A bit about "2nd Thursdays" chat group on ArtLicensingShow.com

Hi Everyone!

Quick post about my "2nd Thursdays" group on ArtLicensingShow.com. We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month in a text chat room. 6:30 PM US Central Time (Chicago). Everyone is welcome who is interested in any aspect of the Art Licensing business. You do need to be a paid member of ArtLicensingShow.com to get access to the group. You can sign up for ArtLicensingShow.com for free if you want to look around and see what it is like & get a free business directory listing.

If you are already a paid member of ArtLicensingShow.com - I send out invitations to the "2nd Thursdays" group to everyone. If there is a glitch, just request to join :-D.

We usually keep the format open so that we can put our heads together. Cherish, Founder/CEO of ArtLicensingShow.com attends almost all of the chats. She updates us on any new features on the site, exciting news and answers any questions you may have. The group came up with the very successful holiday coloring book idea https://artlicensingshow.com/holiday-coloring-book/, I believe it has had 6,000+ downloads. Recently we had Susan January, VP Leaning Tree, answer all of our questions around the greeting card industry. https://artlicensingshow.com/2nd-thursdays-special-guest-susan-january-of-leanin-tree-chats-about-greeting-cards/.

Join us! we try to keep it to an hour long - always some great ideas and topics on everyone's minds.

Really looking forward to chatting with all of you!

3 years into Art Licensing - Things are starting to grab hold.

Hey Everyone!

Can you believe I started blogging 3 years ago last March?! Time flies when you are having fun ;-)

I thought I would chat a bit about where I am 3 years in. This isn't a gauge of where you should be, but from what I have heard and read, I look to be about 'average' ;-) Some say it takes 3-5 years to get going in this business.

 

Art

My art and patterns are SO MUCH better than 3 years ago thanks to the input of my agent ArtsDG.com and manufacturers. Art Licensing really is a wonderful community of support! Creating art almost every day really has done the trick too ;-) Practice makes perfect.

Licensing

I will rattle off a few licenses. Halloween figurines coming out this fall, Patriotic Notepads and note cards on Amazon and other sites. Flags and soft goods (to be announced soon) through a manufacturer that also sells through Wayfair, Amazon and Walmart. Thankful for a handful of manufacturers shopping some of my art around. - Things are starting to grab hold! :-D I need to take a minute and give a shout out to ArtLicensingShow.com - 3 exciting opportunities have come my way through this site - Cool Beans! Thankful for all the hard work my agent ArtsDG.com has done and continues to do <3

Blogging/Social Media 

Social media and blogging has been great for me and hopefully good information for all of you too. I get a front row seat and learn new things with each post. Nothing is better than when a manufacturer recognizes you at a trade show and raves about you & the blog! I am really blessed. It has been a fabulous way to connect with you. I appreciate all of you who have sent money to support the blog & newsletter. I could use more support. (Tip jar and PayPal link, top of right-hand column).

My "2nd Thursdays" group on ArtLicensingShow.com is a monthly text chat group. We put our heads together and great ideas and information come from it! Recently Susan January, VP Leanin' Tree was in the hot seat while the group asked her questions. If you are a paid member of ArtlicensingShow.com, you can get the PDF of the chat on the 2nd Thursdays group wall.

I recently decided to put the Pattern Parade on hold. I hope to pick it back up when I can afford an intern. Over the last 3 years I have added more to my social media plate and it was time to trim back a bit.

If you haven't already, I would LOVE to connect with you on social media sites. I enjoy seeing what all of you are up to :-D Go to my website and scroll to the bottom for the list/links of social media sites I am on http://www.annietroe.com. If you like, sign up for my newsletter so you don't miss any of the action here on the blog.

Advice?

While I haven't been in the licensing business that many years AND this is what I have to remind myself of once in awhile –– If you want it, you will get there. Stick to it, and one step at a time works beautifully. It won't be a straight path. Go where the opportunities pop up.

Any of you have advice you would like to share in the comments below? That would be great! Looking forward to hearing about your journey. Hugs!

Bo's bLAWg - Licensing Agents

 

MJ Bogatin (“Bo”) of Bogatin, Corman & Gold, is an Arts and Entertainment Attorney in San Francisco.  He is also Co-President of California Lawyers for the Arts. www.calawyersforthearts.org  Bo is available to answer some of your questions surrounding the business of Art Licensing. - THANKS BO!

