The 2015 AmericasMart Atlanta - Artists & Trends, Part II

As mentioned in last week's editorial, Ming and I visited many showrooms at the 2015 AmericasMart Atlanta, although we only saw a fraction of what's there. It'd have probably taken a whole month to go through all of them!

While passing through we interviewed a couple of signing artists and noticed many interesting trends going on, some of which have been around for a while but some which seem to have the potential to branch out and develop more "new" directions.

ARTISTS AT THE MART

We met many fellow artists and took a few pictures to share with you all. Next time I will try to take more, although the lighting situation at the Mart and other meeting places is not in our favor, so I apologize if the images are not perfect.

Studio M had a great get-together with artists from around the country. It was so much fun to hang around with the very talented Ronnie Walter, artist, writer and agent for Two Town Studios and her husband Jim Marcotte, also a writer and agent.

Alex Colombo & Ronnie Walter at Studio M ~ Atlanta 2015

Ming and I had fun talking to artist Patti Gay of Two Can Art about her new product lines at the Mart. Patti did an artist signing with C & F Enterprises, featuring her Two Can Art coastal pillows she designed in collaboration with her son Noah, who is autistic.

Artist Patti Gay ~ Atlanta 2015, C & F Enterprises Signing Event

© Patty Gay, C & F Enterprises

It was also a great pleasure to meet R.B. Hamilton, a self-taught artist who has won Best-in-Show and First-Place (in acrylic mediums) for his work in various art shows. His wife, interior designer Betsy Drake, has expanded his art to include pocketbooks, totes, towels, and designer pillows. Hamilton's original art, limited edition reproductions, designer pillows and pocketbooks can be seen in fine gift shops, home furnishing stores, and galleries throughout the United States.

Artist R.B. Hamilton painting at the AmericasMart Atlanta 2015

Artist & Interior Designer Betsy Drake

ATLANTA 2015 - TRENDS

Watercolors are a strong trend seen at Surtex last year and also in Atlanta this year. This is a style that goes well with just about all trends.

© Alessandra Colombo

We have already seen the emergence of themes like woodland, forest animals, including owls, foxes, hedgehogs, and deer, but we heard people asking for "hunting, fishing & wildlife" several times, so this appears to be a branching out of the same trend: Nature, Earth, Organic.

Courtesy of Design Design ~ Trendspiration 2015

Birds are still going very strong along with more and more colorful botanical, florals and gardens. Farmhouse has a strong appeal with elements like distressed wood, roosters, pigs, cows and bunnies. And don't forget the dogs, cats and other domestic animals, they are also in demand.

Courtesy of Studio M

Consequently, the Rustic trend that started a while back, along with Primitive and Native Indian art appear to be stronger, although they are caught into the big mix of what is being called the "new Industrial Revolution" - the Makers Movement. I found a good definition for it:

"The maker movement, as we know, is the umbrella term for independent inventors, designers and tinkerers. A convergence of computer hackers and traditional artisans, the niche is established enough to have its own magazine, Make, as well as hands-on Maker Faires that are catnip for DIYers who used to toil in solitude. Makers tap into an American admiration for self-reliance and combine that with open-source learning, contemporary design and powerful personal technology like 3-D printers. The creations, born in cluttered local workshops and bedroom offices, stir the imaginations of consumers numbed by generic, mass-produced, made-in–China merchandise."

by Adweek.com

Industrial & Urban Chic featured lots of metal, wire, textures and grays or neutral colors. We saw some beautiful hand stitching & embroidered details and natural textures (variations of burlap, twine, bark and other similar materials). Below here you can see a new collection from Cathy Heck Studio featuring their new product line with Primitives by Kathy.

Courtesy of Cathy Heck Studio

Beaded art was featured by several showrooms, and although is not new, it's being interpreted in new ways.

Courtesy of Certified International

Another strong trend that has been around for sometime is the Editorial, Sentiment & Inspirational art. This is coming out with more variations, in softer and perhaps more spiritual colors and quotes.

