Art Licensing ~ Creativity and Authenticity

I have been busy working on some other projects that have not much to do with art licensing so I haven't been on social media or blogging as much. I will share more about my new adventures in upcoming months but for now I want to dedicate this post to all hard working creative people.

To me, an artist is someone who imbues life with beauty and harmony, not only through their own works but through their life-style as well. They tend to set a good example and inspire people to embrace a better life. They usually try to elevate people's spirits and emotions. They are brave; they are special people.

I am sure you have recently heard about this story as it has been largely shared via social media. I am publishing it here to help spread the word and to record it as part of my Art Licensing Legal Series for all newbies. This is a perfect example of what can happen when one's art gets used without permission and the consequences of that happening, as well as all the other emotional, financial, and psychic aspects of such a situation. Stealing art from an independent artist isn't inspiring and it isn't a good example to follow. Only cowards do it.

The blog article that illustrates the tale is titled: My Art Was Stolen for Profit (and How You Can Help); it's written by Artist Lisa Congdon and it's self-explanatory. Please read it if you haven't and help share the story ~ it does help to support one's community and fellow artists. As the West Elm Blog states, we love authenticity. Help keep it so!

A quick update: this new article was just published and it casts a different light over the whole story. It's highly educational to all newbies and artists, so I am including it here as well. You draw your own conclusions, but the quote below is even more appropriate now... http://faso.com/theartedge/66723/lisa-congdon-vs-cody-foster-what-about-the-photographers

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"Truth is a point of view, but authenticity can't be faked." 
~ Peter Guber

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The Moon from My Attic, An Art Licensing Chronicle: a Recap of 2012 and Happy 2013!!

This has been an amazing year full of new work, adventures and friendships - we interviewed many talented emerging and established artists and published some 131 editorials all together. We also expanded our reach to renowned manufacturers to help illustrate how licensing works from their end. Your collaboration has been extraordinary and so inspiring - we have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and we want to thank you all for your tireless contributions and help in return!!

As far as licensing goes, we also had an unforgettable ride...it all started last year around this time with a colorful new website and a small portfolio with a few collections on rough tearsheets, which expanded to over 40 collections on new tearsheets created exclusively for the Surtex 2012 show, and most recently receiving several good contracts as well as new companies interested in our work. We couldn't have asked for more!

This fall, in preparation for an even more productive 2013 we also opened up Spoonflower and Etsy online shops under the title of Studio•Alex, which is now officially the new brand name I'll be licensing under and show at Surtex 2013!

Also, we expanded our social media networking to Twitter, FB Page and G+/Community so we can further help promote my and your work. Our sincerest thanks to the many of you who have sent us beautiful prints of your art or published my interviews and artwork on your own blogs.

And finally, it has been a tremendously gratifying experience to write and edit this blog. We hope for you, like us, it has become a place where artists can share their stories and their work and help build and promote the community of artists and manufacturers in this field. Every posting on the blog is read by literally hundreds of people - in celebration of the year just completed, here is a special shout-out to the top 10 most-read posts from 2012:

1. Finding a New Agent, by Guest Author Jill Meyer

2. Textile Design - From Italy & Japan, with Love!

3. Surface and Textile Design in Licensing – Artist Carol Van Zandt

4. An Art Licensing True Story - Artist Ellie Record

5. The Dynamic Surtex, NSS and ICFF Shows!...
And Now, What's Next?

6. A Special Interview with Angela Menendez, Director of Merchandizing for Garnet Hill

7. Style, Theme and Technique in Art Licensing -
Artist Julie Dobson Miner

8. Brief Tips & Tricks in Art Licensing - How to get your art published on cards

9. A Professional Approach to a New Design Field: Art Licensing

10. Vision, Passion, and Collaboration in Art Licensing: A Special Interview with Anne McFarland Brown, Director of Product Development for Magnet Works, Ltd. (Part II)

Here's to an even more successful 2013!!!