Some DOs, and some DON’Ts… Understand how art licensing works -Part 1

Artist: Lynne Charles          Artwork: Developing         License This artwork

In the post we are are talking about some of the DOs – Understand how art licensing works.

Like any business, there are steps, things to do on a daily, monthly and yearly basis that move you towards your goal. These things include creating art collections and being willing to make  changes if requested.

Figure out which manufacturers license art and contact them. Or find an agent to do your sales and marketing. Be willing to meet deadlines and more. Art licensing is a serious art business.

DOs…

Learn all about the industry

There are more resources available than ever before.

fifteen years ago art licensing was much more mysterious and information was harder to come by. You had to attend trade shows or art events with classes on the subject. While those options are good and still exist, there’s a lot you could learn from the comfort of your own home.

Artists are blogging about it…

People are teaching it…

You could get a Licensing Coach to help you too…

Shop for inspiration

• Look at art on products currently ranging in stores & online.
• Watch out for themes, styles and colours.
• Do you think your art could work on similar products?
• Does your style have broad appeal?
• Art licensing is about being commercial and
• it’s about being just ahead of the trend.

Start creating!

• Create a good quality style guide or portfolio of art work.
• Unlike creating art to sell in a gallery, or commissioned work, you’ll need groups, or collections of art, not just single images, to license.
• Create sets of four images, or groups of icons, that go together with coordinating borders and patterns.
• Ideally, showing how your art would look on a product would be a great advantage as this would give the potential licensor a good idea of how the finished product looks.

Keep inspired, and keep creating!

• The more you can create, the more successful you will be.
• Manufacturers like choices – they like to say “no” to some art so they feel good about saying “yes” to other art.
• The more art you have in your portfolio the more opportunities you will have to have your art considered.
• It’s a numbers game!

Be open to constructive feedback

• No matter how successful an artist is in licensing, there’s always room for further development.
• The market changes, and what manufacturers and retailers want changes, colour trends change… the only thing you can count on is change.
• So, stay open to feedback and take it as a form of help and not as criticism.
• If you can listen to manufacturers and adjust your work for the market, your chances of success in licensing as well as enjoying the process, will be rewarding.

 

Tune is next week for part 2 – Some DON’Ts

• Don’t expect to be an overnight success
• Don’t expect to collect the royalties forever
• Don’t expect quick money
• Don’t give up