This little artist went to market…
I always think about the kid’s poem – “This little piggy went to market… this little piggy stayed home…” whenever I head to the Gift Show in Atlanta. It’s called “AmericasMart” and when you are they, it is referred to as “the market” or “the mart”. Or… “Wow! This is overwhelming!”
Anyway – this little artist went to market and did a whirlwind day and a half of walking, looking, talking, meetings and collapsing rather exhausted each night. It was definitely busier than last year – but no one was sure if it was because of the economy or the weather. (Last year there was a snow/ice storm which pretty much paralyzes Georgia.)
The showrooms seemed overflowing with new products and people excited to see new designs. One thing I always do at the January show is check the fashion status – in years past there have been tons of people wearing lime green, another year had a large showing of turquoise and last year – animal prints. This year was all about knee-high boots with black tights and black or gray knit dresses or skirts – many on the short side. As I walked along in my signature black pants and good-for-my-feet-if-not-super-cute Dansko shoes, I felt very out of it. 
It was great to see so many artists that I only see at shows and catch up. Even better (no offense!) to meet with current and potential clients to discuss new art and new products.
One interesting but not unexpected comment from a manufacturer was in regards to computer skills -
It’s great that you have good computer skills. There are a lot of artists who don’t and they are being left behind. Even without thinking about the cost of hiring someone to manipulate art, I don’t have the time to hold their hand to get it right. I need to be able to share my ideas with the artist and have them get it set for me so we can make some great products.
This is one of the big shifts in recent years, in my opinion, in the art licensing industry. When I started in 2004, having computer skills was like icing on the cake. Now it’s becoming a required ingredient.
Art Licensing Trade Shows are Coming – are you ready?
Just like Paul Revere road through the suburbs of Boston shouting, “The British are coming! The British are coming!” – it’s the time of year I start shouting “The trade shows are coming! The trade shows are coming!” If you are exhibiting at one of the 4 art licensing trade shows, are you ready?
Here is the schedule of upcoming shows:
AmericasMart Gift & Home Furnishings Market – Atlanta – License & Design section each January 13 – 15, 2012
- This is the “biggie” for the gift industry and in 2008, they added a License & Design section to offer artists booth space and promotion during the show.
- NOTE: AmericasMart has changed their admittance policy and NO ARTISTS are allowed in under their own business… period. While I disagree with this black & white policy since artists are an integral part of the industry, that’s the way it seems to be. Even artists with their art on many, many products in the show have to beg a client to let them in. Total bummer, very unprofessional. (In this artist’s opinion.) However, that is how it is so don’t head to Atlanta and think you will get in unless you have arranged for a badge from a manufacturer.
- Show website: http://AmericasMart.com/markets/gift
Craft & Hobby Association – Anaheim, CA – January 29 – FEbruary 1, 2012
- The biggest Craft & Hobby show of the year, they too have a License & Design section for artists to exhibit.
- Show website: http://hobby.org/
SURTEX – New York City – May 20 – 22, 2012
- Trade show solely focused on artists and agencies in art licensing.
- Show website: www.SURTEX.com
Licensing Expo – Las Vegas – June 12 – 14, 2012
- This show covers all aspects of licensing – sports, movies, tv as well as art.
- Show website: www.LicensingExpo.com
Here are a few things to help you get the most out of your time and effort:
How to Maximize Your Time and Investment in Trade Shows – eBook by Tara Reed
& Trade Show Tactics Teleseminar - audio replay by Tara Reed
Buy the eBook, the audio or both to get ready to exhibit at an art licensing trade show. Practical tips to help you plan your booth, man your booth and follow-up like a pro – making the time and investment in the show pay off. Decrease your learning curve by implementing tips and tactics that are proven to succeed.
Confessions of a First Timer – Reflections, Musings, Tips and Tricks from a First-Time SURTEX Exhbitor* – eBook by Khristian Howell
Khristian’s 23 page eBook is real, inspiring, positive and organized. She talks about the roller coaster of emotion and her strategies to keep a “get it done” attitude. She even shares how she is going to get ready for next year! For anyone thinking about exhibiting at an art licensing trade show – this is a great place to start.
