The ArtOfLicensing.com group was founded in July 2008 as a way to bring those in the business of art licensing together in a supportive and cooperative format.

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LinkedIn Art Licensing Community Reaches 2,000 Members

Cherish Flieder is pleased to announced today that the ArtOfLicensing.com group on LinkedIn has reached the milestone mark of 2,000 members. This makes it the largest due-free online networking group for an international art licensing community.

Members including licensors (artists, illustrators, designers, and licensing agents), licensees (product manufacturers, producers, corporations) as well as supporting roles such as attorneys, technical professionals, and media members. Members also include many international art licensing professionals which promotes avenues of communication for cross-cultural ideas.

ArtOfLicensing.com also has a following on Twitter (Twitter.com/ArtOfLicensing) and Facebook (Groups.to/ArtOfLicensing) as well where members can dialogue about art licensing issues on their preferred social media platform. Through Twitter real-time feed of participating art licensing artists is also offered. Visitors can see a cross section of artists’ “tweet” updates that can be bookmarked in an RSS reader or enjoyed live on the Twitter platform (Twitter.com/ArtOfLicensing/art-licensing-artists).

The ArtOfLicensing.com group was founded in July 2008 by designer and art licensor Cherish Flieder (SomethingToCherish.com) as a way to bring those in the business of art licensing together in a supportive and cooperative format.

Members find LinkedIn’s platform easy to navigate and a natural extension of their individual LinkedIn profiles. Members exchange helpful ideas, news items, resources, report on trade shows, trends, and share information on marketing, copyrighting and licensing processes.

For information on participating in this group, please visit: ArtOfLicensing.com

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About LinkedIn:

LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com) is a business-oriented social networking site of more than 60 million professionals from over 200 countries and territories around the world. Executives from all Fortune 500 companies are LinkedIn members. A new member joins LinkedIn approximately every second, and about half of our members are outside the U.S. When you join, you create a profile that summarizes your professional accomplishments. Your profile helps you find and be found by former colleagues, clients, and partners. You can add more connections by inviting trusted contacts to join LinkedIn and connect to you. Your network consists of your connections, your connections’ connections, and the people they know, linking you to thousands of qualified professionals.

About Cherish Flieder:

Cherish Flieder (SomethingToCherish.com) is not only a painter and designer, but conceptual artist that has skills to help any client with a wide array of graphic, illustrative, and marketing needs. Her design studio, (Cherished Solutions, llc, and brands Something to Cherish™, Been Cherished™ and Painting for Life™), works with publishers, manufacturers, and other niche businesses to achieve their goals in the marketplace by creating designs and illustrations and pairing them with thoughtful marketing objectives. Cherish works on the creation and production of conceptual and cohesive licensing collections, product development, books (especially children’s books), packaging, and other marketing materials.

"Queen of Everything" by Mary Engelbreit

The “Queen of Everything” art licensing will be gracing us with her knowledge and expertise this Wednesday!

It is not to late to get in on the free call and if you can’t make the call, no worries since you can listen to the recording for free later. All you need to do is sign up to reserve your space on this very popular call.

Art licensor and educator, Tara Reed is hosting the live interview with Mary Engelbreit. She will be asking her about 12-15 of the most popular questions that working artists have about art licensing.

DATE: Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Time: 5:30 pm PST / 6:30 pm MST / 7:30 pm CST / 8:30 pm EST
More Information

"Say It Loud" by Mary-Engelbreit

Mary Engelbreit is known throughout the world for her distinctive illustration style, imbued with spirited wit and nostalgic warmth. The unmatched following for her work has grown with a range of licensed products that stretches from calendars, to best-selling children’s books, millions of greeting cards sold each year, and thousands of gifts, crafts and home accents.

Starting in 1977, Mary Engelbreit licensed her art for a greeting card line and today boasts a list that’s grown to include nearly 6,500 products in all, with more than $1 billion in lifetime retail sales.

What a resource for artists wanting to learn more about how to succeed in the art licensing industry.

What are you waiting for? Sign up now!

I can’t tell you what an honor and privilege it is to be the moderator of our intimate art licensing group on LinkedIn. It is exciting to see so much enthusiasm as we have grown to nearly 2,000 members in less than 2 years! I have met so many wonderful people along the way both online and at art licensing trade shows like Surtex, Licensing Show and CHA. Our journey in art licensing is an adventure and it is a pleasure to travel with you.

