Charting New Creative Horizons: Artjail’s Strategic Expansion with Uncle Lefty West and Golden Owl

For nearly two decades, boutique VFX house Artjail has been synonymous with high-calibre work in the advertising industry. Known for their meticulous craft and creative ambition, the company has long maintained an in-house approach to sales. But in 2025, Artjail is charting a new course.

With a strategic move that signals growth and evolution, the studio has partnered with talent agencies Uncle Lefty West and Golden Owl to expand its market presence on both coasts. 

“This was the year we planned to bring on sales representation,” John Skeffington, Artjail’s managing director, tells LBB. “Based on the creative and production hires, it was time for us to expand and bring on some outside sales help.”

That decision aligned perfectly with the interest shown by Uncle Lefty West and Golden Owl, two respected talent agencies known for their strong industry relationships and commitment to representing top-tier creative talent. For John, these partnerships weren’t just a business decision; they were built on long-standing personal and professional trust. “I've known James [Barry] since he started working with Uncle Lefty, and I've known Katrin [Goldstein] since I started working in advertising. Knowing them on a personal level was important, as we wanted to make sure we had the right teams who understood our vision and where we wanted to take the brand,” he explains.

Artjail’s bicoastal strategy reflects the nuanced needs of both markets. “Our approach with NY sales is more focused on Artjail's 15 years in New York, reestablishing relationships and pushing for bigger creative work,” John explains. “With our LA sales approach, we are more focused on introducing ourselves to new relationships and continuing to break into the new market while continuing to service directors that Artjail has worked with over the years.”

This approach ensures Artjail stays true to its boutique ethos while simultaneously positioning itself for larger-scale creative projects. By working closely with its new representation, the company aims to target the right type of work and clients, rather than taking on everything that comes their way. 

For Katie Goldstein, co-founder and partner at Golden Owl, the opportunity to work with Artjail was an easy decision. “We’ve been big fans of Artjail for years and were thrilled about the chance to partner with them,” she says. “Their innovative style and dedication to quality have always impressed us, and we feel they’re perfectly aligned with the Golden Owl roster. We can’t wait to collaborate with Steve, John, Patrick, and the rest of the team, and we’re eager to create new opportunities that showcase the incredible work they consistently produce.”

That same enthusiasm is echoed by James Barry, talent representative at Uncle Lefty West. “We’ve been fans of Artjail for a long time and could not be more excited to be partnering with their talented team on the West Coast,” James says. “The caliber of work they produce and the team of people they have brought together is why we knew they’d fit into our Uncle Lefty West ecosystem. We could quickly tell we shared strategy and ethos when it comes to sales. Now, it’s about setting goals, locking arms, and doing the work.”

Energised by the path to growth that these new partnerships represent, John reasserts the company’s goals: “Bigger creative projects. More long-term relationships. Working with new and interesting creatives and agencies.”

By leveraging the expertise of Uncle Lefty West and Golden Owl, Artjail is positioning itself for its next chapter of growth without losing sight of the values that have defined its success. “People, effort, and a positive attitude have always been important to Artjail and how we run our business,” John notes. “This will continue with our representation and future hires.”

As Artjail sets its sights on new creative heights, its partnerships with Uncle Lefty West and Golden Owl stand as a testament to its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and craftsmanship. The advertising industry should take note — Artjail is ready to make waves.