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So what is an "Ask Call"?
An "Ask Call" is basically a teleseminar whose content consists
of answering questions posed by the audience...
So in this case, artists ask questions about art licensing and an expert from the industry answers them. We gather questions throughout the month and then take the most common ones, or questions that haven't been answered many times before and have a one hour teleseminar. If you listen live, the call is free.
During the live calls, artists connect on the Facebook Page and Twitter.
CLICK HERE to download the details about how to "get social!"
Read what others are saying about these calls...
Upcoming calls listed at www.AskAboutArtLicensing.com
ArtLicensingInfo.com does an "Ask Call" every other month, usually on the third Wednesday, schedules permitting of course.
All calls are on Wednesdays, at 5:30 pm Pacific / 8:30 pm Eastern and last for 1 hour
Wednesday, March 21, 2012: Tara Reed (& Maria Brophy)
Go to www.AskTaraReed.com to submit your questions
Wednesday, June 6, 2012: SURTEX Review and questions with Paul Brent
Mark your calendar but we aren't ready for questions yet!
Audio Archives - Purchase Past Ask Call Replays
If you want to purchase recordings of past calls, they are available below. Audios are 40-60 minutes in length and cost only $30 each. (Buy within 10 days of the call for only $20) Several audios are available for free - usually the first 'special guest' audio. You simply need to enter your name and email to be put on the list to learn when they are doing another call or other special event. A small price to pay for the information you will receive!
The calls are listed in date order from most recent to the first call in December 2008. Scroll down to see all the free replays and the many, many topics we've covered!
Topics covered on the January 25, 2012 Attorney Kyle-Beth Hilfer call
- How to find and how to handle copyright infringements online
• Do manufacturers shy away from artists with an attorney and contracts?
• From a legal standpoint, how close is too close to another person's work?
• Can I use purchased products in art and then license it? (rubber stamps, doilies, papers, etc)
• Which is more important trademark or copyright?
• How much should you allow licensees to manipulate your artwork and who should own the new versions of the work?
• What are your thoughts on exclusive license agreements?
• What can artist do to provide the most protection to his/her art?
This is a FREE audio replay since it was her very first call with us. Sign up below to receive your copy.
Topics covered on the November 16, 2011 Ask Paul and Lana Jane Brent call
- We got to know more about how Paul Brent and his wife and business partner, Lana Jane, came to work together and how they work together effectively.
- What happens after you and your wife agree to disagree?
- Which came first - the highly successful artist or the staff? To build a lucrative business, how and when do you go beyond doing everything yourself?
- What signs let you know it was the right time to pay for hired help?
- If we don't have a spouse to help us with our business, where can we go to find a reliable staff person?
- My biggest question is really how to get started. How do I find those clients and start getting the work?
- Where do you see the future of art licensing shows such as Surtex and Licensing Show? Do you feel that the costs justify the results in the last year or two?
- What is Paul's process for creating a collection (from deciding on a theme, gathering reference materials and creating art with final production on mind?
- As far as branding is concerned, is it better to use your own name as your logo/business name e.g. Kit Newlin Designs, or a name that describes your design style?
- What top 3 marketing tactics have been the most successful for you?
- Have you ever had a licensing deal go sour? What are some red flags to watch for before entering into an agreement?
- When would it be wise to ask for a flat fee rather than an advance on a royalty.
- How do you adjust to losing a business partner?
Topics covered on the September 21, 2011 Ask Jeff Grinspan call
What is the biggest amateur mistake that you see artists make in licensing?- What is one basic thing a newbie needs to do or know to get started with art licensing to simplify the process?
- What are five traits that make some artists seem to have greater potential for success?
- What is the most important thing for an artist just entering art licensing to keep in mind?
- What are the most critical mistakes an artist can make when submitting to and working with a manufacturer?
- How do I figure out who manufactures table-top and bedding products for Target?
- Due to the state of the current economy, do you find that manufacturers are simply looking for the already ''tried & true, or do they want to see something entirely different? Will they risk starting a new trend?
