Artist Stephanie Ruble launched her company one2moo at the SURTEX show in May, 2008. Here are a few tips from what she's learned so far (more to come in the future).
Agent or No Agent
* "You can get an agent, but you don't have to have one to license your art. I chose not to get an agent at first, because I want to meet with potential clients for a more personal connection, and I want to learn as much about the industry as I can."
Workshops and Consultations
* "It's great to take workshops and have consultations in the beginning if you can afford them. I worked with Cheryl Phelps, and she helped me to get ready to launch at SURTEX."
Doing Your Own Thing
* "Workshops and consultations only take you so far. As helpful as Cheryl was, eventually I had to figure out for myself what I wanted for my company and the art I wanted in my booth. If I had let her tell me everything, then it wouldn't have been my vision."
Other Resources
* Book: Licensing Art 10 by Michael Woodward
* Articles: Porterfields Fine Art Licensing has a lot of useful resources for new artists on their website. Be sure to read "Ten Secrets to Success in Art Licensing."
* Professional Licenseing Organization: LIMA (Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association)
* Talk With Other Artists That License:The Art of Licensing group - make sure to introduce yourself when you start posting, and include a link to your work.
* Workshops and Consultations: There are several people that give workshops and consultations on licensing. Cheryl Phelps is who I worked with and she was very helpful in getting me started.
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