tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post4605366973338793180..comments2023-11-05T07:37:23.521-05:00Comments on wellerwishes: The Realities of an Art Licensing NewbieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07308789456184277063noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-4678568620514992662010-10-19T20:48:26.651-04:002010-10-19T20:48:26.651-04:00Kathy, as I have told you many times, if this were...Kathy, as I have told you many times, if this were easy, everyone would do it. Don't get mired down by the few bumps in the road...stick to your goals and focus on that and only that...no matter what. Don't get discouraged or think too much about it. While your post is nice, I would suggest that you spend the time working on new artwork instead of the time to write about this, so when the moment comes for you, and it will, you are ready to move ahead with all the work you have done. Reading and writing about it is fine, but doing it is better. Keep your eye on the prize! Actions speak louder than words!! You know that!<br /><br />best,<br />carolcarol eldridgehttp://www.caroleldridgedesigns.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-85824585889889080842010-10-16T00:21:03.345-04:002010-10-16T00:21:03.345-04:00Ellen, The "cog" of licensing-great desc...Ellen, The "cog" of licensing-great description. It sometimes feels like such an oxymoron because the industry is so built on trends, what's HOT HOT HOT, but then, manufacturers like to get in on the trends (and then all you see is pink and brown bird silhouette designs for two years, for example)... But the truth is just what you said - being ORIGINAL, and staying true to our own unique voices as artists, is of utmost importance!! <br /><br />Rebecca, Thanks!! I'm not giving up no way no how! :) I'm just learning how to take a little 'time out' to reflect and refocus. I can only speak for myself but it's something I need to do sometimes, or I'll go nutty!<br /><br />Sue, what you said really hits home for me on several counts. That even YOU feel like a newbie sometimes (you are a licensor I truly admire) that makes me feel not so alone. Half the time, when I'm getting started to work, I think, "WHAT am I doing? Oh YES. THIS is what I'm doing today..". All of A.L. work is so self-motivated in a way that even freelance illustration and design can't touch. It can be confusing. There is no user guide when it comes to work flow and truly interfacing with clients as a licensor. The AL biz is so unique from other types of art biz in terms of 'rules' & expectations. It's kind of like you're on a raft in terms or that compared to other commercial art businesses. Thanks for chiming in with your experience. It means a lot. I'll read it again and again..<br /><br />LBR-Thanks for your honesty!! I appreciate it. People who think it would be easy to turn a quick buk are not only sadly mistaken but they are woefully delusional. I'm glad I really have not run into any of them (well, maybe I did once or twice, way back when I first started going to AL trade shows) but people who feel that way - think it's all easy cake- they will fold like a house of cards the second waters get a little choppy. You know? I mean, good luck. It takes time, effort, guts and passion, tenacity and who-knows-what-else to stick it out as an artist in general not to MENTION in art licensing. It is a great challenge (with great reward)! <br /><br />Karyn, Thanks for chiming in! Keep up the work on your AL career and please don't be discouraged by the economy, of ALL things! ;) I honestly don't even think about the economy in terms of how it relates to my work personally in AL. If I had already had made major inroads in AL, and my royalty checks were drying up, it would be a much different situation. But I don't make a living from AL right now. In other ways, the economy is not going to really affect what themes I choose to develop for collections, and it's not going to keep me from as many trade shows as I can attend per year. Since I know it takes a good 1 - 2 years to turn a profit in this industry anyway, I am in sort of a suspended reality when it comes to the income I will see. <br />I really think of this economy as a "new" reality— not a "down market" that we are waiting to spring-back from—and I just work from that perspective. Sort of how a realtor will say, "don't look at the value of the house from 5 years ago or ten years ago. This is what the value is TODAY, and today is what matters." :)<br /><br />Suzanne, thanks for reading and I appreciate the kind words!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07308789456184277063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-43564036732864138212010-10-16T00:20:49.150-04:002010-10-16T00:20:49.150-04:00I just want to tell you all how touched I am that ...I just want to tell you all how touched I am that you would post such thoughtful and personal responses. Thanks. Reminds me that conversations like this are why I blog! This community rocks.<br /><br />Lianne and Paul,you're in MA? Me too! Your stuff is so cute!! I can totally see AL all over your work. Hello? You need to get in the game! You could develop product around your work, you already have product so it would be an extension. Back to business-I'm glad you are following along here and thank you so much for the comment! (Tweet me if you want to chat more AL.)<br /><br />Jannie, thanks so much for your comment. I also appreciate the nice compliment. It feels good to be finally blogging again and be sharing my experiences about this stuff. I'm glad you are following my journey- the good the bad and the ugly LOL!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07308789456184277063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-90197172201949367502010-10-14T19:35:44.253-04:002010-10-14T19:35:44.253-04:00Yikes I have written a small novel. I think i have...Yikes I have written a small novel. I think i have gotten carried away. <br /><br />This was an excellent post, thank you for sharing what your experience has been. I am not a newbie at all but on most days I certainly feel like one. Just when I think I know what kind of art to create, and who to pitch it to, I find I am way off the mark. I would also like to say whoever said that you only have one chance to make an impression might be choosing to put limitations on their own opportunities in the future. Obviously first impressions are very important and you always want to put your best foot forward but the first time around you just might send the wrong art on the wrong day (timing is much of this) . Showing art for a living is extremely subjective and everyone will see it differently and often we have no idea what the companies needs are and they do not always know either (until they see it).