Agent Spotlight - Brenda Manley Designs

How long have you been in business and how did you come to be an agent? 
I worked 16 years for a paper tableware manufacturer in multiple positions.  Started as a graphic designer for catalogs, then promoted to designer, senior designer, assistant manager and finally design manager.  I created trend briefs, art directed and was an art buyer/licensee.  I had been attending Surtex for 10+ years.  At each show without fail, I was in complete awe of all the insane talent oozing from each booth. The creativity was intoxicating!  I have always had the entrepreneurial spirit so I decided to switch sides of the proverbial table. Since I am an artist first, my original intention was to freelance on my own.  Along the way I met emerging talent who had little experience in this industry. In my attempts to help some of them my agency developed organically. Some may see me being an artist as confusing while being an agent at the same time.  I reassure them that my art directing skills are stronger and that my creative output is rather infrequent. I truly feel being an artist combined with 16 years of manufacturing experience is a win/win situation.  I understand the demands of manufacturing deadlines and know the challenges designers face.  I thrive being the conduit to both sides!  So while we are in our 3rd year of business I bring over 28 years of design experience to the table with 19 of those years specializing in the social expressions/surface design industry.  

(Editor's note: you can click images to view larger)

Angel Gerardo - AG_0042_Joy to the World_CS

Who are the manufacturers you work with - how did you establish those relationships?

Relationships have been established via exhibiting at trade shows.  I have had the pleasure working with many outstanding manufacturers, some of which have requested to remain anonymous.  However, the following have granted permission to publish:  Amscan, Apache Mills, Claire’s Accessories, Clever Factory, C.R. Gibson, Demdaco, Design Design, Design House Greetings, DesignScapes, LLC, Groupe-Editor, Hallmark, Igloo, International Greetings, Michael Miller Fabrics, Mohawk, National Imports, Northcott Fabrics, Jillson Roberts, Lenox, Pier 1, Seaman Paper, Sterling Brands, Sullivan Paper, The Lindy Bowman Co., TJX, Unique and Wigwam Mills.

Do you have employees/help? 

I have recently been employing the help of a contractor who helps with admin and accounting.  This frees me up to do what I do best - support my artists, art direct, network and secure projects for our talented team!

Alyssa Kays - AKD_15C001_Candy_Christmas_Train_Card_OP

How do you market artists? 

Many ways!  Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, newsletters, advertising in trade publications and exhibiting at trade shows. Oh, and several interviews here and there ;-)

What do you look for in an Artist? 

Passion, design style, originality, color sense, technical skills (PS and AI expert level) and authenticity as an individual.

Amiee Sue Malott - ASM_16078_Baby Collection

How much work do you expect an artists to create? 

I ask that they produce 12 new designs a month.  While this may vary per designer due to design style, it is a suggested guideline.  This helps them develop as an artist (the more we create, the more we develop).  It also helps keep our portfolio fresh so we are relevant to manufacturers who have little to no development time. 

Any great news you would like to share?  

We have a very desirable booth location this year at Surtex.  We are in booth 2707 - right in front of the entrance!  I’m so excited I can barely stand it!  Oh, and I also I have some very exciting news but it’s too soon to share.  Stay tuned!

Emma Schonenberg - ES_EXG16_005_Exotic_Garedn_01_OP_B

How has the Art Licensing business changed over the years?

I’ve seen a shift in manufacturers moving away from licensing and procuring artwork via purchasing artwork out right - full buy out.  This works well if manufacturers are equipped with an in house team to manipulate the artwork.  However, on the flip side, there are still many viable licensing opportunities available.  Each has it’s advantages and disadvantages.

Any advice or information you would like to share? 

I would say the most valuable piece of advice is to show up everyday no matter the circumstances.  Release the outcome of what you think it should look like. Just keep creating, dreaming, journaling and keep doing the necessary actions to achieve the next level on one’s goal/bucket list DESPITE the challenges, mistakes and disappointments.  For it is in these trying times that our character develops.  One with character, preparedness, and quality content rarely relies on luck to succeed - THEY FLOURISH!

You can find Brenda Manley Designs:

website: brendamanleydesigns.com
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenda_manley_designs/
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.manley.102/

Want to be spotlighted? email me info@AnnGraphics.com. I am looking forward to your comments and thanks for sharing this great information on social media.

