Tara Reed Designs Blog » art licensing http://tarareeddesignsblog.com Fun and Sassy Art! Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:39:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Who Inspires Me? Paul Brent http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/16/who-inspires-me-paul-brent/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/16/who-inspires-me-paul-brent/#comments Sun, 16 May 2010 15:00:25 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=617 It’s been a little over a year since I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know artist Paul Brent. On the day this post goes “live”, I will be exhibiting at the SURTEX show in New York a few rows over from Paul and his art.  I took his class the first year I exhibited [...]]]> It’s been a little over a year since I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know artist Paul Brent. On the day this post goes “live”, I will be exhibiting at the SURTEX show in New York a few rows over from Paul and his art.  I took his class the first year I exhibited at SURTEX.  I said hello and how much I admired his business and art in years since.  Now, I call Paul Brent a friend, mentor and inspiration.  How did that happen?

It all started with him requesting to be my friend on Facebook in January 2009.  I remember looking both ways in my office wondering if someone was playing a prank on me!  Really?  Well sure Paul, I’ll be your friend!

If you don’t know Paul Brent, you might be confused by my reaction.  Paul is an artist who licenses his art just like I do… but he has been in the top 100 Licensors according to License! Global Magazine for the past few years.  So it is laughable to say he is way ahead of me in size and success of his business. (I will concede he’s been doing it a lot longer too!)

Like Mary Engelbreit, Paul Brent was on my “to be as cool as list” too so to have him ask me to be friends on Facebook was pretty cool!

I then decided to ask him if he would be willing to do an “Art Licensing Info Monthly Ask Call” – I was just starting the calls and had been doing them myself.  I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask and just maybe he’d say yes.  HE DID!  Not only did he do the first call in March 2009 (the replay is available for free at www.AskPaulBrent.com if you’d like a copy) but he will be doing his 4th call on May 26, 2010.

Since the Facebook request / question exchange, Paul has done 4 Ask Calls and a teleseminar called “Brand Yourself for Success in Art Licensing” which was amazing.  I’ve made several changes to my branding strategy as a result and highly recommend any artist interested in understanding how to build an art brand take a look at it.  He focuses on art licensing but many strategies apply to any type of artist.

I have also become friends with Paul and his wife Lana Jane.  While they live in Florida, they just happen to have a house on the Oregon Coast that is a little over an hour from me.  So when they head west, I get to see them.  They are even teaching me to cook!  (Something they love and I would love to do without.)  How wonderful to be able to sit and discuss the business we all do and love with such an accomplished couple.  (Lana Jane is the president of Paul Brent Designer, Inc.)

So that is how I came to be friends with my inspiration and you know what? I’m even more inspired by Paul Brent the more I get to know him.  He is an amazing artist, talented business person and a kind, down-to-earth and sincere man.

Learn more about the art of Paul Brent at www.PaulBrent.com

So I’ll ask you again, who inspires you?

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/05/16/who-inspires-me-paul-brent/feed/ 2 Who inspires me? Mary Engelbreit http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/26/who-inspires-me-mary-engelbreit/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/26/who-inspires-me-mary-engelbreit/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:55:35 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=599 There are so many people and things that inspire me that I have decided to dedicate a few blog posts to inspiration.

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Engelbreit, asking her questions submitted by artists.  We got to hear first hand about her business, her take on the art licensing industry and the [...]]]> There are so many people and things that inspire me that I have decided to dedicate a few blog posts to inspiration.

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mary Engelbreit, asking her questions submitted by artists.  We got to hear first hand about her business, her take on the art licensing industry and the impact of technology, the internet and social media.  Night owls rejoiced to learn that she often works late into the night and many laughed when she responded to the question about whether she had a tagline with, “No but it could be – Go away and let me draw!”

When I started looking into licensing, I began by looking at what individual artists were doing it really well.  Authentically, true to their art, had built a strong brand and yes – were making some good money.  Money gives you options – to travel, take care of your family, and say no to deals that don’t align with you or your vision.  So that kind of financial freedom is part of my definition of success.

Mary Engelbreit was on my “to be as cool as” list from the start.

(That was my list of artists to study – see how they had built their business and managed to stand out from the crowd.)  I had always loved her art and now I wanted to study her business.  I never would have imagined that I would have had the opportunity to speak with her directly and help share her story with hundreds.

