Who else wants to "BE THE MEDIA"? The time is NOW!
Last year I stumbled upon a booth at the Book Expo America in Los Angeles — I think what caught my eye was the eye-catching graphics and title “Be The Media” jumping out at me as I walked. I thought, well I want to be the media — what is this about? 
I stopped and had a conversation with someone (was it David? I don’t recall) and they told me all about the book coming out — it would teach me how to get media coverage — from print, to online, to tv and more… on my own. COOL! I wanted the book YESTERDAY!
I had the pleasure of meeting David in San Francisco, which only got me that much more excited. The man knows what he’s doing. I was impressed!
Well I’ve had to put on my patience hat and wait… but my wait is almost over, the book will ship at the end of the month. Read on and learn more about what is included and see if you will be on the edge of your seat with me, waiting to hold this book in the palm of your hand!
~ Tara
Have you ever wondered why some artists and businesspeople make a fortune, while others struggle financially?
Would you like to learn how to boost your business, spread your message to more people, and earn a lot more money based on your expertise, products, or services – without a lot of work or expense?
Well, I have great news. Here’s a book that tells you how to market yourself like a media pro:
Buy BE THE MEDIA right now, and you’ll gain access to the “Blockbuster Media Success” package with $10,000 in BONUS GIFTS provided by over 100 media experts:
click here
Renowned author and media consultant David Mathison has brought together over fifty media experts, educators, and activists in his new book, BE THE MEDIA.
The contributors are a who’s who in media-related fields – from insanely famous best-sellers, to internet marketers quietly generating high six and seven-figure annual incomes without appearing on Oprah or hitting the best seller lists.
Everyone is included: from Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly, to Janet Switzer, Alex Mandossian, Bob Baker, and craigslist’s Craig Newmark.
“Loaded with practical advice, this book is a must-read.”
- Phil Donahue, former TV talk show host
The 500+ page book reveals the latest and greatest ways to market and sell your books, music, films, information products and services. In one single volume, BE THE MEDIA includes 23 chapters on all conceivable media fields. Every aspect of media is covered, with details, resources, and suggestions you simply won’t find anywhere else.
This book has something for everyone: From the 1.2 million self-employed people to small business owners, from authors to filmmakers, rock bands to bloggers, talk show hosts to podcasters. You’ll find everything you need to go from concept to consumer, from inspiration to inbox with your message or products.
In other words, it’s a terrific handbook for promoting your business, your cause, or your products with the same level of professionalism a publicist might employ.
“BE THE MEDIA is the best overall resource to help you build out your platform.”
- Rick Frishman: Publicist. Publisher, Morgan James Publishing
In BE THE MEDIA, you will learn how to:
· Self-publish your book, music, film, podcast, or blog, leverage internet syndication, learn licensing, how to create radio and television shows, and promote on social networks
· Control your future by developing multiple streams of income from diversified sources
· Earn income while you sleep, vacation, or work your full-time job
· Apply techniques on a part or full-time basis, from your home, office, or hotel room
· Deploy surprisingly easy strategies to get massive publicity and tons of media exposure
· Discover simple things you can immediately do to dramatically increase the profit you make from your products and services
“BE THE MEDIA reveals the secrets.”
- Dan Poynter: Publisher, The Self-Publishing Manual
Order BE THE MEDIA now, and get FREE access to three one-hour teleclasses that will teach you exactly how to market yourself like a media pro (a $1,000 value).
Mathison’s free classes will teach you how to build your list, market, and promote using:
1. Social Media: Learn how Mathison pre-sold 5,000+ books on Twitter, was offered a Board position on a major social network for entrepreneurs using LinkedIn, and secured a slot on the radio dial with a major network through Facebook ($300 value)
2. List Building: How you can build your list and earn more money ($300 value)
3. Syndication: How to increase your reach, diversify revenue streams ($300 value)
But wait. There is even more!
Buy BE THE MEDIA right now, and you’ll also have access to the “Blockbuster Media Success” package with $10,000 in BONUS GIFTS provided by over 100 media experts, including:
· Warren Whitlock: Self-promotion secrets of the super successful ($47 value)
· Joan Stewart: How to be an expert spokesperson the media love ($39.95 value)
· Bob Baker: Indie Music Marketing Secrets ($27 value)
· Susan Harrow: Get top TV producers to book you ($19.95 value)
· PitchRate.com: Moves you to the front of the line for media coverage (free)
You have to check these gifts out – you will be amazed!