 

Make my day! and Buy me a cup of coffee (PayPal Link in right side bar, you don't need a PayPal acct.)

 Don't want to miss the good stuff? Sign up for my newsletter ;-) Really looking forward to your comments below!

Creative process - think small? - What is yours!

Happy Friday Everyone!

I was asked recently what my creative process is and I drew a big fat blank! I had never thought about it.  - please share your tips/process in the comment section below :-)

In a nutshell I think small - I know right?! We are suppose to think big! - I dream big, but as my Dad so wisely told me when I was WAY ahead of myself over a decade ago, is to take one step at a time. I/you can be so much more effective breaking things down into small manageable steps - Thanks so much Dad. I remind myself of this a lot :-)

I like it best when I wiggle into the creative side of work. (Really, I think it all has creative aspects :-) below are a few of the steps I take each day.

Exercise

I am not sure some of you would consider this part of a creative process, but for me, I need it.
I exercise pretty much every week day. If first thing in the morning, it wakes me up! OR, sometimes I will work out around the lunch hour to get me off the computer and out of my office. For me it clears out the cob webs. I will check emails on my phone while at the gym and trash a bunch that do not need my attention.

To do list

I keep a calendar of meetings, deadlines etc. and have a running to do list. Some think this isn't creative, but it saves me. I like to knock off my top 3 or so 'must do first' items each day (usually for graphic design clients) plus work on the social media for the day. Social media ranges from just an image post to the sites I am on, to writing/setting up blog posts. If time allows, I do pop in and comment/respond to people on social media through out the day.

Plate is clear

For some reason I have to clear off stuff before I can settle in and work on my current art collection. I prefer it to be quite - no people coming in my office. But I do listen to all kinds of talk radio & music. The music choices really vary: Fleetwood Mac 60's - 70's, Adel, and Baroque Classical music to name a few. Typically I am painting, setting up mocks, designing patterns and that kind of stuff in the afternoon, Break for dinner, and then usually back to it until about 10:00 pm. -- do it again tomorrow :-)

A Few Last Thoughts

Not every day is the same - but this is the schedule for most days of the month. I do have a standing date each week to have lunch with favorite son of mine and dinner with favorite daughter :-) We do family dinner night every Friday.

Don't feel you should be this scheduled. I personally like it and don't need to wait until "inspiration" hits me to paint etc. I schedule it and show up to do it. As ideas pop into my head through out the day, I jot them down in a notebook.

My office studio is typically cluttered. I used to fight it and pick up more often until I realized I am very visual. Out of site is literally out of mind! - These photos are from 2013 when I did a blog post on my studio/office - not much has changed other than some equipment updates - and the Christmas tree has been put away. Most of the art on the walls my adult kids did when they were in school.

 

 

Do we have similar approaches? Completely different? Can't wait to hear about you :-D

When is it Best to be Yourself?

A peak into what has been coming my way lately

Happy Friday Creative Peeps! I have found myself saying lately to my (adult) kids and a couple of artists I chat with, "just be yourself".

Don't think that just cuz I am writing about this I have 'being myself' mastered. I certainly worried about it when I was younger! (I am 51 this Saturday - YAY!). — Thoughts like: Will they like me, will they like what I created... You know what, maybe not, but that is Okay! Here is why I think being yourself is the BEST way to go:

• Who you are is going to eventually leak out anyway. You want to be yourself so that you can team up with people/clients/etc. that are a good fit for you! If you are not yourself, the odds go way up of the relationship/business deal/etc. not working out.

• Dang, it is just easier to be yourself! - I think you get trying to be someone or something your not takes a WHOLE lot more energy.

• If you like who you are (and the art you create). So will plenty of other people! You just can't be the only person on the planet who likes the things you do.

Now, I am NOT saying to be inflexible. If you are creating art to sell (in a gallery, on a product...). The person selling/buying the art knows what they want (and what is selling for them). As the relationship builds - they will be open to your ideas. Give it time and let trust develop. Put yourself in their shoes. You both want to make money off of your art :-)

Question: do you like this "Ask Ann Landers" kind of post? I like being reminded of things now an then, especially when I am worried/over thinking things.

Now go be your creative fabulous self!

Looking forward to all your comments! Thanks for stopping by.

