According to Business Insider’s March 8, 2012 article: How Many Web Sites Are There?

(…) there isn’t a definite answer.  However, right now there are 644 million active websites on the Internet according to Netcraft.

Netcraft’s March 2012 website survey discovered 644,275,754 active websites, to be precise.

Half a billion is a lot. But when we’re talking about the Internet, sounds kind of small.

It won’t be small for long. The Internet is still growing by leaps and bounds. The March numbers were up by 31.4 million (5.1%) over last month.

Plus, nearly six million domain names were added to the Internet in the fourth quarter of 2011, bringing the total to 225 million domain names worldwide, says VeriSign. Each domain name can designate a single website or it can host lots of them.

Read more: http://articles.businessinsider.com/2012-03-08/tech/31135231_1_websites-domain-internet#ixzz1r7GYkpZW

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I LOVE WordPress for websites!  All but one of my sites is a WordPress website (don’t ask – it would take an army to move the other and I haven’t found the army, time or inclination to make it happen yet!).  It is flexible, there are tons and tons of things you can do with a WordPress site… I could go on and on.

But today I just want to tell you this:  WordPress websites are great for SEO.

The people who created WordPress knew what they were doing.  They knew that the number of websites would continue to increase exponentially and it would become more and more important for people to have tools to make their website stand out.  They designed the platform to make it easy.

The folks at All in One SEO Pack created a fabulous plug-in that makes it really easy too.  Simply go here: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/all-in-one-seo-pack/ and get the plug-in.  Install and activate it on your website.

Once the plugin is active, a box will appear at the bottom of every page or every blog post where you can add information that search engines like.  Add a title, a description, keywords and more. Here’s a screenshot of what you will have at the bottom of each post and page and what I filled out for the blog page of this website…

I use this on every page of every website to help my sites stand out.  With a name like “Tara Reed” I can assure you it was hard to get on page 1 of Google.  Even now, 9 years after I got online, Google will ask me “Did you mean Tara Reid”? – that’s how the actress spells her name. (I hear jokes about it daily…)  You will see that I still get to see lovely photos of her in my search, in spite of the name spelling differences, but most of page 1 is related to me.  Yeah to SEO – she used to be the whole first page no matter how you spelled REED…

SO – if you use WordPress for your website, make sure you use this or another plug-in to help you get the attention your website deserves!

Learn more about WordPress for Artists by getting a free copy of the Ask Call with Kim Beasley – head to www.AskAboutWordPressForArtists.com

Learn more about SEO for artists by getting a free copy of the Ask Call with Daniel Tardent – head to www.AskAboutSEOforArtists.com

Heck, get them both!

Here’s to your creative – and highly ranked – success!

– Tara Reed

P.S.  You want to see that Field of Dreams scene don’t you???  Here it is…

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I don’t mean to whine, really I don’t, but this is becoming a frustrating trend.  We give lots of advance notice of these calls – they are every other month – and we tweet, and Facebook, and add reminders to the newsletter.  “What do you want to know?”  Yes, we get some questions – but I have to say I’m beginning to get as many in the day or two before the call as we get for the whole call.  And that’s too late!  We need time to review our question options, prepare good answers, etc. etc.

SO… PLEASE submit your questions by the deadline so I don’t want to pull my hair out, OK?

The next call is on Wednesday, May 30th – 5:30 pm Pacific / 8:30 pm Eastern and everything in between.  Paul Brent will be doing his third annual SURTEX Show Recap / Trend Report AND answering some questions… (that’s where you come in…)

Head to www.AskPaulBrent.com and give us some great options – the whole community will be the better for it.

Here’s to your creative success -

– Tara Reed

Art licensing agent Alicia Dauber of Licensing Liaison and I are teaching the Basics of Art Licensing – Part 2 together on Sunday so I asked her for some quick tips that I could share.  Here is what she had to say -

Although most agents are interested in seeing  new work and meeting new artists, please keep in mind that the trade show floor is not the place to review your portfolios!   Trade show expenses including the cost of a booth are extremely high and the agent has spent thousands of dollars to be there.  They have to make it pay for themselves and the artist partners they represent by following up on as many appointments as they can for the artists that are currently in their stable.

It is absolutely acceptable to unobtrusively leave a business card or flyer on their table while making a note of the agent’s  name for future follow up after the show.  If the agent is not busy speaking to a client when you walk by, a quick hello and that you would like to email him or her about your work after the show is completed is fine.

Have fun!!  Wear comfortable shoes, enjoy the show and the education about the industry that it brings you while being appropriate and considerate of those who have paid to be there to work.    And BEST wishes to you in your search for an agent!

This advice is great in regards to artists as well.  I love meeting people who read this blog, listen to the Ask Calls and more but it can be overwhelming to try and juggle meeting artists with the main reason I’m there – to meet manufacturers.  So if you are there and I’m busy – be sure to wave and if I’m not – say hi!

Alicia and I would love to see you on Sunday in our class – click here to get all the details.  You can register in advance or in New York – your choice!

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

The updated 2nd edition is on sale through Tuesday, 5/15/12. Why pay $67 next week when you can get it for $57 now?

