In an effort to promote the website FreelanceArtProducer.com, we have started Freelance Friday. The purpose is to promoting the freelancers on the site so as to gain more attention for them and the others trying to get hired. So, from now on, when a freelancer on the site provides us with a blog post, we will promote it on a Friday.
Today, we are featuring Andrea Flaherty, an art producer who’s worked at such great agencies as David&Goliath, Designory, Saatchi & Saatchi, Razorfish, and Organic to name a few.
To learn more about Andrea, be sure to read on. And, if you think her post is interesting or the site is helpful, please do share it and let your art producer friends know about this new resource. And, if you do share it, let us know that you have done so. We have a little something for you to say thank you.
Where are you searching for photography or other content needs nowadays?
Lately I have found a lot of new photographers on Instagram. Users like Rob Haggart (aphotoeditor) post photos of the promos they receive in the mail and I have learned about a lot of good photographers through his postings. I also meet a lot of new photographers when I do portfolio reviews for organizations like Archive magazine and Annenberg Space for Photography.
What are you known for in the art buying/producing world?
I maintain good relationships with photography / art reps and photographers. I make a point of keeping them apprised of status as we go through the estimating process. Even if you have not selected their photographer or artist for the job, they appreciate you letting them know if you hired someone else. Reps are busy juggling schedules and estimates for lots of clients, so it helps them do their jobs efficiently.
Do you have a motto?
I have 2.
“Dog is my co-pilot.” I love dogs and think every photo shoot should have one.
“Keep calm and carry on.” Photo shoot production is a crazy world full of ever changing budgets, schedules, and concepts. As an art producer I have to stay calm and focused to keep the ball moving forward.
How about a favorite place to produce a shoot?
I love Paris and Italy, but for practical reasons I would have to say Los Angeles. The weather is mild, it’s full of amazing talent, and you can rent any prop under the sun.
I love San Francisco too, but as of late I work much more frequently in LA.
If you decided not to art produce any longer, what would you choose to do?
I would help dogs. Either I would buy a plot of land and rescue every dog in need of a home OR I would try to work as a dog trainer with the organization “Puppy’s Behind Bars.” Their dog trainers go into prisons to teach convicts how to train dogs to work as seeing eye dogs for the blind. Their dogs go to blind people in need.
How do you describe your job to your mom or someone else not in the industry?
Basically I tell people that I wrangle people, places, cars, props, budgets, and schedules for advertising clients. I help the photographer and agency plan and manage the photo shoot, so they can make the magic happen.
What are some surprising facts about you that you would like to share?
I love dogs more than anyone I know, but have never produced a shoot with dogs in my entire career. Someday I will. I keep hoping.
Until then, I will continue to photograph every dog I meet and build my Instagram gallery.
What do you love about your job?
I love the variety of places that I get to work. It’s so much better to work outside than at a cubical in an office.
What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday?
Going for a long hike, then to the farmer’s market, and meeting people and their dogs along the way. Eating pancakes would be an added bonus.
If you haven’t already discovered FreelanceArtProducer.com be sure to check it out. And while you are there, be sure to visit Andrea’s profile.