Every Christmas, as I pull out all of the holiday decorations, I am reminded of the first deal I got when I decided to branch out of scrapbooking and into the wider world of art licensing.
My first deal was with Boston Warehouse for these “Jingle Java” plates, mugs and coffee cup spreaders. They were a “private label” deal, meaning they were for one specific client (Marshall’s & TJ Maxx stores) and not for their regular line of offerings.
It was SO EXCITING! I remember being at the Licensing International Expo, where I was exhibiting for the first time, and checking my email. I had to blink a few times and made sure I saw it right – they wanted my art??? WOO-HOO! That was in June 2004 and the products were in stores in the fall of 2005 – quite quickly when it comes to deal-to-delivery time frames.
While these are no longer available in stores, I just wanted to share my “first deal experience” with you. I am still excited with each new opportunity and hope that never changes – it’s half the fun of the business!
May you have many wonderful surprises in your life as well!
– Tara
Hi Tara,
There is no feeling to compare with making a sale, especially the first one!
Ellene Breedlove Davis
How fun! I look forward to that feeling someday soon!
Let me know when you get it!
Love them!! It’s so inspiring to hear of someone else’s success.. I can’t wait until I can share my first story too!
I am looking forward to launching a successful new-line soon.
Thank you so much for blazing this trail.
Exercising the Art & Business muscles are a must.
Cheers + Rawmaste™,
Jeff
Dear Tara,
I have read your blogs and I must say you inspire me. I bought your ebooks on Repeats & Halfdrops and I am glued to the computer it is so much fun and you made it that way by making it soooo easy to follow your instructions. Thank you so much. I just started my own blog and I mentioned you and your ebooks I hope that is okay. Again thank you. Sincerely, Lana Gordon Rast
Lana – the ultimate form of flattery is for people to spread the word about my eBooks, info, etc. (You can become an affiliate if you want the potential to earn commissions for telling others – go to http://artlicensinginfo.com/affiliate-info.html for full details.)
Tara, I had a few questions but my default mail won’t work for some reason, so I can’t email you. Thank you Lana
Lana – are you on Facebook? You can friend then email me there – it’s a great backup email system!
http://www.facebook.com/ArtistTaraReed