Approaching Manufacturers How to Find & Approach Manufacturers for Licensing
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.