Here is a little video that art licensing educator and art licensor Tara Reed challenged us to make and share. It is my story about how I got into art licensing and how “Something to Cherish” came into existence.

Because the moments we live should be cherished.

Thank you for your interest in our art and design. To see more you are welcome to visit our art licensing portfolios online at:

• Something to Cherish – www.SomethingToCherish.com
• Painting For Life – www.PaintingForLife.com
• Been Cherished – www.BeenCherished.com
  

(If you are having troubles seeing this video visit our YouTube channel for a direct link.)

Also, don’t forget to visit Tara’s blog to see all the other wonderful art licensing stories and learn how you can submit one of your own!

Those of you who have been following the discussions on the Art Of Licensing LinkedIn group board can sense how difficult or even impossible to schedule a time to get us all together in one room to socialize at Surtex & National Stationery show. Since Paul Brent was the generator of the meet-up discussion, I bounced around with him a few concepts and he came up with this genius idea.

If everyone identifies themselves as a part of the group by wearing the Art Of Licensing logo/graphics, then we can easily identify and network with one another as we see each other throughout the shows. If you are exhibiting, you can even show your membership by posting a small sign in your booth.

No special time or location necessary. It is that simple.

So, take a quick minute out of your busy week, print out the graphics below and join in the fun. I will be looking forward to seeing you wear the group button next to your badge so that I can meet and support you at the show!

Download a printable PDF of the graphics here!

I booked my tickets to Surtex/National Stationery Show in New York and as well as the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. I am looking forward to seeing all the new styles and trends, meet some incredible people and take a few workshops while I am there.

I am a perpetual student of licensing and as you know I love to share my resources as well. With that in mind, I have an incredible woman that you must meet!

She has transformed the way I think about licensing. She has helped her clients achieve wonderful levels of success. I trust you have heard of DILBERT™for example . . . she is a genius marketing strategist and has her own business called Character Matters with partner Tom Wilson (ZIGGY™).

Her name is Jeanette Smith. I had the opportunity to learn from Jeanette last year at an advanced art licensing program she held out here in Denver. The information she has shared has really opened my eyes to new and fresh ways to do business as an art licensor (with or without an expensive trade show booth).

Like many of my art licensing friends, I am free from an agent and love it that way. Jeanette’s classes have given me the freedom, knowledge and support to venture out on this journey with out an agent. She teaches about not only finding the ideal manufacturer, but how to negotiate with them to get what you need!

As many of you know, I am honored to be the moderator on LinkedIn’s Art of Licensing Group (www.ArtOfLicensing.com). Jeanette is extending her support by offering us (the ArtOfLicensing.com community) updates on her upcoming classes. She also gave me permission to share this info on my personal SomethingToCherish.com, art licensing blog.

If that sounds like something that you might be interested in, you would be remiss not to check out Jeanette’s upcoming webinars.

Register Here:JNetClasses.ArtOfLicensing.com

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A quick overview:

TOMORROW!-Hot Trends in Art Licensing & the PR Tactics to Turn UP the Heat!

Next Week – Professional Creators Licensing Series – Open Doors and Close Deals

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artists interested in trends and PR tips:
Hot Trends in Art Licensing & the PR Tactics to Turn UP the Heat!
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Jeanette Smith

Presented by Jeanette Smith, DILBERT™ Marketer and Regina Cooper, former Senior Editor, Art/Home/Brand categories of License! Global Magazine, this class will explore how to pinpoint the current trends in Art Licensing, so you can follow the flock or skip ahead to the cutting edge.

We have gathered data and insights on trends from artists, publications, manufacturers, and retailers in order to give you the most up-to-date information on the state of art licensing today.

Then after talking trends, we will delve into the details of PR tactics that you can use to get the word out about your art, designs and licensing deals! We will address:

• exactly how to approach publications
• who to target and why
• how to write the most effective press releases
• plus how to use multiple press strategies for maximum coverage

Learn what you can do to increase your business potential today!

The presentation will be provided in PDF format and the TelEvent will be a combination of live phone and screen-sharing.

Presenters: Jeanette Smith, J’net Smith Inc. and Regina Cooper, freelance editor/consultant

Date: April 30th, 2009

Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm (Pacific Standard Time)

Price: $60.00

Register Here:JNetClasses.ArtOfLicensing.com

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artists on a budget interested in licensing their artwork:
Professional Creators Licensing Series – Open Doors and Close Deals
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Join us for this informative and fun TelEvent!

