QUICK! Free webinar about trademarks is Tuesday night…
I was just emailing Cheryl Hodgson, an attorney I met a few months ago, about working with me on some copyright / contract information for the ArtLicensingInfo.com site. We are going to chat in person in Las Vegas on Tuesday so stay tuned for more info soonish…
BUT… she is having a free webinar THIS TUESDAY, June 2nd, about trademarks. I have to finish packing but head here and see if it interests you….
http://www.brand-aide.com/webinar_june2.htm
– Tara
Another chance to "Ask Paul Brent" is right around the corner…
Paul Brent has the right idea…
While I have been toiling away on follow up from the show, he and his wife have been relaxing on the Oregon Coast. (What a small world! He lives in Florida and has a vacation home just over an hour from me in Oregon?!?! Cool!)
Of course I’m sure he had his years of long days and nights like us but has built a very successful business. Now he has Ellen confidently handling the follow up and getting ready for the Licensing International Show while he enjoys the great weather we’ve been having. (YES, the sun does shine in Portland, Oregon)
How has he done it? How did he go from publishing prints of his work to having his art on thousands of products that sold over $67 million in retail in 2008? It’s a bit too broad of a question for our call but I want to learn from him. You can too. How fabulous that we have the opportunity to learn from such and industry veteran. (Thanks Paul for being so approachable and willing to share – we appreciate it!)
Paul so enjoyed our call in March that he is going to do another hour of answering your questions on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 at 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST. In order to keep the costs down, 94 people can listen live and if you can’t fit it in your schedule or don’t make the call – the replay will only be $10. Quite the deal for the expertise – not to mention the time / effort to organize, produce and edit.
We will have time to talk about 10-12 of the questions submitted – one could be yours! So head to www.AskPaulBrent.com and submit your question today. Talk to you soon!
– Tara
I just love a man who follows directions!
The 6th “Ask Tara Reed” call is complete… Hard to believe I’ve been doing these for that many months… time flies! I had to laugh when one of the people listening (you know who you are) emailed me this picture showing me how well he follows directions — love it! If you have read much of my blog, met me or listened to a call you know having fun is a non-negotiable with me. So this guy – I like!
Here is a list of topics covered on the May 27, 2009 call…
- How do I know that my work is suitable for licensing and who is a good fit for my work.
- Do you need a business license to license your artwork? (and discussion of legal forms of business)
- What’s the best way to learn what companies who are looking for artists to license (without going through an agent)
- Do you need to copyright your art FIRST before you start showing it to manufactures?
- What areas of Art Licensing do you feel are less saturated and easier for a newbie to get their foot in the door? (for a newbie) (WARNING: you may not like the answer!
) - Should I have a dedicated website for licensing artwork?
- Do you know many artists who are licensing who do not have an agent and/or go to the shows or are the shows very important. I ask because of the expense.
- I am curious about a comparison of this years Surtex (2009) vs previous years. Did you notice a reduction in attendance? Did it help having Surtex on one floor? Any other comments?
- At a trade show, how do you handle a company that asks you to “send them everything” and has no business cards. It is a big company so I’m interested in working with them but nervous at the same time.
Audio replays of this and any other call you may have missed are available for a whole whopping $10! Trust me, it’s a deal when you look at the time, effort and info. involved — scoop them up before I come to my senses and raise the prices.
CLICK HERE to see all the audios available and topics discussed. Put them on your iPod. Listen while you clean, workout, walk, whatever. Stay inspired!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara
P.S. The next call is on Wednesday, June 24th at 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST and Paul Brent will be answering questions. (This is an awesome opportunity – more about it another day.) Go to www.AskPaulBrent.com and let us know what is on your mind. We’ll get to about 12 questions in the hour…
Do you need an "attitude adjustment"?
You’ve heard it before but I think this bears repeating – ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING! The way you look at the world and filter experiences can make all the difference between a happy life and a life full of complaints.
My mom is famous for saying, “You better CHANGE your ATTITUDE!” (At least in the minds of her children she is – who knows exactly how many times she actually uttered those words…) I believe it was said with much attitude when we were trying to get away with teenager bad attitudes with her – let me tell you, that didn’t fly.
