Can I assume that at some point in your life you have played, or at least seen, someone play the “Whack-a-Mole” arcade game? You get a big mallet, the moles pop up at random and you do your best to keep them down.
This is a great analogy for your journey as an artist in art licensing. Sometimes when people start something new, their friends and family, with the intention of “protecting you”, will often play “Whack-a-Mole” with your dreams.
After more discussion, we decided that their intentions were probably not bad, people you are friends with, or related to, just worry when they see you trying something new. They don’t want you to fail. Get hurt. Lose money. Be embarrassed. Things like that. And their “constructive criticism” can sometimes be the most hurtful part of all.
As an artist you are putting yourself out there in a very personal way, and man can you feel like the poor little mole getting bopped on the head some days!
You show your work to a potential client, “No. Won’t work for us.” BAP!
Your friend decides to tell you why your latest creation isn’t as good as something they saw recently. WHACK!
You submit art, based on guidelines, only to be told later they changed the whole plan and now you are on the wrong track. SMACK!
I think you get the picture.
So how do you persevere, keep a smile on your little mole face and become that elusive mole worth the most points that no one can seem to hit?
1. Believe in yourself. Know that your art is your art and you are the best person to create it.
2. Don’t take things personally. Even if you get quite a few “no’s” with licensees (and if you are serious about licensing you will, I guarantee it!) remember that it doesn’t mean your art isn’t good, it just means that it isn’t right for the current project.
3. Keep creating. If you believe in yourself and your art, you will be successful. But you have to keep creating, learning and keeping a positive attitude. Little actions every day create big results over time.
So chin up fellow artist moles! While there will be days where you feel like the mallet just keeps hitting you on the head, if you believe in your art, your vision and yourself, you will be successful!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P. S. If you want to play a little “Whack-a-Mole” online, here is a fun site I found. It’s a great stress reliever on a bad day. GO PLAY!
Personally’ I try to keep away from friends and family critics for what I do. I remember in 2001, I was working on a design, was feeling very insecure and showed it to a neighbor friend of mine who did not think much of it. I summited the work for the stationary company anyways ( and I thought I was crazy) and turned out it was the most lucrative design! Always get the guidelines with people in the business, they know more about commercial input and sealable designs. You can get really mashed up by family and friends. It’s sad to say ( I’ll probably be very honest here) but deep down sometimes they are a bit jealous of what you do. There is a very well known and successful lady here in Quebec who started her own chain of breakfast restaurants called “Cora déjeuner”. She speaks often at different conventions in Canada of how to succeed and grow a business and she said that the last people who helped her was her family, I was suprised considering how successful she is, she really stuck to her dreams anyways. You really have to stay strong and believe in yourself. It can be a struggle and a tough ride when the people close to you are constantly reminding you that you are on slippery ground more that they are encouraging…KEEP AT IT ANYWAY!!!
“What she said!” I whole-heartedly agree Charlene. 🙂
Hey Tara, thanks for this one 🙂
I really like the funny comparison. It made me smile (i just drew a funny little mole a week ago and i had to picture it with my head on while reading :D)
I am lucky to get support from my family and from my fiance. But there are still enough slams on my little mole head too. So if your heart tells you that you’re on the right way (might mean that you’re scared a little) than just go with it.
Thank you again for the reminder! (and the game)