Art Licensing Tips & Techniques for Pattern Designers

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

If you're a surface pattern designer looking to maximize your earnings, art licensing is a strategy you should certainly consider. This practice allows you to generate income by permitting companies to use your designs on their products, in a way that suits both parties. Essentially, it's a way to let your creative work do the selling for you. So how do you get started with art licensing for surface pattern designers? This guide will walk you through the process in five clear steps.

Build a Portfolio

The first step to successful art licensing for surface pattern designers is building a strong portfolio. Your portfolio is a showcase of your work. It's your chance to impress potential licensees with your unique style and design skills. Here's how you can go about it:

Selecting Designs

When choosing designs to include in your portfolio, think about the kinds of products your designs could be used on—like textiles, stationery, or home decor—and select those that best fit these categories. Also, consider the trends in the market. What colors, styles, and themes are popular right now? Those trends can guide you in selecting designs that will catch the eye of potential licensees.

Organizing Portfolio

Organization is key when it comes to your portfolio. Group your designs in a way that makes sense, perhaps by theme, style or color palette. This way, potential licensees can easily find what they're looking for. An organized portfolio also demonstrates your professionalism, which can help you stand out in the competitive field of art licensing for surface pattern designers.

Online Portfolio Tips

In today's digital world, having an online portfolio is a must. It allows potential licensees from all over the world to view your work. When creating your online portfolio, make sure it's easy to navigate and visually appealing. Include high-quality images of your designs and, if possible, examples of how they could be used on products. Remember, the goal of your online portfolio is to make potential licensees want to work with you.

Research License Types

Once you've built a solid portfolio, it's time to dive into the details of art licensing. There are several types of licenses, and understanding each one is crucial for your success in art licensing as a surface pattern designer. Here's a look at the most common ones:

Exclusive License

An exclusive license gives a single licensee the right to use your design, exclusively. This means that once you sell an exclusive license to a company, you can't license that same design to anyone else. This type of license often comes with a higher price tag, but remember, you're trading off the ability to make money from the design with other companies.

Non-Exclusive License

A non-exclusive license allows you to license the same design to multiple companies. This can be a great way to maximize your income from a single design, especially if it's a popular one. However, the fees for non-exclusive licenses are usually lower than for exclusive licenses.

One-Time Use License

A one-time use license allows a company to use your design on a specific product or for a specific event, just one time. This type of license can be a good option if you have a design that's perfect for a specific product or event, but not necessarily for ongoing use.

When deciding which type of license to offer, consider your own needs and goals, as well as the needs of potential licensees. Each type of license has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on the specific circumstances.

Find Potential Licensees

Now that you've got your portfolio ready and you've familiarized yourself with the different types of licenses, it's time to find businesses that might be interested in licensing your designs. Here's how you can go about it:

Identify Target Market

Start by figuring out who would be most interested in your designs. Are they suitable for home decor items? Could they be used on clothing? Maybe they're perfect for stationery? Once you have a clear idea of who your target market is, you can start looking for companies that cater to that market.

Research Licensee Lists

Licensee lists are directories of companies that are known to license art. These lists can be a great starting point for finding potential licensees. You can often find these lists on industry websites, in art licensing publications, and sometimes even at your local library.

Attend Trade Shows

Trade shows are a fantastic place to meet potential licensees face-to-face. Not only can you show off your portfolio in person, but you can also get a feel for what types of designs are currently in demand. Plus, you can make valuable connections that could lead to opportunities down the line.

Finding potential licensees for your art licensing journey as a surface pattern designer can take some time and effort, but it's a vital step in the process. And remember, not every company will be a good fit. It's important to find licensees who value your work and are a good match for your style and vision.

Prepare Presentation

After identifying potential licensees, you're ready to present your work in a manner that captivates and compels. Here are some steps to assist you in preparing an effective presentation.

Create Sales Sheets

Consider sales sheets as your design's personal billboard. They showcase your designs, provide key information about their potential use, and offer your contact details. Remember to keep the design of the sheet simple and let your artwork be the star. Make sure your designs are clear, colorful, and reproduced accurately.

Prepare Licensing Proposal

A licensing proposal is a document that outlines the terms of how a company can use your designs. It includes details like the type of license, proposed royalty rates, and the duration of the agreement. Be clear, concise, and professional. Remember, this isn't just an art project—it's a business proposal.

Prepare Follow-Up Materials

Follow-up materials are a great way to stay on a potential licensee’s radar after your initial contact. This could include an email newsletter showcasing your latest designs or a simple thank you note. Remember, the art licensing industry is about relationships, so keeping in touch is important.

Preparing your presentation can seem like a daunting task, but it's an essential part of art licensing for surface pattern designers. It's your opportunity to show potential licensees not just your talent, but also your professionalism and your understanding of the business side of design.

Negotiate Contracts

Once you've caught the eye of potential licensees with your presentation, you’ll enter the negotiation phase. This stage can make or break your art licensing agreement, so it’s key to be well-prepared.

Understanding Contract Terms

Art licensing contracts can be filled with legal jargon. But don't let that intimidate you. It's important to understand the terms you're agreeing to. For example, terms like 'advance against royalties' refer to an upfront payment that gets deducted from future royalties. Always take the time to read and understand the contract, and consult a legal expert if needed.

Negotiating Royalty Rates

The royalty rate is the percentage of sales that you'll receive for each product sold with your design. Rates can range from 2% to 10%, depending on factors like the type of product and the size of the company. Remember, this is a negotiation, don't be afraid to ask for what you think your designs are worth.

Contract Renewal Tips

Most art licensing agreements are for a fixed term, often around 2 years. As the end of the term approaches, you'll need to decide whether to renew the contract. Consider your experiences with the licensee. Have they been easy to work with? Have your designs sold well? Remember, this is a business relationship, so make your decision based on what's best for you and your designs.

In the world of art licensing for surface pattern designers, negotiating contracts is a vital step. It's where you decide on the terms that will shape your business relationship with your licensee. So, take your time, understand the terms, and negotiate for what your work is worth.

If you enjoyed our blog post on "Art Licensing Tips & Techniques for Pattern Designers," we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Digitising Handmade Illustrations' by Jola Pictures. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and techniques on how to transform your handmade illustrations into digital assets, perfect for pattern design and art licensing opportunities.