On this episode of What Makes You Click, Kelvin welcomes Maren Levinson, Founder and Artist Representative at Redeye Representatives. Redeye is a creative agency representing contemporary photographers, illustrators and set designers to ad agencies, design firms, magazines and businesses of any size. Maren talks about the nitty gritty of what it’s like to find representation as a photographer and to be represented by a creative agency. 

“A lot of photographers think that they need to impress an agent, but the best place to be to get an agent is to have agents trying to impress you. You should make yourself into the kind of artist that agents are clamoring to represent.”        - Maren Levinson

 Maren also shares the story of her photography journey, from finding inspiration in words, pictures, and architecture as a child to exploring editorial photography and founding Redeye Representatives. She speaks on how her vision of having a gallery morphed into the creation of Redeye and what it’s like to work in and build a creative agency’s team. 

Then, Marentalks about what she looks for in artists, the importance of being clear on your distinct style and voice, and what it costs financially to be represented, noting the commission agencies receive from their artists’ revenues. She speaks on the effects of systemic racism on the photography industry and why Redeye strives to be of service to humanity by, for example, offering free BIPOC portfolio review.

Tune in to hear powerful advice on pursuing your creative dreams and to learn which photography trends have been appearing prior to and during the pandemic.

“Photograph towards your dream.”        - Maren Levinson

About the Guest:

Maren Levinson is the Founder and Artist Representative at Redeye Representatives. 

Connect with Maren Levinson and Redeye:

Visit their website: www.redeyereps.com
Follow Redeye: www.instagram.com/redeyereps
Connect with Maren on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/maren-levinson-61b7242 

Connect with What Makes You Click:

Visit our website: www.whatmakesyouclick.com
Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/whatmakesyouclickpodcast
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/whatmakesyouclick 

People + Resources Mentioned:

Mother Jones: www.motherjones.com
Dwell: www.dwell.com
Elena Dorfman: www.elenadorfman.com
Peggy Sirota: www.instagram.com/peggysirota
East 100th Street by Bruce Davidson: www.goodreads.com/book/show/899951.East_100th_Street
William Eggleston Art Foundation: www.egglestonartfoundation.org
Martin Parr: www.martinparr.com
Olivier Laude: www.olivierlaude.com
PDN: www.pdnonline.com
Diversify Photo: www.diversify.photo
Video of Maren Discussing Photography Trends: https://youtu.be/tkEttiJxJr4
John Keatley: www.johnkeatley.com