The magic formula for success as a licensed artist
For the past few weeks I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed. There are quite a few people wanting work in a very short time. It is all exciting and things I want to do, but a lot to juggle just the same.
art print licensed to BonArtique.com
As I sat making my ‘to do’ list, I got to thinking about how my business has grown.
I remember a few years ago when I would sit and wonder what I should do.
What should I paint?
How would I get any licensees?
I remember having time to read a book all day without feeling compelled to do some work. 
If you aren’t at the point of overload yet, you will probably face this sooner than you think. A friend likes to tell me it’s a “high class problem” to have and I agree.
I remember, back in the days when I could read for hours on end with no guilt, wondering how I would EVER build a business that would keep me busy and keep me fed. I looked at artists who have gone (and are still going) before me — Debbie Mumm, Mary Engelbreit, Susan Winget, Paul Brent and more — and wondered how they did it. They must have some magic formula or secret connections and I longed to know what they were.
5 years after getting serious about this, I am now working with more than 25 companies. I’m trying to figure out how to keep up, how to prioritize, how to make the best use of my time. Work smart, not just hard.
I think I may have stumbled across the magic formula and guess what? If I’m right, it’s not so magic after all! Here it is: Keep your eye on the prize, your heart in the game and take action every day towards your end goal.
Create your art. Find people who want art. Figure out how to tell them you have art. Keep a smile on your face and be pleasant to work with.
Have a creative day!
Tara
The "Whack-a-Mole" conundrum
I have a feeling that everyone has played the “Whack-a-Mole” game in some arcade, somewhere, at some point in their life, right? You get a big mallet, the moles pop up at random and you do your best to keep them down.
This analogy was recently presented to me by a new business associate. He said that 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.
This of course led me to apply this analogy to art licensing. (If you haven’t figured this out yet, I LOVE a good analogy!)
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, 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!
Have a creative day!
~ Tara
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!
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