About Advocate Art.

Advocate Art was founded in 1992, with a group of illustrators who liked the idea of having an agent but not the other things that often came with that. We call our ethos four “F.A.C.T.s”: Fairness, Ability, Creativity and Trust. It’s about doing the right thing and being with the right people. We think our principles set us apart from conventional agencies, sticking to them has meant we have attracted the most creative illustrators and artists who in turn attract (with a little help) the best clients.

The people we represent are perfectly able to conduct their own affairs but like working with Advocate Art because we offer value to them in the services we provide. Clients are assured that we represent artists that are like-minded professionals, pre-vetted and able not only to get the job done without fuss, but also to surpass expectations.

It’s their choice to be with us, we have a high retention rate - with the most popular artists in our group being with us from the start!

We were one of the first Agencies to give direct client contact with our illustrators, allowing creativity to flow without being diluted in translation. We were one of the first to offer re-sales as an important secondary income to artists. Now we have gone beyond that too, with the development of an on-line portal - ARTicle which enables artists to have transparency into the back office functions of the business, such as royalty management and credit control, amongst other things.

Business is all about relationships, which is why we have a very high artist to agent ratio, clients often use us as artistic advisors, project managers as well a trend forward resource for pre- qualified talent.

It is for these reasons that Advocate Art has become the largest illustration agency around and we would like to think one of the most respected but- we understand we didn’t get that way by acting like the biggest. Come and find out for yourself...

Meet the Agents

Adolfo Sanchez

Adolfo Sanchez

Senior EU Artist Agent

Advocate Art S.L

Adolfo is our senior EU sales agent working from our Spanish Office.

Having graduated from Murcia University in Spain with a degree in Art History and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in Valencia University, he has been working in different a varied roles in the cultural outlook in Spain as for example as art-handler, curator, art advisor... In fact, he combines his job as senior EU agent in Advocate Art taking care of European and Latin American clients with some collaborations as independent curator in different contemporary art project and as cultural consultant in Marbella local government, the city in which he has been living the last years.
Alexina Thielemans

Alexina Thielemans

Senior Agent

Advocate Art Ltd

Originally from Belgium, I have studied in both the UK and Japan, meaning I am fluent in English, French and Japanese. As a creative myself, I understand the struggles that artists face and am passionate about helping our amazing artists succeed in the world of publishing and licensing. I have worked in various roles in the creative industry from being a design intern to being a translator and assistant for a gallery in Brussels, helping them liaise with Japanese artists
Amanda Hendon

Amanda Hendon

Global Manager

Advocate Art Inc

I'm Amanda! I have been with the amazing Advocate team since 2016, I joined Advocate as a part time intern, and now 4 years later I'm proud to say I manage the team globally from NYC.
I received my BFA in Illustration from Parsons in 2015 which helped hone my keen eye when briefing artists; a self-professed visual person, art and aesthetics are something I take pride in being knowledgeable in, and I'm always on the lookout for the latest trends and styles. I love being able to help nurture and grow artists' talent, as well as being able to link up the right client, artist and project - especially when I get to see the final result on store shelves.
In my free time I like traveling, reading (mostly fairytales and myths), window shopping at NYC's premier boutiques, baking and spending time with my Chihuahua.
I'm here to help you, please get in contact.
Atlanta Japp

Atlanta Japp

Senior West Coast Agent

Advocate Art Inc

Having graduated from Kenyon College with a degree in both Art History and Studio Art, I have not only acquired a deep passion for art, but I have come to learn about its place in the current world. As an artist myself, I have coined a keen eye for successful design. In fact, one of my favorite things is to watch live art auctions as that is where I am able to foresee current and upcoming market trends. I was raised in a family of art lovers. In fact, I feel as though I am a natural Agent as it runs in my blood. Both my mother and father worked as art advisors, appraisers, and sellers. Due to their involvement in the arts I feel as though I was raised to work in this field alongside creatives. Working at Advocate Art has been such an exciting experience. It is the perfect blend of both my love for art and my interest in art sales. I am so lucky to get the chance to look at beautiful artwork for a living
Bhavisha Vadgama

Bhavisha Vadgama

Art Licensing Manager

Advocate Art Ltd

Hi, I'm Bhavi! I've been part of this fabulous team at Advocate-Art since 2018. I started out as an Artist Agent, and 3 years later, I'm proud to be the company's Art Director.