 

Recently I was asked to sign a non-compete for an image broker who wanted to help me license my work. Is it standard to ask for this sort of exclusive? In what scenario would a non-compete be necessary? Thank you, in advance, for your guidance!

The short answer is that people in business as ‘image brokers” or professionally as Licensing Agents may reasonably expect to represent the Artist exclusively.  Whether or not the exclusive representation will apply to specific illustrations or specific goods is subject to negotiation.  However, once the scope of exclusivity is mutually agreed upon, it would reasonably be expected that the Artist would not compete with the Agent of licensing opportunities within that scope.

I should mention, there is a legal difference between licensing exclusively through an Agent, and giving an Agent an exclusive right to license your works.  With the former the Agent would expect that the Artist would use the Agent for all licensing deals.  The Artist would be expected to accept a non-compete provision in the Representation Agreement.  The Agent does not want her pursuing licensing opportunities that might interfere with the Agent’s own efforts.

Sometimes, it is possible for an Artist to obtain express permission from her exclusive Agent to pursue a lead or contact a person with a given company whose name has been given to her for possible interest in her work.  However, I would recommend that it is simply good professional manners to get the express permission of the Agent before she does make such a call.  To pursue such a lead without the knowledge of the exclusive Agent could have various negative ramifications.  It may be that the Agent has a planned pitch meeting with the same company, or knows who really has the power to license at that entity.  To pursue such a lead without the intent to pay the Agent her expected commission would be directly adverse to the Agent’s interest in representing the Artist in the first place.

Taking your own initiative to pursue licensing can also ‘muddy the water’ as to whether the Artist is or is not represented by a given Agent, this damaging the reputations of one or both.

However, the main reason I suspect that an Agent would not want her represented Artist to pursue such leads with or without her permission, even if the Artist were prepared to pay her Agent’s commission anyway, is that such initiatives undermine the Artist’s interests as well.  It is the Agent’s job to know what the particular company is looking for by way of new imagery.  S/he should know what trends are hot and which of her clients’ illustrations might best fill the needs of  one or another company given the strengths (and weaknesses) of their existing product lines.  S/he has likely spent years building up a professional relationship with that company that she expects to lead to greater confidence in her recommendations to those clients.  

Were the Artist to pursue her own licensing with such a company, she may very well undercut or destroy the Agent’s business plan to sell that Artist’s line with a more profitable competing company and at better royalty rates than the Artist might be willing to settle for! 

Even where an Agent is the Artist’s exclusive representative only for a particular line of illustrations or for a specific limited line of Licensed Products (i.e. greeting cards and paper products as distinguished from magnets, plastics and fabrics), the Artist can cause an Agent havoc by pursuing the same corporate Licensees for their interest in a different group of her illustrations or for use of her illustrations in ‘other’ product lines also handled by the company. 

Just last week I had a client call who had been ‘balled out’ by her Agent who took exception to her independent efforts to license her imagery for product lines not handled by the Agent.  It was clear to me that per her Agency contract, she had a legal right to pursue personally such licensing opportunities, but I could well understand the Agent’s resentment.  How was he supposed to pitch her illustrations as fresh, new and particularly appropriate to this regular company client of his, if his own Artist has already pitched them for other products.  It was very clear that the Agent would sooner pitch another Artist’s imagery than risk that scenario.

Accordingly, it is simply good business politics to be clear on the front end of an Agency relationship what if any independent marketing the Artist can look to do on her own behalf  -- if any.  One solution is for the parties to give each other a list of prospective licensees they would like to pitch, and for what illustrations and product lines, and determine if it is in the best interest of the Artist to make any such marketing forays on her own account.  If it is, she should not do anything to undercut her Agent’s expectations as to Licensee royalty rates payable, and may offer to pay the Agent a discounted commission on Licenses she obtains – at least from company clients of the Agent if not from others.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is not intended as legal advice. Because the law is not static, and one situation may differ from the next, we cannot assume responsibility for any actions taken based on information contained herein. Also, be aware that the law may vary from state. Therefore, this website cannot replace the advice of an experienced attorney. Receipt of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. MJ Bogatin, Bogatin, Corman & Gold, www.bcgattorneys.com

Have a legal question? email it to info@AnnGraphics.com. I will forward it to Bo. It might be a blog post! You can search "Bo's bLAWg" to read more posts. 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.), follow this blog, and/or click an ad (you don't need to buy ;-)

