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Just like there are many kinds of manufacturers, there are many kinds of art licensing agencies. Some only license art and some sell art as prints or on products besides license their artists work. Some agencies represent artists whose art fits only a niche market such as lodge, western, and country. Others specialize in representing artists whose art is suitable for home decor, or patterns for fabric, clothing, stationery, and scrapbooking. And of course there are some agencies that license all kinds of art for all kinds of products. Some agencies represent several artists and some represent several hundred artists. Some agencies will sign up artists that are new to licensing while other agencies will only accept artists that are already known and have achieved some measurable amount of licensing success. These agencies tend to represent artists that have a uniquely recognizable art style and are or can become a brand.
To learn more about art licensing agencies, read "The Truth About Art Licensing Agencies". Search the following list of art licensing agencies that are located in the U.S. Note: There are no longer over 50 agencies listed because some that were originally listed in 2009 are no longer in existence or have been removed from the list due to complaints that their business practices are not in the best interest to the artists they represent. [List updated 5/23/17]
Note: I have not researched all the following agencies so I do NOT necessarily recommend any of them. You need to do your own research and ask other artists for recommendations because not all agencies offer artist/agency agreements that is in the best interest of the artist. Thus, read the agreement VERY carefully OR better yet hire an attorney that specializes in art licensing to check-it-out before you sign it. The clauses in the agreement are not always clear and you may regret signing it. Hiring an attorney is worth the cost!
Note: I have not researched all the following agencies so I do NOT necessarily recommend any of them. You need to do your own research and ask other artists for recommendations because not all agencies offer artist/agency agreements that is in the best interest of the artist. Thus, read the agreement VERY carefully OR better yet hire an attorney that specializes in art licensing to check-it-out before you sign it. The clauses in the agreement are not always clear and you may regret signing it. Hiring an attorney is worth the cost!
Thank you Joan! Wonderful, comprehensive list. It's much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this Joan!
ReplyDeleteLiza Lambertini
I agree! Thanks a lot for this very thorough list.
ReplyDeleteI have found Joan's blog to be extremely thorough, useful and full of tips to help one venture into the licensing game. Joan's knowledge has helped direct me to the right representation and understand the players in this most lucrative art venue. The information she has and shares is invaluable. I am most grateful. Many thanks, Joan. Sally Huss
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful resource.This is exactly the kind of info I'm seeking as a novice in the art licensing arena.My deepest thanks,
ReplyDeleteShawn
Really appreciate this list!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Joan. This is such a strong varied list.
ReplyDeleteJUST read about your list in ARTBUSINESSNEWS.COM, March/April 2012 Congratulations on the recognition and THANK YOU for your work!
ReplyDeleteHello Joan,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting list that surely helps many people!. I´m 100% impressed.
Thanks a lot
Antonio Basso
www.yasoypintor.com
pd: I´m an artist from Barcelona (Spain) and have never found in Spain, a blog with the resources you provide.
Joan,
ReplyDeleteThe information and resources within these pages are priceless. Thank you so much!
Stay Blessed.
Nana
Wow this website is great,
ReplyDeletethank you so much for the licensing information!
Alessandro
http://alessandroveneart.com/
Thanks! One my way :) I just heard back from my first submission!
ReplyDeleteExcellent information, been looking for the right licensing agency, agent for digital creative services. Thank you! Karin Schultze, RF Design (A Commercial Art Studio, TraDigital); racconfaces@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for the useful and relevant information in your blogs. I am new to the world of licensing so I am going to be going back through the archives to learn as much as I can. Do you have dealings with art licensing agents in Australia?
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that my posts are useful Daniela. No, I do not have any contacts with agents outside of US. You may be able to find art licensing agencies in Australia by searching the Internet. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeletethanks -really useful blog.
regards
David Knight
www.davidknightprintmaker.co.uk
thank you so much for taking your time to create this list.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for sharing all this info to us. Much appreciated. Happy holidays Joan!
ReplyDeleteI found your list of licensing agents thank you for the hard work. Marcia
ReplyDeleteHi Joan and Thank You...Please know I am one of the people who appreciates so very much your fantastic collection of licensing information. You are most generous and helpful. I come back here for different info. over and over. THANK YOU!!!!! If you don't get this, I'll message you on ALS, as we're both there... Keep up the awesome work... Jo :)
ReplyDeleteThis information was really helpful, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKim
https://www.facebook.com/kimcollins612
Joan,
ReplyDeleteThis information is priceless. What a kind hearted, caring, confident individual you are. Many people fear sharing information. And then there are people like you who share it all. I love your spirit.
To Your Success!
Deb
Joan I want to submit my art to an agent is 300 resolution sufficient to submit my work. I am at a loss for how to change the resolution without damaging my artwork. Help.
ReplyDelete300 dpi is considered high resolution (HiRes) and is needed to send to manufacturers when they license the art. Otherwise, when an artist submits art to agents for possible representation or manufacturers for licensing consideration they send a low resolution (LoRes) 72dpi as a jpeg file. If you are using Adobe Photoshop you would first change the file resolution from 300dpi to 72 dpi and then do a "save as”. In the window that pops up change the Photoshop Format to jpeg format. The file name is changed from artname.psd to artname.jpg. Thus, the file is a different name and does not damage your original art. Note: HiRes files are large and sending them over the internet can take a long time to upload and takes a lot of space on a server. When sending art via emails, always send jpeg files and only a few at a time. Most artists when requesting representation from an agent sends only 3 or 4 of their best art and then directs the agent to their website to see more. Good luck! Joan
DeleteHI,
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of your information. Are you aware of any reps for adult coloring books?
Thanks
No I do not know of any reps that will rep artists that only have art for the adult coloring book industry. Most reps or otherwise known as agents in the art licensing industry usually does not represent artists that have art that appeals to only one type of manufacturer. There is not enough revenue that can be earned that way and especially for the adult coloring book industry that is over saturated with books and difficult to find manufacturers willing to license this type of art. Agents are looking for artists who has created art that appeals to many industries - paper products, table tops, decorative flags, etc.
DeleteThank you so much for sharing this info. You are the best.
ReplyDeleteKind regards
Miguel Balbás
Thank you Joan for this list.
ReplyDeletemuch appreciated!