Joan Website | Joan Bio | Joan Licensing Info | Joan Contact Info | Blog Main Page

Art Licensing by artist Joan Beiriger: I'm happy to share art licensing info but please
give me credit and link to my blog when using it on your site. Thanks.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Licensing Art to the Decorative Tile Industry

Ceramic decorative tiles are used in kitchen backsplashes; murals and accent pieces in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and on floors; as wall art; and as trivets for hot dishes. Making tiles and placing art on them are relatively easy to do. Thus, the manufacturing of them is not usually outsourced to foreign companies but done locally and ideal to be customized to individual needs.

There are many artists that sell tiles in POD (print on demand) internet stores and on their own websites. And, art is licensed by some internet tile companies. These companies tend to sell their tiles via POD to individual consumers and not to retail stores. Therefore, the licensing revenue may be very small because the tiles are not sold in mass quantities. Note: Not all artists license their art just for the money.  The aim of some artists is to also see their art on products. They are willing to do POD deals even though the revenue may not be a large amount.

As when submitting art to any manufacturer, artists must research what art theme and style each manufacturer use on their tiles. Many use fine art scenes, floral, and coastal designs but some use a variety of other art styles such as abstracts. Also, some tile manufacturers want to showcase artists work with the same theme. So be prepared to have collections of art that can be mixed and matched such as different flower designs.

Tile manufacturers generally want art that:
1. has themes that work well on tile for the home. Look at the manufacturer's websites to see the art themes they use on their tiles.
2. is formatted in squares or can be divided into squares for murals. Look at the manufacturer's website to see if they specify the tile size. Note: This may not be necessary but it is always advisable to make it easy for the manufacturer so they will license the art.
3. can be used for single tiles or murals. Show the art as collections of vertical, horizontal, and square motifs (from the painting or created separately). The manufacturer may only be interested in square motifs for accent pieces or only the painting (either horizontal or vertical) for a mural. But, having a collection increases licensing opportunities.
4. the artist is willing to edit (change colors, remove icons, reformat) to their specifications.

Tile Manufacturers:
Artwork on Tile

Cape Cod Treasure Chest

My Backsplash

Pacifica Tile Art Studio

The Tile Mural Store

Tile by Design

Read more articles about other manufacturers under the word Manufacturers in the Topics section on the side bar.

Your comments are welcome. Click on the comments section (below) to write your comment. Note: Some people have a problem in leaving a comment. The most successful method is to comment as Name/URL (your name and website or blog with a "complete" URL address).

7 comments:

  1. Very helpful, Joan. These companies offer excellent quality, so even though sales might not be brisk, the products would be very satisfying.

    ReplyDelete
  2. your links took me to some interesting sites, maybe it will come in handy, thanks

    ReplyDelete
  3. As always, you give a wealth of information. Who knew there were so many opportunities in tile? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks a million. You always put more thoughts into my head. I need to retire so I can put this thoughts to work! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. thank you, Joan. You always put more thoughts into my head, but I need to RETIRE to be able to put them all to work! thinking... thinking... planning, planning.

    ReplyDelete
  6. We’ve been stumbling around the internet and found your blog along the way.

    We love your work! What a great corner of the internet :)




    website

    ReplyDelete