Art licensing is an exciting yet intricate path for artists, surface designers, photographers, and graphic designers looking to commercialize their work. Whether you’re new to the industry or an experienced creative looking to expand your licensing opportunities, working with an art licensing coach can provide invaluable guidance. However, to truly maximize the benefits of coaching, it’s essential to approach the relationship strategically. This guide will help you structure your coaching journey to ensure consistent growth, progress, and success in licensing your artwork.
1. Plan and Schedule Your Coaching Sessions in Advance
One of the most effective ways to stay on track with your art licensing journey is to schedule all your coaching calls well in advance. Ideally, set up sessions for the next six months so you can plan ahead.
- Pre-scheduled calls allow you to map out your creative and business tasks in alignment with your coaching guidance.
- You’ll have a clear structure to follow, avoiding last-minute scheduling conflicts.
- Having fixed dates gives you time to prepare, review progress, and focus on key areas of improvement.
If needed, you can always adjust your future sessions, but having a roadmap in place helps maintain consistency and focus.
2. Set Clear Goals: Short, Medium, and Long-Term
Goal setting is fundamental to your success in art licensing. Without a clear vision, it’s easy to lose direction or become overwhelmed by the various aspects of licensing. Work with your coach to define:
- Short-term goals (0-6 months): This might include refining your portfolio, creating new collections, or submitting work to potential licensees.
- Medium-term goals (6-18 months): Expanding your reach, securing multiple licensing deals, and strengthening your marketing and branding efforts.
- Long-term goals (2+ years): Building a sustainable licensing career, diversifying your revenue streams, and growing brand recognition.
By setting structured goals, you’ll have clear milestones to track your progress and celebrate achievements along the way.
3. Maintain Constant Communication
Your art licensing coach is there to help, but they can only guide you effectively if you keep them informed. Regular updates and transparent communication are key:
- Provide progress updates between scheduled calls so your coach is aware of any developments, successes, or challenges you’re facing.
- Ask questions whenever uncertainties arise—don’t wait until the next session if you need clarity on something urgent.
- Share insights about the licensing market, industry trends, or feedback from potential licensees that could influence your strategy.
- Be open to feedback and implement suggestions promptly to keep progressing in your licensing journey.
The more open you are in communicating, the more tailored and actionable the advice you’ll receive.
4. Follow Through on Agreed-Upon Tasks
Your coach will likely provide guidance, assignments, or actionable steps during your calls. To make meaningful progress, it’s essential to complete these tasks before your next session:
- If you’re advised to refine your portfolio, ensure that you dedicate time to updating your work.
- If market research is suggested, take the time to gather insights and compile notes.
- If outreach strategies are recommended, initiate conversations with potential licensing partners and document responses.
- If administrative tasks, such as contract reviews or pricing adjustments, are required, complete them on time to avoid business delays.
Accountability plays a crucial role in success. By completing these tasks, you ensure steady growth and maximize the value of your coaching experience.
5. Keep Creating New Work
Licensing is a dynamic industry that thrives on fresh, innovative artwork. While it’s important to leverage your existing portfolio, consistently creating new pieces is just as critical.
- New work enhances your portfolio’s versatility and increases your chances of securing licensing deals.
- Current trends and seasonal demands shift, so having a mix of timeless and trend-driven designs keeps you competitive.
- New collections can revive interest in older works, as clients may license multiple pieces from a cohesive collection.
Make it a habit to create regularly, whether that means daily sketching, weekly pattern development, or monthly themed collections.
6. Understand That New Work Supports Existing Work
Many artists believe they must continually reinvent themselves, but that’s not always the case. In licensing, new work often serves to complement and support your existing portfolio:
- A new pattern in a similar theme can reignite interest in older patterns.
- A fresh colour variation of a best-selling design can appeal to new clients.
- Expanding a successful series or collection allows you to offer more options without starting from scratch.
- Testing different licensing markets with similar designs can help maximize revenue opportunities.
Versatility is key—having a well-rounded portfolio that blends old and new work keeps your licensing opportunities dynamic and diverse.
7. Stay Educated and Adapt to Industry Trends
The art licensing industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial:
- Research emerging trends in color, themes, and consumer preferences.
- Attend trade shows such as Surtex and Licensing Expo to network and gain insights into the industry.
- Stay updated on legal aspects of licensing, including contracts, royalties, and exclusivity clauses.
- Leverage social media to showcase your work and attract potential licensing partners.
Continuously learning and adapting to changes in the industry will keep you competitive and ensure long-term success.
Final Thoughts: Build a Long-Term Licensing Strategy
Art licensing is not a quick success story—it’s a gradual process requiring persistence, patience, and strategic planning. By proactively scheduling coaching calls, setting clear goals, maintaining communication, following through on assignments, and continuously creating, you set yourself up for long-term success.
At the core of licensing success is the balance between business strategy and artistic creativity. Your art licensing coach can help you navigate this journey, but your commitment and consistency will ultimately determine your growth. Embrace the process, refine your skills, and watch your licensing career flourish.
- Find out more
- Launch Pad + Accelerator Expressions of Interest
- Selling and Licensing Your Art & Designs Around the World with ArtSHINE.
We’re here to help you to take action, just like we’ve helped thousands of other entrepreneurs, business owners, and creative professionals all around the globe.
Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
Now is the time to Make Tomorrow Today!
To your success, Vinh Van Lam and Stuart Horrex Cofounders ArtSHINE.com
