5 tips to get started in Art licensing

Here’s a scenario-
You make beautiful art but don’t want to take on the responsibility of manufacturing products.
Companies that make cool products does not always have beautiful art to put on their products.
What you can do is, you can license your art (includes paintings, photography, lettering etc) to these companies and there you have it - beautiful product with beautiful art. Win-win!

Easier said than done, I know! For the past two years I have been studying art licensing - that includes technical side of making repeat patterns and also the business side of surface design. You don’t have to know how to make repeat patterns in order to get started in art licensing (but if you do want to, here’s a blog post on my favorite classes).

If I have two years worth of head start over you then I am going to share some tips which will hopefully bridge that gap.

1. Make lots of art

   It’s a given. But seriously, make lots and lots of art. You will find out what you like, what mediums you prefer, what colors you gravitate towards and then eventually land on something which is uniquely your style. It takes time and practice so keep at it.

2. Research companies

   Keep a running list of companies you want to work with. See what companies other artists are working with and take note.

3. Ask questions

   Cannot stress this enough. Reach out to other designers and artists via Instagram or email and ask them about their creative practice, their business practice. Most of them are willing to support emerging artists. But please be polite and respectful of their time and boundaries.

4. Participate in online challenges

   Minted is a great place to start. They have a host of challenges for different product categories. If your art gets selected, then it’s a good way to wet your feet. You’ll learn about preparing your files and you could also get feedback from other participants in the challenge. A lot of companies also host challenges on Instagram (read the fine print to make sure you are not giving away the copyright to your work).

5. Join facebook groups

   There are a bunch of private free facebook groups full of supportive community members where you can ask all your frustrating licensing questions, get guidance on pricing and discuss the nitty gritty of contracts.
   
   

   To know which ones I’d recommend and 5 m o r e tips on getting started in art licensing, sign up below to receive the fully fleshed out guide.
   
   Like I said earlier, I have been taking courses on licensing for the last two years and I have gained some pretty good insights into this beautiful world of surface design. Early this year, I left my full time job to pursue my creative path and I am thrilled to have a couple of licensing deals in the works. It can be intimidating, sure, but even if I am just a step ahead of you, I’d like to share what I know and get you up to speed.
   See you on the inside!