- Once the initial contact is made with a manufacturer after a trade show and there are no burning projects on the horizon with a desired licensing partner, what do you recommend for communication strategies to stay in touch.
- There have been many changes in the industry including an increase in turnover of art directors. Can you suggest a method of maintaining a relationship with a company when an art director leaves?
- What is the difference between an art licensing consultant and an art licensing coach?
Topics covered on the July 20, 2011 Ask Tara Reed (& Maria Brophy) call
After such fun & positive feedback on the March call, Maria Brophy was back again for a double-dose of art licensing insight. Here's what we covered:
- What was the one thing that would have held you back from your first artwork submission if you would have let it?
- Where do I start?
- What are the costs of running an art licensing business?
- Is it forbidden to use scrapbooking paper in artwork you plan to license?
- I'm putting together my first portfolio. What exactly should it look like?
- How do you know what categories or themes you should be working on.
- What is your best advice to get out of a funk and get inspired?
- How do I adjust a territorial agreement if I go into licensing?
- Who comes up with the contract to sign - artist or manufacturer?
Topics covered on the May 25, 2011 Ask Paul Brent call
Paul Brent came through with great insights and advice in a friendly, open and candid manor. This is the third year he has done the call the week after SURTEX and he prepared a great show recap. Here is what we covered:
SURTEX 2011 Recap
- SURTEX show recap
- What was your biggest surprise at SURTEX?
- Do mfgs have trends they look for or do they expect artists to know the trends?
- How do you find the latest trends and know what will sell?
- How much art do I need to get started?
- What advice do you have about goals and accountability?
- Can you license the same thing to different mfgs and if you do, do you tell them?
- What do I need to have if a mfg is interested in my art at a trade show?
- How can we show our work if we can't afford to exhibit at a show?
- How has the economy affected art licensing and your business in particular?
Topics covered on the April 20, 2011 Ask Jill Seale call
Jill Seale was back for an encore Ask Call and gave some great insights and advice! Here is what we covered...
- We talked about Jill's newly release book - Stark Raving Motherhood*
- Which do you consider your first calling--artist or writer?
- What has been the most pivotal event in your career? Was it one big event, or a build up to solid work, and then a continuation from there?
- How do you organize your day and still stay inspired?
- How much artwork did you have before you began to contact licensees?
- How do you structure access to your portfolio online?
- When should you reveal in your web presence (website/blog/social media) that you are interested in licensing?
- Should I always register copyrights before showing art to manufacturers?
- Talk about the evolution of Nun for the Road™
- Do you create collections for characters like you do for themed art?
- What would you do when creating a new character line?
- What do you recommend for finding an agent?
Topics covered on the March 23, 2011 Ask Tara Reed call
Maria Brophy asked the questions and also gave her insights - so you got two for the price of one on this call!
- How do you overcome the fear of committing to art licensing?
- Should you use your name for your business or something else?
- Will Print-On-Demand sites like CafePress & Zazzle affect licensing potential?
- Will selling prints to fans affect licensing potential?
- If a company doesn't have submission guidelines on their website, does that mean they don't accept them?
- Can you make a living in art licensing without exhibiting at trade shows?
- What are the trade shows and how much are they?
- Is it worth walking a trade show and what can I expect to gain from it?
- How should I present my portfolio at a trade show?
- What if a company says they don't use a contract?
- How can you tell if manufacturers are reputable?
- Maria Brophy also shared about "Deal Memos" - great stuff!
Topics covered on the February 16, 2011, Ask Debbie Mumm Call
- Debbie's talked about her background and the story of how she got into art and art licensing.
- Was it your intention to grow your business to what it is now or was it a result of diligence, hard work and serendipity?
- Were you ever discouraged by friends and family because of the "starving artist" paradigm?
- Did you find your niche or did your niche find you?
- How do you handle criticism and how much do you listen to it vs. trusting your instincts?
- Do you think need a certain style, a look, or a niche to license? Can you just be good at drawing and designing?
- What is your typical work day like and how do you set your business -vs- creative priorities?
- When you are asked how best to describe your style of artwork, what is your "elevator pitch"?
- What one bit of information or advice do you wish knew when you started out and why?
