The creative industry is full of groups, courses, and communities that claim to help artists succeed in surface design and licensing. But if you’ve been part of these spaces for a while, you may have noticed a trend—many of these groups are run by designers who have shifted their focus from creating to selling courses.
Let’s be honest. If someone is making a full-time income licensing and selling their work, they don’t have time to focus on running multiple online courses. In many cases, their revenue isn’t coming from their design practice—it’s coming from selling to other artists. And that’s a problem.
What Makes This Group Different?
At ArtSHINE, we’re not just talking about art licensing. We’re actively coaching, licensing, selling, and exhibiting work at international trade shows. We’ve built long-standing relationships with manufacturers, agents, art directors, and buyers, which means we bring firsthand industry knowledge to this group.
Here’s what we offer that sets us apart:
✅ Real Industry Experience – We’ve coached thousands of artists and currently support a community of 60+ artists whose work is actively being licensed and sold worldwide.
✅ Trade Show Presence – We participate in 4–6 trade shows per year, including Surtex, Licensing Expo, Heimtextil, Pattern Lab atMaison et Objet, and Brand Licensing Europe and more. We know what’s trending and what buyers are looking for.
✅ Direct Buyer & Licensee Contacts – We regularly connect with manufacturers, licensees, and art directors, giving our artists direct industry insights instead of guesswork.
✅ Proven Success in Art Licensing & Surface Design – Our artists are securing real licensing deals and selling their designs—not just talking about it.
✅ More Than Just Business – A Social Enterprise – ArtSHINE is committed to empowering creatives, not exploiting them. We’re here to build long-term careers, not quick sales.
How You Can Be Part of This Movement
We want this group to be a space where artists engage, ask questions, and truly grow together.
So tell us:
💬 What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in art licensing or surface design right now?
Drop a comment in our group discussion: Art Licensing & Surface Design Collective
If you are new to this group?
Let’s build something meaningful together. Your creativity deserves real opportunities—not just promises.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
Vinh Van Lam
Art Licensing & Surface Design Business Coach
Cofounder of ArtSHINE