All told, BE THE MEDIA and the free Blockbuster Media Success package gives you access to over 150 media experts and $10,000 in gifts and tips.
ALL FOR JUST $34.95.
But you’ll need to ACT FAST. The fr.ee bonus gifts in the Blockbuster Media Success package are only valid for a LIMITED TIME. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity.
This book is available EXCLUSIVELY online at the link below –
you cannot get the book through Amazon or other resellers.
Order BE THE MEDIA and access your Blockbuster Media Success package NOW:
Click here
You will be glad you did!
Sincerely,
Tara & Your friends at BE THE MEDIA
PS: David is so confident that you will be satisfied with BE THE MEDIA that he is offering a 60-day MONEY BACK GUARANTEE of the $34.95 purchase price. So, you have NOTHING TO LOSE!
PSS: Consider buying a few copies for family members, friends, colleagues, schools, educators, students, libraries, journalists, community leaders, and policymakers. It is already being used as a primary textbook for media production, media literacy, and media education courses in major schools. Donate a copy, or forward this note on to your friends.
They’ll LOVE you for it!
Is "optimism" making a comeback?
I think it is! There seems to be a quiet murmur in the news, in conversations and in business that is saying, “Things are starting to turn around…” YEAH! In case you haven’t heard, I wanted to make sure you were in on it and helping to fulfill this prophecy instead of the one that says, “THE SKY IS FALLING!”
Last week I read an article on CNN.com saying experts expect the economy to get better in 2010. (Can’t find the link, sorry. )
I was also talking to a client who was at the Housewares Show in Chicago this month who said, “You wouldn’t know there was any trouble in the economy to listen to people at the show.” He said retailers are expecting things to improve the second half of this year and are starting to buy at normal levels for Spring 2010. That is GREAT news for anyone in licensing! (or retail, or manufacturing…)
There are murmurs of housing stabilizing in many parts of the country…
So I think “optimism” just might be making a comeback. That makes me SMILE so I wanted to pass the good news along!
Hold on to your vision and your dreams and work each day to make them come true!
~ Tara
Sweet organization! I've seen the DAYLITE!
If you have read my eBook, “How to Find, Interact and Work with Manufacturers Who License Art” you are familiar with my rather low-tech and disjointed organization system. Rolodex, Excel spreadsheets, post-it notes and a written calendar. It worked for a while but lately I’ve been feeling like there is too much in too many places, and I was missing things.
Missing things like business opportunities. Art submission deadlines. When was I supposed to call and follow up with that potential client? And where did I write it down?
There comes a time in every business (or life) to re-evaluate your systems and look at upgrading. (Heck if the internet can upgrade to “Web 2.0” why can’t I?)
My time had come! I needed a new, more integrated and organized system. So what did I do? Started asking for advice on Twitter and doing some Google searches. I have a MAC and people told me, “just use address book” — but it wasn’t enough.
Then I read about this software call “Daylite” through a Google link. This looked pretty good! But who was using it? Back to Twitter to get some feedback. Then this man appeared magically before me:
(He was replying to my Tweet asking if it was a good program and was anyone using it.) It turns out, Matthew Bookspan is a certified Daylite partner — meaning he knows the ins & outs and can help you get set up. Cool!
I talked to Matthew about my organizational dreams and current challenges and we decided this software would be a good fit.
In the past, I’ve had a very bad habit of getting new software, trying to learn it myself while doing lots of other things and not harnessing the true power at my fingertips. I decided to break that habit and hire Matthew to get me set up and show me how it all works. 2 hours incredibly well spent — both time and money wise!
He got me on iChat and then took control of my computer — now THAT is cool! I watched as he moved my mouse and told me (I could hear him too!) how to get set up, what the different functions were, etc. I could ask questions as we went.
Bottom line: DAYLITE is changing my life. I am so much more on top of things and spending less time writing, noting and finding info. That means more time to paint, blog and write.
DAYLITE tracks people, companies, emails sent and received from contacts (no more ga-zillion folders in my mail program and remembering to move everything – it’s automatic!). Yesterday I printed mailing labels for my promotional postcards… it’s heaven on my MAC! (Sorry PC people — you need to find another solution. I’m told ACT! has similar super powers.)
SO… if you are feeling disheveled and want to invest in some great software that will grow with your business and keep it organized (and you have a MAC) — check out DAYLITE. I also highly recommend you talk to Matthew (& I’m not paid for this recommendation — it’s from the heart!) — he can get you up and running quickly. (Plus he’s a very nice guy.) Here is a link to his site to learn more and you can see a case study he did about my issues and getting me set up. CLICK HERE
Here’s to your organized life now I need to get back to painting!
