Working out my “NO” muscle & red flags to watch out for in contracts
I’ve been practicing saying “NO” recently so I can say “YES” to what I am focused on and so I don’t over-extend myself and stress myself out.
Writing a recent email with the “no” was uncomfortable, but better than all the work, etc if I had said “yes”.
Much of the NO was based on a bad contract… words like “irrevocable” and “unconditional” are huge red flags. You never know what direction you or another company might go moving forward and if you suddenly become very unaligned for one reason or another, there is no way to re-negotiate or change things when the contract has that sort of language.
Another piece of the contract issue was the “what happens in case of breach”… I had no rights or recourse, they would be “entitled to whatever injunctive or equitable relief they deemed appropriate” – what does THAT mean? It could mean anything really!
So what do you do in this sort of situation? Do you walk away, discuss, negotiate, stomp your feet at the inequality of it all?
Any of the above really – you can be presented with any kind of contract someone wants to create – it is up to YOU to decide if it is in your best interests to sign it.
In this case, I chose to walk away. The potential up-side for me for going through with the deal wasn’t big and my schedule is tight in the next few months. I have a vacation coming up (YEAH!) and SURTEX is less than 100 days away. My YES’s need to be aligned with me keeping sane and getting ready for my biggest trade show of the year. Reduce distractions.
If the deal had been for something that could have had good long-term benefits in the way of income, exposure and more – a conversation about the contract would have been merited. I thought about it, made a decision, waited 24 hours to make sure I still liked my decision, then sent the email. Done. No more energy distracting me from my focus…
I know I’ve talked about saying NO to things so you can say YES to others before but thought this was a very real and concrete example of it in action!
Think before you say YES. Be deliberate in how you spend your time and energy and you will be amazed at how much more you will accomplish and how much happier and lighter you will feel!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Here are two books that I recommend related to this conversation:
The Power of a Positive No by William Ury [affiliate link] |
 How to Understand Art Licensing ContractsBy Maria Brophy & Tara Reed |
drum roll please… announcing the new Art Licensing Academy!
Do you want to walk into a store and see YOUR ART on products?
Do you want to make money doing what you love?
If so, I have a new program that can help!
The Art Licensing Academy begins on Tuesday, March 25, 2014.
In this 4 week group coaching program, you will gain knowledge, support, solid business skills and create a plan to move your business forward.
While each artist’s path to earning an income in art licensing will be as unique as their art, there are disciplines and business strategies that can be taught to help shorten your learning curve. The academy meets twice a week for four weeks and covers a variety of creative and business skills you need to succeed in art licensing.
Learn more and save your spot at www.ArtLicensingAcademy.com
Here’s a video I did about WHY you need more than great art to succeed in art licensing to give you a feel for where I’m coming from.
I hope you decide to join me for the first ever Art Licensing Academy – it will take you places you never dreamt you could get in just four weeks!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Our next Art Licensing Info Ask Call will focus on LEGAL questions…
Now that we’ve come down from the after-glow of the Ask Ronnie Walter call, it’s time to look ahead to our next guest. Attorney Kyle-Beth Hilfer will be joining us again to answer your legal questions on Wednesday, March 19, 2014. (Mark your calendar!)
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?
Do you have questions about contracts? What to do if you see someone using your art online? How to respond if you are accused of copying someone else? Trademarks? Copyrights?
Please enter your questions as soon as you think of them – either here or at www.AskAboutArtLicensing.com. Getting some in a few weeks in advance lets us get a feel for how much begging and pleading will need to happen later… have to put it in my schedule if need be! 
Actually I think 2014 is going to be the year of no begging – you all did a great job giving us content for Ronnie so I see no reason for that to change!
If you can’t make it live, the audio replay will be available for sale for $20 for a limited time after the call and then go to the normal replay price of $30. We appreciate your support in buying the replays that are for sale – it helps give experts who return more than once some “Starbucks money” for their time and also helps offset some of the costs of putting these calls on. :)
Here’s to your creative – and legally protected – success!
– Tara Reed
Usage considerations when having professional photos taken
Since I’m pretty sure everyone is picking out outfits and researching photographers in their area to get new photos done, I thought I’d bring up on point to consider when making your choice.
Ask the photographer about usage rights.
Just like we own the copyrights to our art, photographers own the copyrights to photos – even if your smiling face is in it and you paid them to take it. I have met different photographers who all have different theories about usage and fees so you want to know them up front.
In my opinion, if you are getting photos taken for business, you need to have some serious flexibility. I need to be able to use them on my website, on social media, marketing materials, for magazine articles that need headshots and more. I also wanted to be allowed to print one and give it to my dad without paying extra. 
Ask around. Some photographers will include the right to do all those things in their price. Others might want a higher fee than if you are getting photos done and buying prints from them. Some might want a copyright notice on every usage, others might just appreciate being tagged if you show off your new pics on Facebook… Remember that they get to make the rules for their business and you get to decide who you want to do business with!
