Kreativ Blogger Award – The Power & Paying It Forward Nature of Blogging
A Kreative Blogger award has recently been passed to me by artist Debra Cortese.
I believe we first connected on Twitter… ah yes, another connection thanks to my favorite social media platform!
Since I’ve decided to stop trying to recreate the wheel – I decided to reprint the background information that Debra found – this is from her blog post:
I’ve become a bit of an information addict, I couldn’t do this without a little background research. I quickly found reference to the original ‘Kreativ Blogger’ post and requirements for nominated Kreativ Bloggers. I believe they have been edited and abbreviated over time and cyberspace.
Kreativ Blogger originated in May 2008 in a post by Huldas Verden as noted by Clay Garden author in this April 2009 post:
“Finally I found that it was started in Norway by a blogger named Huldas Verden.”
When the Clay Garden post was written in April 2009, the author’s Google search came up with 712 entries for Kreativ Blogger.
When I searched today, Feb 28, 2010 for ‘Kreative Blogger’ awards, Google comes up with 23,200,000 entries! Hence, the power of blogging!
Here are the requirements that I found, and am passing on to 7 fellow Kreativ Bloggers (names and links to blogs at the end of this post):
The Kreativ Blogger award comes with the following requirements:
1. You must thank the person who has given you the award.
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
3. Link the person who has nominated you for the award.
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.
5. Nominate 7 other Kreativ Bloggers.
6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.
7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs to let them know they have been nominated.
Seven things about me that may be of interest:
1. Jobs I’ve had: serving up ice cream at Dairy Queen, orthodontist assistant, college textbooks sales rep, temporary help company sales rep, cake decorator, ARTIST!
2. I was an exchange student in Tours, France my junior year of high school and can still muddle through with French. I’m open to any business opportunities that would take me to France so keep your eyes and ears open!
3. I’m a middle child and when I say that, I’m often told, “Oh! That explains some things!” What? What does it explain? 
4. I love what I do and wish that everyone could say the same. Follow your dreams, make tough choices when necessary and keep the passion for what you do!
5. Growing up I wanted to be a teacher. I guess I am but not in the way I expected – this is even better – no chalk dust! (or dry erase marker fumes)
6. Sometimes these things feel like chain letters (which I never do) but I’m told they are good for SEO so I’ll admit – that’s why I did it!
7. I believe there is a silver lining in EVERYTHING that happens… you just have to be willing to look for it. This has really irritated some people in my life – guess they didn’t share my belief.
MY KREATIV BLOGGER NOMINATIONS ARE:
Daniel Tardent www.artmarketingsecrets.com
Jen Goode www.jgoode.com
Deb Trotter www.debtrotter.com
Jill Seale www.momscouts.blogspot.com
Libby Unwin www.lugraphics.com/index.php/blog/
Brenda Baker www.artandillumination.com
David Billings www.sparkyfirepants.com
TAG, you’re it!
Thanks Debra for nominating me and encouraging me to get this done!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Hopefully I’ll be ok even though I bent rule #7 – 6 of my 7 nominees are on Twitter so I let them know there – the 7th got an email.
Art Code System – revisited
This is a “Green” blog post – as in, it’s recycled. I first posted it in June but have found myself directing people to it quite often so I decided it was information worth repeating. It will either be new to you or a good refresher. I highly recommend you find a way to code your art so it is easy to talk about and refer to so you know that you and manufacturers are both talking about the same thing.
I also recommend you use numbers and letters and not symbols – again, easier and quicker to say and stay on the same page. Say this out loud: DRAA102 Now say this: DR∞fY20ª See my point? So without further ado – here’s the original post… re-enjoy!
I’ve been asked about how I keep track of my art a few times and promised to 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 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.
Happy creating!
– Tara Reed
Laverne & Shirley – Perfect Entrepreneurial Attitude!
