MARIE J. LININS | Interviews

Interview by Alexandre Orlowski

MINK MGMT. photographer agency founded by Marie Jernström Linins in Stockholm in 2012, has opened its Paris office in March 2025.
This milestone marks the agency’s continued commitment to fostering both emerging and established artists while expanding its global reach.
With offices now in Stockholm, London, and Paris, MINK MGMT. continues to shape the future of artist representation and production services.

Marie, what made you become an artist agent?

I have always been driven by curiosity and a desire to learn. Add some impatience and it led me to leave home when I was 15 and move abroad for almost a decade at 19. I worked mainly in event management, advertising and production, based in Barcelona and New York but working all over before becoming an agent.

ELLEN NYKVIST - Photographer

I always found myself in positions where connecting people and making things happen at a fast pace was necessary to succeed. I have always been interested in creative expressions as well so when I found the agent role, I felt right at home.

STUDIO KLEINER - Photography + Film + Art Direction + Set Design

It’s been over a decade since you first opened your agency in Stockholm. You went on to open in London in 2018 and now Paris. What is your secret for navigating our ever changing media landscape and staying relevant?

I think our success lies in embracing evolution as a constant, rather than fearing it. The industry has been in flux pretty much since I started. Instead of chasing every new trend, I have focused on staying close to the core: nurturing real creative talent and fostering human connections.

JACK GRANGE - Photographer

Expanding to London and Paris was less about geography and more about following creative energy and listening to the pulse of where our artists and clients were headed.
Today the pace is faster and attention is fragmented but what cuts through is still the same: authentic, impactful storytelling.

BOHMAN + SJÖSTRAND - Photographers + Directors

And what has helped us the most I would say is curiosity and an amazing team of agents / producers. Never thinking we know it all or getting comfortable, instead always listening to our artists, our clients and the culture around us. Remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things and take risks.

JONAS BRESNAN - Photographer + Director

Many photo representation agencies have diversified their talent pool through the years. You have kept a tight roster of very talented image-makers only. Is this on purpose?

Yes, this is absolutely an intentional decision. This is where our core strength lies and it gives us the possibility and freedom to hand pick the right team for each production, without pressure or incentive to work with people from the same agency.

JACOB TODEVAL - DOP

This is something that the creatives we represent as well as our clients really appreciates. It also opens up the doors to so many new connections.
The only diversification we have allowed ourselves, is a full service production division, since that is so core for our artists.

AMIE MILNE - Photographer + Director

What do you consider essential to be a purveyor of quality in your field?

I would say curation, integrity and relationship-building;
Curation - having an eye not just for technical skill, but for authentic storytelling and originality. I believe in champion photographers whose work elevates the visual conversation, not just follows trends.

THERESA MARX - Photographer

 

Integrity - quality isn't just in the images or films, but also in how we conduct business and the values we stand by. Transparent communication and respect for both artist and client are non-negotiables in our team.

JOEL RHODIN - Photographer 

Relationships — I believe quality thrives when there is trust and alignment between agent, artist and client. Understanding both the creative vision and the client’s needs is essential to ensure that every collaboration delivers not just visually stunning work, but work that resonates and fulfills its purpose.

GERAY MENA - Photographer

What does it take to become a successful fashion photographer today and what are you looking for in a burgeoning artist?

Today, being a successful photographer takes much more than technical skill or an impressive portfolio. The landscape has shifted, brands and audiences are craving authenticity, diversity and narratives that go beyond aesthetics.

DAISY WALKER - Photographer + Director + Art Director

An image maker today needs to bring a distinctive point of view, a signature that feels personal yet resonates. They also need to be culturally aware, socially engaged and flexible. Talent is a pre requisite, but it isn’t enough.
I gravitate towards artists who are curious, professional and collaborative. People who understand that being successful in this industry is a marathon of relationships, consistency and evolution combined.

MATTHIEU DELBREUVE - Photographer

When I meet a photographer, I am not just looking at their images. I listen to understand the voice within their work and their ability to see the world in a way that challenges or inspires.
I trust my instinct and gut feeling. If the body of work from a photographer or director does not make you feel something, beyond the technical and aesthetic qualities, it is not a fit

FRIDA-MY - Photographer + Director

What sources of information do you find indispensable to stay inspired?

For me, the most indispensable sources of inspiration are often the ones that exist outside the traditional media cycle and allows your brain and senses to recalibrate.

ANTON OLLIN - DOP

Art, music, fashion, design of course but nature for example is an amazing storyteller, constantly shifting, full of textures, imperfections and surprises.
Observing the way light changes on a surface, or how colors interact in the natural world — things like that often catch my eye.

KEIR LAIRD - Photographer 

And then, people. Conversations, cultures, travel, everyday encounters. They keep me connected to different perspectives, which I think is essential when working with visual storytelling.

ANDY MASSACCESI - Photographer + Director

What never fails to improve your mood?

My daughter. I am forever grateful for being her mother. 

CALLE STOLTZ - Photographer + Director

And in closing, how would you describe THE AGENT'S CLUB in three words?

Inspiring  Relevant  Creative

 

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[MINK MGMT Stockholm] 
[MINK MGMT London] 
[MINK MGMT Paris]