Courtesy of Midwest-CBK

Calligraphy and wedding styles with whites and creams are taking their spot in this market already full of ideas. Fresh and beautiful Paper Cutting art was found in several showrooms. Chalk art is still present although in the descending, it seems. Metallics are the new emerging colors.

Courtesy of Design Design

Another trend spotted although not new to the market is the Blue Prints, Science & Math one. Very nice, with deep blues and other elements.

Courtesy of Certified International

Personal & Essential is a trend that comes from Europe. This general trend of very eclectic expressions of all sort features also some colorful Bohemian & Folk mixes. Mid Century is alive as well as contemporary art, with strong, vivid colors over neutrals.

Courtesy of Transpac

Travel & Places takes a spot in the trendy markets, with maps, scooters, bikes and famous cities or places.

And finally, the traditional Coastal is everywhere but with Mediterranean blues becoming prominent.

I am sure we missed some... we wish we had more time to spend with many more talented artists and creative manufacturers but we ran out of time. To the next AmericasMart Atlanta show!

~ oOo ~

AN INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO

I saw this video through one of my friend artists on a social media site. I thought to add it here at the end of this editorial as I found it very inspirational and encouraging for those artists who are just beginning in this free-lance & commercial art field.

Four Disney Background Artists Paint A Tree In Their Iconic Styles

~ oOo ~

References with links:

http://www.designsponge.com/2013/08/trend-watch-rustic-utilitarian.html

https://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21163

https://editd.com/blog/2015/01/the-10-biggest-retail-trends-in-2015

http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/huge-design-trends-2015-11513805
http://blog.likemodern.com/various-home-themes-can-apply-2015

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324063304578522812684722382

http://www.housebeautiful.com/shopping/decorating-trends/2015-color-trends#slide-1

http://www.sunherald.com/2015/01/08/6007578_home-style-trends-for-2015.html?rh=1

https://blogjnet.wordpress.com/category/trends

http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324063304578522812684722382

http://bcr8tive.com/etro-spring-2015-16-collection

http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/?season=spring&year=2015

DesignDesign, Inc.'s Trendspiration 2015

studio•Alex and Surtex 2014 - A Quality Trade Show

Set-up day at Surtex 2014

We have finally caught up with some of our sleep deficit now that we're back from the show - we had a good one again this year. Actually, I think it was better than last year in that we received really good feedback on my newest art direction (watercolors and florals) from high-quality companies, although the show started off a bit slow.

The traffic at the show seemed to pick up toward the end of the three days, the opposite of last year. So you never know what's going to happen until you do it! We suspect the absolutely glorious weather in New York on Sunday had something to do with it ;)

It was most interesting to me how well our booth design worked out - as you know from earlier posts, artist Ming Platt exhibited with studio•Alex this year. She did wonderful and her collections were well received; it was an excellent debut! Our banners had to be well coordinated to show an overall integrated look - and it appears that we succeeded based on the many positive comments we received. While our styles are different, they are also very well coordinated - I guess great minds think alike!

Alex and Ming - Surtex 2014

Ming and I also collaborated on the booth decor and giveaways - the "Seed from Our Garden" packets were so fun to create and worked out perfectly to go along with our Natural Wonders and Garden theme, a colorful parade of possibilities. In a world of synthetic everything, I am trying to grow an eco-friendly business and encourage a more natural and healthy life for all!

Growing an Eco-Friendly Business Seed Packets - © 2014 Alessandra Colombo

"Seeds from Our Garden" Seed Packets - © 2014 Alessandra Colombo

Sunflower Seed Packets - 2014 Alessandra Colombo

This year I will keep my post short. The article I wrote last year pretty much still stands as written. This is our second show and we tried to improve our marketing and interaction with companies before and after the show, mostly to find out more about what they do and how they license.