Even more amazing – she called me “delightful” on her blog post about the call. Who wouldn’t want that? A person who has inspired you calling you delightful on their blog, for all the world to see – it’s awesome! (Read Mary’s Blog Post)
Somehow, when people reach a certain level of awareness, a certain sized business, etc. others seem to imagine they have super powers of some sort. Special connections not available to the average person.  A charmed life. Knowledge that we can’t get.

But you know what?  It isn’t true.  The more successful people I talk to the more I realize they are just like us – but farther down the path.  They have had ups and downs, but they kept going… They learned from their mistakes. They kept the faith.  To listen to Mary and realize that she is “one of us” – an artist who is grateful that she can earn a living doing what she loves, I am more inspired than ever!  Thank you Mary!

Mary Engelbreit will continue to serve as an inspiration for what an artist can achieve with the right mix of talent, dedication, determination and legal protection.

Who inspires you?

– Tara Reed

P.S. To get your copy of the free mp3 replay of my interview with Mary, register at www.MaryEngelbreit.com/askme/

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/03/26/who-inspires-me-mary-engelbreit/feed/ 3 Looking for feedback… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:54:43 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=583 In case you don’t already know this, as well as creating art for licensing, I also teach about the industry and have a website where different experts share their insights and experience as well.

Last night it was my honor to facilitate a teleseminar by artist Paul Brent called, “Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing”. [...]]]> In case you don’t already know this, as well as creating art for licensing, I also teach about the industry and have a website where different experts share their insights and experience as well.

Last night it was my honor to facilitate a teleseminar by artist Paul Brent called, “Brand Yourself For Success in Art Licensing”. It was  a relief to hear him say that he has built his brand through trial and error and didn’t have it all figured out right out of the gate.  His tips and insights were very interesting and inspirational and his homework? A little daunting truth be told!  But I am so sure it will be worth it that I’m getting started right away.

This is where I hope you will help me… Paul pointed out that what we see as our brand might not be what others perceive it to be.  He told us to get feedback from others.  I’ve been getting some from Twitter but thought I’d bring it to the blog as well.

What I need from you:  can you give me words that describe my art or my brand in your mind?

Please put them in the comments so I can continue on with my assignments.  Here is a sampling of designs to give you the feel if you aren’t super familiar with what I do.  I really appreciate your help and feedback – it means a lot!

– Tara Reed

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/02/25/looking-for-feedback/feed/ 6 My Art Licensing Story by Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/06/my-art-licensing-story-by-tara-reed/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/06/my-art-licensing-story-by-tara-reed/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:06:27 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=523 Over on my other blog, ArtLicensingBlog.com, I started a little contest.  My goal is to get artists to share their stories about art licensing – how they got into it, why they like it, etc.  So I thought I’d share my story with you, just in case you ever wondered!

This career is the result of [...]]]> Over on my other blog, ArtLicensingBlog.com, I started a little contest.  My goal is to get artists to share their stories about art licensing – how they got into it, why they like it, etc.  So I thought I’d share my story with you, just in case you ever wondered!

This career is the result of a single phone call from a trade show floor…

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Here’s to whatever path life, and phone calls, take you down!

– Tara

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2010/01/06/my-art-licensing-story-by-tara-reed/feed/ 2 Looking back at my first licensed product… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/09/looking-back-at-my-first-licensed-product/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/09/looking-back-at-my-first-licensed-product/#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:26:40 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=496 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 [...]]]> 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.

JingleJavaDishes-TaraReedDesigns

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

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/12/09/looking-back-at-my-first-licensed-product/feed/ 9 My blog has a new (and final) home… http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/10/19/my-blog-has-a-new-and-final-home/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/10/19/my-blog-has-a-new-and-final-home/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:31:55 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/?p=369 Ahhh… I think I have all my blogs where they need to be now. What a relief!

When I first started blogging in June 2008, I was told to just take the easy route and get a WordPress.com blog.  Well, as I have learned more about blogs and the internet, I have come to discover [...]]]> Ahhh… I think I have all my blogs where they need to be now. What a relief!

When I first started blogging in June 2008, I was told to just take the easy route and get a WordPress.com blog.  Well, as I have learned more about blogs and the internet, I have come to discover that you can do so much more with a self-hosted blog – or WordPress.org blog – that is on a website I host and maintain.

Now I’ve gone from zero to three… and each of those three has gone from a WordPress.com to a WordPress.org.  (If you are just starting out – skip the migration step and start with a WordPress.org.)  More features.  More flexibility. More fun!

