Folio Holdings

Folio Art, operating under the trading name Folio, is an established illustration agency headquartered in London that represents a global roster of illustrators and animators. Founded in 1976 by Nicholas Dawe, the agency has a long-standing history in the creative industry, predating the digital era. Dawe, who continues to run the company, was inspired to launch the agency after working as an agent for five years and being particularly fascinated by the work of his friend, illustrator George Underwood, who was known for creating album covers for musicians like David Bowie and T-Rex.

The firm operates by connecting its diverse pool of artistic talent with a worldwide client base spanning advertising, publishing, music, and film. The business model centers on acting as a representative for its artists, facilitating commissions for projects that range from billboards and television commercials to packaging and infographics. Folio's service ensures that clients receive high-quality, bespoke artwork that is delivered on time and within budget, managing the process from conception to completion.

Over its nearly five-decade history, Folio has been involved in numerous culturally significant projects. Early on, it cemented its connection with the music industry through album art for bands like Motorhead, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. The agency's artists have also contributed to major advertising campaigns for brands such as British Airways and were even involved in concept work for the film 'Alien'. A testament to its commitment to the illustration community, founder Nicholas Dawe was instrumental in establishing the Association of Illustrators in 1973 and was a founding member of the Society of Artists Agents in 1992.

The agency represents a complete spectrum of artistic styles, from traditional oil paintings to modern digital animations and GIFs, showcasing both established and emerging talent. This versatility allows Folio to cater to a wide array of client needs, solidifying its position as a key player in the global illustration and animation landscape.

Keywords: illustration agency, animation studio, artist representation, commercial illustrators, creative agency, talent agency, book illustration, advertising illustration, character design, motion graphics, graphic art, visual storytelling, commercial art, artist management, portfolio representation, London creative agency, animation artists, digital illustration, publishing artwork, corporate art commissioning