Posted by artisttarareed on Jun 30, 2009 in Art Licensing
You know that expression, “LIFE HAPPENS”?
Well, life is happening to our special guest, attorney Cheryl Hodgson. She is moving her home and office and with the changes in the time table, needs to push back our call a week.
So PLEASE MAKE A NOTE that the call will be on Wednesday, July 22 (not the 15th). I’ll send a reminder to everyone who has signed up for “Ask Tara Reed” calls the week of the call but wanted you to be able to mark your calendar.
If you have legal questions about contracts, copyrights, trademarks and more, head to www.AskTaraReed.com and put them in the pool of potential questions. We can usually get through 10-15 in the hour - it depends how involved the answers are. It’s going to be a great call!
And while we are on the topic of Ask calls… I just lined up artist Jill Seale for September. (The 16th to be exact) She has been in the industry for over a decade and has some valuable experience in developing and licensing character art as well as themed art. I know it’s a few months away but the site www.AskJillSeale.com is up and ready to start collecting your questions.
Want to get a taste for her quick-witted sense of humor? Jill just started a new project called the “Mom Scouts®”… funny! Click here to check it out... not sure what her grand plan is but I can’t wait to find out!
That’s all for now… back to painting! Here’s to talking licensing once a month and to your creative success!
Sometimes excuses just feel good… like a favorite chair or old blanket that has kept you warm throughout the years. Excuses make us feel better about why we do or don’t do the things we know, deep down, we probably should or shouldn’t be doing. Excuses justify where we are in life, explain how we got the bad end of the deal, didn’t have the good fortune others did, and keep us safe… and stuck… in our current situation.
That’s where you want to be, right? Safe & stuck? (hmm… well when you put it like that…)
I’ve heard all kinds of excuses (and made them too, don’t get me wrong!) for where people are or aren’t in their art business. “Well so-&-so is successful because her husband is a marketing genius. Mine isn’t…” “I could do that if I didn’t have to spend all day wiping runny noses and doing laundry…” you get the idea. We could go on for years this way.
Apparently Alyson Stanfield has heard her share of excuses as well. And genius that she is, she organized her book around the biggies that artists of all kinds face. (Not just artists who license their art - this is a great book for any artist looking to earn an income from their art.)
I read “I’d rather be in the studio! The Artist’s No-Excuse Guide to Self-Promotion” a few months ago. It was on my drawing table and my friend / business sanity manager swooped it up and took it home to read. I just got it back with a warning: “Now I understand even better what you should be doing to grow your business, I’ll be watching…” (be careful who you loan your copy to!)
While some of the topics don’t really apply to my business, most did, and having another perspective on promotion, organization, and planning is never a bad thing. The book has 16 Actions based on 14 excuses… how cool that by Action 15 we should be over our excuses and ready to just get ‘er done!
If you are an artist who is comfy-cozy in the studio creating but sweaty-nervous when it comes time to tell the world about those creations, this book is a must read. See if any of these excuses sound familiar:
“There aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all.”
“My art speaks for itself.”
“I don’t know where to begin.”
That’s just the first three. Imagine if Alyson could help you be better with those - fabulous, right? Guess what? She can!
I could go on and on but I think I’ll stop now and let you decide. Suffice it to say I enjoyed the book, learned from the book and am implementing some of the strategies in the book. CLICK HERE to learn more.
I’ve been asked about how I keep track of my art a few times and this week promised to finally blog about it. Early on I realized that it might become hard to keep track of my art collections - who has licensed what, what they were interested in exactly, how to track and organize it. So after thumbing through some catalogs one day I decided I could create codes like they have for products. Why not?
So I sat down and got stuck. For some reason I thought there was some magic formula to code creation -that there was a “right” or “wrong” way to do it, and I certainly didn’t want to do it wrong!
Then I came to my senses and realized that if the code was for me, I could make it any way I pleased! This is not the DaVinci Code after all… it is to organize art and make my life easier. My code, my rules. Cool!
Then I went back to scratching my head… my code system it couldn’t be too complicated - I wanted to be able to create and decipher the codes with a fancy decoder ring.
Ideally the codes needed to grow with my business. Easy enough to remember, but detailed enough to support a lot of art. I didn’t want to have to create a new system and need to update everything in a year, 3 years, 5 years or even 20 years.
