In this special live edition of Dear Art Producer, host Heather Elder brings together agency producers Sari Rowe, Jen Lamping, and Billy Diesel, alongside renowned photographer Art Streiber, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation about what it takes to get noticed, earn trust, and land the job.

From standing out in a crowded field to building lasting relationships, the panel explores what art producers look for beyond a great portfolio, why fresh work and personal outreach matter, and how reputation, collaboration, and chemistry influence hiring decisions. They also get candid about the realities of bidding, the time and effort behind treatments, what makes a creative call stand out, and why asking thoughtful questions can make all the difference.

Plus, hear practical advice for navigating rejection, turning pitches into future opportunities, and building the kind of creative partnerships that keep artists in the conversation long after a single job is over.

Sari Rowe - Freelance Art Producer
Jen Lamping - VP, Director of Integrated Production at RPA
Billy Diesel - SVP, Executive Broadcast Producer at Omnicom
Art Streiber - Editorial and Entertainment Photographer

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In this episode we talk with Rob Haggart (founder of A Photo Editor,) and Mary Dail (President of the Artist Management Association) for a candid conversation about the fear and uncertainty AI is stirring among artists, the ethics and legality of AI training on copyrighted work, the shifting language around usage rights, and how organizations like the AMA are working to educate artists and standardize contract protections.

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