~ Tara
Want to chat with Matthew on Twitter or follow what he’s up to? He’s @mbookspan
Anyone else confused about this whole "Web 2.0" thing? Or how about Podcasting?
In case anyone else was pretending to understand these terms being thrown around like I have been, I’ve found some answers to these two burning questions!
What does “Web 2.0″ actually mean? Did I miss 1.0? Silly me, I thought the web was the web… what do the numbers mean anyway?
- Paul Colligan gives a quick and simple explanation of Web 2.0 — now I get it! (THANKS PAUL!) Click here and you can get it too!
And Podcasting… how does that work? Why do it? Who does it? Can I do it? Again, Paul says anyone can…
That’s it — just a quick post with a few links for curious minds that want to be “in” with the lingo.
Till next time… Tara
The Beauty of Teleseminars…
…is that they are not a beauty contest! Unlike teaching or speaking at a live event 
where you have to look good, all you need is your voice and a phone line to deliver great content in a teleseminar.
Clean office? Not required!
Perfect hair, nails and makeup? Nope!
Does your outfit matter? Not at all!
All you need is a plan, something to say and a phone. I just went through an 8 week intensive course with Alex Mandossian called “Teleseminar Secrets” – it is not for the faint of heart because this man does not hold back. This course is for people who want ALL the information in Alex’s brain, then it is up to the student to decide what parts and pieces work for them.
I did my 5th “Ask” call last night – spending an hour at home, in my comfy socks talking about art licensing, what could be better? This time I was the interviewer instead of the interviewee – I discovered I really enjoy both roles. Future plans include one night and possibly multiple part teleseminars. Who knows what else!
If you teach, have written a book or need to get some kind of word out to people, think about doing it by phone. No travel, less expense and of course, no beauty contest! If you want to learn more about how to do your own teleseminars, click on the link below. To learn about art licensing through mine, stay tuned!
Here’s talkin’ to you! ~ Tara
I'm Reveling in my "Morning-After" Glow from the "Ask Paul Brent" call
Last night I had the honor, privilege and really fun time of interviewing artist Paul Brent, asking him questions about art licensing that were submitted by artists who wanted to know. (Great questions everyone!) We talked for a full hour and I spent another 2 or so editing the audio, removing some “ums” and “uhs” by both parties to make it sound even better.
What I thought would be a one-time honor, has developed into more exciting news, not only for me, but for any artist who wants to learn more about licensing from one of the industries biggest success stories.
Paul Brent began licensing his work in 1988, beginning with bookmarks, bed linens and insulated barware. In 2002 he was nominated by LIMA, a licensing industry organization, for Best License and Overall Best License for the year 2001.
A true powerhouse in Licensing, Paul Brent is listed at #95 in License! Global Magazines top #100 Licensing Companies in 2008 — most of the list being comprised of large corporations, movie and tv studios and the like. Paul also has a gallery, sells limited edition and original paintings and more.
You can read more about his background on his website, www.PaulBrent.com or on the page that talks about his new coaching and consulting offerings through www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/coach-PaulBrent.html.
Before the interview, I put on my “Oprah” hat. If you’ve ever watched her show you know she seems to find the time to read the books, watch the movies or try the products of people she has on as guests. Combine this with the absolute thrill I get when I see art by someone I have met on tv or in the movies, I just had to rent and watch the 1988 hit, “The Truman Show”. If you watch it, all of the painted art is by none other than Paul Brent. (I’ve now added that to my list of things I’d like to do – have my art in a movie.) Here is a photo of one of the most prominently displayed pieces.
The audio from this call will remain online and avaiable to listen or download for free at www.AskPaulBrent.com. Future recordings will be for sale. Paul’s next call will be on Wednesday, June 24, 2009. We will begin accepting questions closer to that time.
Paul Brent also announced on the call that he will be creating a few eBooks of his own that will be added to the available library of information at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com. I will certainly keep you posted. Topics he has discussed include “Where do I go from Here? how to keep art licensing fresh and productive” and “The Designer Life Cycle”. I’m holding onto my seat waiting for them – I’ve seen the outlines, they will be great!
Finally, Paul has decided he would like to offer his services to artists who would like one-on-one coaching, mentoring or feedback on their work, building their business, or whatever art licensing related questions you have. Click here for details.
