ABOUT

Hello, I'm Angelika Pirkl, a UK-based freelance Picture Researcher & Art Buyer specialised in history, vintage photography, and the arts.
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Background and experience:
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I have over 15 years' experience in the image licensing industry, working for a diverse client base on editorial and non-editorial projects alike, both in digital and print.
I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London, with a Bachelor in European Studies (focused on 20th century history) and also completed a course on Art History at the University of Zaragoza in Spain.
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After my studies, I began my career as a Picture Researcher at Lebrecht Music & Arts Photo Library, whose collection was later acquired by Bridgeman Images. During this time I gained a qualification in Picture Research Skills from Central Saint Martins, College of Art & Design, London. I later led the picture research team at akg-images fine art & history picture library, before becoming Managing Director of the akg-images London office in 2015. During my employment at both picture libraries I was actively involved in all stages of the image licensing process, from initial image brief through to fee negotiation and rights clearance.
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I set up Igloo Picture Research in 2017 to help clients find those elusive perfect pictures for their projects.
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Services offered:
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I can provide meticulous picture research for trade publishing, academic publishing or television broadcasting, as well as offer a more creative approach to book cover design or non-editorial projects. Falling back on many years' experience in the industry, I can assist with:
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â–¶ setting & managing picture budgets
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â–¶ compiling preliminary subject specs from manuscripts
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â–¶ interpreting image briefs thoroughly & creatively
â–¶ carrying out picture research across a variety of sources - ranging from local and international picture libraries to museums, smaller institutions, private collections or independent photographers
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â–¶ negotiating licensing fees
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â–¶ sourcing digital high-resolution image files
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â–¶ obtaining necessary rights clearances for photographic copyright as well as additional artistic copyright, publicity rights & property rights if required
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â–¶ keeping accurate records of picture codes, captions, credit lines & licence terms
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I have experience across a range of subject areas, including:
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History, Archaeology, Vintage Photography, Art, Design, Architecture, Fashion, Performing Arts, Culture.
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Projects can be undertaken remotely or in-house.​​
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Languages: bilingual English & German, reading knowledge of Spanish & French.
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Click here to view my LinkedIn profile, or contact me for a full CV.