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009 — 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm PST

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 – 3:00 to 5:00 pm PST

Thursday, May 7th, 2009 – 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm PST

This is an enhanced version of the classes I took last year from Jeanette and due to the economy, Jeanette is offering it for a limited time for only $100! When she came to Denver, my friends and I paid way, way more. I told her she was a little crazy to lower her price this much, but she really wants to get this info in the hands of artists like you who really need it.

Register Here:JNetClasses.ArtOfLicensing.com

Don’t let the brevity of the descriptions fool you, this is the real deal and Jeanette will answer all of the burning questions you have about art licensing.

Presenter: Jeanette Smith, J’net Smith Inc.

PCLS-1: Introduction to Art Licensing & PCLS-2: Licensing Presentations & Websites Have you ever wondered how creators’ get their art on all those beautiful products in those small boutiques and huge retail stores? Artists, Illustrators, Cartoonists & Graphic Designers — this is a fast-paced introduction to art licensing that will show you how to begin to expand your creative and income potential.

Topics include: What exactly is licensing and how does it work – Types of licensing – What you MUST know about the retail marketplace BEFORE you start – Protecting your rights – Royalty rates – Artist requirements -Agent services – and much more! Learn how to create presentations that will sell your art and collections to manufacturers and retailers. This online course is filled with details and examples that will enable you to produce scintillating presentations and web sites that will get you noticed, clinch the deal, and put money in your pocket!

Topics include: Know your Audience – Branding “Yourself” – Preparing Materials – Productive Web Sites – Online Portfolios – Ask J’net Q & A – Get Answers to YOUR Questions

PCLS-3: Licensing Sales Techniques
An absolute MUST for artists struggling with exactly how to go about licensing their Creations. Learn the most successful strategies for approaching manufacturers and retailers; what they expect and how to give it to them; and how to go about creating and closing the sale! This class also discusses how to find reputable agents and what to expect. With low-cost and highly productive techniques, this step-by-step process has been designed to help you take your art from portfolio pages to licensed products on the retail shelves.

Topics include: Researching Manufacturers – Marketing Plans – Strategies and Timing – Sales Calls – Public Relations – Agent/Artist Relationships – and more. Don’t miss this course, unless you have more sales than you want.

PCLS-4: Licensing Negotiations and Contracts
This is a very HOT and IMPORTANT topic today. Everyone from artists and illustrators, to graphic designers and cartoonists need to learn how to negotiate and navigate the all-mighty contract with confidence. This course shows creator’s how to make the vital business decisions that go into each and every licensing contract, from royalties to product descriptions, exclusivity to protecting creative control, and other critical terms. This course also deciphers the legalese by explaining what contract elements are required and what they mean to you. J’net is not a contract lawyer and does not give legal advice, but after two decades of negotiating hundreds of contracts, her experience and perspective is an invaluable asset that no creator should be without.

Topics include: How to make licensing business decisions and have them reflected accurately in your contract -Tools to keep contracts moving forward -? Negotiation techniques…when to stand up and when to back down and WHY – Recognizing contract “tricks” that some try to pull on novices – What to do after the contract is signed – and more.

This information can easily save you a fortune in future revenues. DO NOT sign anything until you take this course!

Take all these classes for the value price of $100.00!

Register Here:JNetClasses.ArtOfLicensing.com

I look forward to hearing back from you. If you are planning at being at an upcoming show or class, let me know so we can connect.

I wish you much joy and success with your artistic goals. I am so happy that we are on this exciting journey together!

Best,

Cherish Flieder

Illustration – Design – Art Licensing - Marketing

Visual Solutions for the Young at Heart

720.298.9069 – PO Box 49 – Golden , CO 80402 – Twitter@CherishArt
SomethingToCherish.com – CherishedSolutions.com – ArtOfLicensing.com

Tara Reed has a new e-book hot off the press that is a must read for any one serious about licensing their art to manufacturers.

“How to Find, Interact and Work with Manufacturers who License Art”

These 75 pages of informational bliss had my idea cogs turning, challenging the way I approach and sell art to companies that are looking to license art.

You will chuckle your way this e-book as Tara lightheartedly unlocks the mysteries of the artist/manufacturer relationship. I especially enjoyed the 3 magic questions as well as the insightful interviews. Get ready for some hands on information that will establish the way you do business as an art licensor.