- Do you personally use the computer when designing with your hand-painted art?
- What trends do you foresee being popular in the next 3-5 years?
- If I want to break into the fabric design end of licensing, is there a show you'd recommend?
- What words of wisdom or inspiration would you like to share with artists who are in or just learning about art licensing?
Topics covered on the January 19, 2011, Ask Drew (& Maria) Brophy Call
- How Drew Brophy got into art and licensing
- What's the most important thing you've done to connect with/market to customers in your niche to create a fan base?
- How important do you feel your work connecting directly with consumers is to your ability to get licensing agreements?
- How important is it that you create art that will fit on certain products vs. just creating whatever you feel and letting art buyers decide what to do with it?
- How do you choose what a new designs to create?
- Where do you go or what do you look at to recharge your creative batteries?
- How do you stay motivated if things are slow?
- What gives you the most joy in what you do?
- How do you deal with rejection?
- Maria, what was your 1st year at licensing Drew's work like? What was some of the things that you did to get Drew's work visible.
- What are the most important first 3 steps to set me on the road to learning to license my art?
- How can you figure out which licensing market one's style of artwork would be most appropriate and succesful in?
- How can one be sure he or she is getting a good "deal" when negotiating a first contract?
Topics covered on the December 15, 2010 Ask Tara Reed Call
- Should my art licensing business be named as just my name?
- Can I have a book agent AND a licensing agent at the same time?
- Is there a general rule about color, across the industry? RGB or CMYK?
- I currently create art by hand, do you recommend I work digitally in the future?
- Someone has shown interest in my designs thru LinkedIn! Is the next step is to ask for a contract?
- How do you avoid getting ripped off, especially overseas?
- Making sure you stay in line with exclusive contracts that have non-compete clauses.
- Are there many fine artists in licensing or is it more pattern design?
- Should I exhibit at a show or market directly to manufacturers to get started?
- How do you show your work at a trade show?
- How important is moral support and where does one find it?
- Do you have tips for coding or creating systems for your images so you can find them when a licensee wants to discuss them?
Topics covered on the November 17, 2010 Data Management Demo
Hal Gumbert, the database software developer and I (Tara Reed) did a live demo / Q&A on UStream to better explain how the Art Licensing Manager software works.
It organizes the data of your business (art, copyrights, contracts, submissions... licensees, contract dates, royalties...). It's flexible in that you decide how you enter your data and their are "notes" areas in many places for the things that don't quite fit a data field but that you want to remember.
CLICK HERE to get a free copy of the video or CLICK HERE to learn more and get a free trial version of the software - sold by license through CampSoftware.com
Topics covered on the October 20, 2010 Ask Paul Brent Call
Paul Brent prepared a great presentation entitled, Ten Ways to Prepare For Your Upcoming Art Licensing Trade Show. I'm motivated to sit down and rethink my plan - making sure my show experience is the best it can be!
In addition, he weighed in on the following questions:
- How much art do I need for my first art licensing show and how much time do I need to plan for the show?
- What should I bring for manufacturers to see?
- What size art do you show? Do you take originals or prints?
- How do you design your booth and where do you find the things you need?
- Can you be an attendee at a show the first year and still find licensees? How well do characters do at SURTEX?
- Does all art for licensing have to use trendy colors?
- What experience do you look for when hiring a graphic designer?
- How do you create collections - what is your process?
Includes the mp3 replay and 3 pages of Paul's notes with his "10 Ways" talk
Topics covered on the September 15, 2010 Ask Dena of Dena Designs Call
We began with some background on Dena's beginnings in art licensing and how she grew her business. Other topics included:
- How did you get on the DIY Network show, "Embellish This"?
- Is your art done by hand or computer?
- What advice do you have for artists just starting out?
- Any ideas for how to network other than trade shows?
- Did you ever have doubts about your ability to succeed in licensing?
- How do you create your repeat patterns?
- What do you feel is the key to personal branding?
- I have an existing product line, how would you recommend I evolve into licensing?
- How do you approach trend spotting? How do you use your blog in your business?
- What inspires you?