Sometimes she would pull out an attitude speech when we were focusing on the negative side of things or having a little “poor-me party for one”. Of course when you are having such a poor-me party, sometimes the eternal optimist isn’t the most welcome guest but in the end, they are the best person to have around.
Over the weekend it really hit me that my mom truly does look at the positive side of things… no matter what. (This must be where I get my sunny disposition!) She spent Sunday in the ER (she’s fine but can’t eat strawberries anymore — poor mom!). My brother and I were talking to her on Monday to see how she was and doing the usual “I’m sorry that happened. Spending the day in the ER must have been a bummer.”
My mom said, “Oh no! It was a really nice facility. We were taken care of right away. I never got to have a CAT Scan before so that was really interesting. Everyone was great!” Her only complaint was that it was cold – apparently cool temps keep germs down and it is like an ice box so swine flu can’t sweep through the place.
Most people would have been upset, freaked out, unhappy or some other combination of negative emotions after what she went through. Her big regret is that she can no longer fill her smoothies and salads with strawberries but she was still quite upbeat. Go mom!
Are you wondering what my point is yet?
Yes, the economy could be better. Yes, SURTEX and the Stationery Shows were smaller than last year. Yes, Licensing Expo has moved to Las Vegas. Yes, there is competition to license your art.
BUT… there were lots of great companies looking for art at SURTEX. I’ll let you know about Licensing Expo – I’m going to check it out on the 2nd. There is always competition.
How are you going to choose to look at things? If you constantly worry and expect the worst, guess what, I believe that is what you will see. Focus on good things, you will find them.
Focus on what you want to accomplish and keep plugging away… you can do it! Consider this an attitude adjustment if you are in need. Otherwise, a friendly reminder to check you mood compass every so often.
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara
P.S. If you want some help with the “focus” side of things (aka – setting goals) – check out the teleseminar I’m holding on June 9th – The Goal Wheel for Artists.
When NOT to ask, "What are you looking for?"
I have to say I never thought I’d be writing a post with that title! With a marketing and sales background, asking “What are you looking for?” is like asking a preschooler if they need to use the bathroom before heading out on a long car ride. It becomes a habit – something you do without thinking.
So 5 days after participating on a panel discussion at SURTEX (The Licensee / Licensor Relationship: an Intimate Dialog between Artists & Manufacturers) I am still shaking my head in amazement. But I get it and want you to understand this very fine nuance as well.
I can’t remember exactly how it started – I think an artist asked a question about the best and worst things manufacturers have seen and heard from artists. The main point was to figure out how best to present themselves to new prospective licensees. That is when I heard the following words come out of Linda O’Donnell’s mouth, Product Development Manager for Certified International Corp. –
“Don’t ask me what I need.” she began… (HUH? This didn’t seem right, I must have heard wrong, I thought.)
She continued… “If you are an artist I have never worked with before and you want me to consider your work, it is your job to know what I need and show me why I should consider working with you. Research my company, the style of art our customers look for, and give me something fresh that will work.” (I’m paraphrasing in these quotes since I didn’t record the class but this is the jist of what I remember.)
Linda finished by saying that if she was going to make suggestions about what she needed, she’d be doing that to artists she has worked with in the past and has an established relationship with. (OK, now I’m getting it.)
Cyndi Hershey, who works in the fabric / home textile product categories agreed.
So the skinny is this:
If you are submitting to someone you never worked with before:
- Do your homework about the company and the industry.
- Submit appropriate artwork.
- Don’t ask “What are you looking for?”
Times when “What are you looking for?” is appropriate:
- When you already have a working relationship with a manufacturer.
- If the manufacturer contacts you or if you are at a trade show – then it would be appropriate to ask the question so you can better direct them within your portfolio. If you didn’t know they were coming, you can’t be expected to have done the homework.
That is one of my big “take aways” from the class, although there was a lot more great information shared as well. If you ever have the chance to take classes or hear speakers and really listen, you will gain a lot of insights!
– Tara
P.S. Amy Cerny Vasterling did an amazing blog post / recap about the show and the classes she attended on licensing. Click here to read it.