Get the eBook “How to Find, Interact and Work with Manufacturers who License Art”

by Cherish Flieder

I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.”

You may have been sent an e-mail with this exact request on more than one occasion by a friend or colleague. If you have dismissed this invitation as just another one of those time wasting, friend collecting sites, then you may be at a considerable disadvantage.

So, if it’s that important, what exactly is LinkedIn you ask . . . and that’s a great question!

LinkedIn, found online at http://www.linkedin.com, is by far the largest and most professional, business-oriented, social media, networking site on the World Wide Web. Although it has only been around since 2002, it has over 25 million participants worldwide and grows at the rate of over 130,000 members each week!

LinkedIn is easy to use and opens the doors of opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with key players of the human race, in a new and effective way. The basic concept of how it works beckons back to the theory of “six degrees of separation.” On LinkedIn it will only show you up to three degrees of separation, but that alone will connect you to millions of professionals once you start linking up with other users. Your network will consist of your connections (1st), your connections’ connections (2nd), and then the connections to which they are connected (3rd). This dynamic function will start to make more sense as you begin see it in action.

It’s a good idea to create and maintain a professional LinkedIn profile page if you want:

• a beneficial way to promote your art brand, products and/or services online
• to meet key players in your areas of expertise
• to discover new business or job opportunities
• to learn about a new industry in which you hope to expand
• to reconnect with colleagues, classmates and clients

5 Things I Love About LinkedIn

• LinkedIn helps me to “stay in touch” and “touch base” with people that are important to me. Often, we get so busy that we never follow up on important connections and we loose out in the long run. LinkedIn is a superior tool for keeping you cognizant of your important connections and gives you an easy way to contact with them when the time is right.

• LinkedIn gives you a visual reference of your network, helping you readily discover commonalities. You can find someone with a skill you desire. You can post jobs or even apply for them online. When you are looking to join or serve with a new company, you can use LinkedIn to conduct preparatory research. LinkedIn makes it easy to discover which connections you have working with that company or who is associated with it, even before you have your first interview.
• LinkedIn is a great way to learn about any industry. You can see what other people are up to, see how they are promoting themselves and view their notable accomplishments.
• LinkedIn manages my database of connections for me. I don’t have to go and look up an e-mail for anyone that is connected to me or even open up my e-mail composer to send out a message. It gives me an instant connection to their e-mail in-box from their profile page.
• LinkedIn makes it simple for each member to keep their own information current for the benefit of the community. This feature helps users quickly access updated job summaries, aspirations, interests, status, website links, and more.

One last thing about social media sites . . . there are so many of them out there. If you are using them for your business you will need to carefully select the ones that help you best maintain professional connections and ultimately keep your brand in front of your clients. Professionally, I use Plaxo, Facebook and Twitter, in addition to LinkedIn. MySpace can be good too, if you approach it with a professional touch. But, if you only choose one, I urge you to go with LinkedIn, as it will give you the most professional online presence and effective online networking available.

10 Tips to Making the Most of Your LinkedIn Profile

> > > > > Wait, there’s more! < < < < <

Get the rest of this article “Leveraging LinkedIn’s Networking Power for Art Licensors” including the “10 Tips to Making the Most of Your LinkedIn Profile” when you sign up for my e-zine.

These complementary LinkedIn profile tips and information on how to use them will dynamically shift the way you use LinkedIn. Get ready to turbo-charge your online networking activities and reach out to your industry!

Also, when you sign up for my “Something to Cherish Souvenirs E-zine” for occasional art and info updates, you can also gain exclusive access to the Cherish COLOR” Trends Toolbar for your Mac or PC. If you are inspired by colors, you will appreciate having this little tool in your back pocket as you use the internet, giving you access to color trend and color mixing information from all of the leading sites on color.

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About the Author: Cherish Flieder is a visionary illustrator, designer, art licensor, and marketer. She loves the adventure of discovery and freely teaches others what she has learned. Cherish is the founder of Cherished Solutions, llc and art licensing brands Something to Cherish® and Painting for Life™. She assists publishers, manufacturers and other niche businesses with art services and thoughtful marketing strategies. She and her team work on the development of custom designs and licensed illustrations for consumer goods, product collections, books (especially children’s books), packaging, print, web, and marketing. Of course if you want to know more, feel free to visit Cherish’s LinkedIn profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cherish.

by Tara Reed