- Is it best to create designs for art licensing in a series?
- How many do you think an artist should have before putting them "out there"?
Topics covered on the August 18, 2010 Ask Cheryl Hodgson Call
- Should I make my company an LLC?
- How do business DBA's work if I already have an LLC?
- How can I protect a product design concept that I might submit to a company with art?
- How to respond to Trademark infringement concerns.
- How do we determine if we can use what seem to be common sayings in our art, without having trademark issues?
- How do you protect your tagline?
- If we register copyrights in groups, does it limit our protection?
- What recourse do I have if I see something created commercially that looks a lot like an image I posted to my website?
- What are the rules about using paintings of private homes for commercial use?
- Should we add copyright watermarks to everything we post to the internet?
- Do I have to re-copyright art if a company slightly modifies previously registered work? Say color or layout changes?
- Can I still copyright my designs if I've posted them on my blog or printed them on cards?
- What should you do if you find out your images have been copied?
- Do you recommend artists audit licensee accounting records regularly?
$15 through 8/28, then $25 thereafter
Topics covered on the July 21, 2010 Ask Tara Reed Call
- What are the first steps you should take before you try to license your art?
- Do you need an agent to license your art?
- Is it better to email or snail mail submissions to agents?
- Is there a "set" advance price for artwork?
- What types and sizes of files should you submit to agents or manufacturers?
- Should you follow online submission guidelines to the letter or make follow-up calls?
- How do I make calls to companies without sounding like a newbie?
- What are the pros & cons of a contract with a "worldwide" territory?
- How can I build marketable character-based art without having a Saturday morning tv show?
- Trade show preparation strategies / tips
- How do you use social media (Twitter, Blogs, LinkedIn) in your art licensing business
Topics covered on the June 10, 2010 Ask About WordPress for Artists call
- What is the difference between WordPress (WP), Blogger and Typepad?
- Why should an artist consider WP instead of setting up their own website?
- What is the diff. between WP .com and .org?
- If I am new to blogging & websites, where should I begin?
- Can I transfer an existing bloodspot or blogger blog to WP without losing information?
- There are so many WP plugins, are there any you feel are essential?
- What is the diff. between WP & the many online portfolio sites?
- Are online portfolio sites meaning to drive people to your website?
- What is the best way to have a password protected gallery with WP?
- Can WP look more like a website than a blog?
- Will I be able to see who logs into a password protected area?
- If people forget their password, can it be sent automatically so I don't have to look them up and email them?
- If I want to sell products on my blog, how do I set that up in WP?
Sign up below to get your copy of the FREE mp3 replay...
Topics covered on the May 26, 2010 Ask Paul Brent call
- SURTEX show review
- Can you show your work at a trade show without having a booth?
- Is it really worth it to pay all the $ to exhibit at an art licensing trade show?
- How do you decide if and when to exhibit at an art licensing trade show?
- Do I have to work digitally to succeed in art licensing?
- What is your opinion of allowing mfgs to show your work around before committing to it?
- How do you adapt your art to trends while maintaining your brand?
- How do you approach the design process?
- How do you organize your day?
- Do you use the same images from collection to collection or always have all new?
- What is the best licensing advice anyone ever gave you?
ADDED BONUS: You will also get a PDF of Paul's SURTEX Show and trend review so you don't have to take notes!
Topics covered by Tara Reed on April 21, 2010
- Starting out, is it better to have an agent?
- How long should it take to get feedback for art submissions?
- How much art should I have on a website before trying to find an agent?
- How many collections should I have before approaching a manufacturer?
- Can I show past work I've done for clients to prospects or do I need my own collections to offer for licensing?
- How and what do you paint each day?
- What was your biggest lesson learn when you started?
- Do you ever "give up" on a potential client?
- How important is showing product vs art at a trade show?
- Please explain "Direct to Retail" licensing
- Where do you think art licensing will be in 10 years?
- Should you avoid worldwide contracts at all costs?
- What file formats do I save art in and do I send it to licensees on CD?
Topics covered by Mary Engelbreit on March 17, 2010
- Mary's story, in her own words
- If she started today, what might she do differently.