It is in your best interest (and good karma) to respect the copyright usage boundaries you agree to. We make a living in art licensing by expecting others to respect our copyrights and pay us for usage so we should do the same.
Here’s to your creative success – can’t wait to see your new headshots!
– Tara Reed
Stand… think about direction and wonder why you haven’t before…
The other day I was driving and on the “Oldies” station I heard a song I hadn’t heard or thought about for a long time… STAND by REM from 1988. (WHEN did 1988 become “oldies”? That discussion is for another time…)
Anyway, I cranked it up and started rocking out in my Art Bug. This song has such memories attached to it – college, the Dance Marathon (I didn’t dance but rubbed people’s feet to keep them going – AND we did a fun dance to this song to keep everyone energized.)
As I was enjoying my flashback I started listening to the lyrics and thinking about the song from a whole new perspective… and of course I had to share it with you!
STAND in the place where you are… this song is basically reminding us to be present, take stock of where we are in our life, our job, our relationships… to dream, to wish, to be…
I picked this video because the pictures they put with the music made me smile and some made me laugh out loud. I think the elephant in the very beginning is my favorite – what is yours?
So crank it up, dance a little and then take a moment to reflect. Maybe grab a journal and write what comes to mind. Where are you NOW? What do you love? What would you change? What do you wish for your future?
Now take those wishes and attach actions to them… what can you do today, this week, this month, to move you closer than you are today?
So a little bit of fun and some introspection for your Friday!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Why you should get professional photographs taken…
The short answer: because you are a professional and need to present yourself as such.
But if you are at all like me, it isn’t quite that simple. :)
I have been using the same headshot since February of 2011. I’m sure you know the one – black top, leaning on my elbow and holding my paintbrushes under my chin. It was a great representation of what I do at a glance (no one was going to think I was an accountant) and I liked the picture. I was lucky that that one turned out as well as it did considering it was taken by my then 17 year old son.
A few months ago I was asked to give some opinions for the SURTEX On the Surface eNewsletter with a gentle nudge to “please give us a new photo”. It could be in my studio, whatever… they were just tired of my favorite headshot.
I didn’t have a lot of time and I REALLY didn’t want to invest in professional photos (more on that in a minute) so I had a friend who has a pretty good eye come over one day and we did some new pics. My studio doesn’t have the best light and is a weird shape so getting good “at work” photos didn’t really happen. Did a few shots and then we decided to do something fun outside. To pull the “northwest” feel I played around behind a cedar tree in my backyard – with my paintbrushes – and we captured an expression I was happy with. That was used in the eNewsletter and a magazine.
Lots of people said how great the photos were on Facebook and I was just happy they were done. Let’s just say I haven’t been feeling like the best version of myself lately… the stress of juggling work, life, my dad’s illness, etc. caused me to gain a bit of weight. Well… to be honest, THAT didn’t, it was the fact that I dealt with all of that by eating that did it.
Lee Harris, the charming photographer husband of artist Karen Harris, sent me a kind email saying that he agreed that I looked good but that the photos themselves were not where he thought they should be for me or my business. I admitted that I didn’t want to invest money having photographs taken of me in my current shape and here is his response…
“As a friend and photographer (amateur SHRINK) I’m telling you that YOU ARE worth the investment. I shoot models and model portfolios and none of them think they ever look as good, are as slim, etc as the could be. Women from 9 to 99 are taught that they are too short or tall or could lose a few pounds – if I had to wait on every women to get to where she feels 100% about herself I would be out of business. You would be surprised at the number of women who I have photographed who have cried when they say the finished images. A professional is worth the investment if you simply are not felling as good about yourself as you should (because you are AWESOME) and can brighten you day with quality images. BUT for you as a creative and a BRAND you MUST have quality professional images done. A good photographer can control a little extra weight with poses and lighting and post editing.
You design beautiful things – your brand is about style and your personal style should come through in any photos that are represented of you anywhere. You don’t post designs that did not quite make the cut? It’s not going to cost a ton of money for some professional photos. But it is well worth the investment and YOU MY FRIEND are well worth the investment.
Did you forget how big I am?? don’t make me come out there ;o)”
I will admit tears were shed during this whole exchange. And he is big… he used to play basketball so at the time I was really glad he lives in Ohio!
This reminder that we need to embrace who we are in the moment and put our best image forward – especially when it is for our business, was the catalyst for me getting professional headshots taken.
I will also admit that there was a lot of internal stress and worry and self-judgement that almost caused me to cancel my appointment on more than one occasion. But I went and the photos turned out great! Lee is right – a good photographer can find a great angle to bring out your personality and make you feel good about yourself. (And, added bonus, no red-eye!) They also do a little photoshop to make it even better.
