I’m often asked what I look for when I sign a new illustrator at Luddington Creative. My reply is simple: something that stirs the senses.
That discovery moment, the instant you feel a rush of excitement and connection, is what drives me as an Agent, and it has for the past 27 years.
I’m also asked just as often what being an Agent really involves. The truth is, it’s tricky to pin down. Of course, you can train someone in the systems, the approach, the ethos, and the aims. But you can’t train commitment. You can’t teach work ethic. And you certainly can’t instil that deep-down determination to always do the very best for both the creatives you represent and the clients you collaborate with. That part has to be in your blood.
Discovery in the wild
Last year, my search for new Luddington Creatives began on Irish shores. I was captivated by the epic landscapes, the dramatic colours, and the sheer authenticity of the place, and that was before I’d even met an artist.
Adventure and the outdoors have always been central to who I am. Anyone who knows me will tell you that it’s a defining facet of my life. Because of this, I’ve always been drawn to art that reflects landscapes, people, and the stories within them. When an illustrator creates from that place of truth, their artwork becomes more than an image on the page, it’s a reflection of who they are.
The Hannah Flanagan moment
Around this time last year, I had one of those unforgettable wow moments when I discovered the work of Hannah Flanagan. The power, the honesty, and the depth in her illustrations instantly transported me to other worlds. That was enough for me to know she belonged in the Luddington Creative family. (Read more about Hannah here!)
From there, the process of nurturing began. After a number of Zoom calls, I worked with Hannah to refine and tweak, encouraging her to trust the process. She did, and today we stand on the edge of something truly exciting. Her Red Riding Hood cover is just the beginning. Watch this space!
In the blood
It’s this instinctive, gut-level response that you can’t train into an Agent. It has to come from within. For me, it’s second nature.
As Luddington Creative grows, so do the stories of discovery, the magical moments where artists are found, their talents celebrated, and their work brought to life in collaboration with brilliant clients.
Watching dreams come true and seeing beautiful content take shape is why I do what I do, and why I always will.
Lucie Luddington x