Ah… memories! I remember when Happy Days, followed by Laverne & Shirley were a much anticipated event at my house! I also remember how the 3 kids (I’m the middle) had staggered bed times – my brother had to go to bed after Happy Days (8:30), my sister got to go to bed after Laverne & Shirley (9:00) and me? I had to go to bed SMACK DAB in the middle of the show! (8:45) (Yes Mom & Dad, I still harbor some resentment about that!)
Well I got to thinking about the show a few weeks ago and realized the theme song is the perfect example of an entrepreneurial attitude. “Gonna Do it our way, yes our way, make all our dreams come true…”
So are you a Laverne or Shirley?
Laverne is the entrepreneur who gets an idea and dives right in. I imagine she’d be the person who takes risks, goes with her gut and is ok to learn from her mistakes.
Shirley on the other hand, would be the more cautious business person. She might get inspired but then she’d get analytical. Crunch numbers. Study the situation from every angle before proceeding.
Whether you are a Laverne or Shirley artist – the key is to knowing which you are and embrace it. When ever Shirley tried to act like Laverne, things did not go well!
The show “worked” because Laverne was the “yang” to Shirley’s “yin”.
It would be an equally good combination in business. So if you are Shirley to the nth degree, be sure to have a Laverne in your life to keep you moving and if you are a Laverne, find a Shirley to make sure you don’t go off in so many directions that you get nothing done.
Here’s to your creative and entrepreneurial success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Here are the lyrics:
One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.
Sclemeel, schlemazel, hasenfeffer incorporated.
We’re gonna do it!
Give us any chance, we’ll take it.
Give us any rule, we’ll break it.
We’re gonna make our dreams come true.
Doin’ it our way.
Nothin’s gonna turn us back now,
Straight ahead and on the track now.
We’re gonna make our dreams come true,
Doin’ it our way.
There is nothing we won’t try,
Never heard the word impossible.
This time there’s no stopping us.
We’re gonna do it.
On your mark, get set, and go now,
Got a dream and we just know now,
We’re gonna make our dream come true.
And we’ll do it our way, yes our way.
Make all our dreams come true,
And do it our way, yes our way,
Make all our dreams come true
For me and you.
Countdown to SURTEX and the Licensing Expo…
“The Trade Shows are Coming! The Trade Shows are Coming!” This time of year I feel like part chicken-with-my-head-cut-off running about the studio and part Paul Revere – making sure I remember to get all the bits and pieces ready for the show. If you are or have ever exhibited at a trade show, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about and are nodding your head in agreement as you read this!
My final check has been mailed and cashed. So my bank account will recover from that before the NYC hotel and food bills are added to the credit card.
Here’s what is next on my list to get ready to exhibit:
- confirm hotel and flight reservations.
- Evaluate portfolio and decide what, if any, new art I want to create between now and the show.
- Start to plan the art for my booth walls.
- Order any promotional supplies, banners, etc. Always leave time in case of error, loss in shipping, etc.
- Review and update my website so I am putting my best virtual foot forward.
- Be nice to my sister so she continues to help me each year in my booth… (I really do that but I added it to the list to see if you were still paying attention… )
I keep a calendar handy with due dates for different activities so I don’t forget important pieces of the plan. The day before I travel is a “me” day… I plan to do whatever I want and not spend it frantically finishing art and packing. I like to leave rested and rejuvenated – ready for some of the most important days for my business and certainly the biggest investment days of the year!
Each year gets easier. Less frantic, less angst, less stress. I have it down to a system that is modified if need be or worked if nothing is broken or in need of improvement.
Wishing you productive planning months if you are exhibiting at a show.
– Tara Reed
P
.S. If you are and want some help - don’t forget about the eBook & Teleseminar replay available – at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/tradeshows.html. Since I wrote and spoke them, I’ll let Karen and Gina’s testimonials speak to the value:
“How to Maximize Your Time and Investment in Trade Shows” is another wonderful & informative new e-book written by licensed artist, Tara Reed.
This is the perfect book if you’re an artist, illustrator, photographer or designer and are seeking the knowledge and practical steps in how to best utilize your time and money exhibiting in trade shows for the purpose of licensing your work. It’s also one of the most useful guides I’ve found in providing some of the best knowledge in step-by-step techniques in setting up at the trade shows, exhibiting and following up with manufacturers after the shows.