Artist Spotlight - Jennifer Parker

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I attended CSU Chico, where I earned a B.A. in visual communications/graphic design. In college, I worked at a gift boutique, which sparked my interest in the gift industry. When I graduated, I was hired as a full-time freelancer and eventually became a designer for the The Gifted Line. I was honored to design for John Grossman's Collection of Antique Images, one of the largest unique ephemera collections in the world. Under John’s art direction, I developed the foundation of my niche style of digital vintage collage. That evolution continued at Punch Studio, where I spent nearly eight years as the Northern California art director. In 2010, I began a freelance, consulting and art licensing business.

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
Nothing inspires me more than traveling. No matter where I am in the world, I find myself mesmerized by the details of my surroundings, whether it’s ethnic textiles, weathered textures, nature elements, or a juxtaposition of unexpected images or objects. I love finding hidden or discarded treasures at fairs and flea markets, too. In the retail world, I appreciate the bold, Bohemian combinations of prints, colors, and textiles at Anthropologie and FreePeople. I am also intrigued by surrealist art, Joseph Cornell’s shadow boxes and Nick Bantock’s richly layered collage-postcard works, such as Griffin and Sabine.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I use mostly ephemera [chromolithography printed material out of copyright], photos of textures, and painted backgrounds. I use Photoshop to create multiple layers in a single file to compose my final image.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently in the proposal stage with two new licensees. I’m also designing kitchen towels for Potluck Press and dinnerware concepts for Magenta, Inc.

Anything else you want to tell everyone?
I have learned first-hand that art licensing takes patience, determination, and a lot of time and energy. There are many different sources of information out there, so get familiar with licensing blogs join the LinkedIn licensing groups. You might want to establish a web presence through social media, too. If you decide not to use an agent, hire a lawyer or licensing coach to review all your contracts.

Regularly evaluate your goals. If you’re struggling creatively, change something. Don’t be hard on yourself if your original plan or direction doesn’t work out. If you’re willing to take a new approach, you may end up with an even better outcome.

Seek advice. Working alone can be tough, so collaborate and connect with artists and others in your particular field. Seasoned artists, manufacturers, agents and licensing coaches often are happy to share their wisdom or strategies. When you’re following your dream and doing what you love, most people are excited to offer support and encouragement. And one day, you’ll find yourself giving someone else advice.

Explore many avenues for generating income with your art. I’ve found that licensing is only one piece of the pie. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and open yourself up to many possibilities. 

Are you an early riser or night owl?
I love the stillness in the mornings, although I don’t get up super early. I am ready to start the day after a full 8 eight hours of sleep, a 15-minute meditation and a cup of Marin Roasters Costa Rica blend coffee. I don’t skimp on my sleep, even when I have a lot to do. It is essential for my creativity and productivity to be well rested.

What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is Trader Joe’s Marcona almonds with rosemary. They are to die for!

You can learn more about Jenny and see her portfolio here:
http://www.jenniferparkerdesigns.com
jenny@jenniferparkerdesigns.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vintagestationerygiftdecor
Agent: Julie Ager at Artistic Designs Group

 Do you want to be spotlighted? Send me an email: anntroe@cox.net

THANKS for stopping by - make my day and follow this blog :-D

Artist Spotlight - Ronnie Walter

Be sure to scroll down to see samples of Ronnie's art!

 

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?

I was fortunate enough to attend a technical high school in Erie, Pennsylvania that had a commercial art program, so I had a pretty great foundation of drawing and painting before I went off to art school at the Columbus College of Art and Design. I only managed two years at Columbus due to my sad little budget, but I eventually ended up getting a BFA from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. But I was also one of those kids who had to draw all the time. Like in math class, social studies, history…yeah, one of those.

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?

I am inspired by life, really. I find that humans are an ever changing source of inspiration due to our quirky and complex natures, plus, we are not particularly good at expressing ourselves emotionally--and as long as this is true, the world will continue to need artists and writers! I’m inspired to develop products that have meaning and I like the idea that something I do can make someone feel better, or could help mend a relationship, or just add a smile to somebody’s day. I know that sounds kind of schmaltzy but it really is something I bring to each new concept I work on.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?

I have always worked in watercolor with line art accents, but now by combining Photoshop with some other graphic programs I can replicate mediums that I am not necessarily proficient in for  real---and that’s pretty cool! I have also discovered a love for type since many of my new collections over the last few years have featured my original writing as part of the design.

What are you working on now? 

