Art Licensing: Improved Art & Design Section at Licensing Expo 2014

 Licensing Expo is a well-attended trade show with exhibitors from all licensing industries including character, fashion, entertainment, art, and brands. The show will be held June 17-19 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

This is a great show to walk for artists, cartoonists, and illustrators that are considering exhibiting and/or want to learn more about licensing. Attendance is free, even for artists, and it has an astounding 26 licensing conference sessions for the reasonable price of $169 for all 26. Although only one conference is specifically tailored for art licensing, the information in the others also applies. For more information about the conferences, go to "LIMA Licensing University".

This year the Art & Design section of the show has been moved to a more visible location, has a resource section manned by art licensing consultant J'net Smith, and has several demonstrations to attract licensees.

Read the following press release for more information. 

Licensing Expo Draws Top Art & Design Brands

The annual event will showcase a wide breadth of art and design properties available for licensed consumer product opportunities.

LOS ANGELES (May 20, 2014) – Artists and creatives from around the world will come together June 17-19 to display the next big thing in art-related intellectual property at Licensing Expo 2014. The annual trade fair connects retailers, manufacturers, brand owners and agents in one convenient location. Taking place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev., the event offers multiple resources for licensors and licensees to find “what’s next” for consumer products.

Retailers, licensees and manufacturers will visit this area of the show floor to shop for new art, graphics and characters to put on their products including housewares, stationery, apparel and gifts. These products will stock shelves in stores worldwide over the next 12-24 months.

“Licensing Expo is the perfect show for the licensed artist looking to take their brand to the next level,” says Khristian A. Howell, creative director, Khristian A. Howell Color + Pattern + Space. “This show allows us to meet potential licensees who have a bigger view of brand partnerships and are ready to drive volume. This makes it a very exciting show for emerging brands.”

This year’s Licensing Expo Art & Design zone will provide several varied resources for artists, attendees, licensors and licensees that enhance the art and design offerings.

The new Art & Design Resource Center will give attendees a convenient location on the show floor to meet and receive matchmaking services. J’net Smith from All Art Licensing will host the Resource Center and report on deals and events, assist attendees in navigation of the art area and provide invaluable connections for licensees, manufacturers and agents seeking to license brands from Art & Design zone exhibitors. Marc Garabedian from Art Moose will interview exhibitors and stream live video footage of the exhibiting artist’s work.

For new brands, the New Artists Launchpad, also housed within the Expo’s Art & Design zone, will highlight a contemporary, cross-over collection of curated exhibitors such as Knotty Tree Press, Museum of Pop Culture, Lily Lemon Blossom, Pop the Balloon, Robu Roku, Josephine Kimberling and Story Posters. The New Artists Launchpad is a one-time exhibitor opportunity for new brands, which are showcasing original and innovative IP.

Other activations include a live painting demonstration by Robert Holton from Drizzle Studios who will create an original work on-site, and performance art demonstration from Stephen Fishwick, represented by Get Down Art. Fishwick will paint live to music several times daily throughout the three-day event.

For more information and to register for free, visit www.licensingexpo.com. For more Licensing Expo news, visit www.licensingexpo.com or follow on Twitter (@licensingexpo), on Facebook or via Linked In.

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).

Art Licensing: Tips on Registering Art with the Copyright Office by Artist Jill Meyer

Copyrighting your art is important to protect your rights as attorney Joshua J Kaufman points out in his article “Filing Copyrights: How and Why or Just Do It”. But, many artists fail to do it because it takes time, they do not know how to do it, or they feel it is too expensive. Because of the expense, artists are now filing copyrights of their art quarterly as a collection (group). Then when, an image or collection is licensed they register it separately so that they may be awarded more statutory damages if they need to sue for infringement. Joshua mentions in his article how to file for a copyright through the mail. Below are tips by licensed artist Jill Meyer on how to file via the Internet.

