I started my art licensing business in 2014 and I often get asked how I started. Now, with over a decade of experience in the industry, I can confidently say that how I started back then is not how I’d start now. These days, I have a much more strategic approach to business, and you can adopt this strategic approach yourself! If I were starting my art business from scratch, these are the things I'd focus on that make a huge impact when you're starting out.
Read MoreIf you want to get your artwork licensed, but have no idea how to get art directors to notice you, you’re in the right place! This post will cover the exact steps you need to take to successfully pitch your artwork to potential clients and get your art in front of the right people.
Read MoreEvery year, new visual trends emerge and it’s important to stay on top of them if you want to stand out as a surface designer. This year, we’re seeing a shift towards maximalism, dreamy landscapes, and rich, opulent motifs.
Read MoreSociety6 recently announced a major shift to a curated marketplace, removing thousands of artist accounts while making changes to pricing, fees, and submission processes. While this decision has left many artists feeling frustrated and uncertain about their future on the platform, it also presents an opportunity to rethink how artists build their businesses. As an artist who has been involved with Society6 for over a decade, I understand both the challenges and potential paths forward. In this post, I break down what’s happening, what it means for artists, and how to move forward—whether your account was removed or remains active. I also provide actionable steps for diversifying income streams, building a business outside of third-party platforms, and exploring new ways to sell artwork. While change is difficult, this may be an opportunity to regain control over your creative career and find new paths to success.
Read More2024 brought a consistency & balance to my life that I haven’t really had since I started traveling full-time eight years ago. I anchored into place in Thailand, which gave me the consistency & energy to pour into building The Art of Collections, the biggest endeavor I’ve ever attempted in my business.
Read MoreThe key to a successful surface design and art licensing career is your art licensing portfolio! I often get asked what to include in your art licensing portfolio, so today I want to share some portfolio examples and my process for putting together a strategic portfolio that will help you land art licensing collaborations!
Read MoreIs there any ethical way to use AI as an artist? Let’s talk about it. First of all, please know that I acknowledge the concerns surrounding AI-generated designs. I know that this is a triggering topic for many creatives, and I think there is a lot of nuance to the issue. That is why I advocate for the ethical use of this technology to streamline the artistic process. Read on to learn more.
Read MoreWhen you’re designing a pattern for surface design, it’s important to be strategic about the motif you choose. I’ll share why it’s important plus three tips for choosing top-selling motifs for your surface design portfolio in this post.
Read MoreHave you heard the term “filler pattern” or “blender pattern” and wondered what the heck it meant? In the world of surface design, these terms refer to a simple repeating pattern. In this post, I’ll walk through everything you need to know about blenders including how they’re used in practical surface design applications, how to design them effectively, and how to quickly whip them up by repurposing elements from existing illustrations.
Read MoreIn this post, I’ll break down the steps for how to plan a collection from start to finish. I know planning may not feel very glamorous, but when you take the time to plan your collection ahead of time, it allows you to focus on the most important (and fun) part – creating the art!
Read MoreIf you’re an artist selling on Society6, chances are you’ve seen the changes they’ve made in switching to their new tiered pricing structure called Artist Plans. I’ve been watching this play out and I know that it’s causing some unrest and confusion among the art community.
Read MoreWhen it comes to working with big brands as an artist, there are two main ways to go about it: art licensing and buyouts. Think of it like deciding between renting out your house (art licensing) or selling it (buyout). Both have their pros and cons, so let’s break it down.
Read MoreIn the world of surface design and art licensing, there is a common debate about how many pieces to include in your collections. And there’s good news! You don’t have to design huge collections to be successful in art licensing. Enter, mini-collections! Read on to learn how to use this simple collection technique and snag my free mini-collection template!👇
Read MorePet portraits are more than just drawings – they're cherished memories captured through your unique artistic voice. In this blog, we'll explore how to create captivating pet portraits using Procreate.
Read MoreIn this blog post, we'll explore some common problems faced by beginners in Procreate and provide simple solutions to help you overcome them.
Read MoreProcreate is a powerful digital illustration app for the iPad that offers a plethora of features and tools for artists to create stunning artwork. However, when it comes to preparing your Procreate files for print, there are certain considerations and steps you need to follow to ensure the best possible outcome.
Read MoreWhen you apply a Blending Mode, it essentially blends the two layers together so that they are more integrated. In this blog post, we'll explore the intricacies of mastering blending modes in Procreate, providing you with the knowledge to unlock your full creative potential.
Read MoreIn today's digital age, social media is like our virtual canvas – a place to showcase our art, connect with our audience, and make our creative mark on the world. One awesome way to do just that is by sharing our pattern creation process.
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