Stay tuned for more exciting things from the studio…

– Tara

P.S. In case you are wondering, these are my other blogs:

www.ArtLicensingBlog.com – teaching artists about the art licensing industry

www.PrintYourOwnBunco.com/blog – blog for my themed Print-Your-Own Bunco Party Kit product line

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/10/19/my-blog-has-a-new-and-final-home/feed/ 0 Single Mom's need inspiration too! http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/08/25/single-moms-need-inspiration-too/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/08/25/single-moms-need-inspiration-too/#comments Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:30:29 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareed.wordpress.com/?p=336 I don’t know how much of  “my story” you know but when I was just starting my business in art licensing, I ended up getting divorced.  Now if you have gotten divorced or know anyone who has had the displeasure of going through the experience you know that a person’s self-esteem is not at its [...]]]> I don’t know how much of  “my story” you know but when I was just starting my business in art licensing, I ended up getting divorced.  Now if you have gotten divorced or know anyone who has had the displeasure of going through the experience you know that a person’s self-esteem is not at its high point.

I have talked to different people about the business of art licensing and how I got started and mentioned this “cross road” moment… do you keep trying in spite of the turmoil in your life (I had a 10 year old at the time as well!) or do you go the safe route and get a regular job?  I obviously decided to follow my passion and would love to help other women (or men) do the same.  Five years later I’m “through the fire” as I sometimes say and life is great.  It takes a lot of work but it can be done!

CarolynGableShow-blogPic

On August 13, 2009 I had the honor of being a guest on “The Carolyn Gable Show” – an internet radio show to encourage and empower single moms to live their dreams. Here is the official information about it from the website:

About the show:
A live, call in show focused on empowering single mothers to achieve their dreams. Get the word out to all your friends and family who are single moms!
Call the show at 877-474-3302, Listen at wsRadio.com

Show Info:
The challenges facing single mothers are diverse, and every day is different from the last. From time management to financial struggles to sharing custody while still being “mom”, Carolyn and her guest will help you overcome your specific challenges.

As a single mother of 7 children, ages 9 to 34, the CEO of New Age Transportation, founder of Expect A Miracle Foundation, Author, and Professional Speaker, she shares her life experiences on how to overcome the struggles of a single parent.

About the Host:
Carolyn’s rags to riches story seems impossible to believe. After graduating high school, she wandered as a beautician for a year until she settled as a waitress. Twelve years later and raising two children by herself, she took a risk that changed her life forever. Today, Carolyn is a single mother of 7, ages 9 to 34, and continues to manage a successful business career, philanthropy, motivational speaker, all while balancing the responsibilities of ‘mom’

Host Website: www.carolyngable.com

If you want to download and listen to the segment I participated in, CLICK HERE.  Share it with a friend who might need some inspiration.  See who the weekly guests are.  It’s a great show and maybe just what the doctor ordered!  Thank you again Carolyn, it was a pleasure to be able to talk with you and share my experience with you and your audience.

– Tara

]]> http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2009/08/25/single-moms-need-inspiration-too/feed/ 0 Surtex Trade Show http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2008/05/23/surtex-trade-show/ http://tarareeddesignsblog.com/2008/05/23/surtex-trade-show/#comments Fri, 23 May 2008 14:28:00 +0000 Tara Reed http://tarareed.wordpress.com/2008/05/23/surtex-trade-show/ I LOVE New York City!  I just returned from my annual trek to exhibit at Surtex – a trade show where artists show their work and manufacturers come looking for art.  I met with many current clients and hopefully met some new ones – I’ll keep you posted!

One of the best parts of the show [...]]]>
I LOVE New York City!  I just returned from my annual trek to exhibit at Surtex – a trade show where artists show their work and manufacturers come looking for art.  I met with many current clients and hopefully met some new ones – I’ll keep you posted!


One of the best parts of the show is that my sister comes and works with me in my booth– guaranteed “sister time” each year.  We have a great time and always see a show or two at night.  This year we saw “Curtains” – a new musical starring David Hyde Pierce (he was Niles in the TV Show Frasier) — very good! Phantom of the Opera is still a winner for us — it was my third time and Christine’s 4th or 5th — she has lost count.  :)

This is a picture from our booth.  Thank you to everyone who stopped by!

Be well — Tara
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