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A new and unique approach to the marketing of stock images is attracting some of the most prominent names in illustration and giving art directors the opportunity to browse archives of renowned images which have never before been available online.
Currently in limited preview release, Boise-based ProFile Stock already has a small but distinguished lineup of renowned artists represented on it’s website including; Dugald Stermer, C. F. Payne, Brad Holland, Kinuko Craft, Randall Enos, Edel Rodriguez, and Jack Unruh.
Artists have struggled for years with the dilemma of how to make their archives available for licensing without undercutting the assignment work they depend on. Most professionals have chosen to keep their work out of the hands of the large stock vendors, citing business practices harmful to the illustration community. The ProFile Stock model gives artists the power to put their images in front of a broad marketplace, retain full control, and license work on their own terms.
This new approach has garnered a positive response even from vocal opponents of the stock industry. ”I hate the idea of stock houses, but they’re here to stay and artists either have to find an artist-friendly way to compete or lose a large part of the market to the giants.” says Brad Holland who consulted with ProFile Stock developer Bryan Gray in the early stages of the project. ”We’ve worked with Bryan for about a year and a half and he’s been very responsive to our suggestions. I think he’s really trying to do the right thing.”
Gray describes the ProFile Stock model as ”combining the control and direct client contact of a personal web site, the marketing power of a cooperative network, and the high-tech conveniences of the major stock venues.”
Typical stock venues keep a large commission on sales so they need to insulate the buyer from the artist to prevent transactions from taking place behind their backs. Since ProFile Stock takes no commission from artists, there is no reason to discourage contact between the artist and client.
In fact ProFile Stock customers are encouraged to work directly with the artist. ”The ProFile Stock model is designed to showcase work in an environment that will nurture long-term client relationships and act as a stimulus for new assignments,” says Gray. ”With a truly effective artist-controlled marketplace, I believe we can shift the balance of power back into the hands of those who create the images.”
ProFile Stock Advisory Board:
Steven Heller
Brad Holland
Dugald Stermer
Cynthia Turner
Jack Unruh
Murray Tinkelman
Contact:
Bryan Gray, Director
ProFile Stock
208-286-1949
www.profilestock.com
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