Back from SURTEX… and why I went in the first place
I’m not knee deep in follow-up, I’m CHIN DEEP! Possibly about to go under… It was a great show!
I met with clients and potential clients. 17 new companies. Lots of follow up in the “Priority A” pile – that means the potential looks good and I really want it. So I’m going to be brief… need to get back to work!
I got an email from a friend while I was in New York that I think is a great example of why I spend the time and big bucks to exhibit and attend trade shows. She blogged about it so I just ran over and swiped it (tick, tock, right? Need to spend my time wisely!)
Here is what I want to share with you, in the words of my friend Mary Foley, from her blog:
There were a ton of college graduations this past weekend that you may have missed this gem by Tom Brokaw who gave the commencement speech at the College of William and Mary in my hometown of Williamsburg, VA. I wasn’t there, either, but when I read this one statement he made, I just had to share it with you:
Speaking to young twenty-somethings who are the most technologically connected generation to date, Tom Brokaw said:
“It will do us little to wire the world if we short-circuit the soul.”
I just LOVE that!
Having joined AOL in 1988 at 23 years old right out of college, I dove into the online world without even knowing it. I embraced what was then revolutionary – e-mail, instant messages and downloading.
Twenty-one years later and I still embrace technology. We all do.
You and I (Mary) are connecting this very second because of our wired world and for that I’m grateful. But, there’s a reason I schlep myself on a plane or drive hours to city to share with groups of women live. Because face-to-face, in person, does something more for the spirit and more for soul than technology ever can.
In person, you can look someone in the eyes and smile. They can feel acknowledged.
In person, you can give someone a compliment or say thank you. They can feel appreciated.
In person, you can listen to their story or concern. They can feel valued.
Technology can facilitate such interactions, but to date, in my opinion, it doesn’t completely replace being there.
So, today, as you interact with co-workers, meet with a client, drive the kids around, or walk up to the cashier, take the opportunity to encourage their spirit, and yours. With a smile, compliment, thank you, or your listening ear.
(end of Mary’s blog post excerpt)
Yes, the internet makes it easier than ever to connect and do business, build groups with similar interests and more. But sometimes there is nothing like shaking hands, talking face to face, and connecting live and in person. Connecting with clients. Connecting with manufacturers.
And let’s not forget connecting with artists. I can’t tell you how cool it was to meet so many people I’ve met online at the show. Thanks for stopping by!
So take the opportunities to connect in person when they present themselves. Balance on and off line communication. For your business and for your life. That’s it for now… I need to get back to my follow-up!
– Tara
P.S. My sister also enjoyed meeting the artists at the show as well. Oh yeah, she’s the one on the left in the pictures, I heard her telling our mom that one of her most said sentences was, “No, I’m not Tara. I’m her sister.” tee-hee!
Tick * Tock * Where is your time going?
I first saw an egg timer picture on my friend Annie Salness’ blog… loved it!
And she read about it in Alyson Stanfield’s book, I’d Rather be in the Studio! (link at the bottom of this blog)
What a great idea! I resisted it a little… remembering how LOUD the tick..tick..tick… of my mom & grandmother’s egg timers were, that would surely make me go insane.
But them the other day I saw this egg timer (thank you Martha Stewart & Macy’s) and HAD to have it! How could I not own an egg timer that was red & chrome and went perfectly in my red studio? And guess what else? The ticking is very quiet and does not make me go insane.
I am now setting my timer for things that can take up, perhaps, a bit more time than needed. I’m timing my social media time. My blogging. If I don’t particularly want to do something, it’s getting timed too.
Who knew such an old-fashioned kitchen gadget could be so helpful in time management. I encourage you to try it!
– Tara
P.S. I also encourage you to take a look at Alyson Stanfield’s book, it has a lot of wonderful information, tips & techniques and food for thought for artists at any stage in their business. CLICK HERE for more details.
P.P.S. My walls & egg timer are RED not ORANG-Y as they appear here… but the timer went off so I can’t spend time trying to tweak the color. You get the idea anyway, right?
Who else wants to learn digital illustration?
I, myself, paint. I love the flow of the water and the paint on actual paper – holding the paintbrush, drawing the lines. Sort of old school by some standards but it’s what makes me light up!