Here is what I came up with: my codes consist of 4 letters and 3 numbers.
The first two letters represent one of 12 categories of art. For example, “DR” means it is a drink collection (like martinis or margaritas - yum!), “CH” means it is a Christmas collection.
The next two letters represent the collection name. So the “Ho, Ho, Holiday” christmas collection is “CH” for Christmas and “HH” for “Ho, Ho”.
The letters tell me the category and collection. Now come the numbers.
Since I design collections with icons, borders and repeat patterns - with words and images thrown in - I have 100’s thru 500’s. All numbers are 3 digits.
Icons: 100’s — so CHHH101 is a Santa, CHHH102 might be a tree, CHHH103 a stocking, etc.
Patterns: 200’s — CHHH201 might be a holly toss - if I have the same pattern in different colorways - say one with a red background and one with tan, I add a letter at the end. So CHHH201A and CHHH201B…
Images: 300’s — mockup images or scenes are 300’s.
Words: 400’s — sometimes I have sayings done in my handwriting or a decorative way - they get 400’s.
Borders: 500’s.
When I finish a collection I create a pdf with pages containing all the icons, borders, words, scenes and patterns - with the code under each. Then if I am at a trade show or email the pdf to someone, we can jot down the code instead of writing out a long description of the image. Saves time and decreases confusion. I include codes and images whenever possible in contracts as well.
SO… there is no time like the present. If you start coding right away, you won’t have to go back and code 5 years worth of work. Create a system that makes sense to you and for your work.
It’s 10:30 pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 and I’m finally coming down from the “Ask Paul Brent” call this evening. What an amazing opportunity to listen to Paul Brent answer questions that WE have submitted and learn from his vast experience and success.
I am so glad I learned about conducting teleseminars - learn by phone or at your convenience purchasing the mp3 replay. No travel, no hotels, no need to get out of your slippers. But don’t be deceived by the ease or low cost - the information you are getting is top notch and would cost you a LOT more at a live seminar or trade show.
We had callers on the line from all over the country - California to New York, Utah to Florida and lots of spots in between. Many were hot, Paul was on the Oregon coast in the mist and 60 degree weather we often get there… I was comfy in my home in Portland, feet up, “Barbara Walters” hat firmly on my head asking the questions and soaking up the knowledge!
So what did we talk about? I’m glad you asked! Here is a run down of the questions that were covered:
What are most common mistakes/ misconceptions that people make about art licensing?
I realize that you have had many years of success in licensing, but if you could go back and remember what it was like in the beginning for you when you were starting your licensing business. I would like to hear some positive words of inspiration for those of us who are in the early stages…but there are those days that I really feel “”BEAT UP”". It all gets a little overwhelming. I absolutely love what I do, but 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. Is this so that your art can be used for prints, coasters etc? I notice that for the majority of products in the market, only one image is used. 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 to create electronic designs for the licensing industry. Although I have quite a bit of Photoshop experience, 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? (I want to start off in the best way possible but still love using a real brush). What is your advice?
How did you find a good graphic designer to piece together (or manipulate) your images/scans? Did you start out doing it all yourself (learning Photoshop, doing mock-ups, etc.)? I find 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?
I’m wondering how many of your licensed products come about 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, rather than waiting for licensees to make the first move.
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?
I’ve been looking into art licensing for a few years now; I’ve checked out online artist booths from Surtex shows as well as had a subscription to LICENSE mag. honestly 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.
The audio replay is now available to purchase for anyone who missed the call or wants to listen again. It is only $15 until July 4th, on the 5th the price goes up to $25. (Both prices are a steal - you do know we need to make this worth Paul’s time, right?)
So grab your copy today and as someone put it on Twitter after the call, “keep your art licensing brain working“.
– Tara
P.S. On July 15th I will have attorney Cheryl Hodgson as a special guest so head over to www.AskTaraReed.com to submit any legal questions you might have!
P.P.S. As an added bonus on the audio, you can hear me completely slaughter the pronunciation of “gilcee” - oops!
Last week Facebook made it easier for people to share their Facebook pages… assuming you grab your name!
