A trade show must-have that will only cost you $4
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 8 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 20¢ 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. If you are feeling crafty you can change out the black nylon strap for something that fits your personality – I’ve seen fun beads, pearls and more – have fun with it!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Exhibiting at an upcoming trade show? SURTEX and the Licensing Expo are right around the corner… Be sure to check out the resources to help you maximize your time and investment at www.ArtLicensingInfo.com/shows.html
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!
Tomorrow is the last day for the Ask Call Replay at $20
Don’t miss out! I know it’s summer and we are distracted by beach balls, barbeques and soaking up some rays… but don’t forget that tomorrow – July 30th - is the last day to get the Ask Call replay for $20.
Another great Ask Call is done and dusted! I had a great time pondering the fabulous questions submitted by artists (maybe you?) with Maria Brophy last night. Maria even tried to do a little match-making… you had to be there or listen to the replay… 
If you missed the call, here is what we covered:
- What was the one thing that would have held you back from your first artwork submission if you would have let it?
- Where do I start?
- What are the costs of running an art licensing business?
- Is it forbidden to use scrapbooking paper in artwork you plan to license?
- I’m putting together my first portfolio. What exactly should it look like?
- How do you know what categories or themes you should be working on.
- What is your best advice to get out of a funk and get inspired?
- How do I adjust a territorial agreement if I go into licensing?
- Who comes up with the contract to sign – artist or manufacturer?
The audio replay is available for $20 through July 30th and will then go to the standard $30 (a great deal at either price!) Selling the audios helps me offset the hours involved in the systems and preparation for these calls – Maria also donated her time and will receive half of the proceeds. (Just in case you were wondering…) Anyway – we really love doing this and appreciate your support in buying the replays – it helps keep us all in business!
The next call will be on Wednesday, September 20, 2011 with a brand new expert – Jeff Grinspan.
If you’ve attended a class at SURTEX in the past few years you will recognize him as the moderator – but he’s oh-so-much-more. Head to the new call hub – www.AskAboutArtLicensing.com – click the link and learn more about Jeff and submit your question when it comes to you. Without your input for content, these calls wouldn’t be the valuable resources they are so don’t assume everyone else will do it – give us your most burning art licensing questions!
Here’s to your creative success!
– Tara Reed
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!
Art Licensing Story: Brady Lovell of Fat Tabby Studio
Brady Lovell – artist and creative mind behind the newly created Fat Tabby Studio agreed to share his art licensing story at SURTEX in May 2011. (I twisted his arm a little telling him how under-represented his gender was in the videos… )
On his website, www.FatTabbyStudio.com, he describes his company like this: Founded in 2011 – Fat Tabby Studio™ is an art licensing studio creating colorful, clean and playful illustrations for all of life’s occasions. From holidays to nature, creatures and critters – our collections of creative patterns and designs are sure to delight and inspire.
Here is what he had to say live and in person…
Thank you so much for sharing and giving in to a little artistic peer pressure Brady!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Anyone who submits a video will receive a $20 coupon good towards eBooks, teleseminars (live or replays) or Ask Call Replays from ArtLicensingInfo.com as a way of saying “Thank you for sharing!”
When can I expect to see your story?
For all the details or to see all the stories submitted to date, click the “Stories” tab at the top of the blog or go to http://artlicensingblog.com/stories/
Art Licensing Story: Sara Taylor
As I was wandering through SURTEX in May, video camera in hand and a few artists on my radar for filming, I turned the corner and saw Sara Taylor smiling at me. I introduced myself, told her what I was doing and asked if she was game. After a momentary look of “Is this woman for real?” she agreed. 
So without further ado, here is another art licensing story from one of the 47 British artists represented at SURTEX.
You can learn more about Sara and her art at www.SaraTaylor.co.uk
Thanks again for sharing your story!
– Tara Reed
P.S. Anyone who submits a video will receive a $20 coupon good towards eBooks, teleseminars (live or replays) or Ask Call Replays from ArtLicensingInfo.com as a way of saying “Thank you for sharing!”
When can I expect to see your story?
For all the details or to see all the stories submitted to date, click the “Stories” tab at the top of the blog or go to http://artlicensingblog.com/stories/
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!
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