Approaching Manufacturers

How to Find & Approach Manufacturers for Licensing

Laura C George

What’s the hardestpart of licensing your art?

How to Find Manufacturers

• licensing shows• googling for manufacturers• artist websites• googling for artists with product type• roaming stores

Licensing Shows

• Surtex, Licensing Expo International, National Stationery Show, AmericasMart Atlanta

• big commitment– walking the show– money– guarantee– prep time– multi-year

Googling for Manufacturers

• “art licensing manufacturers”• “companies who license art”• “companies that license artwork”• “manufacturers looking for artists”• “manufacturer art submissions”• “greeting card manufacturer”• “bedding manufacturer in the USA”

Artist Websites

• manufacturer mentions– blog– licensing page– about page/CV

• contact them• interviews• get clever

Googling for Artists with Product

• “Natasha Wescoat” decal– tapestry with Fine Art Tapestries– duvet cover with DENY Designs– device cases/skins with SkinIt

• Lori Siebert stationery– FIRST PAGE: Lang, C.R. Gibson, DEMDACO, Leanin’

Tree• “Jill Meyer” art homegoods– Artehouse, Thumbprintz

Roaming Stores

• favorite stores• any products with art on them• any identifying information• google and do your research• any store you like

Approaching Manufacturers

• make a list• evaluate fit• narrow your list• pitch

Pitching Manufacturers

• Typically email, sometimes snail mail• Mail: cover letter, photographs• No gifts.

The Email Pitch

• research• pre-inquiry• the real pitch• followup

Submission Guidelines

• footer• FAQ• about page• contact page• failing that, use standard method

The Standard Pitch

• make it easy for them• short and specific• conversational• focus on them

The Email Skeleton

• address them by name• who am I?• compliment• what is this about?• what kind of art?• specific product(s)• links• hand it over• specific instruction• signature

Followup

• one week rule• friendly, quick, and smooth• impeccable grammar, spelling, and

punctuation• then six month rule• try a spreadsheet

What Now?

www.lauracgeorge.com/product/artistic-license

25% off! $200$147

Only until 10pm EST on Wednesday November 12th.

Q&A

www.lauracgeorge.com/product/artistic-license

25% off! $200$147

Only until 10pm EST on Wednesday November 12th.