Show Stopper – Road Map to Rocking Your Trade Show*- system by Khristian Howell
This is not just an ebook! With the help of some AWESOME GUEST STARS, Khristian has literally created your guide to getting it all done. What I can tell you now, is this project is like no other. While Khristian is putting the final touches on things, hop on the mailing list to be THE FIRST to hear about the upcoming release, FREEBIES, and a few surprises (that you will only find out if you are on the list!) along the way. Show season will soon be upon us! Get ready to be a Showstopper!
Wishing everyone much success in the upcoming trade show season!
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you are exhibiting you might also be interested in the eBook Maria Brophy & I just released – How to Understand Art Licensing Contracts – that is the point, after all!
FAQ: What art licensing trade shows are there?
I’m regularly asked what trade shows exist for artists who license or want to license their work. That question is often followed up by, “Which one should I do” and “When do I know if I’m ready?”
I can’t tell an artist which show will be “the one” for them or when they are ready but I can give you some links and some generic advice. Then it’s up to you to decide. Sound fair?
Every person will have different results from trade shows based on your art, preparation, how you work the booth, how your art fits what people are looking for, etc. I will say that you need to have a body of work before investing in a trade show booth. Paul Brent recommends a minimum of 12-15 collections – groups of 4 or more coordinating images or collections of coordinating icons, borders and patterns. Or… some combination of the two. With less – you probably won’t get enough interest to justify the expense. More is always better… one constant in this business is manufacturers asking, “What do you have that’s new?”
The four art licensing trade shows
There are four yearly shows that are either entirely for licensing or have sections specifically for artists who license their art. Here they are, in the order they take place in a year. I’ve included a link to the websites, a general time frame and a brief description of the show.
AmericasMart Gift & Home Furnishings Market – Atlanta – License & Design section each January
- This is the “biggie” for the gift industry and in 2008, they added a License & Design section to offer artists booth space and promotion during the show.
- Show website: http://AmericasMart.com/markets/gift
Craft & Hobby Association – Anaheim, CA – end of January
- The biggest Craft & Hobby show of the year, they too have a License & Design section for artists to exhibit.
- Show website: http://hobby.org/
SURTEX – New York City – May
- Trade show solely focused on artists and agencies in art licensing.
- Show website: www.SURTEX.com
Licensing Expo – Las Vegas – June
- This show covers all aspects of licensing – sports, movies, tv as well as art.
- Show website: www.LicensingExpo.com
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Need help preparing? Do you need tools to help you get your booth, your game plan, your game face, every ready? Don’t forget we have lots of options – eBooks, audios, and more at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/shows.html Click on over and see what might help you put your best art-foot forward!
Paul Brent to offer Trade Show Preparation Coaching for a Special Price
… and for a limited time!
I was excited to get an email from Paul Brent this week with this special offer. During the October Ask Call, Paul focused on getting ready for art licensing trade shows – preparing your art, focusing your time and efforts and more. He’s offering to take it a step further with artists interested in personalized help – at a special rate for a limited time.
I’m calling it the Paul Brent Trade Show Special Coaching Offer!
HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
WHEN: for hour-long coaching sessions between now and Christmas (2010)
WHAT: Paul will review an artists portfolio, talk with them about what they have, what has been successful and help them create a strategy for their upcoming trade show. So whether you are signed up to exhibit in Altanta, at CHA, SURTEX or the Licensing Expo – Paul’s years of experience and keen eye can help you make it an even better show.
COST: $175/hour – normally, Paul charges $225 / hour for coaching but has decided he really wants to make this Trade Show preparation session affordable and has cut his rate. But only for this topic and only for this limited time!
Paul Brent knows trade shows. He’s been licensing his art for over 20 years and has been a part of SURTEX from the beginning of the show. He’s also been a regular exhibitor at the Licensing Expo. If you are serious about your time at the show, seriously consider this amazing offer.
SIGN ME UP!
Here’s to your trade show success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. For other great trade show prep resources – CLICK HERE
NOW is the time to start preparing for the 2011 art licensing trade shows…
Yes, the kids are just getting back in the groove at school and 2011 might seem far away. But this morning at breakfast my son reviewed the calendar and made it seem pretty quick to winter break… “3 full weeks, then a 4 day week, oh yeah! a 3 day week… etc.”
If you are planning to exhibit at any of the 2011 art licensing shows, there is no time like the present to begin planning your art, your booth, your strategies and more.
