4 Things to Do to Make 2012 Your Best Year Yet…
2011 is coming to an end… this time of year always makes me feel like I’m at a crossroads and I begin to take stock of things. I look back at the past year and make a list of all the things that have gone well and that I’m grateful for – both in my business and in my life.
Then I look forward and I think about what I want for the coming year – what things do I want to keep from 2011 and what things could be changed and improved? And if I want changes – what do I need to do to make them happen?
Here are four tips for making 2012 your best art business year yet…
ONE – Don’t do things the way you always have just because.
Look at how you do things and decide if they are working at an optimal level. Is there anything you can improve upon? For example, what did you do last year to let manufacturers know about your art – or to let agents know you were looking for representation if you’d rather not do your own marketing? Were you happy with the results or would you like to make them even better? What can you try differently? Make a list of ideas and then track the results on any new ideas. Trial and error is often the best way to determine what will work best for you and your business.
TWO – Look for ways to reduce your expenses.
Hopefully you act as a business and keep track of all of the expenses you incur for your art business, separate from your personal expenses. Take a look at how you spent your money in 2011 and then decide if it was worth it or if the expenses could be changed in any way. I changed from using Paychex for my payroll processing to Intuit Payroll. While I spend a little more time each month on accounting and submitting the information each month (maybe 45 minutes a month) – I’ve saved about $900. Well worth it! Where can you trim your expenses by changing the way you do things? Are you spending money on things you don’t need to anymore?
THREE – Maintain the relationships you have built.
While it is easy to always go after new business to build your business, often the best business is with your current clients. They know you, you know them, hopefully you have a good track record together. Spend as much time – if not more – fostering the relationships you have as you do trying to build new ones.
FOUR – Don’t forget what makes you unique.
What makes you and your art special in the very competitive field of art licensing? Don’t try to be a “me too” artist if you see something that seems to be working for others. Instead, always search for a way that you can bring something unique to the table – that is where you will truly find success.
Every business, like the economy, goes through ups and downs.
It is important to stay positive, stay focused and never assume that what seems to be working is the best way to get something done. By regularly looking at your business you just might find ways to make things work faster and better!
Wishing you much success!
– Tara Reed
When it comes to your art business, be like Super Mario!
I’ve been going down memory lane lately… my 25th high school reunion will be this November and I’m in charge of our reunion Facebook page. Each Friday I come up with some topic to chime in on relating to high school – from food to fashion to … video games. While telling my son how PacMan was all the rage in the early 80′s – and not the kind on your tv, the kind you had to head to the arcade or pizza shop to play, we got onto a discussion of video games.
He loved Super Mario when he was little and my brain started thinking about this little man in the funny hat that happily moved forward through all kinds of trials and tribulations. Jumping on mushrooms to earn points, battling monsters and kissing princesses… through it all, he was a man of action, ever pushing forward towards his goal.
So I ask you – do you resemble Super Mario when it comes to working on your art business or are you a dreamer but not a doer?
It takes a lot of work to be successful in any kind of business – you have to do something every day, you have to stay the course, overcome obstacles and keep your eye on the prize! So today, I say, Let’s all be like Mario!
Here’s to your creative success! What actions will you take today to move you closer to your dreams?
– Tara Reed
P.S. Need help staying organized, setting goals and moving forward? Don’t forget about The Goal Wheel for Artists – it’s helped me and many other creative minded people with goal setting – maybe it will help you too. Check it out at www.TheGoalWheelForArtists.com. Save $10 if you use coupon code MARIOGOALS by September 21st.
In this artist’s opinion, copying IS theft
After the post last week about “inspiration” and copyright infringement, a YouTube video called “Copying is not Theft” was brought to my attention.
The video contends that “copying just means there is more to go around, one for you and one for me”. I respectfully DISAGREE!
The comments are equally as upsetting – here are a few:
Copying physical products I think is the only time there is something wrong with it, because it’s stealing profit from the inventor. It’s deliberate misleading of customers who actually pay for physical objects. However copying something in the software world is positive for companies. Why? because if you made a copy of it, I say 99% of you were never going buy it anyways. Never Ever. So the only thing that was gained, was popularity of the company, attracting people who will pay for it.
I disagree. People stealing software doesn’t attract new customers. There is a definite break in logic to help justify this person’s actions.
This person agrees with me and replied to the above comment:
Are you saying that anyone who writes code is essentially a slave to the world, and deserves no compensation for what they make? What you’re talking about is just a way to confuse appropriation and inspiration with excuses for piracy.
This person just confuses the heck out of me and I question the education system in whatever country they live in…
you cant steal code, only copy it – that’s what the video is trying to say
Part of the reason there is so much innovation in the United States is because we DO have intellectual property law.
Why would you want to spend your time and energy creating software, systems or ART if it was considered perfectly fine for people to copy it? Just because it doesn’t fit in a box doesn’t mean it has no value. I make a living with my art and the pixels created with it (all of our art is digital before it lands on a product that fits in a box) – and I’D APPRECIATE IT if my hard work and effort wasn’t demeaned and devalued.
