Easle, a platform that enables brands, agencies and businesses to discover and work with artists, has raised a £450,000 Seed round.
The investment was contributed by digital product studio ustwo and individual investors from within the creative industry, including Ian Hambleton of Studio Output.
The Easle platform facilitates the booking of illustrators, enabling users to search for artists, issue briefs, negotiate, issue contracts and make payments. The company also employs experts to provide support and help find the right talent to suit client needs.
The London-based company, which currently counts Ogilvy, Diageo and Penguin Random House as clients, plans to use the funding to add graphic design, animation, photography and videography services to the site.
“Our focus is on bringing the top creative talent and brands together to make great work. With the expansion, we plan to really disrupt the traditional agency-talent model across the board. Eventually we aim to become a hub for inspiration and collaboration across a huge range of disciplines,” said Nick Gubbins, Easle CEO and co-founder.
Matt ‘Mills’ Miller, co-founder of ustwo, described the quality of the illustrators available already on Easle as “certified fresh” and said he is excited to support Easle on its journey.
“Easle is solving a real problem facing our industry – how to discover the best talent, and continue to create next level work in a busy market,” he concluded.