Since my husband Jim Marcotte and I are also agents, we’ve got a number of irons in the fire right now. We have several concepts that are going to see the light of day as a result of our efforts in Atlanta last month so they need final touches and art delivered. I just finished a grouping of personalized products that I’m pretty excited about, we are working on the upcoming refresh of our Life is Country® brand products plus we’re revamping our Two Town Studios website to better reflect the direction we’re going. We always have something happening—and if we don’t? We make it so!

Anything else you want to tell everyone?

I’m working on some follow-up materials to my book, License to Draw - How I built a fun career in Art Licensing and you can too!  (say that three times fast!). Writing the book has been a fantastic experience and I hope that my story of a humble start and continued success in this market can help others who might be trying to find their place in our world. My intent was to deliver the information in a friendly style that wouldn’t scare anybody (well, not too badly anyway!) but still give the readers a solid understanding of the business along with a little “you can do this!” as well.  I’ve gotten great feedback and it has really ignited my interest in following a new path creatively. I can’t wait to do more!

Are you an early riser? or night owl?

Definitely an early riser, always have been. My ideal day starts around 6:30 with some writing, drawing and the first of several large cups of tea.

What is your favorite food?

Can I please pick more than one?  I guess dark chocolate would go the tip top of the list but I love really good hearty bread, bacon (duh), coconut cake, and actually since I love to cook there are very few things I don’t like. I’m perfecting my Shrimp and Cheesy Grits recipe right now so that’s a fave. Oh, and is red wine a food?

(Click images to view larger)

You can find Ronnie:

Website and my blog:
www.ronniewalter.com

Two Town Studios website and Jim’s blog:
www.twotownstudios.com

Email:
ronniew@twotownstudios.com

Buy Ronnie's  book at Amazon

THANKS for stopping buy! Make my day and follow this blog :-D
Email me if you would like to be spotlighted anntroe@cox.net

Artist Spotlight - Paula Joerling

You have seen her work in stores!

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I would say that it's a little bit of both.
Coming from a long line of creative types, I come by my abilities naturally. My grandfather taught me how to paint and my grandmother taught me how to sew and knit. My mother would commandeer my sister and I to make a variety of decorations, gifts and cards for any occasion that arose.
In high school,  art was my favorite subject so when it was time to pick a college, naturally I went to art school. I have a major in photography with a minor in painting from the Art Academy of Cincinnati. 

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
Pretty much anything vintage inspires me. I have a nice collection of vintage wallpaper, fabric and department store catalogs. If I am ever stuck, I head to those to spark something. It never fails.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
In the past I have been all over the place; do I want to paint, collage, stitch etc. ? It's enough to make a girl's head explode! Lately I have been trying to reel all of this in and have figured out how to combine all of it into something that I am excited about. My most recent work reflects that.
The "being all over the place" has it rewards. I have built up a library of patterns, textures and ephemera that I have painted or collaged and it all comes in handy. That said, my style will change a bit depending on the project. Products are generally aimed at a certain demographic and I will adjust my style to reflect that.

What are you working on now?
For the next couple of  months I will be working on calendars for Lang and Avalanche. I have two titles for 2015 and will have 6 for 2016. For some crazy reason, I love doing calendars. I am also working on two collections for Midwest/CBK. I will post links on my blog and Facebook page when they are available.

Anything else you want to tell everyone?
Lots of people contact me for advice and there are two things that I always say. Both sound corny but are true.

First of all, if you know in your heart that what you are doing is what you want to be doing career wise, then stick with it. Be patient, things will happen for you when they are meant to happen.
Secondly, stay true to who you are and what you do. If you love collage and don't like to paint then for heaven's sake collage away. For years I had people telling me that no one would want certain art because of this or that and I  listened. I tried new things and no one wanted that art. Why? Because my heart wasn't in it. I stopped listening, went back to what got my juices flowing and, viola, success!

Are you an early riser? or night owl?
Early riser, I like to get up and get going.

What is your favorite food?
Air-popped popcorn, I could eat a bucket of it.

EMAIL   paulajstudio@yahoo.com
BLOG     paulajoerling.com
I primarily represent myself  but have some work at Roaring Brook Art
http://www.roaringbrookart.com/gallery/categories.php?cat_id=47
FACEBOOK   Paula Joerling Studio

Do you want to be spotlighted? Send me an email: anntroe@cox.net
THANKS for stopping by - make my day and follow this blog :-D