I have a 1st Class Honors Degree in Illustration from the University of Portsmouth. My creative education and career has broadened my knowledge of the industry, and given me the skills to be able to help develop artist's portfolios. I'm always on the lookout for the latest trends and popular styles, and love working so closely with our artists, watching them grow. It's even better when I link the right artist with the right client, as there's no better feeling than seeing a beautifully illustrated book or greeting card in stores, which our artists have worked on.

During my spare time, I love to travel and read. I'm also a very active person and love to exercise outdoors and practice Yoga. I'm a big foodie too, so when I'm at home, you're most likely find me in the kitchen
Harry Bloom

Harry Bloom

Manager

Advocate Art Ltd

I grew up in Warwickshire, a stone's throw from the 'Heart of England' before moving down South to study Illustration at the University of Brighton. Studying there amongst so many talented creatives cemented my ambition to work within the Arts and after graduating I moved to London to pursue a career in Illustration. I worked as a freelance creative alongside a position in Fashion Management until my Illustration practice took over. Since then i have worked as an Illustrator full time, collaborating with clients from around the Globe on projects from Apps to Advertising and releasing my own series of Children's Books. I'm now keen to use the skills and experiences i have gained through my own practice to help guide, support and empower other Artists. I'm looking forward to collaborating with creatives and clients alike and am excited by the opportunity to help bring their projects to life. This industry is hugely rewarding and I'm both thrilled to be part of the talented team here at Advocate Art and proud to represent their Artists.
Will Drayson

Will Drayson

Specialist Licensing & Design Agent

Advocate Art Ltd

After completing my degree in Illustration at Kingston University I’ve had a varied career as an illustrator working in: Editorial, Architectural illustration for Foster and Partners, Children’s book illustration, and even creating a small design studio with some friends. Through working as a creative I'd realised how much i enjoy engaging and building relationships with my clients, which has naturally led me wanting to become an illustration agent.

I love meeting new illustrators and artists and hearing about their passion for their work and learning about their experiences. Having worked in the industry myself i can completely empathise with the ups and downs an illustrator / artist will have along the way.

I really hope to make the artists and clients i deal with have a rewarding as possible relationship with Advocate Art
Marion Von Elling

Marion Von Elling

German Artist Agent

Advocate Art S.L

Marion has joined Advocate Sl and is now sunning it up in our Spanish office. She is focusing on helping our German clients create their beautifully illustrated books and products.With a background in Marketing, a love of Children's publishing and being fluent in German, English, and Spanish, Marion is the perfect recipe for a great Illustration agent.

"To start work at advocate art is a dream comes true, because here I can combine the things I love to do, with those I can do best and I look forward to working with artists and customers to help create wonderful children’s books and other products."

Marion is originally from North Germany but has moved to Spain with her husband, daughter, and 2 dogs to enjoy a nice life by the beach.

"In my spare time I love to read and with my daughter I spent hours with beautifully illustrated children's books, nurturing her enthusiasm for reading. Our family of three is complemented by our two dogs, with whom we spend a lot of time outdoors.

I know that the German market is artistically sophisticated and perfect for the international range of advocate art. I look forward to combining the creative diversity of our artists from all over the world with the specific requirements of our customers and helping to shape and develop a great, trusting collaboration
Erin Tisdel

Erin Tisdel

Artist Agent

Advocate Art Inc

Hey, I'm Erin! I am an Artist Agent, working out of the New York office

A little about me professionally, actually most of my work experience is in art Museums and Galleries. Being an artist myself, I wanted to work more closely with them and gain more experience in the commercial side of things. When I'm not working you can find me drawing, cooking, watching tv, or walking my very cute dog. I love collecting vinyl records and online shopping for graphic tees.
Chris Herriott