During the October 20, 2010 Art Licensing Info Monthly Ask Call, Paul Brent will be talking about how to plan your art collections for a trade show, as well as answering questions submitted by artists. To submit your question for consideration, about trade show prep or any other art licensing related topic, visit www.AskPaulBrent.com.
I just discovered this great video that SURTEX did during the 2010 show last May – it gives a great feel for what the show looks like as well as opinions from many exhibitors. (Including yours truly – although they spelled my name wrong, ooops!)
Here are dates and links for the 2011 shows (in date order) if you want to look at your options:
AmericasMart License & Design – January 14 – 16, 2011 – Atlanta, GA
CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) License & Design – January 29 – February 1, 2011 – Los Angeles, CA
SURTEX – May 15 -17, 2011 – New York, NY
Licensing Expo – June 14 – 16, 2011 – Las Vegas, NV
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Don’t forget! We have two great products to help you put your best show foot forward – “How to Maximize Your Time and Investment in Trade Shows” eBook or the “Trade Show Tactics” teleseminar – buy both and save. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DETAILS.
P.P.S. I also recommend Khristian Howell’s “Confessions of a First Timer” – her insightful eBook about her very first trade show experience. I got some great tips too! THIS IS MY AFFILIATE LINK.
The Atlanta Gift Show 2010 – This Artist's Perspective
What a wild start to this year’s Gift Show in at AmericasMart, or to those who frequent the three buildings regularly, “the Mart”. Snow and ice in Atlanta – that doesn’t happen often! In fact, the mere threat of snow on Thursday caused Delta to cancel about 90 flights for Thursday on Wednesday in anticipation… Restaurants were closing while the roads were still dry… again, anticipation.
"Fashion Forward" Flour Sack Towels - new from Kay Dee Designs © Tara Reed Designs Inc
The snow did begin to fall in the evening and iced over night. There was 29 car pile up near the airport. Georgia is simply not prepared for ice and snow.
But the show must go on and on it did. This year seemed to have a better energy than the same time last year. Many manufacturers were happy that they were having a better year than last and retailers on the very crowded elevators (always a good sign even if it’s a hassle) were looking for things that are “bright, quality and good price points”. (I heard that more than once.)
I did hear that both retailers and manufacturers sold out of Christmas items before Christmas – having ordered much more leanly last year so they didn’t get stuck with a lot of extras. Hopefully that means lines will be stocked deeper next year – meaning more royalties trickling back to the licensed artists.
Celebrity sightings
The January show wouldn’t be complete without lots of celebrity and designers coming out to draw attention to their product lines.
I met Meredith Baxter (remember her from Family Ties?) – she has a skin care line and was as nice as she seemed on TV.
During my signing with Thirstystone, where I was giving away “Walk on the Wild Side” coasters, I had the pleasure of meeting author Patricia Cornwell – who was surprised that I recognized her. (She looks just like her photo on the books and we had been talking about enjoying her Kay Scarpetta books at dinner the night before, so she was on my mind.) When I asked why she was at the show I learned that she not only has a gift store, but a turkey farm as well!
Marie Osmond was there but I didn’t see her and Mary Engelbreit had a ‘meet and greet’ for the launch of her Christmas ornament line with Katherine’s Creations. I didn’t get to meet her either, as I had to get 10 flights up to my signing with Thirstystone.
The artists in the License & Design area seemed pleased with the new contacts they were making, even if their room was freezing for the three days they were there!
Overall, I hope the positive outlook at the show translates into a slow and steady recovery at the retail level. I am optimistic, exhausted and ready to dig into follow-up. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it is a waste to go to or exhibit at a trade show if you don’t do your follow-up!
Here’s to a growing economy in 2010 that we may all increase our creative business bottom lines!
– Tara
"The Trade Shows are coming!" "The Trade Shows are coming!"
This time of year often feels a bit like the famous ride of Paul Revere through the streets and countryside “The Red Coats are coming!” But for me, it’s this ever growing louder voice of “The Trade Shows are coming!”
On the plane home from Las Vegas on Sunday, I started making my plans for some upcoming trade shows. I’m committed and signed up for SURTEX in May so I’m starting to make my art target wish list. (What new art I want to have to bring to the show.)
AmericasMart is in January. (Really EARLY in January – we’ll practically still have New Year’s champagne in our hands!) I’m not exhibiting but will be attending so I started a target wish list for that as well.