Tips to Register Your Images with Little or No Screaming
by artist Jill Meyer
Jill Meyer art & design

Registering images with the US Copyright Office, whether online or through the mail, has always been somewhat of a challenge. I’m going to give you some tips to help make that journey a little easier, and hopefully keep your frustration level low enough so that the necessity to scream is minimal or non-existent.

I can only speak from my own experience, so that is the only perspective you will be reading about in this article. Hopefully you will be able to extrapolate from my experiences and apply that to your own situation.

I use a Mac, and will necessarily be giving you the directions that work for my computer. This post will only be about registering online at eCO (electronic copyright office).

Preparing Images
You will first need to prepare your images for uploading to the eCO website. I do all of my images at 300 dpi in Adobe Photoshop. I batch process* the images with the extension .jpg and I make them 2 inches on the longest side. Then I make a .zip file** of the images so that I can register them as a group. I name the file with the EXACT name I will use to register it. Do not use any apostrophes, ampersands, etc. ($, %, &, *, #) in the name of your file or in the name of the work you are registering. For example, if you are registering a group by number, name it Group 3 and not Group #3.

* “How to Batch Process Files in Photoshop”
** “How to Zip Files in Mac OS X”

What Browser Should You Use?
The eCO site is very particular about the browser that is used, and many browsers will not work on it. If you are not aware of this, you will quickly reach a scream-worthy moment in the process. Don’t ask how I know! I learned the hard way that I need to use Firefox to register, and I need to disable the pop-up blocker as well.

User ID
If this is your first time registering online, you are a new user and you will have to set up your account with a Password and User ID. And, you will have to give answers to some questions that you will be prompted to answer should you forget your password. Do not forget your Password or User ID, once you have them and they have been accepted. Write them down and keep them in a folder (under lock and key if necessary) with your copyright material, so that you will NEVER have to deal with this web site to retrieve or set a new password or user ID.

User ID Requirements
• User names must be at least six characters.
• User names must contain only letters and numbers, not special characters such as apostrophes, ampersands, etc. ($, %, &, *, #)

They have even more requirements for a password. I can hardly wait for you to read all of them, and then figure out a password that will fulfill their requirements. Are you ready?

• Minimum password length must be 8 characters and consist of at least 2 alpha characters, 1 number and 1 special character (but not an ampersand - &).
• A password must have no consecutive repeated characters.
• A password must not include your user name or any part thereof.
• A password must not include the names of a spouse, children, pets or one's own name.
• A password must not include any regional sports teams or players.
• A password must not include any office symbols.
• A password must not include your social security number or any subset of your social security number that is more than a single number.
• A password must not include words that can be found in any dictionary, whether English or any language.
• A password must not be any of the 11 most recently used passwords for the account.

Since they seem to specify everything else, it’s surprising that they don’t require your blood type, your mother’s maiden name and the combination to your safe deposit box!

Follow the rest of the on-screen instructions to set up your account.

If you are the type of person that reads instructions before the fact, then by all means read the eCO FAQs, eCO Tutorial and eCO acceptable file types.

Logging In
It is really a good idea to Log In when the site is online and available, which is most of the time. But, just to be sure you keep your frustration level to a minimum, I’ll make you aware that they are usually available 24 hours a day, except for routine maintenance every Sunday from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 AM Eastern Time.

Registering
You will be registering work in Visual Arts. As you complete each necessary section, a box on the left of the screen will check off that section to let you know it has been completed. The individual screens will lead you on to the next section of the application.

While the site is has been regularly updated and simplified, it is still difficult. But, progress is progress. One of the new (to me) features is the “Add Me” button. Instead of having to continually write in your name and/or address information, you can just click on the “add me” button, and the information is copied in automatically. When you have completed filling in all of the information required in a section, you click on ”continue”. One would think that this would bring you to the next section, but it does not! It brings you back to the screen for the beginning of that section, and to move to the next section, you need to press continue once again! After doing this 3 or 4 times, it can be maddening! This is a feature that I find useless and frustrating. However, I have to factor in the knowledge that the entire site used to be like this and much worse, so I try to stay calm and deal with it.