- What is a typical work day? What employees do you have?
- How to you keep track of your art?
- How do you balance trends with staying true to your art?
- What do your freelance artists do?
- How has the digital revolution & internet changed art licensing?
- How do you go from a 1-woman show to managing a larger studio?
- How has social media and networking changed your marketing?
- Do you design with specific products in mind?
- What permissions are needed when using quotes?
- What advice do you have for beginners?
Sign up below to get your copy of the FREE mp3 replay...
Topics covered by SEO expert, Daniel Tardent, on February 17, 2010
This Ask Call was based on "The Artist SEO System"* by Daniel Tardent. An easy to understand, how-to guide for optimizing your website for search engines - by an artist, for artists.
- What is SEO?
- Can I optimize SEO if I didn't create my own website?
- 3 key aspects to help your website rank well in search engines
- Are the "Buzz Words" (keywords) the most important part of optimizing your website?
- How to choose keywords.
- How do you optimize for more than 1 or 2 keywords?
- How are blogs searched and what part of the blog (title, text, etc) is most important for SEO?
- How to get links to your blog and why all links aren't created equal.
- Can you optimize for store sites like Zazzle and CaféPress?
- How do I stand out from others using the same keywords or terms?
- If I'm revamping my art and website, what steps should I take to optimize the site for search engines?
Sign up below to get your copy of the FREE mp3 replay...
* This is an affiliate link and if you purchase The Artist SEO System I will receive a commission. This helps offset the time and money costs of putting together all the free monthly calls.
Topics covered by attorney Chery Hodgson on January 20, 2010
- Is it ok to use licensee logos for links on my website or should I get permission first?
If I create art as a person (outside of my business), but then want to license it via my business, how do I set that up? - Do I need to move my business license each time I move to a different state?
We have a licensee that hasn't provided reports and after a year claims there is no revenue. Is there a way to handle this properly without exorbitant legal fees, or should we just walk away? - What if anything can I do about a company who has blatantly copied a design of mine and is selling it if I haven't registered it with the Library of Congress?
- How do you work with multiple manufacturers in the same category without getting into conflicts of interest?
- I've recently been told that because I do different kinds of art - I should use a pseudonym (like a stage name) to differentiate my styles. What are the legal ramifications of this?
- My web site artwork was © in 2005 Now that it's 2010, should my website say ©2005-2010? Do I need to re-register with the copyright office?
- Several questions and more details about how to register groups of art in a single submission to the Library of Congress to save time and money.
Topics covered by art licensing agent, Suzanne Cruise on December 16, 2009
- How do you know if you are ready for an agent?
- How often do agents want art?
- What criteria does Suzanne use when deciding if she will represent an artist?
- Does an artist have to have experience in licensing to get an agent?
- How much art do you need to find an agent?
- Do different agents specialize in different product categories?
- Can you work with more than one agent?
- Do many agents work on a non-exclusive basis?
- What if you do mostly pattern work - will you be able to find an agent?
- Is it a good or bad idea to build a following for a character on sites like Zazzle and personal websites before trying to license the character, or will that hurt the chances of success?
- Do artists have to have computer skills to succeed in licensing?
- What computer skills would be helpful for artists to know if they want to license their work?
Sign up below to get your copy of the FREE mp3 replay...
Topics covered by Tara Reed on November 18, 2009
- Why did you choose to divide your efforts between teaching and licensing your own art?
- I'm not sure what to charge for my design, what is the average price to charge?
- What one thing could I do to make the biggest impact on getting started in art licensing?
- What are your top 5 suggestions for connecting with end consumers to positively build an art licensing brand?
- What are the top grossing art licensing themes?
- When starting out, is it good or bad to list companies that you license with?
- How do manufacturers license a collection? (whole collection, pieces, etc.)
- How do you make mock up samples by hand or on computer?
- What marketing materials do you use at a show? & where should I go to get them?
- What do you consider the most effective but also economical marketing techniques/tips/must-dos for a self-represented artist?
- Submitting art directly to a manufacturer vs. having it on a website - how does an online portfolio affect the perceived 'newness' of the art?
