Getting Better

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D51JJ3ux560

Click on the pic above 

to watch the video for this post.

(Go ahead, I'll wait.)

Lots of you had questions about the how of getting better in art licensing.  Fortunately, there's lots out there if you know where to look.  Here are a few of my best suggestions:

Tara Reed

Tara is one of the most successful licensed artists in the area of marketing.  She does a terrific job.  Better yet, she shares her experience at http://artlicensinginfo.com/.  If you're serious about understanding the world of licensing and having at least a working knowledge of the business, her site is the first place to start.  You may not have to go any further.  

Kate Harper

Kate has had a very successful career in the greeting card industry.  First as a designer and manufacturer and now as a licensed artist/designer.  She has an in depth understanding of the market and shares her knowledge on her blog at http://kateharperblog.blogspot.com/.  She also supports an online greeting card group, offers classes, and has written a couple of books on the subject.  

Michael Rhoda

If you're interested in developing your writing skills along with your artistic talent, the well known Michael Rhoda is now available for hire.  Recently relocated to some sketchy South American country after an esteemed career with several major card companies (I suspect he's running from his bookie), Michael is now offering one-on-one consultations through his blog at http://www.michaelrhodastudios.com/do-i-really-need-michael.html.  This is an opportunity to learn from the best that you may not want to pass up.

Kimberly Montgomery

As I mentioned in the video, I do a small number of very hands-on portfolio reviews through out the year.  If you feel you're ready for this next step and would like to find out more, email me at Kimberly@MontageLicensing.com.

Happy Creating,

Kimberly

P.S. Be sure to leave us a note and let us know your questions about the world of licensing!

Something Big! Rising Stars . . .

It's been a fun and exciting time for us at Montage Licensing.  With just under 200 participants, this year's Something Big! event was bigger than we could have dreamed. With submissions from around the country, and the globe--Italy, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, it was truly an international view of licensing talent.

We have carefully reviewed each portfolio, read the background and statement from each artist, and made our selections of who we would like to talk in depth with.  

The artists selected will be invited to move forward for Professional Review.  Of the close to 200 participants, we have chosen 9 portfolios for further consideration.  The criteria used to make our selections included:

• Developed Illustration Skills: rendering, color palette, composition
• Uniqueness while still connecting to a broad audience
• Developed style and 'sense of self' in artwork
• Professional Presentation
• An understanding of Licensing application 

We will talk in depth with each artist, learn more about their artistic process and licensing goals, and determine if working together would be a good fit for both parties.  

Each of the fabulous images featured today are from artists selected for Professional Review. We're very excited to learn more about them, aren't you?

Stay tuned as we head towards the finish of this years' Something Big!  We want to share all the excitement with you as you continue on your creative path!

Warmly,

Kimberly 

Montage Licensing

P.S.  Be sure to leave us a note about what you'd like to see as we wrap up this event!

P.P.S.  We'll be hosting more exciting events in the near future that you won't want to miss--so be sure to sign up for email updates for this Blog so you can join in the fun.