Breathe!!!

When you have finished the application, you will need to pay before you upload your .zip file of images. DO NOT use any spaces between the numbers on your credit card. Trust me on this one, and omit the spaces.

After you have paid you will be prompted to upload your images. Be sure the .zip file has exactly the same name as the group you are registering. Wait until the upload is completed and then follow the directions to complete the application. You should immediately get receipts and confirmations in your e-mail from the US Copyright Office. The certificate will eventually arrive by snail mail.

Congratulations, you have just registered your images with little or maybe no screaming! Take a final deep cleansing breath. Namaste.

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).

Art Licensing: E-store Owner's Perspective About the Flag Industry

Because of the popularity of electronic technology, the ability to do comparison pricing and the ease in ordering on-line, consumers are purchasing more products from the Internet than from brick-and-mortar stores according to "New top choice for shoppers: Online overtakes brick-and-mortar." But, not all products sell well over the Internet because consumers still want to see certain products before purchasing them so that they can examine them or in the case of clothing try them on. However, decorative flags seem to be a product that has no trouble selling in e-stores because there is a multitude of stores on the Internet.

For artists, it is informative to learn what type of art the consumer purchases so getting input from store owners are very important. And, we are very fortunate that Becky Bennett owner of one of the leading flag e-stores "Flags On A Stick" has shared her knowledge and perspective in the following article about the decorative flag industry.

Today's Decorative Flag Industry
by Becky Bennett
owner of Flags On A Stick

I started flagsonastick.com in 2001 for two reasons: 1) I love decorative flags and I was frustrated with the lack of flag stores in my home state of Minnesota, and 2) I wanted to have a store at the Minnesota State Fair, which is known for its abundance of food and other unique items “on a stick”. Thus, the quirky name Flags On A Stick. Note: Read more about Becky at the bottom of this article.

Decorative flags have come a long way in those 13 years. I like to say, "These are not your grandmother's flags anymore". The colors are more vibrant and the fabrics are more luxurious, as well as more durable. Fabrics have really improved in the last two to three years, featuring silky soft texture which allows flags to drape and hang better.

Technology
Printed flags now sell better than appliqué flags, which was not the case when I first started my flag store. The printing technology has greatly improved, enhancing the overall appearance of outdoor flags. Printed decorative flags now have detailed backgrounds and borders, plus vivid colors with more dimension which helps brings the artistic details to life. The newest printing technology now allows printed text to read correctly on both sides of the flag, which my customers have been begging for. This feature is often called 2-sided message or double-sided or double talk. On my website, I designate this feature by stating 2-sided message in the product title, as well as adding an icon to the flag which appears once you click on the flag. This icon alerts my customers that this flag is one that reads correctly on both sides.

Manufacturers
Flag Trends by Carson Home Accents has really raised the bar for 2-sided text flags, making it a standard feature on all their house and garden flags. Their flags also include glitter accents. Flag Trends does a good job of licensing artwork from a variety of artists. They don't just stay with the same artists year after year. Breeze Art is also another great flag manufacturer known for their variety of licensed artwork by nationally known artists. Magnet Works is the parent company of Breeze Art flags, Mailwraps mailbox covers, MatMates doormats and Yard DeSigns address signs. They are the leader in providing matching flags and other outdoor garden décor featuring artistic designs created by a variety of artists. Many of my customers like to purchase the entire collection to decorate from curb to door with a seasonal or holiday theme. My contacts at Accent Home & Garden by Premier have stated in the future they are hoping to offer more licensed artwork, which is great news. Evergreen has innovative flags with LED lights. I personally think Evergreen has the best appliqué flags in the industry. The appliqué flags have silky soft fabrics and usually have nice large images with artist detail, plus added surprises such as glitter and streamers. Toland is also another manufacture who provides a variety of decorative house and garden flags.