- Which is better - specializing in one look and build that as a brand or have many styles and themes?
- Is it possible to succeed in licensing if you have to work full time to pay the bills? Any success stories?
- What is your opinion about working with a licensing agent as opposed to working independently?
Topics covered by Paul Brent on October 21, 2009
• Trends - life cycle, spotting, when to jump on board or let them pass you by
• How many collections does Paul paint a year?
• Create a variety of patterns & styles or stick with one starting out?
• How do you make landscapes commercial enough to license?
• How to you differentiate yourself and stay unique?
• Can you submit to more than one company in an industry at a time?
• How often can you contact a manufacturer? Are there rules or guidelines?
• When did Paul decide to exhibit at SURTEX and what was his business like up until that point?
• How do you advertise your art?
• Is the economy affecting who you work with and what themes manufacturers are looking for?
• Do US copyrights protect us overseas?
• Should a company that exhibits at the Stationery Show but wants to get into licensing exhibit at SURTEX?
• How should an artist market themselves without an agent?
• Should you include a contract when submitting art for review?
• How should you format collections of 4 images?
• Are there colors to avoid or that are harder to reproduce on products?
Topics covered by Jill Seale on September 16, 2009
• How Jill got started with “Nun for the Road™”
• Do the same companies that license art also license characters?
• What does a character collection consist of?
• How do you pitch or mock-up a character presentation?
• How is character licensing different than art licensing?
• How should I go about licensing a character I’ve come up with? How ‘true’ should the character stay to herself vs. appealing to as many diff. women as possible?
• What is the best way to introduce a new character line?
• How important is it to have characters in a book, etc. before trying to license them?
• Does building a fan base help or potentially hinder licensing deals?
• How do you manage the long-term exposure of a character & stay fresh?
Topics covered on August 26, 2009
- I am just beginning to learn about licensing my art; what should I do to get started?
- I would like to know if, and how, we should sign our original art for licensing.
- I've been told and also feel that I need to create a distinctive "look" for my art that is unique and all my own, but I'm having a difficult time doing that. Any great suggestions?
- Would there ever be a situation where an artist would assign his copyright and/or design rights to another company or should an artist always keep their copyright?
- Do you have any suggestions on how do you get manufacturers to work with you if you have never had work licensed before?
- How much am I hurting my chances of my samples being seen by an appropriate person, if I mail to just "Art Director" instead of a specific name because I can't get the name?
- I have 2 MAJOR fine art publishers very interested this month in licensing out the same or similar pieces for poster/giclee market. I am getting copies of their contracts to review but how do I know which co. is best for my work?
- Is it a good idea to keep your art private..not published on a blog or facebook if you are planning to try to get licensing?
- What are the pros and cons of having the portfolio in my web site password protected?
- Discussion of how to decide if & where to exhibit at trade shows and the many options.
- How do you keep professional and personal lives separate when they share/overlap space?
- What % of your time is spent on your art, your marketing, your office work & everything else?
Topics covered by Attorney Cheryl Hodgson on July 22, 2009
- What are the dangers of being sued as a sole proprietorship with no employees? What steps would you suggest to protect yourself from them?
- I photograph vintage cars and license my images to art publishers. Am I infringing on copyrights when I photograph old Fords or Chevys? Do I need a property release?
- I am a Nashville based artist and a portion of my portfolio includes painted images of local landmarks. I have sold many of these images already but have been asked to reproduce some in a postcard collection. If I've already sold the originals, do I still have the right to reproduce them in this manner? The original was purchased by a local collector from a gallery that represents my work.
- I hear so many conflicting reports about loading my artwork on websites! Is there any "red light" language we should look for before uploading our art?
- What are the most common disputes that arise between licensors and licensees?
- The difference between trademarks and copyrights as well as what and when to trademark. (And why it is so much more expensive than copyrights.)
- I have many collections of art that I am copyrighting. Because there are so many pieces, I would like to group them in as few bundles as possible (to save $). I have heard of artists doing quarterly registrations like that. How many pieces of art can safely go into a collection and what would be too much? I want to cover my bases, be cost effective, but also adequately protect my art.
