. Have a look at shop.artandcommerce.com