An Artist Manager is someone who represents artists and musicians in the entertainment industry. Artist Management is an incredibly fast-paced, multi-faceted job that requires one to juggle multiple hats at a time. It is an ideal career option for someone who enjoys a fast life and is interested in being a part of the entertainment industry. So, we will going to tell you in this article how to become an Artist Manager.
The first step to becoming an artist manager is understanding what the job involves and educating and equipping yourself with the required tools needed for this role. Networking and socializing are also significant aspects of a manager’s career. In this article, we will further discuss the role of an Artist Manager and how to become one, in detail.
Steps To Become an Artist Manager:
A good artist manager must have connections, be friendly, and know how to get along to form important and fruitful relationships. Keeping a lookout for new and fresh artists and keeping up with the industry’s ever-changing trends are also important. The following steps will guide you and give you insights on how to become an artist manager:
- Understanding and analyzing the role: The first step is to thoroughly understand what being an artist manager actually is and what responsibilities are involved in the job. Handling the day-to-day business and professional duties of the artists, guiding and advising their professional careers, making deals on behalf of their clients, and organizing tours and concerts are among the many responsibilities of a manager.
- Research and Education: Being well informed on the various aspects of the business is crucial. There are a lot of educational institutions that provide management courses and programs. Choosing the right programs gives you an upper hand and may be very helpful in launching your career. Thorough research and prior experience in the field, also increase your chances of landing a good job with a recognized artist or company.
- Gaining as much experience as possible: The best way to learn the tricks and tips of a business is to experience it hands-on. Being more involved with your friends or acquaintances, who may be pursuing similar careers in similar fields, can give you an idea as to what it takes to manage artists. Actively participating in events, managing and promoting concerts, fundraisers and other such functions is another great way to kickstart your career.
- Establishing your own business: For young and new managers who are just starting out, establishing your own business or company may not be a bad idea. Especially, if one has enough time, capital, and associations. However, it may be a while before the company starts making any profit. If this is a risk that one is willing to take, this decision may prove beneficial in the long run.
- Networking and Socializing: Connecting with people, especially those that belong to a similar background, is a great way to advance in this career. The more people you meet, the more relationships you make, the more you increase your chances of meeting potential clients. Networking is key when it comes to being a manager. Some events are organized for the sole purpose of connecting people from the same industry.
- Working other similar jobs: Working other similar jobs in the same industry can help build your experience and connections that may eventually lead to a successful career as a manager. Many young managers start out by working as an assistant manager or a producer or an artist themselves. It is also a great way to learn the ropes and build long-term associations and connections with potential future clients.
What does an Artist Manager do?
From managing the everyday responsibilities of an artist’s career to handling money and finances, an artist manager’s duties are varied. The following are some of the responsibilities of a manager, discussed in detail:
- Artist Development: An artist manager also takes up the role of a creator from time to time. They must be up to date about their client’s progress and what new work they should explore. They must collaborate and work in sync with executives and A&R teams at record labels to help partner their artists with songwriters, producers, and various other creatives.
- Making deals and negotiating contracts: One of the manager’s responsibilities includes making deals for their clients and negotiating on their behalf. It’s the manager’s job to go get contracts and good deals for their artists. This includes promotions, advertising, countering offers to secure a good deal and ensure their clients get a fair share for the work they put in. Therefore, managers need to have a good understanding of the same.
- Advising and counseling: Managers advise and counsel their artists regarding long-term plans, professional and personal decisions that may affect their careers. They guide and help them grow as artists.
- Branding and promoting: Developing artists’ reputation, building a fan base through promotional activities, releasing press kits, booking shows and events are all important responsibilities of a manager, which helps to determine the success of an artist.
- Licensing and publishing: Managers must also ensure that their clients get good publishing deals and make sure that everything is in order. Ensuring that their client’s works and projects are featured in multi-media platforms, submitting copyright papers and other legal documents, paying other artists their clients may have collaborated with, their fair share are all part of this process.
- Booking shows and organizing tours: Another responsibility includes booking shows for the artists in big events and good venues. Planning and organizing tours and making sure they run efficiently are all part of the manager’s job. It is an important source of revenue for most artists. Managers must, therefore, work with various booking agents and record labels to organize shows, set venues, itineraries, fix the date and timing of the show, and work on promoting, merchandising, pricing, etc. Most managers also tag along with the artists to ensure smooth sailing.
- Managing money and finances: Managing the clients’ money and finances and making sure they have access to good accountants are important.
- Incorporating multi-media strategies: Networking the clients in multi-media platforms helps build a stronger fan base and gives artists’ the exposure they need.
- Other miscellaneous duties: Apart from the ones mentioned above, managers also have other miscellaneous, but equally important duties, towards their clients. These may include merchandising, building a brand for their clients, working alongside the PR team to organize interviews, press meetings, and promotions, and other everyday activities like handling social media, email newsletters, and updating their websites.
Managers have multiple responsibilities that if done well, help the artists advance in their careers. As an artist grows, so do the manager’s responsibilities.
How much money does an Artist Manager make?
An artist manager’s contract varies depending on a lot of factors such as workload, work experience, and the artists they represent. Managers working in a management company may be paid on a monthly salary basis. Most managers get paid around 15 to 20% of the artists’ gross revenue. Some also get paid 15 to 20% per gig or show of the artists. Alternately, some managers get their percentage after some expenses like travel costs and agent fees are deducted.
Clients’ deals last anywhere up to 2 to 3 years, keeping in mind the time it takes to create and promote their work. These contracts usually have various loopholes and clauses in case a client needs to break the contract early or a “sunset clause” which reduces the risk of the artist leaving after the manager has invested time and resources in the artist.
Conclusion
Like any other job, artist management has its advantages and disadvantages. Believing in yourself, working hard, and putting yourself out there must be practiced. As mentioned initially, managing artists is a hectic, full-time job that requires a lot of patience, dedication, and discipline. However, like most careers, if you keep your head down, and work hard it is a very rewarding experience and the right people will eventually notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a good manager?
A good manager should be willing to go the extra mile for their clients. They must be willing to put in the work and the time to make sure their clients get what they deserve and more. Sheer determination, hard work and most importantly believing in themselves and their clients are qualities of a good manager.
- How do I find a good artist manager to represent me?
Doing thorough research and comparing different managers according to your needs is a good way to start. Look at artists who are doing well and who their manager is. Ask around and find a manager that fits your criteria best.
- I want to pursue a career in Artist Management. What courses should I take to help me grow in this field?
The very basic qualification to get into management is to be a graduate in any discipline. However, you must possess certain traits that would help you go a long way in this industry.
Essential skills include:
- Public Relations: to manage clients, their agents, and other such professionals you’re likely to meet
- Creativity: from concept to management to delivery
- Marketing skills: to sell your idea to your clients
- Analytical ability: to solve all sorts of problems and to anticipate unforeseen issues
- Organizational skills: to carefully plan for tasks
- Networking skills: you must have the ability to socialize
- Management skills: to manage time, clients, budgeting, unforeseen situations, etc.