One lesson I’ve re-learned from this is that many people think that just because they see something on YouTube that it’s true. Anyone can post anything on YouTube. Or on a blog. Or anywhere.
The link to this video was actually tweeted by an artist. An artist interested in art licensing. This really leaves me scratching my head because it goes against the whole concept of licensing. Our contracts often include that we register our work with the Library of Congress and that we will enforce the protection or at least assist if the manufacturer wants to go after an infringer. If you really believe that copying is ok, I’m thinking this isn’t the business for you.
SO… I leave it to you to weigh in. What do you think?
– Tara Reed
The Ask Drew Brophy (& Maria too!) Call is tonight… will you be on the line?
Tonight night I will have the pleasure of talking with both Drew and Maria Brophy about their art licensing business and their advice to others about following their dreams, staying positive and succeeding in art licensing. They will be answering the questions submitted by artists like you tonight.
If you’ve signed up for a call before, you should have received the dial-in details by email yesterday.
If you’ve never participated, head over to www.AskDrewBrophy.com and sign up. Since we have already organized the questions, you can just put “no question” in the box then fill in your name and email and you will get the dial-in details.
The call is at 5:30 pm Pacific / 8:30 pm Eastern and will last for an hour. It’s free to listen live – the replay will also be free since this is their first call – we’ll email you when it’s ready!
We look forward to chatting with you tonight!
– Tara, Drew & Maria
P.S. Don’t forget! Let’s get social on Twitter (use #ask when tweeting so we can find you!) and Facebook during the call. CLICK HERE to download all the details.
P.P.S. Want to see Drew’s story again? Here it is!
Don’t bet the farm…
… and other great business advice. 
My sister got me a subscription to SUCCESS Magazine and I’ve been listening to the CD’s that come in each issue lately as I paint or drive around town. The other day there was an interesting section about risk taking that I thought I’d share.
Everyone has probably heard about the relationship between risk and reward – the hope being that the bigger rewards come from bigger risk taking. But in the audio, they pointed out that your risk taking needs to be calculated, not on a whim.
Take calculated risks in your business for maximum success.
Where you are in your life will affect the kinds of risk that make sense for you. If you have nothing to lose, it is safer to take larger risks. So the average college student is more likely to bet the house on an idea than the breadwinner with a family of five. Only YOU can assess what you need to live, protect your assets and your business and what risks make sense for you.
What kinds of risks are there in art licensing?
The risk of failure. If you are new to licensing, know that it isn’t a quick way to make money and there is no guarantee that licensing will work for you. Like most industries, there are a lot of people already in licensing and there are always new artists giving it a shot. If you have bills to pay, don’t quit your day job because this sounds cool. It is cool, but it’s cooler when you figure out if it will work for you and the royalties start coming in.
Investing in your business. There are many ways you can invest in your art business. From computers to software to scanners. Travel, trade shows and marketing materials. Don’t invest the farm unless losing the farm won’t leave you and your software in your car. In the scheme of things, it’s a lot less expensive to license your art than manufacturer cars, but there is still some risk there.
Time management. How you choose to spend your time is always a risk. Do you paint or do you make marketing calls? Do I blog or do I sketch? Time is money and you need to decide how to spend yours to maximize your return on your time. The key however is to take action. Sitting and thinking won’t get you very far. The successful artists in this business work hard and smart.
While we’d all love to believe licensing our art can turn out as well as Field of Dreams… it isn’t always the case. So be smart about what you are doing and do what you love.
So… that’s my thought for the day. Now back to painting…
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
the smARTist telesummit early bird discount will be released soon – are you on the interest list?
I don’t know the exact date but a little birdie told me to remind you to get your name on the list – it’s no obligation but can save you $ if you decide the smARTist telesummit – the only artist professional development conference of it’s kind – is for you!
The discount will last only 6 days once it’s released – and the telesummit is only open to the first 500 artists to register. So watch your email! Click here to get on the list: www.smARTist.com/tara *
Here are some details about the event – to be held in January 2011:
After you register you get a private website Inside The smARTist Telesummit. This is where the action happens. It’s where everyone who comes to the conference gets to:
- Upload a juicy profile with 2 images of work, a photo of the artist and a summary of the most recent success story – and we have a public version you can link back to your website or blog to let people know just how serious about your career you are!
- Complete a unique “Vision Questionnaire,” which helps you focus conscious attention on both your art and your art career
- Have access to a calendar for all 7 days, with instant recordings if you have to miss any of the 13 sessions, all the handouts that I require each speaker to prepare, and the written transcriptions of each presentation
- Read full bios of all the speakers, leading authorities in each of their respective fields with amazing backgrounds you have to read to believe!
