Have you submitted your question for the Ask Paul & Lana Jane Brent Call?
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 Brent and Lana Jane Lewis-Brent: Partners in Art Licensing
When Paul and Lana Jane met they had no idea that one day they would be partners in an art licensing business. Paul was a talented artist and Lana Jane was already the Senior Vice-President of her family’s supermarket and convenience store business. Paul worked for architecture firms and later started his own home design business. Lana Jane became President and CEO of her retail food industry business listed on the American Stock Exchange when her father passed away.
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.16th 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!
5 traits for success in art licensing…
During the September 2011 Ask Call with Jeff Grinspan, one of the questions was:
“What are five traits that make some artists seem to have greater potential for success in art licensing?”
Here are Jeff’s five -
- flexibility
- humility
- productivity / archives of art
- patience
- 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
Buying Art meets Social Media on MyArtMatch.com
I ran across an interesting new site the other day – MyArtMatch.com. This is how they describe the site:
MyArtMatch is an innovative new art matching and art exploration service that makes it easy to discover art; compare tastes;collect and share favorites; and purchase gallery artwork at discounted prices.
It’s a pretty interesting twist to an online art print retailer. You can go and take a “quiz” of sorts – selecting the art you like from a group of images.
© Paul Brent
In fact, Paul Brent posted on Facebook yesterday, that he was rated #52 in the top 200 most popular artists! Other artsts on the list included #1 Claude Monet, #4 Vincent Van Gogh, #13 Leonardo Da Vinci, #24 Walt Disney, #45 Michelangelo, #53 John James Audoubon, #78 Rembrandt, #161 Jasper Johns. On the list of living artists I was #18. His #1 print was Green Cityscape.
You “sign up” so you can share your favorites with others. They have a blog. It’s brand new – the site just launched on September 29, 2011.
It’s an interesting concept and I for one am curious to see how it evolves. Will they sell more prints in the long-run because they are connecting with consumers in a new and unique way? Time will tell… and if Paul learns more about how it’s working for him on the print sales side, hopefully he’ll tell too!
At this point, it doesn’t look like individual artists can submit work to be included on the site – I imagine they are working with traditional print publishers for their art selection. If you see that change, please let me know so I can “share it with the group”.
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Another great Art Licensing Ask Call – were you on the line with Jeff Grinspan?
We had another great call last night – this time with new expert Jeff Grinspan. He’s been on the manufacturing side of licensing, is now a consultant for artists and manufacturers (find him at www.Artmoid.com) and many of you may know him as the friendly moderator of classes at SURTEX. An artist on Facebook said it was “the best call ever” – see if you agree.
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
Ask Calls in case you are going through withdrawl
There is no official ask call this month – the next will be on July 20, 2011 with me. Head to www.AskTaraReed.com to submit your questions.
If you are worried that you will go through withdrawl without us, check out some of the free replays of past calls.
Here are the links to free replays with artists… have you heard them all?
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We’ll be live again next month – talk to you then!
– Tara Reed
Licensing Expo is a wrap!
Well the 2 big spring shows are officially a wrap! SURTEX last month and the Licensing Expo last week. The first thing I can tell you is it was HOT in Las Vegas – I was playing tourist on Tuesday – the first day it hit 100 degrees. Too hot for this artist but I survived. 
Wednesday morning I was a part of the Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing panel, moderated by Paul Brent. Kate McRostie and Jay Burch – CEO of the Laurel Burch art line – also participated. It was really interesting to get a variety of perspectives on the topic of branding and the feedback was that artists in attendance learned a lot.
If you couldn’t be with us, don’t forget that Paul did a teleseminar by the same name is available as a replay and transcript. Learn all about it at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/branding.html.
I had about 2 hours to walk the show – which obviously meant I only saw a fraction of it! There were 73 exhibitors in the Art & Design section. The word on the floor was that attendance was up and people were making good connections – which is fabulous! Two cab drivers told me they heard 20,000 people were expected for the show but that seemed really high to me – will be interesting to see what the final numbers were.
I walked the show 2 years ago and was pleasantly surprised by the change in booth design from the tv and film people. They were definitely more elaborate this year which to mean – is a sign that things are turning around. We have to assume that we are part of the turn.
I had an interesting talk with a friend who was telling me to “check your ROI on each show before you sign up for the next one”. (ROI being Return On Investment) I said these shows build on each other and it’s hard to make a decision on one year’s show before the next. Just last week I closed a nice deal with someone I met at SURTEX in 2010. This is a relationship business and it sounds like some good ones were started at the Licensing Expo.
If you exhibited, we’d love to hear your thoughts. If you blog about it – please let me know and I’ll share the link.
Wishing you much success!
