… and why I’m rather sad about it right now.
Atlanta is home to the AmericasMart buildings – three towering, 14-20+ story buildings connected by tunnels, elevators and escalators in the heart of downtown. Twice a year they have the big “Gift Shows” where many manufacturers who license art are opening the doors to their showrooms and selling their (our!) wares.
The biggest show is in January and I have attended that show every year for the past 4 years… I think. Maybe 5, I’m beginning to lose track. I went in July once… it was SO HOT I thought I’d melt! Guess that’s why they call it “Hot-lanta” in the summer.
So here are 3 reasons I’m not there right now, as I type:
- I’m trying to be fiscally responsible. There are so many shows that an artist could attend or exhibit at to make connections that you’d have to make 6 figures to have 6 figures to ‘move about the country’. Since we are in business to make and keep some of our money, it is important to balance and analyze how any money is being spent. I have decided that going to the show once a year is fine. (Don’t forget – I live in Oregon so it is quite a trek for me. I’d make a different decision if the flight was 2 hours and $100…)
- I need to get some art done. I’ve been on the move a lot this year and spring is always busy – so again, if I go to every show, when do I get the art done?
- It’s just too darn hot in Atlanta in July. That’s a true reason why I don’t want to go… I just can’t stand the heat so I’ll stay out of the south in the summer if at all possible. 🙂
So why am I sad – you ask? Because even though there are valid fiscal reasons for me to be in my studio, I still hate to miss things! Artists have asked if I was coming, so I’m missing some fun. A few manufacturers asked if I would be there so I’m missing some face-to-face interaction. And look at this photo! I’m missing seeing a wall of my shoe art at the entrance to the Thirstystone showroom – how cool looking is that! I wish I had space in my studio to re-create it – it’s pretty sweet. And my studio is red so it would work perfectly… but alas, I don’t have that much open wall space so I’ll enjoy this photo for now.
If you are at the show – I hope you are making great connections, ‘visiting’ your licensed art and having some fun as well! Perhaps I’ll see you in the many maze-like halls in January…
Here’s to our creative (and fiscally responsible) success!
– Tara
Sorry you have to miss Atlanta, I know they miss you. But it’s over 100 here east of Dallas Texas and I know Atlanta is just as hot! Good luck getting more art done! 🙂 ~MJ
TARA! This is absolutely wild! What a wonderful display! I do so love red (not to mention red shoes!) Woman, you are in your element right now! BTW…what is that hanging above the coasters? A canvas print? Or is it some type of stoneware? I want one! LOL
BTW…I’m sorry you are missing hotlanta – but I am with you. July (& August) are miserable there. (and I am southern, born & bred) Save your energy for the studio this month.
Congrats on the display!
Deb
love the red shoes! Want to thank you Tara for sharing such valuable, practical information with artists at all stages of creating and business.
Congrats on the display with your art!
It’s thrilling to see your art on products! And a red studio sounds lovely. Reading this reminds me to ask you about the shows that you do typically attend. In the Paul Brent call you said that 75% of your revenue had come from doing shows. I can bet two of the shows were Surtex and the licensing show; now the Atlanta show in January. Are there others that you would recommend as a not to miss venue? Best regards, MBR
I have found SURTEX to be the best fit for my business and have exhibited there every year for the past 5 years… I also attend the Gift Show in Atlanta in January and meet with clients and potential clients… I will be looking at the licensing section closely but haven’t committed to exhibiting.
I also go to other industry shows occasionally, I’ve been to: Housewares show in Chicago in March, CHA Craft Show in January, Quilt Market (I haven’t been to the main one in October yet – this might be the year!)… as I said in the post, so many choices!
Tara, We haven’t met. I am an artist, I am on your mailing list (thank you!) and have been checking your blog regularly. I can’t say enough about the inspiration you give me… and your savvy you generously spread to all. I love your business/creative advice…. so important and perfectly timed. Great photos here, love the red. I always look forward to your messages!
Rose Bryant
Tara,
Seeing your art there at the ATL show is fab-u-lous… like y-o-u! I can’t wait to meet you some day. Thanks for using technology to the fullest and being “out there” for those of us seeking information, inspiration, and help with licensing. Thanks x 1000!
P.S. I’m off from college teaching for 5 weeks and this is FINALLY my time to crank out some art. I’m happily in my studio (day 1 of 5 weeks) getting re-inspired.
Hi Tara,
chuck and I are on the drive home from
Atlanta right now! The weather wasn’t
too bad especially if you live in Florida.
Sweetie, WE DO have air-conditioning down here, lol. It wasn’t as bad as 2 weeks ago, but still warm.
I did wander into the Thirstystone display at App and Sch. Very nice.
I know you have A/C… 🙂 It’s that waiting for shuttles at the airport, having to leave the building and thinking you can’t breathe it’s so humid… ok, I’m a bit of a humidity wimp! I grew up in PA so I know it well and appreciate summers in Portland. Glad you guys didn’t melt this year! And really, that wasn’t a BIG reason I didn’t go but was one that crossed my mind!
Tara, Thanks for all your remarks. You’ve given me some good insights. I haven’t been to a show yet, but I can’t wait to go. Any suggestions for an artist who is new to licensing and is interested in showing at a show? Like what kind of exhibit to bring?