Having the joy of sharing a name with an actress presents some issues for me… I can’t get www.TaraReed.com so I had to go with TaraReedDesigns.com. And forget getting my name on Twitter or Facebook either. So I’ve become “ArtistTaraReed” and am using that consistently across social media platforms. I’m now quite happy with it since it makes it quite obvious what I do!
Before the change, this is what people had to type in or link from to find me on Facebook:
Obvious where it is going and who you will find (me) - cool!
But why is this important and worth the 2-5 minutes it takes to setup?
Having consistency with your name and being on multiple web pages will help you come up higher in a Google search. It will also help with your branding and visibility.
So what are you waiting for? Go grab your Facebook real estate right now!
Tara
PS - Here is the page people find (slightly squished) when they go to my new url…
Posted by artisttarareed on Jun 21, 2009 in inspiration
Since today is Father’s Day, I thought it would be an appropriate time to blog about my dad – the side of the family the “artsy” genes came from.
For as long as I can remember, my dad had a drawing board on his desk. He was an astronomy professor at West Chester University since I was born but always managed to get art into his life. I remember one year when he did a cartoon star chart and we sat around the dining room table rolling the posters to be shipped. He wrote a weekly column – “Naked Eye Astronomy” – for the local paper and told people what they could see in the night sky each well. Guess what was always a part of the articles? You guessed it - cartoons by dad.
I remember sitting and talking to him while he would draw and think I could NEVER be as good as him! He was the end-all be-all with a black pen in my eyes. He would tell me how he learned to draw by copying cartoons from the Sunday paper when he was younger and how he did cartoons and different projects in high school and then college. When he went to college, he considered art school but loves to tell us how he “had heard of starving artists but never starving scientists” so he got a degree in Physics and then went on to specialize in Astronomy. (Forgive me dad, if I’m getting any of this confused!)
My dad didn’t have the easiest of childhoods - losing a brother and both parents by the time he was 14, then raised by an aunt and uncle with 6 kids of their own. He was the first in his family to go to college. I was talking to him the other day and he told me he decided to go because of working in a grocery store - there were college students who worked there and opened his eyes to the possibilities…
I was brought up to believe that I could do and be anything I wanted to be. College was a given, not an option for my sister, brother and I and thank you dad and mom - it was paid for. They didn’t want us to have to work at a grocery store like he did and miss much of the “college experience”. Being his daughter I know him as the man and father he was - often forgetting what he had to overcome to get there. Another guiding force in my life for going for your dreams, staying positive and trying new things.
Thankfully he encouraged my creative side and I didn’t give up on art and drawing. His influence can be seen in some of my art but he loves to point out how I don’t quite cross the eyes the same way he does so he can’t sue me! (All in good fun of course!)
So on Father’s Day I wanted to say a very public “THANK YOU” to my dad and Happy Father’s Day to any dad’s that may be reading this post. If you do 1/2 as good a job as my dad did, your kids will grow up and blog about you too!
– Tara
P.S. The cartoon next to our picture is Isaac Newton - by, you guessed it, my dad, George Reed.
Posted by artisttarareed on Jun 20, 2009 in inspiration
Today I was working and emailed Craig something I had finished. (Craig is my boyfriend / significant other - whatever you are supposed to call that all-important person who you aren’t married to in your 40’s…) Anyway, I digress…
He replied that he of course liked what I had done (why be with someone who doesn’t like your art?) and sent me the following message:
“I think you need a break. Take 6 minutes and at least check this out. I think it will amuse you.”
Well it did and I wanted to share it with you as well. Taking breaks during your day to just sit back and smile, laugh or zone out is important! I hope this makes you smile as well!
I think the only 2 I haven’t danced to were the jig at 4 minutes 50 seconds and the “Shoulder to Shoulder” at the end… perhaps my age is showing!
Here’s to your creative success and miles of smiles along the way!
Posted by artisttarareed on Jun 19, 2009 in Uncategorized
Anyone else want to throw a question in the mix? On Saturday, June 20th I’ll be organizing and sending Paul the list of questions about art licensing that we will be covering on the call Wednesday, June 24th. The call is free if you listen live (you have to sign up to get the dial in details) and will be available after the call for a minimal charge. ($15 through July 4th, $25 after that.)
On the call, industry rock-star Paul Brent will be answering 10-12 questions submitted by artists — we don’t make them up. So what do you want to know?