CHA is in the end of January – still deciding if I will be attending. It has a + / – list. Figuring out where to spend your $ is serious business!
And don’t forget Licensing Expo in June – June may seem far, far away but I have a sneaky suspicion it will sneak right up on us! It will be in Las Vegas again this year…
Through Twitter, I found a blog post by “The Trade Show Guy” that had some good advice we could all consider. It’s called, “23 Pre-Show Marketing Promotions, Tactics and Ideas” – CLICK HERE to see what he has to say.
Of course don’t forget I created an eBook and there is a teleseminar replay available about “How to Maximize Your Time and Investment in Trade Shows” – specifically talking about how to do art licensing trade shows – which are a little different than your average show. You can get one or both of the products - CLICK HERE for all the details.
Regardless of whether you walk or exhibit at a show or how you prepare, I wish you much success in the coming year! It will be here before we know it!
– Tara
Three Reasons Why I am NOT at the Gift Show in Atlanta…
… and why I’m rather sad about it right now.
Atlanta is home to the AmericasMart buildings – three towering, 14-20+ story buildings connected by tunnels, elevators and escalators in the heart of downtown. Twice a year they have the big “Gift Shows” where many manufacturers who license art are opening the doors to their showrooms and selling their (our!) wares.
The biggest show is in January and I have attended that show every year for the past 4 years… I think. Maybe 5, I’m beginning to lose track. I went in July once… it was SO HOT I thought I’d melt! Guess that’s why they call it “Hot-lanta” in the summer.
So here are 3 reasons I’m not there right now, as I type:
- I’m trying to be fiscally responsible. There are so many shows that an artist could attend or exhibit at to make connections that you’d have to make 6 figures to have 6 figures to ‘move about the country’. Since we are in business to make and keep some of our money, it is important to balance and analyze how any money is being spent. I have decided that going to the show once a year is fine. (Don’t forget – I live in Oregon so it is quite a trek for me. I’d make a different decision if the flight was 2 hours and $100…)
- I need to get some art done. I’ve been on the move a lot this year and spring is always busy – so again, if I go to every show, when do I get the art done?
- It’s just too darn hot in Atlanta in July. That’s a true reason why I don’t want to go… I just can’t stand the heat so I’ll stay out of the south in the summer if at all possible.
So why am I sad – you ask? Because even though there are valid fiscal reasons for me to be in my studio, I still hate to miss things! Artists have asked if I was coming, so I’m missing some fun. A few manufacturers asked if I would be there so I’m missing some face-to-face interaction. And look at this photo! I’m missing seeing a wall of my shoe art at the entrance to the Thirstystone showroom – how cool looking is that! I wish I had space in my studio to re-create it – it’s pretty sweet. And my studio is red so it would work perfectly… but alas, I don’t have that much open wall space so I’ll enjoy this photo for now.
If you are at the show – I hope you are making great connections, ‘visiting’ your licensed art and having some fun as well! Perhaps I’ll see you in the many maze-like halls in January…
Here’s to our creative (and fiscally responsible) success!
– Tara
A $4 trade show "must have" that will last for years
When you go to or exhibit at a trade show, you usually get a badge in one of those flimsy plastic holders with the skinny elastic string. Sometimes an exhibitor or two will be giving away nicer holders but then you are walking around looking like a big ad. (Smart on their part of course!)
I am a big fan of spending $3.99 at most office supply stores and buying a basic black ID Neck Pouch. Here are four reasons why:
- The strap is more comfortable.
- There is a zipper pouch on the back so you can safely hold some cash, a credit card or your hotel key.
- Many have a loop for you to hook your pen.
- In my opinion, it5 just looks more professional.
I have two holders and they have been serving me well for 6 years now. If I did my calculations right, I’ve used one of them at 18 shows and the other at 7 (the spare is used by my sister who helps me when I exhibit, that’s why it is used less often.) I’m down to about 32¢ per show for they holders and I don’t expect them to wear out anytime soon.
So invest $4, keep your stuff safe and look better. Just my opinion of course!
– Tara Reed
P.S. This was one of many tips covered in the “Trade Show Tactics Teleseminar” for artists exhibiting at art licensing trade shows. Even if you missed the live event, you can still get in on the learning – the recording is now available. So if you are exhibiting or bringing someone new to help in your booth – CLICK HERE to learn more.
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