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ArtLicensingShow.com is 1 Year Old! A lot has happened:

Editors note 4/18/2016. Joan Beiriger has a very comprehensive post on ArtLicensingShow.com here

Wow! Can you believe it has been a year since ArtLicensingShow.com (ALSC) launched?! I wanted to wish Cherish Flieder a great BIG Happy Birthday. THANK YOU for such an amazing site.  It has brought me opportunities/manufacturers I didn't know about and sped up my ability to connect with the wonderful art licensing community. Signed a contract to be announced and have another manufacturer shopping my art around to some big stores! This and more has happened for me because of ALSC :-D Here is a link to Valerie Hart talking about the new deals she has found though ALSC: http://artlicensingshow.com/conversation-valerie-hart/

I am one of many Founding Members and couldn't be more pleased or proud of what Cherish and her team have accomplished. This site has grown so fast in community and new features.

Here is a link to my ALSC profile page (Art Directors/Manufacturers, you can join for free!)
http://artlicensingshow.com/members/annietroe/profile/

Here are links to other artists on ALSC that are blogging about the 1 year celebration:

http://www.madelinefaiella.com/art-and-illustration/happy-anniversary-art-licensing-show/
 

http://karenembrydesigns-artblog.blogspot.com/2016/03/art-licensing-show-celebrates-one-year.html


http://www.tracibixby.com/archives/1161


http://shootsandblooms.com/news.html#!/blog/posts/One-Year-Anniversary/13


http://www.noondaydesign.com/#!Happy-1st-Birthday-Art-Licensing-Show/e1cri/56faff3b0cf226b8e685d509


http://abarefootartist.com/2016/03/29/happy-birthday/


http://somethingtocherish.com/art-licensing/celebrating-art-licensing/

 

Check out the Celebration Link Up - Art Party!

http://artlicensingshow.com/celebration-art-link-up/

A year ago I posted why I am on ALSC - It has my yellow VW bug, "Daisy Doodle Bug".  I now have a new 2012 Red VW Bug, "Doug, the Doodle Bug". I have spotted Daisy in one of the mall parking lots the other day - hope she likes her new owner :-)

http://annietroe.blogspot.com/2015/03/why-i-am-on-art-licensing-show-com.html

If you join or are a current member of ALSC, check out my "2nd Thursdays" group. We get together and talk about any questions you may have about the site, and all things Art Licensing :-D
http://artlicensingshow.com/groups/2nd-thursdays/



I am really excited about ArtLicensingShow.com being open 24/7, no airfare or hotel needed to exhibit my art. What do you love about ALSC?  

NOTE! Feel free to leave your blog link in the comments below if you like.
Everyone, be sure to spread the love and check out all the blogs! Thanks.
If you share you own work on social media, use #artlicensingshow

Agent Spotlight - Jennifer Nelson Artists

How long have you been in business and how did you come to be an agent?
Just one year, we opened in January 2015. But before that I had been an agent, working for another company. Before that I was a graphic designer for many years. So either one year, or my whole career, depending how you look at it.

Do you have help/employees?
Yes, we have a data entry person, a writer and a bookkeeper... all are essential to the business. I may add an assistant soon because most days I’m as busy as can be.

Do you prefer royalty deals? Flat fee?
We are happy working any way the client wants to work! If it’s a royalty deal, I like to get an advance upfront for my artists. We also take commissions when a buyer is looking for something special.

How do you market artists? Who pays for this? Anything different for new artists?
JNA does lots of social media, cold calls, newsletters, trade shows. In today’s world you have to be everywhere. I share the costs of promotion with my artists. We’re all in this together.

What do you look for in an artist?
I look for three things….
1) Talent: A body of marketable work. It does not have to be loads of work, just enough to show me the right subject matter in a range of styles.

2) Professionalism: Will she be on time for deadlines? Can she handle constructive criticism? Is her social media up to date and does it reflect her as an artist?

3) Kindheartedness: I need to have loads of trust in the people I represent. I work hard for my artists and I want to work with kindhearted people who I know will be good to both me and to our clients.

Do you feel an artist needs an online presence?
Yes! It’s 100% essential.

How much art do you expect an artist to create in a year?
A good minimum is one new piece each week. Preferably three to four per week once an artist is in the zone.