– Tara Reed
Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing
Today I am in Las Vegas at the Licensing Expo. I’ll be on a panel of four artists, led by Paul Brent. The class is called, Branding For Success in Art Licensing. Paul Brent, Kate McRostie, Jay Burch and myself will be speaking on the subject.
If you don’t happen to be in the audience, you can still learn about branding for success in art licensing from Paul Brent.
Paul did a teleseminar which is available as an audio replay, transcript and action guide. We even rounded up some great branding freebies as an added bonus. You can learn all about it at www.artlicensinginfo.com/branding.html
Artist Elizabeth Glz, a recent purchaser of the teleseminar had this to say…
After attending SURTEX, I began a planned “retreat” away from my home, my everyday ceramic work and home households to take the time to analyze my career as artist. The perfect time to hear Paul Brent Teleseminar on Branding!!!. I have no words to describe all I learned.
I have been planning this branding issue for a long time and I have some steps taken, already. I am a ceramist since 1996 and I believe I have a well known and recognizable style even in my new mixed media work but I was not sure at all about that.
Now I know I have to focus on what I am going to present for licensing and how I will use this branding knowledge to make this licensing dream happen. I will be working on all the steps Paul Brent talked about. I started today with the tag line. I have a few of them in my profile, but now is what I can understand what is this about!
I can tell you, I am Enjoying this Ride….I use this tag line a lot in my blog and in my collage paintings but it is the time to analyze it in terms of my licensing career I want to star NOW. Well I did some licensing 8 year ago but the payment was just “pennies” although the company sold millions. Now is the time to make this happen, with better deals. Your books are helping me a lot….all of them. Thanks for all your hard work and your creativity to show us the right path!!
– Elizabeth
http://elizabethglz.com
Maybe it will help you too…
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
Were you on the Ask Paul Brent call last night?
Once again, Paul Brent came through with great insights and advice in a friendly, open and candid manor. This is the third year he has done the call the week after SURTEX and he prepared a great show recap.
We had 180 artists listening live and many chatting on Twitter and Facebook during the call. Some feedback we received:
“On a scale of one to ten I think tonight’s phone session with Paul Brent would easily rate eleven. It was so realistically but positively informative.”
“Am SO glad I listened to the call. Many, many thanks.”
“Paul Brent is always so generous with his info!”
“Thanks Tara! Great call and insight. Walked Surtex for the first time, truly an eye opener. Lots of good info in the call.”
Here is what we covered:
- SURTEX 2011 Recap
- What was your biggest surprise at SURTEX?
- Do mfgs have trends they look for or do they expect artists to know the trends?
- How do you find the latest trends and know what will sell?
- How much art do I need to get started?
- What advice do you have about goals and accountability?
- Can you license the same thing to different mfgs and if you do, do you tell them?
- What do I need to have if a mfg is interested in my art at a trade show?
- How can we show our work if we can’t afford to exhibit at a show?
- How has the economy affected art licensing and your business in particular?
The audio replay is available for $20 thru June 8th and will also include a written SURTEX show recap.
We appreciate your support in purchasing the replays – this is how I can cover the costs of doing the calls and compensate experts who have come back time and time again. They like Starbucks $ too!
The other big announcement on the call was that after a lot of deliberation, I’ve decided to change the calls to every other month.
I’ve been doing them every month for 2 1/2 years and I’m once again at a point of “something has to give”. I so love doing them and will continue, but I also need to find more time to work on my own art for licensing so I have information of value to offer. Life is a constant balancing act and I think this will help keep me balanced and still deliver the great insights and inspiration that you have all come to expect from these calls. Thank you for your understanding and support!
I’ll talk to you on the next call – Wednesday, July 20, 2011 with me. Head to www.AskTaraReed.com at anytime to start submitting your questions.
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. There were some questions on Facebook about “selling vs licensing” during the Ask Paul Brent call – here’s a blog post on the topic
P.P.S. Don’t forget the FAQ page! Lots of the basics questions we get are on the FAQ page of this blog with links to posts on the topics. So scroll up and hit the FAQ page – you’ll be happy you did!
Ask Paul Brent – the SURTEX recap and art licensing questions call is tomorrow night
I hope you join us!
I just got a sneak peek of what Paul will be talking about and as usual, he won’t disappoint. Paul has an eye for spotting trends and noticing what is going on in a visually stimulating room like the SURTEX show.
In addition to his recap, we have a great group of questions lined up for him as well. As always, it is free to listen live and if you can’t make it or want to add the audio to your iPod, the mp3 replay will be for sale after I edit it. (Usually Thursday morning.)
If you have ever signed up for a call, you should get or have gotten an email with the dial-in details. If this is all new to you, go get signed up at www.AskPaulBrent.com
We hope you can join us tomorrow night!
– Tara Reed
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