On Representation: NYC Manicurist Myrdith McCormack
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Let me ask you about representation. Have you had many agents?
Myrdith Leon-McCormack: Bradley Curry Management, Jump Management, Utopia, and then Factory Downtown. I honestly have to say, with no disrespect to anybody else, Jump Agency was the career changer for me. They built me up to be the greatest and the contacts that they gave me - I simply would not be where I am without them.
TP: What do you see is the value of having agent? You now have your own agency right? When you first started your career, it certainly helped jump-start you to move away from the salon. What would you tell somebody who is starting off? Why did you change agents?
MLM: Absolutely have an agent. We think we can do it ourselves and ask why should they take a percentage? The percentage is worth it, it’s so worth it. The headaches they save you, the connections - it’s the best thing. I couldn’t have gotten to certain people without them. In this industry, it’s all about who you know - the relationships and trust. If the client hasn’t met you or has never worked with you, it’s way less likely for them to hire you just on a whim because of an image they saw. Whereas an agent who has built your book - they can speak on your behalf, they can negotiate for you, they can protect you - they should protect you - and there are just some days the gigs are not worth it. Honestly, some are not worth your time, your energy, but then there are some gigs that are free that are the best, better than any paying gig could do for you.
TP: There’s more to work than earning money. Sometimes the pro bono projects are about creating beautiful images and working with great people.
MLM: Again it’s all about who you know. The relationships you form by having somebody groom you. I think a good agent is about branding you as an artist, beyond just the job for the day. Looking long term.
TP: So your agents have helped brand you. You used the word groom, they groom you for set-
MM: Honestly I have to say that none of my agents did that for me specifically, I just witnessed it. I came from a corporate background. So that kind of helped to, you know, not to talk too much, not to say too much, know when to go back, how to be professional. Even though it’s a fun environment, at the end of the day, it’s still a job and that’s the priority. How you behave on set will determine the next job you get. People will often be polite to you on-set, but then your agent gets the news that they’ll never work with you again.
Check out Myrdith's full interview, here!
