Friday, July 12, 2013

Licensing Your Art

My limited experience with licensing my art has been a fun venture, mainly because the opportunities have come my way unexpectedly.

My first experience came about as a result of an mass email to colored pencil artists. Prismacolor was looking for an image to put on their Verithin packaging. All you had to do was submit any image you used their product on and wait to see if you were selected. Gratefully, one of mine was. They paid me a nice little sum, agreed to adding my name to the image and it was done. I didn't get rich but you can't buy that kind of exposure, plus seeing your image on Amazon is a real rush, not to mention in every Michael's craft store.
Several years ago, I was asked to design a logo for a group reenacting the pioneer handcart trek. Since then, about 20 other groups all across the US have asked to use it. Because it's non-profit, I have let them use it at no charge. Imagine my surprise when a leather company offered to pay me to license it for a product line they would carry.

I blogged about this last one but this is the first actual photo I have to show the display. The EMP Museum in Seattle contacted me and asked if they could license my Kvothe image from Name of the Wind for part of their educational, interactive exhibit on fantasy characters. My daughter is currently there on vacation and took this picture for me. The room is dark so it isn't the best, but it's satisfying to see it as the public does. Again, great exposure. 

 I retained all the rights to my images. The only restriction I had was with Prismacolor. I couldn't sell rights to another colored pencil company. I would love to know how someone goes about seeking licensing opportunities. It probably involves an agent or maybe not?? 

8 comments:

karen s stitt said...

Wow, Kim, I have always admired the Verithin artwork and I love the handcart you've done. Good show!

Tammie Lee said...

hello,
it is wonderful to hear about your art getting out into our world, admired and appreciated. the pencil cover looks gorgeous!

i have no experience with licensing. wishing you the best with that.

Crystal Cook said...

Wow Kim, those are some really great things that have happened to you! I think it is awesome. Unfortunately I have no experience at all with licensing, so while I found this post so helpful and interesting, I have nothing helpful to offer you. ;)

Jeanette Jobson said...

Congratulations on your art being picked up for all these things. Exposure is amazing when your work is in the public eye every day.

I haven't licensed, well one piece used on a magazine cover/feature story, but was considering this recently as an option. I'll be happy to share any information I find out in my research for the best way to do this.

The Art of Kim Kincaid said...

Thank you Tammie...you are always so encouraging.

The Art of Kim Kincaid said...

Thank you, Crystal. I've seen some websites out there that actually have a page dedicated to images available for licensing. I need to do more research. Thanks for stopping by.

The Art of Kim Kincaid said...

Thank you Jeanette. That's wonderful about your cover image. I'd love to know what you find out.

Melissa Adams said...

Wow, how cool is that?! That's a dream come true for most artists - I think I would just about die from joy if I ever saw my artwork gracing the aisles of Hobby Lobby or Michaels. How thrilling that must be for you! I've never even really thought about licensing artwork, though I keep hearing about it more and more lately and I'm very intrigued. I know some licensing avenues can actually land your artwork on the sets of shows and movies, and I was wondering if you've thought of looking into that as well. I imagine it would be helpful first to decide what form of licensing you want to get into and then go from there, though I'm sure you've already considered that. Your work is most definitely Hollywood worthy, and it's crazy to think of all the different directions this new journey could take you. How exciting! I can't wait to hear more about what you do with this, and I wish you the most of luck, though with your skill I doubt you'll need it. =D