Designs
Decorative outdoor flags that sell the best are the ones that have larger images and unique art that adds a “pop” of eye-catching color. Whether it's an adorable snowman or charming Easter Bunny, the image has to be large enough to be seen when it is displayed on a home or in the yard. The flags that don't sell as well have backgrounds that are “busy” and detract from the main theme or subject of the flag. Flags that have text in pretty fonts also sell well.... especially flags that say "Welcome". After all, decorative flags really do welcome friends and family to your home. Adding charming artistic elements such as birdhouses, or pretty borders and backgrounds provides that eye-catching detail that my customers love.

Trends and Themes
Popular trends and themes vary for each season and holiday. Snowmen, Santas and poinsettias sell well for winter and Christmas. I had many customers last year comment that they wished more flags said “Merry Christmas” rather than “Happy Holidays”. The flag industry responded well to this request with many of the 2014 Christmas flags having “Merry Christmas” written in lovely script. My customers will be so pleased. I must say that snowmen sell better after Christmas. After the holidays, that Santa flag looks silly and has got to come down. Snowmen are perfect for the entire winter season. Valentine’s Day flags have really jumped in popularity in both the garden and house size flags. Cardinals and chickadees sell well all year long. Patriotic themes also sell well all year long, so I always keep red, white and blue patriotic flags in stock, as well as several birthday flags. Owls are still popular for all the seasons and holidays. My experience has been that whimsical owls, frogs and bunnies sell better than realistic art images. Flowers and garden scenes are always popular.

Best Sellers
My best sellers are decorative garden size flags, which measure 12.5” x 18”. They are inexpensive garden décor that has continued to sell well even during our tough economic times. Retail price is usually $10 to $11. House size flags are the next best sellers, measuring 28” x 40”. Mailbox covers and doormats have continued to sell well and certainly have a strong following for those who like matching sets. I believe customers choose their decorative flags based upon the artistic design, first and foremost. The theme, design and color combinations have to appeal to them. They also look for specific artists whose flags they’ve purchased in the past. There are flag artists such as Susan Winget and Jennifer Brinley who have been around since the start of my flag store. However, I am seeing newer artists, including Robbin Rawlings, Victoria Hutto, and Robin Pickens whose designs are selling well. The more variety the better to keep customers coming back for more.

Who buys flags?
I have customers all across the US and Canada, as well as Europe. The coastal states seem to have the most flag-waving customers. Because I sell all across the country, I find it interesting to watch the seasonal flag sales. For example, spring arrives so much sooner in the southern states. So flags with spring themes thus start selling sooner than they do here in Minnesota, where it may not seem like spring until late April. Flag customers are people who enjoy gardening, nature, and being outside. They often purchase other garden décor to add colorful accents to their yard and home.

Variety is key for the flag industry. Offering everything from whimsical to more sophisticated, elegant designs keeps existing customers coming back for the newest flags and encourages new people to start their flag collection. My customers love to sneak a peek at the latest designs. I keep them up to date via email newsletters regarding new arrivals, as well as Featured Artists on my blog. I created the monthly Featured Artist segment because I thought my customers would be interested in knowing more about the artists behind the flags. Being a Featured Artist on my blog has really helped my customers become more familiar with various artists and their designs. It has also helped sell their flags. I feature the artist’s other products on my blog and Facebook, giving them more exposure. My customers enjoy getting to know the artists and love engaging and adding comments on Facebook. If you have licensed your art for decorative flags and you’d like to be a featured artist, please contact me.

My customer base is getting younger, which is good news for artists and for the flag industry. Flags remain a strong garden décor item.