Tara’s hands on experience exhibiting for years at many of these trade shows, her marketing savvy and her proven track record with numerous licensing deals gives her the insight necessary to share her methods of success with those of us seeking the same and how to make the most of our investment.
A sample of the variety of topics included in Tara’s e-book include everything from deciding where to exhibit, information on the specific trade shows, portfolio basics – to one of my favorite topics – the “Elevator Speech”. Once you learn about this so called “Elevator Speech”, you’ll find you will absolutely need one too…especially if you plan to exhibit at any trade show and sell yourself as well as your work! In addition, you’ll discover informative quotes and tips from other successful licensed artists included throughout the book.
Tara’s clarity and straightforward approach, including a little humor, presents all of this in a way that makes it an interesting and enjoyable read.
With sincerity I believe this book will benefit anyone attempting success in the licensing industry using Tara’s practical strategies, as she shares the honest truth of all of the “ins and outs” of how to truly “MAXIMIZE YOUR TIME AND INVESTMENT IN TRADE SHOWS”.
Karen Embry, Artist,Designer & Author
KarenEmbry.com
“Tara, I can’t tell you this enough, but I REALLY think you have found your true calling!
Yes, you are a very talented artist first of all, BUT….I just think that it’s even more of a perfect fit for you in the coaching arena! Your personality, professionalism and social skills combine so well for this. And I really appreciate that you are speaking as a “down to earth” creative/marketing person, ….not just another unrelated, stuffy, professional as some coaches can be.
You are perfect for this and I thoroughly enjoyed the teleseminar last evening. You also have a great relationship with your sister and she’s obviously a very valuable asset to your business. ( I am envious! )
With all of the in house experience that I have working with freelancers and the business, I wasn’t sure that I would really get any new information from this seminar,…but sure enough, I did!!!! I am fairly new as a full-time freelancer, so all of your tactics and extra information that you gave was very, very helpful for me.”
THANK YOU SO MUCH TARA, AND CHRISTINE!
- Gina L. Wilder (from an in-house Sr.Designer / Asst. Design Manager turned Freelance Artist )
Gina Linn Designs
www.simplylicensed.com
P.P.S. If you are unfamiliar with the shows, here are the links to learn more: www.SURTEX.com, www.LicensingExpo.com
How to Write a Win-Win-Win Testimonial
Testimonials are everywhere. On TV, websites, book jackets, blogs and more. You may read them, but do you ever write them? Contrary to popular belief – testimonials help more than just the person selling the product or service you are commenting on – they help the writer as well.
Have you noticed how many celebrity-endorsed products there are on the market? Have you ever stopped to ask yourself why? I believe it is because people often buy based on emotion or third party testimonials. “Well if that celebrity / athlete / artist / fill-in-the-blank likes that product or service, I might like it too!”
But the value of a third party opinion isn’t limited to well known figures. Testimonials from everyday users go a long way in marketing of any product and in helping the potential consumer make a decision about the product.
People who teach, speak, write, coach or in some other way sell a product or service to others LOVE to get testimonials! (Trust me.) They can say anything about their service but potential clients are more apt to believe what people who have used the product or service have to say. Think about it – whose opinion do you put more clout in, the person selling a product or someone who has used it and has no vested interest in whether you make a purchase or not? Often it is the third party testimonial that makes the difference.
YOU can be that third party and create a WIN-WIN-WIN scenario. The product or service provider wins by getting a testimonial from you. The potential buyer wins by having the benefit of your third-party opinion. And you win by getting an external link to your website, which can help in your search engine optimization.
Alex Mandossian, one of my teachers, taught me a great method for giving testimonials that will be sure to get you some link love.
When you write a testimonial, answer these three questions:
- What your life/business was like BEFORE you found this product or service.
- What your life/business is like NOW as a result of this product or service.
- How you expect using this product or service will CONTINUE to impact your life/business.
