Art Licensing

Art Licensing. A standout approach to profit, as an artist, is to get your work imprinted onto items and sold in retail locations. So, here comes...Art Licensing.

It appears as if now, like never before, the art by present artists is being seen by enormous brands. These brands are certainly not fools: they simply realize that to get noticed by consumers, what their pitching needs is to look incredible. Also, regardless of the task, there's always an artist out there who can make their mug, stationary, bedding or lamp sing a song of sales success!

Additional wage, additional presentation

   When starting licensing art, many creative individuals utilize one or more of the Print-on-Demand programs for artists, which implies that they print their images on the items that are offered. It is indeed an incredible decision, since an artist doesn't need to have the highly specialized printers or assets to offering prints straightforwardly from their studios.

   Some of these Print-on-Demand platforms are: Imagekind.com, FineArtAmerica.com, and Zazzle.com. Using these platforms can be a wise choice for additional income; it can also serve as an introduction to future manufactures. Customers who need an option that is 'bigger' than what the print shows, can see the direct utilization of an image on diverse product lines.

Motivations to consider licensing your work of art:

1. An immense number of different types of products can highlight your work of art. When you start focusing, you come to understand that art is on everything. When I'm out shopping and see things I like, I lift them up and make a notice of the manufacturer: totally new possibilities!

2. You don't have to be a fine artist. Licensing isn't an industry where just the most world class, most gifted artists can succeed. It's an industry that prizes demonstrable skill: any artist can discover their specialty and make a decent-to-brilliant stream of income from licensing their art.

3. You can live anyplace and do it. There are no geographic limits to licensing. You can live in any part of the world you want, yet license your art to manufactures in different nations.

4. You can make more. Numerous manufacturers who license art have a standard approach to paying per piece. That doesn't mean you can't propose a different licensing plan (like, extra rights). A few organizations won't give you the OK, however others may. Particularly in the event that they appear to be very intrigued by your style, and you have a significant collection to offer them. Treat this like a business, for it IS a business: yours! Determine how you will set up and keep your rights of whatever you make. Likewise, consider that if your work of art offers well on, say, a notebook, your licensee may choose to highlight it on a mug as well. And that makes an entire different stream of easy revenue.

Art Licensing Terms

Common art licensing terms:

1. Royalties

Manufacturers will offer artists anything from 4% to 30% royalties on the retail price of their items. This percentage depends upon the market and sort of production. There are distinctive kinds of royalty rates relying upon the specific product. For prints and posters for example, the average royalties rates are around 10-15% while licensed phone cases (or other gadgets) can pay you 4-7%. Remember always that royalty rates can be open to negotiations. So, try to get the most out of it!

2. Contract length

Licensing contracts usually last anywhere from one to three years and will be renewed or dropped: the outcome is relying upon how well the agreement has worked for both the artist and the manufacturer.

3. Art work ownership

Never and under any circumstance allow any corporation acquire ownership of your art work. This is extremely important! Nor should you give give them exclusivity of rights. Your art work is YOURS (and only) and should remain as such: especially, when you realize that you can sell the same work several times to other companies!

Exception to the rule: if you are requested by a manufacturer/company to create an exclusive collection specifically for them, one that is totally different form your other art work, then it is fine (as long as you are compensated adequately). But, under normal circumstances, just make sure that it should be written in the agreement that they are not anticipating that you should just license (that specific item) to them only. Do not get 'bossed' around or 'seduced' by sweet promises either. It is your legal right to keep all copyrights to yourself.

   Usually, artists do not understand exactly how much control they have over their own work, with regards to art licensing. You have the ability to open doors to art licensing opportunities on your own (which may make an agent 'obsolete') as well as turn around your own destiny!

Art Licensing: What Are Manufacturers Looking For?

To start with, art licensing is a major business. Not only can you offer exclusive art of yours to be printed on products, you can even create a BRAND for yourself. Yes: you own Brand! And, this is a major achievement, believe me. From greeting cards to office stationary, clothing and accessories, kitchen and home decor, gifts, wedding invitations, baby clothes, and even electronic products (like iphones) all are in the sphere of possibilities. The list is practically endless and solely depends on the specific interests of customers. 

Companies are always on the look out for art to license: this art may come from already famous Brands (which though may also be rather expensive to 'rent') or from less famous ones that can attract the general public. So, here comes the challenge for you: can your art work attract more customers for the licensee? Or, in simple English, can it bring more sales?

What organizations need 

Companies are searching for art that they can use over a scope of products (even entire lines of them), with corresponding pictures. 

So whether you are an illustrator, artist or fashion designer, it's vital that you make your work in sets. I know it might appear to be unappealing on the off chance that you are a 'fine' artist to act like a businessman/woman in your endeavors: yet on the off chance that you can offer arrangements of 4, 5 or 10 out of an collection of topics, companies can use them to make more products or sets with it.

Art Licensing: Legal Issues

   Once you've started being a 'business,' my greatest proposal is that you search for a lawyer with specialization in the business of 'art.' You will always feel (and act) safer when your legal issues are handled by an expert in this field.

   Of course, as with everything else, YOU have to know the basic issues of this type of business: that gives you not only control over your legal affairs, but puts you also in the right mindset in regards to finding the 'perfect' legal expert!

There are some major things you ought to comprehend. Overlook any of these, and you may wind up in some lawful high temp water.