About Becky Bennett
I live in Minneapolis, MN. In my “other life” I owned a court reporting firm and was a court reporter for 11 years. After our third child was born, I stayed home to raise our children. Flags On A Stick was an idea I had to start a seasonal store at the Minnesota State Fair. I LOVE my job. I love getting the new flag catalogs from the manufacturers, meeting with the sales reps to hear about the latest trends, getting to know the artists, and selecting the newest designs for the upcoming seasons and holidays. I’m fascinated by the technology involved in running an e-commerce business. I enjoy taking orders over the phone from customers who’ve shopped with us for over 13 years. I’m so fortunate that all my adult children and two grandsons live nearby. Golfing with friends and fishing with my husband and children are my favorite things to do.

Related article
Although it is not up-to-date "Licensing Art to the Flag Industry" has important information about the decorative flag industry.

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).

Licensing Art to Rug and Mat Manufacturers

Most rug manufacturers use in-house designers or purchase designs outright. However, some do license art for their smaller size accent lines. Many that manufacturer décor flags also license art for doormats, and a few manufacturers license art for all the rugs and mats they produce.

Rugs can be made numerous ways but the ones that are produced for the mass market are either woven on looms or needle-punched on heavy fabric with various kinds of fiber (wool, cotton, silk, nylon, etc.). Rugs that are made with looms are limited in the number of colors that can be incorporated into the design depending on the coarseness of the fibers. The designs on needle-punched rugs are either made with colored fibers or printed by dye sublimation printers. The printing technology allows a larger variety of colors to be used than by using fibers.

Many rugs are handmade on looms and needle-punched in India, China, Persia, Turkey, Tibet, etc. There are also factories that use automated looms and machines to produce rugs such as Axminster Carpets in England, and Mohawk Industries in the United States. View "Axminster Carpet Manufacturing" and "Made in Dalton: Mohawk Industries" videos to see how they make their rugs.

Floor Mats (including door, bath, play, etc.) are usually made with fibers by the needle-punched method, or with vinyl, rubber and other materials. Designs are painted on the mats with a dye sublimation printer. To see how needle-punched mats are manufactured, view "Custom Mats Productions" video.

Check list on what to do before submitting art
1. Check out manufacturers website to see the art on their rugs and mats, submission guidelines, and contact information. If the site is password protected, search the internet for internet retail stores that show their products.

2. Make sure your art fits the manufacturer product line. Not only does the art need to have themes that will sell the manufacturer rugs and mats but the colors and art style needs to also work. For instance, if the manufacturer uses coarse colored fibers for their mats or rugs then the design needs to be very simple without using many colors to shade the images in the design. As an example, check out Jellybean Rugs website. The designs they license are simple and has very little or no shading.

If a dye sublimation printer produces the design on the rug or mat, more colors can be used. But, you probably are still limited to how many depending on the capability of the printer.

3. A horizontal format of the art is most often used for mats and accent rugs. So, make sure the images are in a horizontal format before submitting them to the manufacturer.

4. Not all manufacturer websites list submission guidelines. Contact the person in charge of licensing art for each manufacturer you wish to submit art. Ask how she/he wants art submitted (hard copies, jpg copies attached to an email, etc.). It also would be wise to find out the limitation on the number of colors that can be used and if they require you to submit a Pantone color palette of the colors used in the art. Note: Manufacturers that also produce flags use a printing process that can produce many colors so they do not limit the number of colors or require a Pantone color palette.

5. Make sure that you attach your contact information to each file you send for licensing consideration.

Manufacturers that License Art for Rugs and Mats
Below are links to manufacturers that license art for rugs and mats. Note: In some cases, I am not absolutely sure they license art and may instead buy the art. I did not have time to contact the companies but decided that they probably do license art when I recognized a variety of artists names  who do license their art.

Accent Rugs
• Home Fire Rugs
• Jellybean Rugs by Home Comfort Rugs
• Park Designs
• Peking Handicraft

Mats
• Apache Mills
• Custom Decor, Inc. (also a flag manufacturer)
• Evergreen Enterprises (also a flag manufacturer)
• Magnet Works (also a flag manufacturer)
• Toland Home and Garden (also a flag manufacturer)

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).