Following that format creates POWERFUL testimonials! So be proactive and send testimonials to people whose products or services you liked or found helpful. Then sign your full name and give your web address.
Here’s to your creative success and creating Win-Win-Winning Testimonials!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Feel free to use my products or services as your test cases and email your testimonials whenever you like!
Art Licensing Girl Identity: Revealed!
When I came downstairs to have my son take the latest goofy photo of me for the blog, I have to tell you I scared him a bit. I had my costume on, showed him the cartoon and said, “I have to look like this.” He replied, “I’m terrified by how much you do! It’s kind of creepy!”
Let’s just say I was pleased as punch!
So just WHY had I created a costume and flipped my hair out (burning my finger on the rarely used curling iron!) and dressed up like a cartoon?
Simple… Paul Brent told me to.
(Or, as I say in the video, he ‘double-dog-dared me’)
I’ve been doing my homework he gave during the Branding teleseminar and know that others are as well. As I prepare for SURTEX I figure it is a great time to step back and look at the big picture: my art, how I present it, what I will be saying and showing at the show… the timing couldn’t be more perfect!
If you, too, want to do a brand analysis, the “Brand Yourself for Success in Art Licensing” teleseminar replay is ready for anyone wanting to to spend the time and money to get big results!
Go to www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/branding.html … I double dog dare you!
Here’s to your creative, and well-branded success!
– Tara Reed a.k.a. “Art Licensing Girl”
The Ask Mary Engelbreit call is getting closer…
You haven’t forgotten have you? There have been so many amazing things going on lately that I don’t want this Ask Call to fall through the cracks.
Mark your calendar: Mary Engelbreit, Wednesday, March 17, 2010, Be there or Be square!
Go to www.MaryEngelbreit.com/askME/ to submit your question and get the dial-in details. Deadline for your question to be considered is Wednesday, March 10th. We have so many already it is going to take a bit of time to go through them all and get them to Mary for review!
If you can’t make the live call, still submit your info so you are on the list to be notified when the free replay is available. If you have registered for an Ask Call in the past – you’ll get the details!
Talk with you soon!
– Tara Reed
Five Things Artists Should Consider Before Deciding to License Your Art – Teleclass
I am excited to announce that I will be doing a series of teleclasses with Aletta DeWal – the founder of Artist Career Training. Aletta contacted me and asked to share my experience with art licensing and you can bet I said “Sure!”
I decided they would be the best people to explain exactly what they do at ArtistCareerTraining.com* so here is some information from the website:
Self-promotion does not have to be a horrible experience. With a little creativity and clarity, art marketing can be a gratifying experience. Our clients regularly report that they dramatically increase their income, with more time available to create art. Now they enjoy marketing their art as another creative activity!
Artist Career Training can help beginner, emerging, mid-career and seasoned artists who want to:
- Stop believing myths about what it takes to be an artist.
- Become clear on where you want to go and how to get there.
- Adopt the winning success principles of prosperous art, business and career mentors.
- Market your art without selling out or betting the farm.
- Establish systems and routines that have been developed for artists who face similar issues.
- Meet or exceed goals and deadlines consistently.
Artist Career Training offers a full curriculum of programs developed since 1996, teaching artists at all career stages how to make a better living making art with and without gallery representation, in any economy. Learning is exchanged among artists and faculty across time and space by a combination of email, telephone classes, recordings and internet technologies (web site, message boards, on-line discussion groups, desktop computer conferencing).
The first class is on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. Pacific
Five Things Artists Should Consider Before Deciding to License Your Art
Description: There are many ways to make money with art, licensing is just one. “Licensing” means that you chose to give manufacturers the right to put your art on their product in exchange for a royalty. You maintain the control and copyrights to your designs, and you can license the same art to several manufacturers at the same time. But how can an artist tell if licensing would be a good fit for their art and for their lifestyle?
$29.95 includes the TeleClass Outline and recording if you can’t make it. Click here to save your spot. (affiliate link)
Hope to talk to you on the 10th!
– Tara Reed
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