- I frequently register my art with the US Copyright office, but consistently discover my work being copied on sites like Etsy. "Police-ing" the offenders is such a time waster, but it seems necessary. Do you have any advice on how I can protect myself, other than officially copyrighting my art?
- How can I protect artwork that is on my website? Should all my image collections be sent to the Washington DC copyright office to be formally copyrighted prior to making presentations?
- How do I find a good lawyer to negotiate my licensing contracts? I have tried a regular lawyer who was a friend of the family, a lawyer in the publishing field, and a contract attorney. All of them have been very expensive and did not adequately cover my rights (which became obvious when issues came up after signing). What kind of lawyer do I need, how do I find him or her, and how do I know if they are good at what they do? Also, do you recommend using a lawyer in your area or is working remotely fine?
(Note from Tara: Great attorney answering the questions, your search just might be over!) - What are the top 3 most important things that you should be aware of before signing a contract with a manufacturer?
- If an artist licenses one part of a large piece of art, can that artist also license another part of the same art as long as it is not the same part?
Be sure to visit her site www.brand-aide.com for a free chapter of the BRANDAIDE Internet Enforcement Manual and to get on the mailing list for Cheryl's monthly Ezine.
Topics covered by Paul Brent on June 24, 2009
- What are most common mistakes/ misconceptions that people make about art licensing?
- Positive words of inspiration for artists in the early stages… It all gets a little overwhelming. Some ""words of wisdom"" from someone like you who has achieved much success in this industry would be appreciated.
- You mentioned in your first session that you create four paintings per collection. Wouldn't it be more time efficient to create only one painting per collection and then create more if needed?
- How do I know when I'm ready for an agent?
- Do you make art and then license it or can you make connections and make art to fit a specification for a certain company?
- I have heard a lot of buzz about using Photoshop. Is this the best way to go or is it still just as acceptable to paint in traditional techniques such as watercolor, acrylic and oil?
- How did you find a good graphic designer to piece together your images/scans? Did you start out doing it all yourself? It's taking a lot of time away from my art to try and learn the program!
- What is the best way for a new artist to get their his/her artwork in front buyers? Website, agent, etc?
- Can you talk about what ""branding"" means in terms of art licensing? How does an artist begin to ""brand"" his/her name or work, and why is that important in this business?
- How many licensing contracts do you initiate as a result of a tradeshow vs. directly marketing to manufacturers?
- How many of your licensed products come as a result of having a manufacturer come to you with a product needing art versus your company proposing/pitching product ideas with art to manufacturers -- and what tips would you have for artists attempting to pitch product ideas with their art on it to manufacturers? This seems a more proactive approach.
- When starting out would you recommend licensing only or both licensing and selling artwork to manufacturers?
- With the current economic conditions, do you think it's a good idea for me and others thinking about it, to start pursuing a career in Art licensing?
- What are my chances as an African American Artist with a totally fresh with new image design concepts in the Art Licensing industry?
- I've been an editorial illustrator for 10 years and have been selling my own editions of giclee prints at street fairs. I would like to offer my portfolio for licensing for the first time. Would I be better off with an agent or representing myself at Surtex? I do have some sales skills. Thanks for the advice.
Topics covered by Tara Reed on May 27, 2009
- How do I know that my work is suitable for licensing and who is a good fit for my work.
- Do you need a business license to license your artwork? (and discussion of legal forms of business)
- What's the best way to learn what companies who are looking for artists to license (without going through an agent)
- Do you need to copyright your art FIRST before you start showing it to manufactures?
What areas of Art Licensing do you feel are less saturated and easier for a newbie to get their foot in the door? (for a newbie) (WARNING: you may not like the answer! :) ) - Should I have a dedicated website for licensing artwork?
- Do you know many artists who are licensing who do not have an agent and/or go to the shows or are the shows very important. I ask because of the expense.
- I am curious about a comparison of this years Surtex (2009) vs previous years. Did you notice a reduction in attendance? Did it help having Surtex on one floor? Any other comments?