- Take part in the “Stay-on-Track Program,” with workbooks that prepare you to immediately identify which piece of new information fits the area of your art career that needs it the most
- A FAQ page that keeps all the info you need the most in one place
- The Alumni Lounge – for returning smARTist participants with a number of special goodies just for this very committed group of artists
- A “Hot List of Books” area where all the books that a speaker mentions in their presentation, including books the speakers have authored, are immediately available to you (no wondering…”now, what did he mention?”)
- And The Best: The smARTist Forum, where artists hang out and answer each other’s questions, get to ask me questions one-on-one (something only my private clients usually get), share resources, horror stories, ask for help, YaHOO each other’s successes. This place never fails to amaze me each year with its generosity of spirit – truly worth the price of admission all by itself.
I’m honored to be the art licensing expert in the telesummit this year. Will you join me and the many other experts that will open your eyes to many ways to diversify your art business?
Click here to get on the list: www.smARTist.com/tara *
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you want to download and listen to the hour long audio replay with Ariane – the founder of the smARTist Telesummit, CLICK HERE.
Do you get Art Licensing Audio Mail?
Do you like to learn in small bites? One concept a week – to really think about it, review it, and absorb it? That’s what the Art Licensing Mindset Series is designed to do.
I’ve received a few emails recently saying how much artists are appreciating the weekly reminders – many save the audios and listen to them again. So I thought I’d take a minute and remind you that this resource is out there if you are interested!
The Art Licensing Mindset Series is a 24 week program, delivered to your inbox every 7 days.
Using a snow globe analogy for your comfort zone, week 1 will have you look at 22 skills and mindsets that will help you succeed in licensing. Each topic is then covered, 1 / week for the next 22 weeks.
Each week you will get ideas and information, as well as suggested “to do”s to help you start using the concept discussed.
At the end of the 24 weeks, hopefully your comfort zone has expanded and you are more comfortable and confident with everything from creating art to talking contracts, dealing with deadlines and lots more in between.
As well as 3 – 5 minute audios you can listen to while you create, PDF transcripts are available for each skill so you can go back and refer to them time and again.
For only $1 a week, how can you resist? ($24 total)
Want to get more details before you decide? Head to www.ArtLicensingMindset.com
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
What do you want to know about the smARTist Telesummit? We’ll talk about it November 10, 2010
I’m excited to announce that Ariane Goodwin, the creative mind behind the smARTist Telesummit, has agreed to do a call with me to answer questions artists might have about the telesummit, before you make any kind of commitment. On November 10, 2010, we will be talking about the telesummit and answering questions submitted by artists like you. It will be a one-hour call like the Ask Calls, but the timing is slightly different – 4 pm Pacific / 6 pm Central / 7 pm Eastern. 7 days of Art Career Experts sharing their wisdom on all things art business related!
smARTist Telesummit 2011
Bridging the Gap Between Making Art and Making a Living
Structure + Sustainability = Success
January 13/14 & 17-21
So I ask you… what do you want to know about the smARTist Telesummit?
If you want to get on the “Interest List” right away so you are sure to learn about the early-bird registration, CLICK HERE*
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
* FTC disclosure: I will earn a commission if you click this link, get on the list, and ultimately join us at the telesummit. This is how I am compensated for my contribution so thank you for your clicks!
Why you need both binoculars and a microscope to succeed in art licensing
In order to succeed in any business, art licensing being no exception, you need to look at both the big and small picture. It is important to understand what is going on and coming up in the industry at large as well as keeping an eye on the day-to-day operations of your business.
Binoculars let you see farther than you can with your eyes alone. This would be the perspective you are looking for when you are trying to spot trends or forecast your royalty potential for the coming year, for example. This is the work of strategic thinking and planning for your business.
If you notice a new color trend emerging in clothing or furniture, then decide that you will use it in your next art collection – you have your binoculars on. You also have your binoculars on when you register to attend or exhibit at trade shows or make other forward thinking plans.
But no business can thrive with only binoculars. “Watch the big things and the little things will take care of themselves” doesn’t really apply.
So now let’s consider a microscope. The microscope allows scientists to see minute details that aren’t visible with the naked eye. Looking at your business through a microscope is akin to watching the details. Creating your daily or weekly ‘to do’ list, watching cash flow, responding to emails, things like that. If a company or an artist only looks at their business through a microscope, they will miss changes in the market that could negatively affect their business. They might miss key trends on the horizon and not add them to the mix.
The key to a successful business is to use both binoculars and a microscope.
If you are the only person in your business, you need to learn to use both. Or perhaps you have several team members who take different roles. A book keeper works with a microscope with the finance guy, who forecasts and looks at money in a more long-term way, has binoculars firmly in hand. Balancing the long and short term needs of your business will help you stay in business.
– Tara Reed
P.S. If you want help in creating the long-term and short-term balance in your business, consider The Goal Wheel for Artists™. You will learn strategies for balancing the three main areas you need to focus on to build a successful, creative business. Head to www.TheGoalWheelForArtists.com for more information.
Connect
Business Resources*