Copyright for Artists

    When you make a piece of "unique art" you consequently possess the piece. I am not a lawyer, but I have found out through research that you should cling to the copyright laws. In any case, your piece of art must be really unique. You cannot (for instance) repeat another craftsman's work and consider it your own. There exist numerous individuals duplicating the work of art of others', and after that they start posting them as 'available for purchase' on a site or on Facebook. This isn't legitimate and the copiers can soon get a "Quit it" letter from a lawyer! When your work of art is fully copyrighted, then (and only) your art is protected.
   In addition, you cannot offer illustrations of renowned individuals and big names without their (or their bequests') written authorization. For, if you do, this can get you into a mess of inconvenience. Instead, you should be given lawful authorization to profit off of them. Example: you can't duplicate another writer's composition and distribute it as your own. Credit must be given to the first essayist. Utilizing somebody else' s statement from his/her book is encroaching on copyright. At the point when things are copyrighted, they are legitimately gone into the Library of Congress. You will see this image © appearing on their works.

Understanding Trademarks

    Trademarks are lawful names/logos that specifically refer to an item, organization or character (Disney characters are all trademarked). You will generally observe a ® or ™ joined to these. This implies that an enterprise claims that character, and it cannot be utilized or even being referred to without legitimate authorization and contracts. When something is secured by trademark, you absolutely cannot recreate it or even hint to it in any capacity without a unique authorization issued by the owner-company (or person).
   Trademarks protect every well known character. Disney for instance, is extremely defensive. You cannot paint Disney characters ANYWHERE in public (even in a...children's hospital!), as it will be seen by the masses.
   As a general rule: abstain from utilizing clearly recognizable characters in your work, especially when you intend to offer it for sale! Disregard this basic rule and you will soon find yourself stuck in a lawfuly tough situation. In the event that you do wish to use them, make sure you get a legitimate authorization from the organization that holds that trademark.

Contracts for Artists-Commissioned Art

    I continually suggest the utilization of a written agreement when consenting to create commissioned art. Without one, you can easily get screwed up! Make sure you have everything your client expects from you written down in a legal contract. An oral agreement can lead to frustration and misunderstandings: a written one though puts everything down 'in black and white.' It is highly essential to have everything your customer anticipates from the work clearly explained in written form. An agreement is the right place for clarifying these vital points of interest:

•    Exact description of the work of art (figurative, landscape, portrait, and so on.)
•    Painting medium (oil painting, watercolor, ink, pastel, and so forth.)
•    Exact measurements (14×20, portrait or landscape format, and so on.)
•    Material used (canvas, board, 100% cotton paper, with even more specification details.)
•    Special impacts or effects (Changing garments shading, including an alternate foundation, joining photographs, and so on… Be particular!)
•    Purchase cost (Don't undersell yourself. Individuals put an incentive on something by the sum they pay. A $100 drawing will wind up in a storage room or more regrettable. A $1000 drawing gets surrounded by other valuable art work and turns into a treasure!)
•    Amount of advance (Most craftsmen will take 50% in advance, however that is debatable.)
•    Amount due when completed.
•    Completion date (Give yourself an opportunity to do your best work. Numerous customers will need it fast.)
•    Revision provision (This is the place you allow your customer to roll out improvements or revisions in the piece. Just give them ONE possibility, at that point they accept the only choice available. In the event that they don not want to purchase the piece upon fulfillment, keep the advance and the work. Then use your art work any way you like!)
•    Signatures (Two marks beyond 18 a years old a legitimately restricting contract.)

Make three duplicates of your marked contract. One for your customer, one for you, and one for your taxes.

Taxation Tips for Artists

    You should take advantage of government obligations (taxes) on the wage you get from offering your work. This implies keeping great records and having receipts. I likewise suggest having an expert bookkeeper. An expert will prompt you about the numerous deductions for artists.

Art Licensing: Links

Here are the main U.S. shows to consider for exhibiting, as well as a couple of foreign shows if you are inclined to be participate . . .
Links to trade shows:
  

Art Licensing: More Articles!

What is art licensing? 

At some point in their lives, several artists find out about the idea of art licensing: and, at this very point, they are loaded with all sorts of inquiries. What these artists need is to fully comprehend what art licensing is, the manner by which it operates, and on the off chance that it is for them. In the case that you share these equivalent inquiries as well, here are the nuts and bolts of what art licensing is exactly. This article aims at helping you decide whether this is the correct way for you.

Art Licensing Agents

Just like there are many kinds of manufacturers, there are many kinds of art licensing agents. Some only license art and some sell art as prints or on products besides license their artists work. Other art licensing agents represent artists whose art fits only a niche market such as lodge, western, and country. Different ones specialize in representing artists whose art is suitable for home decor, or patterns for fabric, clothing, stationery, and scrap booking. And of course there are some art licensing agents that license all kinds of art for all kinds of products.

Art Licensing News: The Latest news and Peculiarities About the World of Art Licensing.

Ballistics license required for art piece
OTTAWA, Ill. (AP) — Necessary tools for creating artwork generally include pencils and paintbrushes but a rarer necessity for Mary "Kathy" Zehr was an explosive ballistics license. Smoke bombs and gunpowder were ignited to create the effect, enough gunpowder that to make the painting legally she had to acquire a ballistics license to use that much.

Licensing Agreement Terms:

Every licensing contract is unique. There is NO typical deal (contract, agreement) in art licensing because it depends upon the manufacturer, industry, products, the notoriety of the artist, etc. which affects the terms and payment. Also negotiations between the property owner (or representative) and licensee (manufacturer) affects the contract.

Licensing Agreement Terms