Artists Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: How do I join BCLA?

    A: Joining BCLA is simple. Create a free account on our website, submit your portfolio for consideration, and choose between the free or £100 annual subscription tier.

  • Q: What is the difference between the Free Tier and the Annual Subscription?

    A: Free Tier: No upfront costs, but a higher commission rate of 17.5% on licensing deals.

    Annual Subscription (£100/year): Lower commission rate of 12%, plus access to additional resources like licensing guides and tailored communications.

  • Q: What kind of work does BCLA accept?

    A: We represent Black creatives across various mediums, including murals, photography, fine art, and graphic design. All work must be original and meet our quality standards.

  • Q: Can I still own my work if I join?

    A: Yes, artists retain full ownership of their work. BCLA facilitates licensing agreements, but the intellectual property remains yours.

  • Q: How does licensing work?

    A: Licensing allows clients to use your work for specific purposes (e.g., advertising, editorial, or decor). Agreements define the usage terms, fees, and duration.

  • Q: How much commission does BCLA take?

    A: Free Tier: 17.5% commission on all licensing deals.

    Annual Subscription: 12% commission on all licensing deals.

  • Q: When do I get paid for a licensing deal?

    A: Payments are processed after the client completes the transaction. Artists typically receive payment within 7–14 business days.

  • Q: How do I submit my portfolio?

    A: Log in to your account and follow the instructions on our submission page. You’ll need to upload 5–10 high-resolution images of your work, along with a brief artist bio.

  • Q: Will my work automatically be approved?

    A: No, our team reviews every submission to ensure it meets our quality and originality standards. You’ll be notified if your work is approved.

  • Q: What happens if I don’t renew my subscription?

    A: If you don’t renew, your account will revert to the Free Tier, and the commission rate will increase to 17.5%.

  • Q: Can I cancel my subscription?

    A: Subscriptions can be cancelled at any time, but refunds are not offered for unused periods.

  • Q: How does BCLA promote my work?

    A: We promote artists through our curated portfolio and newsletters.

  • Q: Can I leave BCLA if I want to work with another agency?

    A: Yes, there is no exclusivity requirement. You are free to work with other agencies or platforms.