Get all the details at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/get-started.html now.

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

Saying what you mean doesn’t mean saying everything you think of course.  I’m not hurtful or saying things out of spite – I try to speak my truth but only when it is asked for or when a situation has an impact on me.  If you are wearing something I don’t like I promise – I won’t walk up to you and say “What on earth were you thinking?  That dress is hideous”.  No… that isn’t effective or even honest communication (well, I might not like the dress but “what’s it to me?”  Nothing – so it’s none of my business.)

I’ve had a rule in my relationships – with girlfriends, family, my fiancé – that goes like this:  SAY WHAT YOU MEAN.  If you don’t, we will assume to did and act accordingly, you get to deal with it if you don’t speak your truth.

So if I say, “Do you want Italian or Chinese for dinner” and you say “I don’t care”, I hope you don’t care.  Because I’ll assume you really have no preference and I can decide.

What does this have to do with art licensing?  My question to you is this: do you communicate clearly in all that you do in your business?

When you send an email, call someone, run and ad – do you clearly state what you do and what you want the other person to do.

Here’s an example, I say:  I create art for licensing.

The person I tell thinks, “Great.  Good to know.”

I forgot to communicate what I’m looking for: Call me when you need art.  It’s a very important piece of the puzzle.

This friendly communication reminder came to me while a song was STUCK IN MY HEAD the other day – “Call me Maybe”.  I discussed it with a few artists on Twitter and it was clear that she is… umm… well, not so clear.

She gives a guy she thinks is cute her number.  She wants him to call her right?  Why give someone your number unless you want to hear from them.  But then she says, “Call me maybe.”  Does she want to be called “Maybe” like it’s her name?  Or is she being coy, sending an aloof message of “oh, whatever, call me or don’t – I don’t care”.  It’s unclear.

Don’t be that girl. (or guy)  Feel free to enjoy the song but when you communicate – especially in your business – clearly state what you are looking for so you are more likely to get it.

Umm… if you want, ’cause, like, I don’t want to be bossy.

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Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

From the SURTEX website – here are the details:

What is it? It’s a unique theatre where you can gain insight and inspiration from world-renowned trend forecasting companies! Daily presentations will focus on the latest trends impacting industries as diverse as home and accessories, textiles, tabletop, fashion, paper, stationery, packaging and gifts, through fabulous imagery and insider commentary.

When? Thirty-minute presentations are scheduled throughout every single Show day – starting at 9:30am and ending at 5:30 (Tuesday sessions will end at 4:00pm). See schedule.

Who? A total of nine companies will be represented, and share their perspectives of what’s ahead in color, design, styles, attitudes and lifestyles. See and hear the visions of Edelkoort, Inc., Trendease International, Milou Ket, Stylesight, Trend House, Inc., Carlin International, LA Colors from Amsterdam, Mudpie, and Jo-An Jenkin’s TrendPulse.

So, if you will be at the show, be sure to check it out.

Won’t be attending or want more about trends after SURTEX?

Paul Brent will be doing his third annual SURTEX Show Recap / trend report on the Art Licensing Info Ask Call on Wednesday, May 30th. Get all the details and submit your questions at www.AskPaulBrent.com

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

I was very happy to find this short TED talk that tells me no – my desire and habit of getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night is the key to my success.  Sleep is good – sleep deprivation and all nighters shouldn’t be a badge of honor.  (I’ve always thought this and feel quite validated today!)

Go here and take a look – it’s only 3 minutes – then join me in my efforts to “sleep my way to the top”.

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Here’s to your creative – and well rested – success!

– Tara Reed

Oh the movies of my youth… or early adulthood as is the case with A Few Good Men.  Crazy thing happened… as I sat down to find a video to share, this scene popped in my head and seemed fitting.  I found the clip on YouTube and turned the volume on on my computer (I don’t like it making noise normally – one of my quirks!).  Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson start talking and my son yells in from the other room – “hey! I’m just about to turn that on – it’s coming on tv.”  How’s that for synchronicity?

He asked why I was watching it and I told him it was for a blog post.  So here it is…

I’ve been getting quite a few questions in my inbox lately… and I’m sorry but especially this time of year, right before SURTEX, I can’t answer them all.  I wish you would put your questions into the hat for the next Ask Call – you can always see what’s coming up at www.AskAboutArtLicensing.com… but that’s a side point.  Anyway, back to the questions.

There are many artists upset about the cost of trade shows.  Upset that it isn’t quick and easy to connect with manufacturers and start making big money over night… I’m a little upset that there seem to be so many people who think this should be free and easy.  So this video clip came to mind – Jack Nicholson thinks the military and civilians can’t handle the truth and I’m beginning to wonder if the average artist can handle the truth about what it takes to make it in art licensing.

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Can you handle the truth about art licensing?  You have to invest in yourself and your business to make it in this industry.

Did you know that if you want to own a McDonald’s you have to have at least $500,000 in personal assets to even be considered?  Want to make donuts?  You need $250,000 liquid assets and a net worth of at least $500,000 for Dunkin’ Donuts to consider you.  I could go on but you get the idea… it costs money to start a business and these examples should make art licensing look dirt cheap!