If you aren’t familiar with Paul Brent, he was named #94 top Licensor for 2008 IN THE WORLD - with an estimated $67 MILLION of products sold at retail featuring his art. Not bad… I’m thinking we can all learn something from him.
SO… if you haven’t already, go submit your questions at: www.AskPaulBrent.com and we’ll talk to you Wednesday!
– Tara
PS - Audios of past calls with me and one with a special guest about fonts are available for $10 - tomorrow the prices go to $25 so if you are on the fence, grab them while the prices are low.
I feel like my 3rd grade teacher… remember when you would whisper something to your friend and the teacher would say, “If have something to say, you should share it with the group.”
I’ve decided that if people email me questions, chance are, others will have the same question, whether they know it or not. Here is one I got last week - and one I remember wondering when I was starting too.
“Would you be willing to tell me the type of watercolor paper and paints you use? My supplies are mostly from my local Michael’s store, but I want to upgrade without too much expensive experimenting. So I wondered what you’d recommend.”
I remember wondering if using less expensive paint would be bad for business. Is it necessary to invest in the highest quality for licensing? I decided the answer was no. Here is how I responded:
“I use paper and paint from Michael’s too… if I need really vibrant colors I use some guache too but mostly the Academy and Cotman watercolors and Strathmore paper. (With coupons whenever possible!) I haven’t found a need to get more expensive supplies - except for an extra color here and there - and have done just fine. It’s more about the art and presentation than raw materials.”
If you are creating to license, you don’t have to worry about the longevity of the actual painted item. (Not that I know if there are any longevity issues…) I paint. I scan. It’s all captured digitally. I have to worry about backing up my work in case of computer gremlins.
In talking to other artists, I think the quality of other paints (acrylic, oils, etc) can have an effect on your painted results, but for watercolors, I’m building a nice little business with paints you can find at Michael’s, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby or any other general craft store.
It’s what you do with your supplies that matters most!
Posted by artisttarareed on Jun 15, 2009 in Art Licensing
First of all… did you know we HAVE a calendar? I thought I’d mention it since I sometimes receive frantic emails from people thinking they are missing an “Ask Call” when in fact, they are up to 2 months early. (True story!)
I keep it up to date with Ask Calls, misc. teleseminars… oh, and if you want to be jealous and see when I’m taking my son to Hawaii, go look at August.
There is a link from the website under “resources” if you are ever looking for it as well.
Now that we’ve discussed having a calendar, here are two exciting things to know about.
Our second “Ask Paul Brent” call is coming up. Wednesday, June 24 - 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST (and yes Paul, 7:30 pm CST - he likes me to mention his time zone too.) We have gotten some good questions — if you have any to throw into the pot, we’ll be taking new questions until about June 18th, then we’ll get organized. We will be able to cover 10-12 in the hour and I’m sure it will be another good call. Head to www.AskPaulBrent.com.
I’m excited to announce another special guest for July too! Attorney Cheryl Hodgson has worked in intellectual property and with licensed artists. She will be sharing her knowledge of contracts, copyrights, trademarks, branding… you ask, we’ll pick the most common questions. I met Cheryl at the CHA show and immediately loved her energy – I think you will too. We are starting with the call and if all goes well, an eBook just might follow. So let us know your most burning legal questions! This call will be on Wednesday, July 15th, same times. Go to www.AskTaraReed.com.
If you want to learn more about Cheryl and all the services she offers, go to BrandAideBlog.com
Well, life is happening to our special guest, attorney Cheryl Hodgson. She is moving her home and office and with the changes in the time table, needs to push back our call a week.
And while we are on the topic of Ask calls… I just lined up artist Jill Seale for September. (The 16th to be exact) She has been in the industry for over a decade and has some valuable experience in developing and licensing character art as well as themed art. I know it’s a few months away but the site www.AskJillSeale.com is up and ready to start collecting your questions.
It’s 10:30 pm on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 and I’m finally coming down from the “Ask Paul Brent” call this evening. What an amazing opportunity to listen to Paul Brent answer questions that WE have submitted and learn from his vast experience and success. 
I feel like my 3rd grade teacher… remember when you would whisper something to your friend and the teacher would say, “If have something to say, you should share it with the group.”
