Decide to “move” in 2012
I saw this on Facebook last week and shared it on the Art Licensing Info page… within an hour it got 19 likes and a share. I decided it was worth putting on the blog so no one misses it!
Something to think about for 2012: …..”The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are. Analyze your life in terms of your environment. Are the things around you helping you towards success or are they holding you back? You are not planted in the ground like a tree… you can change. What part of your environment needs to change?” – Keith J. Cunningham
I’ll be doing so much moving in 2012 it is making my head spin… and as if I might forget everything that will be happening, my mom reminds me at least once a week. 
“Tara, you just have so much going on and coming up…” Really? I had forgotten! (Okay, I really hadn’t but you’d think I might with all the well-intentioned mentions.)
- I’ll be changing my physical environment – selling the house my son and I have been in since 2004 when I got divorced and moving into the house I’m remodeling with my oh-so-fabulous fiancé.
- Who I hang out with will change drastically as my son graduates from high school in June and heads we-don’t-know-where-yet for college. He’s been my sidekick for over 18 years – talk about a change!
- I’m getting married in August – hence the change in environment and it will be a change in day-to-day life.
These are all givens… but I’m going to give more thought to the ideas put forth by Mr Cunningham. (Not sure who he is, by the way) Have I optimized things to be happy, to lead me to the success that I want on all fronts – both business and personal?
Just because things are what they are doesn’t mean you can’t change them.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read that you are the sum of the 5 people you spend the most time with – and usually have similar wealth, health and attitude. So are you hanging out with whiners who just complain about the status quo or people who actively try to live life in a positive way and do things to get them closer to their dreams? What do you watch on tv, read or listen to on the radio? Is it uplifting and motivating or demoralizing and making you want to go back to bed because “what’s the point anyway?”
I’ll be taking some quiet time to think about these things and recommend you do too. We only have so many days on this earth so why not make them as happy and fulfilling as they can be?
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Sometimes Art Licensing Feels Like You Are the Mole in the Whack-A-Mole Game
Can I assume that at some point in your life you have played, or at least seen, someone play the “Whack-a-Mole” arcade game? You get a big mallet, the moles pop up at random and you do your best to keep them down.
This is a great analogy for your journey as an artist in art licensing. Sometimes when people start something new, their friends and family, with the intention of “protecting you”, will often play “Whack-a-Mole” with your dreams.
After more discussion, we decided that their intentions were probably not bad, people you are friends with, or related to, just worry when they see you trying something new. They don’t want you to fail. Get hurt. Lose money. Be embarrassed. Things like that. And their “constructive criticism” can sometimes be the most hurtful part of all.
As an artist you are putting yourself out there in a very personal way, and man can you feel like the poor little mole getting bopped on the head some days!
You show your work to a potential client, “No. Won’t work for us.” BAP!
Your friend decides to tell you why your latest creation isn’t as good as something they saw recently. WHACK!
You submit art, based on guidelines, only to be told later they changed the whole plan and now you are on the wrong track. SMACK!
I think you get the picture.
So how do you persevere, keep a smile on your little mole face and become that elusive mole worth the most points that no one can seem to hit?
1. Believe in yourself. Know that your art is your art and you are the best person to create it.
2. Don’t take things personally. Even if you get quite a few “no’s” with licensees (and if you are serious about licensing you will, I guarantee it!) remember that it doesn’t mean your art isn’t good, it just means that it isn’t right for the current project.
3. Keep creating. If you believe in yourself and your art, you will be successful. But you have to keep creating, learning and keeping a positive attitude. Little actions every day create big results over time.
So chin up fellow artist moles! While there will be days where you feel like the mallet just keeps hitting you on the head, if you believe in your art, your vision and yourself, you will be successful!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P. S. If you want to play a little “Whack-a-Mole” online, here is a fun site I found. It’s a great stress reliever on a bad day. GO PLAY!
Embrace the CAN-DO attitude of Laverne and Shirley!
Ah my youth! When there were 3 networks and 2 VHS channels. When you had to get up and turn the dial to see what else was on… man am I making myself feel old!
If you were like me, Tuesday night found you and your family sitting down to watch Happy Days at 8 followed by Laverne & Shirley at 9. I wonder if people asked their friends “Are you a Laverne or Shirley?” like they would poll their friends to see which character they most resembled from Sex in the City? I’ll have to ask my mom…
Anyway – my point today is that Laverne and Shirley had a CAN-DO attitude. Sure they worked in the bottle plant during the day and had creepy yet sweet neighbors in Lenny & Squiggy, but they always had a dream. They weren’t afraid to take chances and try new things… to “do it their way”.