All of this has resulted in a new look and new direction for www.ArtLicensingInfo.com. I orginally designed the site to offer my background and perspective, it is now widening into a resource for more than one perspective. Who knows what it will evolve into but our hope is that it be the “go to” place for artists interested in the industry of licensing. I hope you stay along for the ride!
I will end by including the last question Paul answered last night. Jacqueline asked: What is the most zany art you ever had licensed? Paul said he really had to think about that one and consult with his wife and staff… here is what he came up with. Peppermint Flamingos that were licensed to Kurt Adler and Cape Shore. I also love the flip flops — they look like little crabs on the sand.
Thank you for sharing the image and thank you again for sharing your knowledge and expertise. I look forward to working with you further.
~ Tara
P.S. The audio is now available at www.AskPaulBrent.com so DROP EVERYTHING and go listen or download it! 
Logos, Aretha Franklin, Craigslist and getting the respect you deserve as an artist
Yesterday on Twitter I saw a post that read: Why logo design does not cost $5.00. Well I knew that some people were making logos for crazy-low prices and thought I’d take a look. What a GREAT post by Jacob Cass on his blog “Just Creative Design”. I want you to read it, the whole thing, and then come back here, okay?
Here’s the link. Why logo design does not cost $5.00 I’ll wait.
Okay, did you read that? I love his “cheap logo design” vs. “professional logo design”. Now I don’t know if any of you do logo design or have an interest in it but this post made me think of licensing. We need to value what we bring to the table as artists who license. Times are little tough out there but it doesn’t mean we need to believe that no one values art or what we do… if the artists walk around saying it, who is going to say anything different?
Now go read this post on Craigslist: Capitalist Endeavor seeking Poor Artist to be Taken Advantage of I hope that’s a joke ’cause it sure made me laugh! But how many times have you seen people asking for lots of art choices and if they pick you you get a whole $50 and “great publicity”. Publicity doesn’t pay the bills!
I want to give you a few quick reminders and leave you with an empowering song:
- you are unique, creative and bring something that NO ONE ELSE can bring to the table: your own artistic interpretation of the world. Don’t undervalue yourself!
- No matter what the economy, people still need and want new art & design. Do you think stores are going to carry the same thing for 5 years and that people will buy it? No. Keep creating!
- Not everyone is creative. Sometimes I forget that my brain works differently than many people’s and I take for granted the ideas that stream in. It’s like breathing to me and completely baffling to others. If I forget that, I am at risk of under-valuing what I do and then causing others to do the same. Check yourself – your “breathing” could be your key to a successful, creative life!
Now for the song… Aretha Franklin is singing about demanding respect from the man she loves but for our purposes, think about you as the artist, demanding respect from the world and businesses for what you bring to the table.
You are a creative rock star — now don’t you forget it!
~ Tara
"Why would a company license art anyway?" Good question!
I know this blog is call “Art Licensing Blog” but I am sometimes asked this very basic, but very important question:
“Why would a company license art when they can just buy art somewhere else?”
Licensing is one of three basic ways companies get art to put on their products. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way – it all depends on the preference of the manufacturer.
The three basic ways companies get art are:
- They have in-house designers who are paid a salary to design art for products.
- They buy art out-right. Many artists prefer to sell a piece of art upfront and let manufacturers do whatever they want with it. They usually get a physical, sometimes digital, piece of art and the manufacturer has to adapt it to their product. The artist gets paid and moves on.
- They license art.
In my opinion, licensing is a way for artists and manufacturers to share the risk and reward of the product. If the product does well, the artist stands to make a nice amount of money in royalties, but if it doesn’t their income can be low. With licensing there is also a delay between getting the deal and getting the cash. Sometimes that delay can be as long as 12-18 months. (This is why you should ask for an advance on royalties – but the decision to pay them or not is up to the individual manufacturer.)
Let’s look at the five reasons I think companies choose to license art:
- In-house designers cost money. The manufacturer has to pay the designer a salary, payroll taxes, benefits, vacation days, etc. No one person or small group of people can do all styles of art so they will be limited by the skill-sets of their designers.
- Buying art outright may be less expensive on the surface but there are hidden costs. The manufacturer has to have someone to manipulate the art, fit it to templates, adjust colors, etc. This is sometimes done by artists who license their art.