<br /><br /> I have heard countless stories of artists who have been extremely successful with companies they were rejected by in the past. There is definitely no one way to do this. You will not find an exact formula in any kind of an e-book, the only path to making this happen is by experimenting and trying new things, when something doesn't work you try something else and definitely even if you are rejected that does not mean you should never send your new artwork to those same companies. <br /><br />As for agents they are clearly NOT all the same, just like people it is wrong to judge them as one in the same. It is wise for artists to do plenty of homework nice people are not always fair in business and sometimes it can be hard to get the reality of the situation because once again everyones reality is so different. <br /><br /> I am sure as you continue on your path you will find more of the right partners and learn more about what's going to work for you. And keep in mind just as soon as you think you've got it all figured out you will face new challenges...it is just the nature of this industry. Your artwork is very special with lots of personality and I think you will have plenty of success!! You keep on rocking!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-77999579075519837682010-10-14T18:48:36.245-04:002010-10-14T18:48:36.245-04:00Great writing! I dunno, but I'm not sure I wan...Great writing! I dunno, but I'm not sure I want to be creating in a world where you only get one chance to make a good impression:) LOL, you have a great attitude and this is a good read for anyone trying to make it in a creative field. Keep having fun on your journey.artpawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07548549948218554126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-42206475203611334532010-10-14T16:27:11.192-04:002010-10-14T16:27:11.192-04:00Thanks for the post! Very inspiring!Thanks for the post! Very inspiring!Suzanne Urbanhttp://homepage.mac.com/urbanradio/smirkinggoddessWEBSITE/Homepage.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-87744642800328971872010-10-14T14:42:25.185-04:002010-10-14T14:42:25.185-04:00Your essay is great and inspirational for those of...Your essay is great and inspirational for those of us that have been slooging around in the business for a long time. We all need encouragement. It is also a truthful over view of what is required to get into the business. With so many people out of work now, I am running in to more people that think they will become an illustrator at age 40 something. They have no training, no experience and never have shown an interest before, but because they are out of work they think it is an easy way to make money. For shame, where are this uneducated people coming from? Well, I hope some of them come across your essay then maybe they will think again.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11188768704846388956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-23895325372791815832010-10-14T13:46:33.547-04:002010-10-14T13:46:33.547-04:00Great read. I too am a newbie and agree this year ...Great read. I too am a newbie and agree this year has been full of highs and lows. I keep thinking that if the economy starts to take off, all those opportunities we have been working towards will take off too. Hang in there, you are NOT alone!Karyn Servinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10926633974843232538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-19248664820853968312010-10-14T11:35:08.751-04:002010-10-14T11:35:08.751-04:00Kathy,
We all have to learn where we fit in this ...Kathy,<br /><br />We all have to learn where we fit in this cog of Licensing.. those who think they can have it right out of the box are fooling themselves. You know even the veterans are even having a hard time now.. the economy makes it impossible for manufacturers and agents to take on new artists and collections.. everyone is afraid to take a chance, but it will come, as long as you keep your voice, it will come!<br /><br />Those who copy, and have no originality will fail and those who keep plugging away will profit. Like I always say "those who fail the most succeed the most!". I fail all the time but I never stop.. I know that eventually you will find your place just like we had to find our place.. I have a feeling your pets are going to be huge real soon!! <br /><br />You keep plugging girl!!<br /><br />EllenEllen Crimi-Trenthttp://ellencrimitrent.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-7763487419010952072010-10-14T10:07:49.843-04:002010-10-14T10:07:49.843-04:00Hi Kathy, thank you for your honest post. I think ...Hi Kathy, thank you for your honest post. I think we've all been watching your journey and I truly truly believe its only a matter of time before you take off in the art licensing world. Especially I believe your brand is strong and you have a great passion for the industry.<br /><br />I think we've all had our highs and lows in any industry and sometimes we just talk about the high on our blogs, etc. And so it is always refreshing when someone comes out with an honest post (and to inspire others.) :-)Jannie aka Chickengirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12548764282291432156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29707749.post-40755050652175585052010-10-14T00:33:57.098-04:002010-10-14T00:33:57.098-04:00Kathy,
What a truly honest post. Very inspiring. W...Kathy,<br />What a truly honest post. Very inspiring. We have been feeling the same way about getting into licensing for years now and after reading this we feel we just need to bite the bullet and start building up collections. <br />We wish you much success!<br />Lianne & PaulSwirly Designshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07214755825207861944noreply@blogger.com