Anything else to add?
Yes! I’m doing a workshop in March with a company called Modern Thrive. It’s called "How To Get An Agent (And Do I Need One)". You can get more information here: http://modernthrive.com/workshops/workshop-28/

 

You can find Jennifer:
Website: www.jennifer-nelson-artists.com
Email: jennifer@jennifer-nelson-artists.com
Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_nelson_artists/

Really looking forward to hearing what you have to say in the comments below!

Do you want to be spotlighted? Send me an email: info@AnnGraphics.com

Make my day and follow this blog :-D Don't want to miss the good stuff? Sign up for my newsletter ;-)

Why I am on Art Licensing Show .com!

 PROUD to be a part of the Blog link up 2:00 PM Eastern on  ArtLicensingShow.com  is a cool new site where Art Directors/Manufacturers can join for free. Artist and Agents can affordably "go" to an art licensing show! (online :-)

I made a short little video on my Mac computer. Used iPhoto, exported it — and it was looking blurry on YouTube... SO exported it again at 720p and Taaa Daaa! Looks so much better. Really for the first time doing this kind of thing - it didn't take too long. I love it when technology is easy :-)

The video above hits what is great about the site! (nope, I didn't get paid to say this stuff)

• It is the ONLY Art Licensing Show online
• Be listed in the ultimate art licensing directory
• No cost or low cost depending on if you are an Artist or Art Director/Manufacturer
• Connect with industry leaders - It is a social network dedicated to Art Licensing

You can find me on ALSC here: http://artlicensingshow.com/members/annietroe/profile/

Last time I checked there are a lot of artist and agents on the site (in the hundreds). AND quite a few Art Directors/Manufacturers rolling in!

Once you are on ALSC, be sure to check out my Group: "2nd Thursdays" We are over 200 members! Everyone is welcome, Newbies, Old timers, Manufacturers, Artists/Agents - it is all good. Bring your favorite beverage and your topic or questions for the group. More details here http://artlicensingshow.com/groups/2nd-thursdays/ Looking forward to seeing you there!

Are you on ArtLicensingShow.com ? Leave a comment! :-)

Not on Art Licensing Show.com? Here is a peek into the site http://annietroe.blogspot.com/2015/02/peek-into-artlicensingshowcom-next.html

Thank you for stopping by,

Peek into ArtLicensingShow.com! - Next Opportunity to Register

 Hey Creative Souls!

I have been getting questions of what the NEW and fabulous ArtLicensingShow.com looks like.
The above image is what an art director will see when visiting my profile. (Click the image to see it larger). That will give you a much better idea of how the site navigation is set up, what your profile page might look like etc. You can connect with other members and join groups too! :-)

You can feature up to nine collections on your profile page. (You can upload as many collections as the plan you signed up for allows). I think of those images as 'teasers'. Art directors and manufacturers can request to see your portfolio. Or in my case I have selected the option to share my portfolio with all art directors and manufacturers. This site is set up for you to choose the amount of privacy and control you want to have with your art - nice! ArtLicensingShow.com is in Beta, and holly cow is it amazing and working wonderfully - yes, I am excited about it :-)

I can only speak from my perspective, but I would think art directors and manufactures would love the one-stop-shopping with NO travel expenses! They can join for free. I could gush on, but those two are big benefits.

I also imagine the same goes for agents (they do have to pay to join just like artists do). They can use this site as their privacy protected art catalog :-)

Next opportunity to register:

I asked Cherish, Founder of ArtLicensingShow.com if she has any news to share. Here is what she said: "We are thrilled with the way the new ArtLicensingShow.com (ALSC) community is already blossoming in it's early Beta stages. So far, we have about 250 art licensing professionals registered, including agents, artists, and art directors/manufacturers. Art licensors are very busy uploading thousands of pieces of work that can be shared with ease and searched with art directors they select. There is an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm in the air for the way this new tool has the ability to create opportunities for creatives and licensee companies alike.

Our next opportunity to register for portfolio membership on the site is March 2nd. All information will be sent to our email updates list. If you want to get on that list, be sure to click over to RedCarpet.ArtLicensingShow.com to sign up.

Qualified art directors may email RedCarpet@ArtLicensingShow.com at any time for details on how to set up a complimentary account."

I want to take a second and thank ALSC for the great profile they posted on me! I REALLY appreciate it. If you are curious about it, you can see it here: http://artlicensingshow.com/annie-troe/

Join a group:

If you have joined or do join ALSC, join a group! There are already several groups on the site. It is a way to get together to talk about the business or ask a question. I started a group called "2nd Thursdays" and we had our first get together last night. We had a great turn out - what a blast! :-) Even though I have picked a time and place for us to hangout, you can post in the group at anytime. Hope to see you there!