Of course, the painting part of my design process is probably about 15%. Then I scan. Tweak. Toss. Repeat. Ponder. Mock up. It’s a process!
I have some friends (both online & those I have had the chance to shake actual hands with) that are all digital. They sketch — that’s as old school as they get.
They INTRIGUE ME! I don’t really understand what they do. How it all works. I’m sure there is some way I can use these skills to expand my marketability, speed, work flow… something!
So drum roll please… I’m SO EXCITED to tell you that my friend (who I of course met on Twitter first!) has just opened up “Digital Illustration School”! He promises to teach us everything and I can guarantee if you like to laugh while you learn you will — he’s funny! (If he didn’t have a sense of humor could he put “not for household pets” on the website? I think not!)
I’m going to check it out… if you want to too, he told me to tell you to email him and say “Tara sent me” — then you get a magical 25% off. Every 25% helps these days but if you want to pay full price and save an email, I’m sure that will work too.
Here’s the link… so leave this blog and see what you think!
www.DigitalIllustrationSchool.com
– Tara
A Cool "Peek Inside the Design Process"
A few weeks ago I was interviewed by Bob Ostrom and Chris Wilson for their interview series “Answers for Freelancers” – now changing over to “Creative Independence”. (Love both names!)
Anyway, before and after the interview I got to talking to both of them. This post is a little more about Bob.
He’s pretty darn talented! And has had some interesting jobs as well… here is an excerpt from his “about” page:
At the ripe old age of 25 I became a freelance illustrator.
I took a year or two to learn the ropes and then found myself an agent. I’d always dreamed of becoming a children’s book illustrator. Within 6 months I had my first title published and I was on my way. There are few thrills like seeing your art work on the shelf of your local book store and I was hooked. I spent the next 10 years working in licensed art. I was fortunate enough to work with many of the best; Disney, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Warner Brothers just to name a few. My artwork was being published all over the world and could been seen in books stores everywhere.
After a while I started to get itchy. I wanted to draw my own characters. I began looking around for way to get my stuff out there. I found a small software company in town and they asked me to come join them, I accepted. I started by designing characters for kids games, pretty soon I was storyboarding again and next thing you know I was promoted to lead artist/ art director of the concept department. The company was acquired by Vivendi Universal and we grew quite large. A couple years later and Vivendi’s CEO was in trouble, company stock plummeted and we were shut down.
I decided to go back to what I truly love. I found a new rep, sold my house and moved with my family down to North Carolina where I am freelancing today. Things have are going great. I have clients all over the world and am still just as thrilled to see my books on the shelves at my local bookstore.
Here’s the really interesting part for the artists out there – he has a tutorial that shows you his process. Want to see how he goes from idea to end result? CLICK HERE and check it out!
There is so much talent out there and we can all follow the path to our definition of success if we are willing to put in the work and make it happen. Way to go Bob! So glad you found me on Twitter!
Here’s to your Creative Independence blog reader…
– Tara
P.S. To check out their site full of interviews about all types of freelance topics and how to go about claiming your own “Creative Independence” CLICK HERE.
How can artists set goals and still work from a place of inspiration?
We’ve all heard things like, “If you don’t know where you are going, how do you expect to get there?” or “Without a target you can’t hit the mark” or any other number of sayings that boil down to this: without a plan, how do you know if you are making progress or spinning in circles?
But I know that as artists, it is hard to make inspiration and creativity flow during set office hours. Sometimes it hits at 10 pm and you just want to watch tv mid-day. We need flexibility!
Which lead me to the conundrum, and maybe you have shared it: how do you do both? Set goals and still have the time and flexibility to work when inspiration strikes?
As I try to do, when I’m faced with an important dilemma, I look for a solution. That is how I came up with “The Goal Wheel for Artists”. It is a dream / goal / task setting system that works — I know, I use it. It keeps me focused and flexible. On June 9th at 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST I’ll be doing a teleseminar to teach any artists wanting a fun and effective way to set and achieve goals as well.
Watch the video and check out the website. I hope you decide to join me!
GET ALL THE DETAILS AT www.TheGoalWheelForArtists.com
Here’s to building your creative business!
– Tara
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