Learn more from Kyle-Beth Hilfer at SURTEX!

She will be teaching “Understanding Legal Basics-Contracts and Copyrights” as part of the SURTEX conference series on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2pm.  If you are exhibiting you get 2 free conference passes – maybe this should be one of them.   Learn more about the classes at http://www.surtex.com/TheShow/2012ConferenceProgram/tabid/103/Default.aspx

What’s Up Next…

Maria Brophy and I (Tara Reed) will be co-hosting the next Art Licensing Info Ask Call on Wednesday, March 21, 2012.  You can submit your questions at any time at www.AskTaraReed.com

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

P.S.  If you are new to these calls did you know there are more than a dozen replays you can get for free?  Go to http://askaboutartlicensing.com/get-free-call-replays/ and see all the experts who have shared their art licensing wisdom.

We sure hope so!

So… if you have signed up for an Ask Call before, you should receive or have received an email reminding you of all the dial-in details. If not, head to www.AskAboutArtLicensing.com to get signed up and get the numbers.  We start promptly at 5:30 pm Pacific / 7:30 pm Central / 8:30 pm Eastern.

We hope you can join us tomorrow!  If you can’t, the audio replay will be available for free since this is Kyle-Beth’s first call – watch your email or the blog to see when it is ready.

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

Here are two broad topics we thought would be relevant and interesting.

Social Media – any questions about best practices, what to do if someone is using your art or info without permission, what is considered “fair use”, etc?

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How about contracts?  What do you want to know about art licensing contracts – any terms have you confused, things you want to know about including or if it’s safe to exclude?

Of course if you have questions about copyright law, registration procedures, trademarks, etc.  send those our way too!

When you have a great topic for the next legal Art Licensing Info Ask Call – head to www.AskAboutArtLicensing.com and send it our way!

Here’s to your creative – and legally protected – success!

– Tara Reed

P.S. Don’t forget we have a new book with LOTS of info about contracts, check out How to Understand Art Licensing Contracts

Here is what we covered on the call:

• We got to know more about how Paul Brent and his wife and business partner, Lana Jane, came to work together and how they work together effectively.
• What happens after you and your wife agree to disagree?
• Which came first – the highly successful artist or the staff? To build a lucrative business, how and when do you go beyond doing everything yourself?
• What signs let you know it was the right time to pay for hired help?
• If we don’t have a spouse to help us with our business, where can we go to find a reliable staff person?
• My biggest question is really how to get started.  How do I find those clients and start getting the work?
• Where do you see the future of art licensing shows such as Surtex and Licensing Show? Do you feel that the costs justify the results in the last year or two?
• What is Paul’s process for creating a collection (from deciding on a theme, gathering reference materials and creating art with final production on mind?
• As far as branding is concerned, is it better to use your own name as your logo/business name e.g. Kit Newlin Designs, or a name that describes your design style?
• What top 3 marketing tactics have been the most successful for you?
• Have you ever had a licensing deal go sour?  What are some red flags to watch for before entering into an agreement?
• When would it be wise to ask for a flat fee rather than an advance on a royalty.
• How do you adjust to losing a business partner?

ORDER YOUR MP3 REPLAY NOW…

Mark your calendar – The next Art Licensing Ask Call will be on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 with new expert Attorney Kyle-Beth Hilfer.

Kyle-Beth Hilfer has over twenty years’ experience as an intellectual property attorney, advising companies and artists on how to transform their ideas into legally protectable copyrights and trademarks. Ms. Hilfer assists in the development, use, maintenance, licensing and protection of copyrights and trademarks, and she offers strategies for exploiting intellectual property in a global marketplace.  Ms. Hilfer  is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School.

Ms. Hilfer is skilled at negotiating clearly drafted and effective art licensing agreements. In addition, she represents artists  looking to establish a social media presence and manufacturers and retailers who wish to promote licensed art via social media.

As an arbitrator on the Intellectual Property panel for the American Arbitration Association, Ms. Hilfer is well versed in presiding over intellectual property disputes. She harnesses this expertise for her transactional clients and proactively anticipates potential business issues in developing intellectual property to help avoid litigation down the road.

Ms. Hilfer will be conducting a conference seminar at SURTEX, contributed to the new eBook – How to Understand Art Licensing Contracts – and is listed on the Attorneys page of this blog.

When you are ready with your legal questions, head to AskAboutArtLicensing.com and click the link for her call.  Bookmark the page so you stay up to date on the upcoming call schedule.

* NOTE * There were some issues with Paul’s voice being a bit faint and hard to hear – whenever there are multiple people on these calls the volume tends to be an issue for at least one person.  I leveled the volumes on the replay so you can hear him much better!