So I invite you to jump in the time machine with me and snap your fingers to the opening song to this classic tv show. Really listen to the words and make them your own. Make all your dreams come true!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Artists – take to your sink for some daily affirmations!
Since it’s Friday, I thought a light, fun and inspirational post would be in order. Today I plan to get in touch with my inner child – you know, that person who thought every day was a new adventure and looked at the world through rose colored glasses. Not the one who downgraded each amazing thing with a “but _____ isn’t quite right”. (Come on, you know you have those thoughts sometimes too – this went great but that wasn’t quite what I wanted…)
Today, I say we get inspired by Jessica, take to our sinks and celebrate all that is fabulous with our lives!
If you care to video tape this effort to share with the group – that would be fantastic! Be sure to send me the link. 
Here’s to your happy life!
– Tara Reed
Philosophy of a Winner
Do you ever have those days where the thing you needed to hear, read or see most just appeared? I had one of those days recently when artist Nancy Webster sent me a poem, called Philosophy of a Winner, out of the blue. I admit to not always reading poems, captions under funny pictures that go around, etc. But on this day, with this subject line, I took a minute to see what Nancy had to share. I’m so glad I did because it made me smile and shake my head in complete agreement.
Your mental attitude towards anything you do in life plays a huge part in how things turn out. You can’t always control what happens but you can control how you react.
Say a manufacturer, or two, or ten, say “No thank you” to your art.
What do you do? Decide it’s hopeless, that you are a loser and throw yourself a huge pity party? Maybe.
Or perhaps you ask for feedback – is there anything I could do differently next time to make it more appealing. This is how you will learn to adapt what you are doing to make it more marketable in art licensing.
Maybe the art is great but it just wasn’t a fit. You confidently look for the company to give you a yes.
Any one person might choose to react in any of these ways or another all together. How you choose to act and react depends largely on your philosophy in life.
Now I’d like to share the poem with you – and see if it makes you pause a minute and think. Hopefully it will put a smile on your face as well…
Philosophy of a Winner
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t.
If you like to win, but you think you can’t
It is almost certain you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose you’ve lost.
For out in the world we find,
Success begins with a person’s will;
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself
Before you can win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the strongest woman or man,
But sooner or later, if you’re going to win,
You have to think you can.
—Adaptation of a poem by Waler D. Wintle
Thank you Nancy for the smiles in my inbox and letting me share it with the group. Our kindergarten teachers would be proud!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. You can learn more about Nancy at www.NancyWebster.com
Has anyone told you how awesome you are lately?
I was driving home from the store the other day and heard this song by Kate Perry – Firework. Certainly not the first time I’ve heard it but I heard it differently and decided I had to put it on the blog!
Just like artists, no two fireworks are the same. So embrace your originality, know how amazing you are and light up the sky with your creations.
You, my friends, are all fireworks!
I think every one of us has those moments of doubt that she talks about but in reality, when we are in our creative zone, we are artistic fireworks.
Here’s to your creative success – can’t wait to see you light up the sky!
– Tara Reed
Here are the lyrics -
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting throught the wind
Wanting to start again
Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in
Do you ever feel already buried deep
Six feet under scream
But no one seems to hear a thing
Do you know that there’s still a chance for you
Cause there’s a spark in you
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on show ‘em what you’re worth
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
Baby you’re a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
You’re gunna leave ‘em fallin’ down-own-own
You don’t have to feel like a waste of space
You’re original, cannot be replaced
If you only knew what the future holds
After a hurricane comes a rainbow
Maybe you’re reason why all the doors are closed
So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road
Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow
And when it’s time, you’ll know
You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July
Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on show ‘em what you’re worth
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
Baby you’re a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
You’re gonna leave ‘em all in awe-awe-awe”
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It’s always been inside of you, you, you
And now it’s time to let it through
Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on show ‘em what your worth
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
As you shoot across the sky-y-y
Baby you’re a firework
Come on slet your colors burst
Make ‘em go “Oh, oh, oh!”
You’re gonna leave ‘em all in awe-awe-awe
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
A bit of inspiration – be happy with what you are doing because you can never control the outcome
What are you doing today? I almost asked what you were doing right now but that would be reading this blog post so it wouldn’t be a good example.
