Cards and Licensing
I want to pass along the Nice Matters Award that I received. I am passing it along to Neda Doany at Papiers Collés Blog. Neda is a fantastic artist and an incredible writer. She also writes very thought provoking posts and is insightful and inspiring. But Neda also treats everyone well and with respect … and that is why I am giving her this well-deserved award. I do believe she has a few other awards (like Thoughtful Blogger) that she has not put up yet.
Nice Matters Award
When I first started thinking about how to get my paintings out into the Universe (without parting with the originals), not surprisingly I thought about cards. I still want to get my work licensed for two big reasons. #1 is I think that is an important way that my work can be enjoyed by many in an affordable way – many people like my artwork and licensing is a way that can be very accessible.
Mother Watching All, Oil © Diane Clancy
#2 is that licensing is a way that (potentially) I can kept receiving income from work that I have already created. It could be an important income stream for me as an artist. With licensing, I could get residual income for a long time. Now there is not necessarily much money from each item sold (the percentage is usually fairly low), but sell a lot and it adds up.
I actually did quite a lot of research several years ago … and I know this field (like most of them) are constantly changing. But one of the things I did find out was they like to photograph the original painting themselves. I had been saving my originals to have them available for licensing … so it made me feel really good about that choice. I had been listening to my intuition and I kept hearing to keep most of the originals .. I am glad I followed the guidance.
Since I want to license my work, it is helpful to show I have a track record of people’s liking and purchasing my images. That is how I came to cards. More tomorrow or the day after.
~ Diane Clancy
Technorati Tags: Neda Doany, cards, licensing, income stream, intuition, guidance
Hi Diane,
Congratulations on receiving the Nice Matters Award! I’m not surprised, you are so nice.
I have 12 of my images licensed and on cards, and I will send you the information by email, as they are always looking for more artists. I like this company, and even though it hasn’t been a lot of money yet, it’s a start, and very cool to have someone else print cards with your art on them.
Have a great Holiday and lots of fun!
Kris
I love the idea of selling greeting cards. Your work is lovely and I know many people who would love to receive a work of art in their mail. Good luck.
You seem to know what you are doing when it comes to the licensing. Who would have thought we would get a business education on an art blog!
I love the painting of the mother ‘watching all’, and I like the colours and her hair. Makes her look quite mythical, somehow. Congrats on Neda getting the award. I have noticed how she freely gives of herself and knowledge on other artist’s blogs.
No one here is talking about a business plan? Has anyone here written one? Dying to know about business plan, returns on investment of time and money. Are you guys looking for investors? Do it on your own? So many questions, so little time to ask them…
Hi Kris, I am so delighted that you are sending me this info … I think you know I have gotten behind … but I will check them out. It would be so wonderful if they wanted to use my cards!!! Thank you so much!!
Hi Debra Ann, Thank you for your kind words!! I sure hope I can get them out in a very broad way!
Hi Beverly, I vaguely know what I am doing … still so much to learn!! I think the thing is that most artists now have to work very hard at business. I am so glad you like Mother Watching All … what you say about it is how I see it too.
Hi Andy, you are very right – a business plan is an excellent idea! I am wanting to take financial risks that I can handle myself … I don’t want to go into debt! Remember this is something I did several years ago ,, so the cards are printed and bought … now all that is left is the marketing. Thank you for stopping by!
Thank you!
~ Diane Clancy