Thanks a bunch for stopping by the blog, sharing it with your friends. If you don't want to miss what is going on, be sure to follow this blog and/or sign up for my newsletter. Happy Creating!

Next week's post: What should be in an art licensing contract with a manufacturer. - Bo's bLAWg.

Joined Artistic Designs Group!

Celebrating with my art licensing friends!

I am beyond EXCITED, PROUD as punch and oh so tickled pink to be joining Artistic Designs Group. http://www.artsdg.com/gall_at.html. They are amazing!

You can tell that I am flyin' high! I do have a small problem. While my family is wonderful and supportive - they just don't get it :-)

SO, I am hogging a bit of blog and social media time to celebrate with my wonderful art licensing friends! YAY! I promise to resume to normal programming next week :-)

ALSO A BIG thank you to all of you for commenting, sharing - HELPING with ideas. This blog etc. is a success because of all of you. 

Happy Creating Everyone!

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 - Sandy Laipply

 

Read a bit about Sandy and check out her work! - Post in the comments what your favorite piece of her art is!

Tell us a bit about yourself: Did you go to school for art? Are you self taught?
I have been creating for as long as I can remember, starting with making new clothes for my paper dolls as a little girl- after I finished all my coloring books. I had 2 years of high school art, and my teacher gave me a wonderful foundation. Other than that I am self taught. I try to take classes whenever I can, in all kinds of mediums.

What inspires you / where do you get inspiration from?
Anything and everything can inspire me, but I think mostly nature. I love flowers, birds, animals, landscapes and seascapes. Sometimes it is the words in a song. Or just not painting for a while. I find that I tend to get very cranky if I spend too much time on the business side of my art and not the creative side. It's often difficult to find the right balance.

Do you work in just one medium? Several?
I work in almost every medium. I spent 15 years working in the craft industry, helping companies show their customers what to do with their new products, and I loved teaching and demonstrating. My friends keep encouraging me to license my work, and when I decided to do that, I knew I needed to focus. So right now I am working in watercolor-my favorite painting medium. Photoshop and Illustrator are so much fun, and allow one to provide clients with files in the format they need, but I still go back to a paintbrush in my hand. Nothing compares to the thrill of putting pigments on paper and watching the colors merge and magic happen!

What are you working on now?
I'm working on a collection of fruits and vegetables in watercolor. I'm on the Board of our local Arts Council, and this summer we were invited to show our work at the local Farmer's Markets. Seeing all that lovely produce each week was very inspiring and I was allowed to take a lot of photos for reference. I see a trend of using a lot of fruits and veggies in home decor, and several clients have asked for them.

Anything else you want to tell everyone?
I love working with manufacturers and learning about their product processes. I got my first licensing deal because I did cold calling on manufacturers at the Atlanta Gift Market, after I had walked the show 6 months earlier and identified companies I wanted to work with. I met a manufacturer who liked my style, but I didn't have what he wanted in my portfolio. We worked together to come up with the look he wanted for his product line, and it has done very well. Click here to see some of the Pretty Tools products with my art:  http://sandylaipply.com/art-licensing/licensed-products

I've since signed with an agent so I can spend more time focusing on my art, cplicensing.com. We're currently in discussions with several companies. Handpainted art is very much in demand now and with a computer I can format my art for almost any surface. I want to be in tabletop, giftware, home decor, greeting cards, party goods, etc. And since I love to sew, I definitely want my own fabric line.

Are you an early riser? or night owl?
Definitely an early riser. I'm often up before 5 am, and I love watching the sunrise. I prefer painting in the morning when my studio is full of light, and then do the business side later in the day.

What is your favorite food?
Chocolate. Or chocolate covered caramels. Or Reese's Cups ( chocolate and peanut butter) . Or chocolate ice cream. Or chocolate cake. Did I mention chocolate???? Maybe I should start painting a collection of chocolate candy......

You can find Sandy: SandyLaipply.com       sandy@sandylaipply.com

Phone-419-562-9825      FB-Sandy Laipply's Art      LinkedIn-Sandy Laipply

If you are interested in being spotlighted - email me: anntroe@cox.net

Thanks doodlebugerz for reading and posting your comments. MAKE MY DAY and follow this blog :-D