Trade Shows – yup!  They cost money.  And they cost more than a few hundred dollars.  Exhibiting at a trade show is an investment in your business – you should be ready to exhibit before writing the check but if you feel that you are, you need to invest in yourself and see what happens and not email me complaining about the costs.  I have been writing my checks, I’ve been learning my lessons… just like everyone else.  It’s a process – some will succeed, others won’t.  It’s up to you to figure out if you can make it happen.

Software – again, yup!  Costs money.  Artists who are working in this industry have commercial software.  I don’t know of any that are making a living with Photoshop Elements – artists in business are using the Creative Suite version.  Or Illustrator – those are the two most common programs and I would say they are standards that manufacturers expect.

Website – you need to be online.  Thankfully this is a smaller dollar item – register a domain, use a blog, you can usually have an online presence for $100-200 per year and you can get creative there too.

Art Supplies – whatever you use to create you need to get somehow.  I don’t know of any Art Banks, like Food Banks, so you will need to spend money on your art supplies.

I think I’ve more than made my point.  This is a business and you need to treat it as such.  It is so discouraging to see and hear artists unwilling to invest in themselves and see if they can make it with their creativity.  Instead they complain and want everything to be free.  Sorry – it’s not.

A few other “truths” while I’m on a roll…

• It isn’t fast money.  Even if you get a deal shortly after you look into licensing, it takes time before you see the money come in.

• It is competitive.  There are a lot of artists trying to license their art.  More people know and are talking about, more artists are being displaced from other jobs and giving this a shot (I know of more than a handful who previously worked for manufacturers but are now on the artist side of the business)… you have to bring your A-Game as my dad likes to say.

• Not everyone will be successful.  Just because your friends like your art doesn’t mean it’s a fit for licensing.  (And, by the way, NEVER say that to an agent or manufacturer – it makes a less-than-flattering first impression)  Art for licensing is art for commercial purposes – will it help sell products and is it as good as or better than the rest of the choices the manufacturers have?  (Go back a point if you missed it – it is competitive.)

• Only you can decide if you want to take action.  You can talk about it for years.  You can get tons of opinions.   But in the end, until you show your art to someone who can license it and see what feedback you get, you just won’t know.  No one is going to do it for you.

• This is hard work.  and long work… and lonely work.  Most of us work alone in our homes.  The internet has made it a lot easier to connect with others and feel a sense of community but overall – you are on your own.  It’s up to you to motivate and get the work done…

Now, I’m going to go back to preparing for SURTEX…

A show for which I will be flying across the country, staying in a hotel in Manhattan, bringing products and art and my iPads for my booth which I am paying for.  I invest in this show every spring  because it is a key component in building my business.

If you are going too – see you soon!  If you are exhibiting – may you meet great companies that are a good fit for your art.  If you are taking classes – I’ll be teaching The Basics of Art Licensing – Part 2 with agent Alicia Dauber of Licensing Liaison on Sunday so maybe I’ll see you there.

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

Updating the book to be even better has been on my to-do list for some time.  I finally had the energy and inspiration to just “get ‘er done”!

The 2nd edition has some additional content, has been slightly reorganized and is in a more user-friendly format than ever before.  There are worksheets to get your organized and on your way.  As always – you can register and get the first chapter for free to see if art licensing seems like something you want to investigate at all.  (It isn’t quick money and it isn’t for everyone – this chapter will help you run for the hills if it really won’t be a fit for you or you will be intrigued enough to dig a little deeper.)

To celebrate the new edition, it is on sale for $57 through Tuesday May 15th.  You can get all the details at ArtLicensingInfo.com/get-started.html

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

The Ultimate Guide to Repeats and Other Textile Design Essentials is aimed at artists who have a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, this video-based class will offer you plenty of tips, structure and techniques to help you on your way!

In this class students will learn:

1. How to create square and half-drop repeats in Illustrator and Photoshop
2. How to evaluate artwork to decide if a square or halfdrop repeat is needed
3. How to prepare artwork for textile design production through color separations
4. How to label artwork for factory production, including a downloadable template

This self-study module will be video-based and upon payment, you’ll be directed to a page where you’ll be able to watch the complete collection of videos online, and it will also be available for download.

CONTENTS OF THE CLASS
Lesson #1: An Overview of Textile Production
Lesson #2: The Importance of a Repeat
Lesson #3: A step-by-step guide to Illustrator Repeats
Lesson #4: A step-by-step guide to Photoshop Repeats
Lesson #5: Color Separation
Lesson #6: Labeling Your Artwork for Factory Production

CLICK HERE* to read more and sign up.

The videos are 5-15 minutes in length.  I haven’t done this class since I do repeats in Photoshop (and have an eBook for those who like to read and learn).  However, even though I haven’t used it personally, her experience and professionalism led me to tell you about it as I know many artists prefer to learn from videos and to date, I haven’t had any resources for those of you wanting to do repeats in Illustrator.

For even more in-depth information, about developing your own surface design collection, you can enroll in Michelle’s class that starts on May 7th, The Sellable Sketch: Developing an Irresistible Surface Design Collection!