I am so glad I fought my fear and did it anyway. I really debated sharing this whole story but decided that I would because maybe it would help others change their perspective about investing in who they are and having the best version of themselves online.
Thank you Lee Harris! (If you live in Akron, Ohio and need headshots – check him out. You can find him on Facebook www.facebook.com/DrewImagery)
Thank you as well to Colleen Cahill Studios in Troutdale, Oregon (close to Portland and Vancouver, WA) – if you are in my area, I highly recommend her – great to work with! You can find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/ColleenCahillStudios
So I encourage you to rethink your feelings about pictures and make sure your image represents the professional that you are!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
New US Mileage Reimbursement Rates for 2014
Want to know how much you can write off for using your car for business? Here’s the latest rate from the IRS…
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2014, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
- 56 cents per mile for business miles driven
- 23.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
- 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
(source: http://www.irs.gov/2014-Standard-Mileage-Rates-for-Business,-Medical-and-Moving-Announced)
Remember to keep a log of where you went, for what purpose and the mileage in case (*gasp*) you are ever audited!
Here’s to your creative success and business write-offs!
– Tara Reed
New art licensing trade magazine digital editions available…
If you listened to the Ask Call with Ronnie Walter last week, you might remember her mention keeping up with the industry and doing your research. One great way to see what is going on and learn is by reading the industry trade magazines. These are also great publications to consider if you want to advertise and get your name and art out there as they both have rates that are very reasonable for artists.
Thanks to the internet and digital publications, they are available online so you can see them 24/7 from anywhere in the world!
Here are links to two art licensing trade magazines that have recently been published:
Total Art Licensing – Winter 2014
Art Buyer – Spring 2014 (I have an article about the importance of relationships on p 24)
Enjoy!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Thriving Artist Summit free replays end this Friday, 1/31/14!
Tick-tock! Tick-tock! If you haven’t registered for and listened to the amazing interviews with artists of all kinds, your time is running out! You have through this Friday – January 31, 2014 to join in the learn.
Bonnie Glendinning is the Founder of Artmuse.com and The Thriving Artist Summit. She is on a mission to help artists be successful and thrive, not, just survive. Bonnie has brought together 20+ highly successful artists, experts, and mentors to share their key insights for real success.
You will probably not be surprised to know that I shared about art licensing…
>> Don’t miss out on this great opportunity (I told you it’s FREE, right?) Click here to register <<
The interviews cover the following topics and more:
- Make Your Creative Biz a Real Success
- Build Your Brand for Your Ideal Buyers
- Price for Real Profit and Growth
- Increase Your Sales with Marketing, PR, and Social Media
- Diversify into Licensing, Wholesale, and Direct-to-Consumer
- Get Into Galleries, Shows, and Raise Project Funds
So if you haven’t done it yet, what are you waiting for? Go. Now. >>Click here to register
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Catch Your Breath – don’t let anyone hold you back
I thought I’d add a little inspiration to this Friday. I heard this song by Kelly Clarkson while driving the other day and it really hit me – this song NEEDS TO BE ON MY PLAYLIST! It really talks about how you spend your time, priorities and believing in yourself… and who couldn’t use that?
This is your life – what are you going to do with it?
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Here are the lyrics if you want to read them:
Kelly Clarkson – Catch My Breath Lyrics
I don’t want to be left behind
Distance was a friend of mine
Catching breath in a web of lies
I’ve spent most of my life
Riding waves, playing acrobat
Shadow boxing the other half
Learning how to react
I’ve spent most of my time
Catching my breath
Letting it go
Turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know
This is my life I won’t be told what’s supposed to be right
Catch my breath
No one can hold me back
I ain’t got time for that
Catch my breath
Won’t let em get me down!
It’s all so simple now
Addicted to the love I’ve found
Heavy heart now a weightless cloud
Making time for the ones that count
I’ll spend the rest of my time
Laughing hard with the windows down
Leaving footprints all over town
Keeping faith karma comes around
I won’t spend the rest of my life
Catching my breath
Letting it go
Turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know
This is my life I won’t be told what’s supposed to be right
Catch my breath
No one can hold me back
I ain’t got time for that
Catch my breath
Won’t let em get me down
It’s all so simple now
You help me see the beauty in everything
Catching my breath
Letting it go
Turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know
This is my life I won’t be told what’s supposed to be right
Catching my breath
Letting it go
Turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know
This is my life I won’t be told what’s supposed to be right
Catch my breath
No one can hold me back
I ain’t got time for that
Catch my breath
Won’t let em get me down
It’s all so simple now
It’s all so simple now
Catching my breath
Letting it go
Turning my cheek for the sake of the show
Now that you know
This is my life I won’t be told what’s supposed to be right
Catch my breath
No one can hold me back
I ain’t got time for that
Catch my breath
Won’t let em get me down
It’s all so simple now
It’s all so simple now
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