I’m Joining an International Illustration Agency!

Why I joined Collaborate Agency, an international illustration agency

At the beginning of 2025, I had the honor of joining Collaborate Agency, an international illustration agency specializing in children’s content (animation, books, educational resources…). Collaborate works with prestigious clients such as Disney, Scholastic, Penguin Random House, Ikea, Usborne, Hachette Books… and many more.

I wanted to take a little time before writing about it, especially since their contract includes a kind of trial period during which the partnership can be terminated unilaterally. I also wanted to work on several projects before sharing my perspective.

For some time, I had been looking to diversify my clients and work more internationally, not just in France. I was already fortunate to collaborate regularly with the American company ACCESSREC, founded by Sébastien Ragon and based in New Jersey, which designs leisure equipment for people with reduced mobility.

Not knowing exactly how to expand my client base overseas, I decided to apply through a company called ITSme, which recruits illustrators for various agencies. Collaborate Agency selected my application. Since then, we’ve worked on several very rewarding projects, including one that pushed me to get back into vector illustration.

Stepping out of my comfort zone: new projects and illustration techniques

Since the agency regularly presents illustrators’ portfolios to clients, I am sometimes asked to submit visuals on specific themes. This encourages me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new styles. For example, I was recently asked to create black-and-white humorous drawings as well as visuals in a doodle art style. I revisited some older pieces and created new illustrations to ensure my portfolio was fully up to date, which even helped me land a small contract.

Among the projects I’ve worked on, the most notable is a picture book for toddlers telling the story of a fox in a chicken coop, with a subtle educational twist on science (I’ll share more once it’s published!). Another highlight was completing a sampling for Oxford University Press — a test designed to see if the publisher would select my work for a future publication. This project focused on an educational comic covering various topics, with the test centered on the concept of money and featuring Chinese mythological creatures.

Collaborating Internationally: Working with Creative Teams Across Countries

Another important aspect is the incredible value of collaborating with teams from different backgrounds. Collaborate Agency has offices in Brighton, Los Angeles, London, New York, Seville, and Singapore, which allows me to interact with people from many different countries.

I am very happy with this new adventure. Working with the agency’s teams is stimulating: deadlines can be tight and the pace intense, but the energy and quality of the exchanges make it highly motivating. The agency clearly takes good care of its illustrators, which is greatly appreciated. I’ve had no major issues, and the overall atmosphere is fantastic.

I will soon publish an article answering a question that many illustrators ask: Should you join an illustration agency?

In the meantime, if you’re just starting out, feel free to check my page summarizing ways to get noticed. And if you want to review your own situation, I offer video sessions — feel free to contact me to discuss.