Chris Herriott

Brand Artist Agent

Advocate Art Ltd

Based down on the sunny south coast, my background is in the arts, first as an actor then as a writer and producer, which led me to work working as a voice over agent and at TV/film production companies. During this time I worked with artists on various projects for Advertising agencies and television production companies, including a World Cup Nike Commercial, High End content for Jaguar Land Rover and the Re-booted iconic Thunderbirds Are Go.
Working on projects such as these has given me over 5 years experience with advertising agencies and brands directly, which is where my passion lies. I thrive in being the conduit being the artist and the client, discovering new clients and delivering high end projects
Vickie Savanella

Vickie Savanella

Artist Agent

Advocate Art Inc

Vickie has a degree in illustration, but the majority of her career has been spent in design and project management for children's products, apparel and toys, working with both licensed and private label clients. She has a deep-seated love of illustration and is excited to help bring beautiful art to the world!
Vickie currently resides in the Hudson Valley, just outside NYC, with her two cats. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, long hikes, needle felting and spotting funky fashion around the city.
Christine Modafferi

Christine Modafferi

Senior Italian Agent

Advocate Art S.L

Ciao! My name is Chris and I am the Senior Art Agent here at Advocate, working closely with our wonderful Italian clients. Before my role here, I worked on children's illustrated books at Penguin Random House, Bloomsbury and Scholastic in London. I loved working with Advocate as their client so much that I had to be part of the team! I now live by the seaside in Italy with my partner, so that I am able to travel easily to see my clients and artists whenever needed. Hope to speak to you soon
Deborah Millinship

Deborah Millinship

Artist Agent

Advocate Art Ltd

Deborah has experience in all stages of product development, across all greetings products for Everyday & Christmas greetings ranges, which gives her an impeccable insight into what makes the best-selling commercial designs. If you want to discover what makes the best selling Father Christmas, Deb is proud to be a cardy!

She grew up in Stoke-on-Trent, the heart of the Potteries, the world capital of ceramics, Deborah's passion for Illustration started at art college and she went on to graduate from the Illustration course at Swansea Metropolitan in 2003. She is based out West so give her a call, she would love to visit you.
Yeeun (Summer) Kim

Yeeun (Summer) Kim

Korean Artist Agent

Advocate Art Ltd

After studying digital media design and animation from Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, I have been working with companies from various industries like games, broadcasting, events, and trading.Being trilingual helps me understand clients and artists better and making the transition from different countries and cultures easier. I am looking forward to working on exciting projects with our artists and customer, as well as, contributing with my skillset to expanding Advocate Art’s business in Asia.
Junzhu Guo

Junzhu Guo

Chinese / Japanese Artist Agent

Advocate Art Ltd

After graduating from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, I worked as a customer service specialist in various industries.

My professional customer service experience together with trilingual language skills and art background allow me to converse with my clients from different industries and countries and provide them with the most suitable illustrations they need.

Art, to me, is the common language we speak despite the differences. Hope to connect together soon

The Internship Program

We run an active internship program here at Advocate that we hope many students or career seekers will find very beneficial. We attract students in art history, design, illustration and related courses. We also employ bilingual agents so we attract language students as well.

We forge close links with many colleges and also invite students in for Q&A sessions where they can get advice on their portfolios. We were sponsors of the illustration exam question for the D&AD board and offered competition prizes including cash of £5000!

If you would like to see the inner workings of the leading artist representation agency, then the best way is to spend some time with us as an intern. You will share in our daily tasks such as folio management, site maintenance, project managing etc but no tea making I promise! You will learn how artists are briefed, what’s hot and what you have to do as an illustrator to get work in the real world. We will give you a reference that will make a future employer cry, for the right reasons of course. Finally as a souvenir you get a sought after Advocate courier bag and we will pick up lunch and travel expenses if you complete the term. Minimum term is 10 working days - Maximum 30.

There is no mistaking that interns have become essential to the running of this busy agency. We get to spread the Advocate message around tomorrow’s art and design professionals - internationally. We are also a recruiting platform (10 of our current staff were recruited from internships) and we get help, not cheap labour.

We also welcome international interns. If you have basic spoken and written English, we would love to hear from you. We would accommodate you in a local hotel and provide a meal and travel allowance. Interns must be EU citizens or have a valid work permit to work in the UK.

The internship programme