So take a look at your “To Do” list for today and highlight all the activities on there that make you smile… the ones you look forward to. The ones you save as “rewards” – to be done and savored in between the not-so-much-fun tasks like cleaning the bathroom or paying the bills.
Do you have more things that make you happy or more things that make you cringe? Do you think you’ll “have time to be happy when you get that big royalty check or the deal of your dreams comes true” but for now you must just do the mundane?
Well, let me tell you a little secret: The key to being happy is to love the process.
So what’s your process – what makes your heart sing? My process is painting, writing, coaching, connecting… it makes me HAPPY!!!! My friend who has 5 kids can’t get enough of kid stuff. And don’t get me started about how my gardener can go on about roses or fishing – he’s so happy and enthused about both that there is no stopping him!
Here is a great video Adam Parsons sent my way and I just had to share it with you! You can just listen while you work and you will be inspired – I promise!
Here’s to your creative happiness!
– Tara Reed
Go ahead… GIVE UP!
… but ONLY for half a day!
On my April 2010 Ask Call, one of the questions was
“What was your biggest lesson learned when you were just getting started licensing your art?”
I gave it some thought – because the question wasn’t about advice I was given, but what I personally learned and absorbed. Interesting… and what I came up with really resonated with the artists on the line. The lesson I was inspired to share wasn’t about my business, but more of a life lesson that serves me in all areas.
“Never give up for more than half a day.”
At first glance, this might seem to fly in the face of convention and be counter to staying optimistic but stay with me for a minute. Don’t you have days where you just absolutely wonder why you bother? Days where despite your best intentions, things just seem to go wrong, things seem to be too hard and you just want to cry or throw things or drop your computer out of a 5 story building so you have a legitimate excuse to stop trying?
“Never give up!” just seems a bit too… definite. And when you find yourself in a place of complete frustration, it is very hard to swallow. NEVER is just a word to use sparingly.
I gave the artists on the call permission to give up on anything, if they thought it was necessary, for a half a day. In dire circumstances, give up for a whole day. But then get back to it.
I have found this strategy to work wonders. It’s the same as saying “Step away from the machine” when you know you are so flustered and frustrated with something your computer is doing, obviously in an effort to thwart your progress, that you will never get anywhere. (You know what I’m talking about, right?) A change of scenery is often what is needed – by stepping away and releasing the problem, you often find a solution while diverting your attention.
Maybe on your ‘half day off’ you go to the movies. Or to the gym. Or have lunch with a friend. Your brain gets distracted and calmed. You start to release the tension in your muscles and can see things in a different light. While this can apply to any situation, I think it is especially relevant to artists – without the proper frame of mind, it is hard to create our best work. Personally, I’m a terrible “tortured artist” – that’s when I do my worst work to the point it’s barely worth doing it at all!
When you need to, give yourself permission to let it go.
If whatever you were doing is really important to you, you’ll get back to it. And you’ll get back to it with news eyes, a new perspective and new energy.
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. To get a copy of the April 21st audio replay go to www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/audio-archives.html#TaraReedApr10
P.P.S. See the schedule of upcoming Art Licensing Info Ask Calls here: www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/audio-archives.html
Inspiration for a Friday…
My teachers and mentor, Alex Mandossian, turned me on to this video and I want to share it with you.
While I will be celebrating the 7th anniversary of my divorce this coming summer, it was not a “quick fix” but a hard and heart-felt decision. I think that is the only part of this video that hit an odd note for me – watch it and see what you think.
Here’s to being happy, thinking outside of yourself, priorities, doing what you love and making the world a better place.
– Tara Reed
Be sure to put "Smile Breaks" in your day…
Today I was working and emailed Craig something I had finished. (Craig is my boyfriend / significant other – whatever you are supposed to call that all-important person who you aren’t married to in your 40′s…) Anyway, I digress…
He replied that he of course liked what I had done (why be with someone who doesn’t like your art?) and sent me the following message:
“I think you need a break. Take 6 minutes and at least check this out. I think it will amuse you.”
Well it did and I wanted to share it with you as well. Taking breaks during your day to just sit back and smile, laugh or zone out is important! I hope this makes you smile as well!
I think the only 2 I haven’t danced to were the jig at 4 minutes 50 seconds and the “Shoulder to Shoulder” at the end… perhaps my age is showing!
Here’s to your creative success and miles of smiles along the way!
– Tara
Connect
Business Resources*