Here is what we covered on the call:

• We got to know more about how Paul Brent and his wife and business partner, Lana Jane, came to work together and how they work together effectively.
• What happens after you and your wife agree to disagree?
• Which came first – the highly successful artist or the staff? To build a lucrative business, how and when do you go beyond doing everything yourself?
• What signs let you know it was the right time to pay for hired help?
• If we don’t have a spouse to help us with our business, where can we go to find a reliable staff person?
• My biggest question is really how to get started.  How do I find those clients and start getting the work?
• Where do you see the future of art licensing shows such as Surtex and Licensing Show? Do you feel that the costs justify the results in the last year or two?
• What is Paul’s process for creating a collection (from deciding on a theme, gathering reference materials and creating art with final production on mind?
• As far as branding is concerned, is it better to use your own name as your logo/business name e.g. Kit Newlin Designs, or a name that describes your design style?
• What top 3 marketing tactics have been the most successful for you?
• Have you ever had a licensing deal go sour?  What are some red flags to watch for before entering into an agreement?
• When would it be wise to ask for a flat fee rather than an advance on a royalty.
• How do you adjust to losing a business partner?

The Audio Replay is now available for purchase.  Today through 11/30, the hour long mp3 is priced at a mere $20 – compare that to the price of any live class at a trade show and you will realize what a steal it is!  ORDER YOUR MP3 REPLAY NOW…

During the call Paul mentioned the Branding Teleseminar he did that is available as an audio replay.  Learn all about it at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/branding.html

Thank you for your participation, feedback and purchase of these invaluable calls.  All of them help to entice experts to return for multiple calls and new experts to agree to participate.

Mark your calendar – The next Art Licensing Ask Call will be on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 with new expert Attorney Kyle-Beth Hilfer.

Kyle-Beth Hilfer has over twenty years’ experience as an intellectual property attorney, advising companies and artists on how to transform their ideas into legally protectable copyrights and trademarks. Ms. Hilfer assists in the development, use, maintenance, licensing and protection of copyrights and trademarks, and she offers strategies for exploiting intellectual property in a global marketplace.  Ms. Hilfer  is a graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School.

Ms. Hilfer is skilled at negotiating clearly drafted and effective art licensing agreements. In addition, she represents artists  looking to establish a social media presence and manufacturers and retailers who wish to promote licensed art via social media.

As an arbitrator on the Intellectual Property panel for the American Arbitration Association, Ms. Hilfer is well versed in presiding over intellectual property disputes. She harnesses this expertise for her transactional clients and proactively anticipates potential business issues in developing intellectual property to help avoid litigation down the road.

Ms. Hilfer will be conducting a conference seminar at SURTEX, contributed to the new eBook – How to Understand Art Licensing Contracts – and is listed on the Attorneys page of this blog.

When you are ready with your legal questions, head to AskAboutArtLicensing.com and click the link for her call.  Bookmark the page so you stay up to date on the upcoming call schedule.

Will you be joining us?

So… if you have signed up for an Ask Call before, you should receive or have received an email reminding you of all the dial-in details. If not, head to www.AskPaulBrent.com to get signed up and get the numbers.  We start promptly at 5:30 pm Pacific / 7:30 pm Central / 8:30 pm Eastern.

We hope you can join us tomorrow!  If you can’t, the audio replay will be available for purchase – watch your email or the blog to see when it is ready.

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

The next Art Licensing Ask Call is Wednesday, November 16th with Paul Brent and his wife and business partner Lana Jane.  If you want your question to be considered, we need it by Thursday, November 10th.

The Brent’s will talk about the business side of art licensing – how to move from doing everything yourself to working with a spouse, relative or team.  In addition, they will answer questions submitted by artists like you.  So what do you want to know?

If we have your question already – thank you!

If we don’t, what are you waiting for?

Head to www.AskPaulBrent.com now and let us know what puzzles you.

As always, the calls are free if you listen live.  Audio replays will be available for sale after the event.  We hope you can join us!

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

Paul began showing and selling his original paintings and then began publishing prints of his work.  Lana Jane gave him advice on business decisions such as how to hire employees, and how to set up a small business.   Paul’s business in print publishing took off and he began licensing his work in 1988.

Lana Jane was recognized as one of the top women in business by Working Woman Magazine and joined the Committee of 200, an organization made up of the top women executives in America. Paul began licensing his work to home décor manufacturers including Springs and Seabrook Wallcovering.  Along the way the two collaborated with Paul designing annual reports for Lana Jane, and designing exteriors, interiors and signage for her stores.  During this time they also had two sons that they equally helped raise.

When Lana Jane had the opportunity to sell her stores (350) in 1992, it was a natural for her to join Paul in the publishing and art licensing business.  He wisely suggested that she become President of the firm and he then became Vice President.