- There are no salary, benefits, vacation days to pay. Royalties are paid based on sales
so the payments due will be based on the success of the product. If the product sells well, they pay you more. Not as well, they pay you less. - Variety of Art. Licensing allows a company to work with many different artists without
having them on payroll. It is a cost-effective way to get a wide variety of styles and techniques. - Name Recognition. If an artist has name recognition in the marketplace, at the retail and/or consumer level, a manufacturer can use that to their advantage by offering products with a known following.
It all depends on their choice and mindset and your choice and mindset. Do you want to create, get a check, and not worry about contracts, waiting for royalties and marketing the same art multiple times? Then maybe licensing isn’t for you. But if the idea of getting paid by several companies for the same art sounds appealing, check out the eBooks, teleseminars and more that I offer at ArtLicensingInfo.com.
~ Tara
P.S. To hear answers to more questions about art licensing, go to AskTaraReed.com – there is a FREE, live call every month! (Recordings of past calls available for a mere $10)
Watch the Google Doodle Creation Process
Here’s a cool little video of the Google Doodler in action… the video was created to support the “Doodle 4 Google” contest for kids — the deadline is next week. I thought it was fun to be a fly on the wall and watch him work!
Enjoy! ~ Tara
Is "Friday the 13th" a personality litmus test?
Today is Friday the 13th… does that make you a little nervous? (Go ahead, you can admit it – it makes a lot of people more than a little nervous) Or, do you take the opposite view and look at it as a lucky day? Friday the 13th seems to bring out the YING / YANG in people.
If I wasn’t an artist, I’d consider doing something in the “Human Behavior” arena. I love studying and observing people – not in a creepy way, but so I can better understand where they are coming from. Looking at personality and communication style is a great idea when deciding whether to work with someone as well. Do you have the same motivation levels, work speed and way of talking? I’m sure you have felt you “just click” with some people and certain clients are easier for you to work with than others — that would have a lot to do with how you interact, view the world and get things done.
I met Bart Baggett last weekend and he teaches people to do Handwriting Analysis – he’s been on Larry King and trains people to become certified so they can testify in court. Cool! Seems like something an artist might be good at — want to learn more? Here’s the spot: www.myhandwriting.com
I also met Carole Dysart – she works with the DISC method and is an amazing reader of people. (And she’s good! She pegged me after about 2 minutes.) From her website, www.caroldysart.com, DISC is described like this: You can implement DISC Profiling personally, for better understanding of self and others, resulting in more satisfying communication. Apply DISC professionally for improved work relations, increased productivity and superior job-matching and human resource services. She’s starting a certification program so you can learn to do and build a business around DISC… I’d enjoy that too but probably not as much as the art / creative stuff.
So why am I talking about handwriting and personality tests when I brought you into this post talking about Friday the 13th? (And no, the answer isn’t bait and switch — don’t be so suspicious!)
I woke up this morning, realized it was Friday the 13th and got to thinking about attitudes. I think Friday the 13th is a personality litmus test of sorts – a quick way to guage if people see the world from a positive, open attitude or a more negative, scary attitude.
See the day as unusual and therefore expect great things? You are more on the positive side.
Use it as an excuse to complain, worry or stay in bed “because something terrible is inevitable — it is, after all, FRIDAY THE 13TH!” – well, I think you can guess the penchant of that person.
So who are you? Is your natural instinct one of openness and wonder or concern and mistrust?
Here’s another example. I live in Portland, Oregon. In case you haven’t heard, it is cloudy and drizzly here… a lot! But yesterday was SUNNY and GORGEOUS! I was talking to a friend and said, “Oh, are you just soaking in this amazing day? It is SO PRETTY out!” She instantly replied with, “But it isn’t going to last. It is going to be cloudy again tomorrow.” Hmmm….
I am a ‘silver lining’ kind of person. It has always been in me but I’ve really nurtured it in recent years — building my muscle of finding the good and the lesson in even the most difficult of situations. I believe that Friday the 13th will bring good things into my life.
I also believe that having a positive attitude helps me in my business. If I thought the world was coming to an end and no one was going to license my art anyway so why put any effort into it, how much do you think I’d get done? And how would I be perceived by potential clients I reached out to?
Today it is my wish that you take a real look at your overall attitude towards life and in particular, your business. Don’t get nervous and feel the need to defend your attitudes, they simply are – in this moment. It doesn’t mean they have to stay that way. Ask yourself if your attitudes are helping you or holding you back. Keep the ones that help and work on the ones that don’t.
Just a little food for thought – signing off to go do a little ‘attitude checking” and adjustments myself. Have a wonderful and creative day!
~ Tara
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