- At a trade show, how do you handle a company that asks you to “send them everything” and has no business cards. It is a big company so I’m interested in working with them but nervous at the same time.
Topics covered on April 15, 2009
Special guest, Joyce Lukaczer of www.FontSite.com, answered questions about fonts and typography -- usage and legal issues.
- Explanation of the 8 main font classifications and general ideas of when to use them.
- Explanation of the different font formats: True Type, Post Script type 1 and Open Type
- What a "font family" is and why you would need one.
- What elements to look for when choosing a font to fit an image or design.
- How to determine if you can use a font as part of your art for licensing.
- Some basic information about www.FontSite.com – font sources, the fontographer, etc.
- What we can do with fonts purchased at www.FontSite.com
- How can we make our own fonts?
Great online resources and information -- the interview was FONTASTIC!
Topics covered by Paul Brent on March 25, 2009
- How did you first get into licensing your work. How did that first contact happen? Does the business basically work the same as when you started or do you find you have to work differently and adapt over the years?
- Do you paint in stages and take photos, so that you have "pieces" to use for borders, icons, etc. or do you paint one scene completely?
- How do you keep your work current and continually update your look as trends change?
- Creating artwork is endless… What does your work week look like?
- When you were starting out, was your time spent on creating art or did you spend more time looking for contacts, markets and other opportunities that would enhance your chances for success?
- How do I know if my work is right for the licensing market?
- For an artist newer to the licensing market, do you think there's an advantage to branding yourself with one look (i.e. coastal) vs creating art within your style for many themes.
- What are 3 keys steps to get started in this industry?
- Do you need an agent, especially as a new artist to licensing, and particularly in the current economic climate.
- What are your thoughts on copyright and how to you handle registering your work?
- What do you believe are the most important elements in a Licensor's website?
- What other modes of promotion do you feel are key for us newbies to achieve the recognition we are seeking from manufacturer's or buyers?
- What are the 5 biggest mistakes artists make when they decide to license?
Topics covered on March 18, 2009
- Do sites like CaféPress & Zazzle hurt your chances to license?
- Are agents open to working with artists' new to licensing?
- How do you present art to agents?
- What does a presentation of a collection "look like"?
- Any tips of getting into fabric design?
- If products are "Made exclusively for (store name)", should you
assume they are created in-house and contact the store? - Trade Shows - what to bring, what to show, do products help.
- How to decide what art to show potential licensees if you
have a lot. - What art do you put visible on a website and what do you put behind a login page - does that help or hurt for manufacturers to see it?
- How long should you promote a line before you put it aside and try a new look
Topics covered on February 25, 2009
- Why to consider the legal form of your business & resources for help
- Costs involved and things you need to get started in licensing
- How much needs to be included in an art licensing collection
& what is the difference between a licensing portfolio and an
editorial / illustration portfolio - Do you need Photoshop™ & Quarx? How do you learn Photoshop™?
- If you already have an established product how can you
expand into licensing - Copyrights - who owns what when.
- Royalities - how much, splitting with an agent, when do you get paid
- The difference between a 'minimum advance' and a 'minimum guarantee'
- Using an agent on a non-exclusive basis -- my opinions
Topics covered on January 21, 2009
- My biggest mistake when I was starting & how I fixed it.
- Artist sells cards, eCards, & posters - how do you figure out if there is potential for licensing?
- An artist has a store and sells a lot of work with her art. She wants to get into licensing. Should she close the store and find an agent?
- How much money can you make licensing your art?
- Licensing your art without an agent: will you be treated fairly and what are standard fees?
- Does the current economy effect colorways and themes?
- My opinion on selling some designs outright & licensing others.
- Contracts and advances and what to do if they won't give one.
- How available do you need to be for last-minute requests.
- Contracts and sublicensing clauses.
The first "Ask Tara Reed" call was on December 17, 2008. Not my best work ever but a great learning experience! It was the one and only time I will do a call alone – I now have an interviewer which make the calls flow better and me less nervous. So if you won't be too judgemental, it is yours. Know that the rest are much better!
Click here to download the audio replay…