While working together on many business issues they separated tasks according to each partner’s ability.  Paul created the art work and was the idea creator for collections and new directions.  Lana Jane took responsibility for financial matters, as well as directing all business concerns in their gallery, publishing and art licensing business. Lana Jane handles all business matters and legal issues. When the print publishing business began to change, that part of the business was licensed to a print and poster publisher, Gango Editions, and the two focused on their gallery and art licensing business.  Prints were now just another license to create art for, along with canvas reproductions and other forms of wall décor.

Their business has been rated one of the top 100 licenses by License Magazine and they have agreements with over 90 manufacturers who produce products in home décor, stationery, apparel and gift categories.  Paul specializes in coastal subjects and paints in watercolor, oil, and pen and ink.  The Brents’ business, Paul Brent Designer, Inc., has sold over one million prints and Paul has created over 100 coordinated wallpaper designs.

Today Paul and Lana Jane continue to run their business together and have a gathered a lot of insight into what makes a good marital and business relationship.  Additionally they have known couples who share business responsibilities and have talked with them and shared common issues like: when does the business end and the marriage begin, who is responsible for what in the business and marriage,  how do you negotiate when you have differing opinions?

While many artists in art licensing share duties in their business with a spouse, many of these issues are the same with business partners that are not married. These and other topics will be discussed in the upcoming tele-seminar hosted by Tara Reed on Wednesday Nov.16^th at 5:30 pm Pacific / 7:30 pm Central / 8:30 pm Eastern.

Go to www.AskPaulBrent.com and submit your questions for the Brents today!

“What are five traits that make some artists seem to have greater potential for success in art licensing?”

Here are Jeff’s five -

1. flexibility
2. humility
3. productivity / archives of art
4. patience
5. vision

As artists creating for commercial use – we need to be flexible and willing to adapt our art to the needs of the manufacturer.  You can’t consider your art ‘complete’ when you think it’s fabulous – 9 times out of 10 some changes will be requested to make it fabulous for a specific product.

Humility comes in here too because no one wants to work with an artist who thinks they know more than the manufacturer and who regularly digs their heels in saying, “It’s MY ART, this is how it is meant to be.”  These people won’t be very successful in licensing.

Art licensing is a numbers game – people always want to see what’s new.  If you can turn yourself into an art creating machine – this might be a great career choice!

Ever heard the expression “hurry up and wait”?  Well – I think whoever made it up was an artist in licensing.  You might need to get things done quickly – then not hear feedback for days, weeks, or months.  It’s just the nature of the business – make yourself a pretty patience hat because you will wear it often.

Finally – vision.  By this Jeff was referring to an artist’s ability to see how their art can go on product, the value it can add to the manufacturers line, etc.  It’s important not to create in a vacuum but to stay on top of trends – colors, themes, etc. – that might impact product development and eventually sales.

Great advice from a veteran in the industry.

If you missed the call – the 60 minute replay is available for free at http://artlicensinginfo.com/audio-archives.html#AskJeffGrinspan-Sept2011

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

P.S.  The next call is Wednesday, November 16, 2011: Paul Brent AND his wife and business partner Lana Jane
This will be a special call because not only will we have Paul Brent, but his wife and busines partner. We want to talk about the business side of licensing – how to move from doing everything yourself to working with a spouse, sibling or staff. So when you have your question in mind, head to www.AskPaulBrent.com

If you missed the call – you are in luck because this replay is available for free!

Here is what we covered:

• What is the biggest amateur mistake that you see artists make in licensing?
• What is one basic thing a newbie needs to do or know to get started with art licensing to simplify the process?
• What are five traits that make some artists seem to have greater potential for success?
• What is the most important thing for an artist just entering art licensing to keep in mind?
• What are the most critical mistakes an artist can make when submitting to and working with a manufacturer?
• How do I figure out who manufactures table-top and bedding products for Target?
• Due to the state of the current economy, do you find that manufacturers are simply looking for the already ”tried & true, or do they want to see something entirely different? Will they risk starting a new trend?
• Once the initial contact is made with a manufacturer after a trade show and there are no burning projects on the horizon with a desired licensing partner, what do you recommend for communication strategies to stay in touch.
• There have been many changes in the industry including an increase in turnover of art directors. Can you suggest a method of maintaining a relationship with a company when an art director leaves?
• What is the difference between an art licensing consultant and an art licensing coach?

So even if you were on the line, fill out the information below to get your free replay! (This is if you have never signed up for a call and didn’t get the email with the direct link of course.)

I hope you enjoyed the call as much as I did – and thank you again Jeff for sharing your wisdom with the group!

Here’s to your creative success!

– Tara Reed

P.S.  The next call is Wednesday, November 16, 2011: Paul Brent AND his wife and business partner Lana Jane
This will be a special call because not only will we have Paul Brent, but his wife and busines partner. We want to talk about the business side of licensing – how to move from doing everything yourself to working with a spouse, sibling or staff. So when you have your question in mind, head to www.AskPaulBrent.com