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When Not to get Signed

When Not to get Signed

When Not to get Signed

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To be signed, or not to be signed is a real question. First off, there are a lot of great managements and, specifically, a lot of great individual managers. Management can be incredibly helpful.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a content creator is whether to sign with a manager, agency, or network. It seems like a simple question: they promise to bring you deals, grow your business, and handle the stuff you don’t want to deal with. But like most big decisions, it’s not that simple.

The real question isn’t whether you should sign. It’s what kind of creator you want to be and whether signing helps you get there. The answer depends on where you are in your career, what kind of help you need, and how much you’re willing to give up to get it.

“Getting Signed” 101

When you sign with a manager or agency, you’re entering into a trade. You’re giving up some control and a percentage of your income in exchange for resources, expertise, and connections. The trade can be worth it—if the upside they bring outweighs the cost.

Here’s what you’re usually trading:

  1. Revenue Share: Most managers or agencies take 10–20% of your gross income. This means every brand deal, sponsorship, or licensing agreement they negotiate comes with a cut.
  2. Control: You’re trusting someone else to represent you. That’s not just logistical; it’s personal. They’ll be negotiating deals, handling your brand, and speaking on your behalf.
  3. Flexibility: Signing often comes with exclusivity clauses, meaning you can’t work with other managers or agencies. If they don’t deliver, you’re stuck.

The question is: what are you getting in return? In a perfect world, it would be:

  1. Resources and Infrastructure: Access to professional teams for marketing, production, legal, and distribution. Budgets for larger-scale projects and higher-quality outputs.
  2. Industry Connections: Leverage the label's or agency’s network to secure collaborations, brand deals, and exposure. Opportunities to perform or distribute your work on a bigger stage.
  3. Credibility: Being signed can add a layer of legitimacy that attracts additional opportunities, like media coverage or partnerships.
  4. Focus on Creativity: Delegating administrative and operational tasks allows you to concentrate on your craft.
  5. Growth Opportunities: Strategic mentorship, guidance, and long-term career planning.

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