by Carolyn Edlund
Artist Vineta Cook is a contemporary abstract photographer and painter with roots in abstract expressionism. Her artwork has frequently been sourced for television and movie sets. Here’s how she did it.
Artist Vineta Cook with her work.
Originally from Lithuania, Vineta currently lives and maintains her studio in Ohio. She works closely with the entertainment industry without living on either coast, where many shows are filmed. Back in 2011, Vineta got the idea to place her work on sets simply by watching TV and believing that her artwork could fit well there.
She had no idea how to accomplish this goal, and doing internet research was not very helpful. But she loved interior design, and through networking was able to contact a production designer who reviewed her portfolio. The feedback she got was favorable.
Vineta decided to connect with set decorators on LinkedIn, where she was eventually able to make a contact who viewed her work and loved it. They in turn referred her to a gallery in California that specializes in providing art for movies and television.
Some artists have an agent who tries to make these connections for them, but she did this herself.
Cook’s artwork was placed in this episode of the TV show “The Mindy Project.”
Through the gallery, her art has been widely sourced for television shows, including: “Hollywood Game Night” (NBC), “The Catch” (ABC), “Castle” (ABC), “Revenge” (ABC), “Two and a Half Men”(CBS), “Scorpion” (CBS), “Last Man Standing”(ABC), “One Tree Hill”(CW), “Up All Night”(NBC), “The Neighbors”(ABC), “The Mindy Project”(FOX), “Two Broke Girls” (CBS), “Bones” (FOX), “Jane the Virgin” (CW), “Cristela” (ABC), “Trial” (Amazon Series), “Big Little Lies” (HBO) and others.
Her artwork is also featured on the sets of three upcoming movies, including “Ghostbusters”, “Message from the King” and “Jem and the Holograms.”
Cook’s artwork “Abstract Landscape N2” was purchased for “The Catch” TV Show.
The exposure she has achieved has led to working with major brands as well. Her photography has been used for Microsoft, Dove, Olay, Verizon, Mastercard, Discover Card, AT&T, Chase, Priceline, Avis, Humira, Comcast, Yoplait and Aveeno projects.
Vineta Cook’s success is the direct result of reaching out to connect with professionals who could help her, and persistently pursuing contacts and referrals. She continues to work with the California gallery that she met through her networking activities.
Her advice for other artists who would like to also work with the entertainment industry? “Be visible. Unless you get a recommendation, it’s hard to be considered. Dream big! Dreams can come true – but with lots of work. ”
Which gallery in California does she use?
Hi Lisa, I understand your question, but that was deliberately left out of the article so as not to have the gallery bombarded with inquiries. Vineta was introduced by a set decorator who had reviewed her portfolio, felt it was appropriate for that use, and privately introduced her. This is one of the best ways to gain representation.
Can I also add here that working with the entertainment industry is quite difficult. I had the opportunity twice do so some work with television shows and they expect you to drop everything and work on their needs. I had a very popular NBC show contact me about 5 years ago late morning on a Friday and needed an image from an artist I represent done as a huge canvas (4 foot square) by the end of the day. Seriously?! I am happy to hear Ms. Cook is having success, but want to urge a bit of caution for those wanting to get into this realm.
How do I price my art if a pilot tv show approaches me to use one of my art pieces already hanging in a private home to be used for tv show? Is there a general fee guide? Thank you!
Sondra, I’ve never heard of a guide for this type of thing, it would depend on what you can negotiate. They may make an offer, since they have this type of expense on their radar and know what they usually spend.
Studios/galleries have their favorites. Breaking in is equally as tough as getting acting roles