2014 studio•Alex Surtex Booth

We also decided on a different type of desk this year, a low one rather than the bistro-height one we used last year. I liked it better. It gave more visibility and provided more visual space around it, plus it seemed more friendly to visitors in my opinion. We also used tablets in addition to our paper tear sheets. They both worked well.

Next year we are planning to just do tablets as the available software has improved and we can track the design preferences of a client as they look over the images. I will still print tear sheets for the newest collections only - I so love the feel of paper!

A Few Brief Insights about the 2014 Show

Although Surtex happens every year towards the end of May, many manufacturers and art directors who attend the show are especially looking for seasonal work, like Christmas. They look for the traditional Santas, snowmen and Christmas colors. Thus, it's good to have a strong presence with winter collections if you are interested in that category of products. It will increase your booth traffic, too.

Hand painted art, specifically watercolors, seems to be growing in demand judging from the comments I got from interested licensees and the art I saw on the floor. The NSS and the ICCF featured hand made and hand painted work as well.

Hedgehogs seem to be trendy - I have been painting them for years and they are finally taking on. They are very European and incredibly adorable, and many years ago I happened to personally save a couple of them from a silly dog during a visit to my family in Italy, so I am more connected to them than owls (I personally don't have any in my collections...there are just too many already flying around out there in the licensing world, so to speak ;)

I also have a popular hedgehog fabric on Spoonflower called Friendly Hedgehog and more to come soon! We actually met with one of the Spoonflower co-founders at the show, it was a great chat and I will post more about this topic later on.

Booth Detail with Welcome Sign and Hedgehog

There seemed to be an increased number of start-up businesses walking the show, mostly POD, who are entering the licensing arena...which also meant a fair amount of helping them understand how licensing works.

My final tip post-show is: don't forget to listen to the upcoming Ask Paul Brent recap of the show, he does a great job each year and has many more insights to share!

~ Summary ~

The follow-ups are going to be fun this time around. I enjoyed talking to manufacturers who are looking for specific hand painted art so it will be a pleasure to continue create new collections in that direction!

To celebrate our successful show adventure I created a special pillow for studio•Alex using a toile pattern from my new Alpine Woodland collection which drew a lot of interest at the show:

© 2014 Alessandra Colombo - studio•Alex Pillow

I will post Part II of the after-Surtex review soon which will feature our awesome, fun and talented booth neighbors and friends, plus the Artist Doodle Board which we had at the show that was graced by many talented artists who stopped by to reconnect. Meantime, a big hello from myself, Ming and Paul - viva studio•Alex!

On our way to set up for the show

On our way to the Javits Center...

Our "Selfie" - Paul, Ming and Alex taking a stroll along the High Line after getting set up!

Finding One's True Voice in Art Licensing - Artist Janet Broxon

It was just about a year ago today that I was working furiously to assemble and complete my first couple of collections in advance of a critique I'd signed up for with a local group of artists. Over the course of the last year, it has been a wild journey to figure out exactly where and what I want to do; what facet of my art do I want to explore, what makes for good licensing prospects, and what is it that most interests and inspires me. I can now easily see that this is a long journey, one that conceivably could last until I can no longer hold a brush!

Today I'm happy to introduce artist and designer Janet Broxon, who has an inspiring tale of her own journey into art licensing and has shared with us some of her beautiful work.

© Artist and Designer Janet Broxon

The Moon from My Attic: Please introduce yourself - I'm originally from California where I’ve lived up and down the coast. I studied fine art at UC Santa Barbara, and illustration at the Academy of Art in San Francisco.

I worked as an illustrator both in-house and freelance, illustrating children's books, book covers, packaging, editorial and fabric design. It was easy to find inspiration in San Francisco, such a culturally rich city in such a beautiful setting. Eventually, I moved with my husband and twin boys to mid-coast Maine where I now live and continue to work as an illustrator and art licensor. I find Maine is slowly seeping into my veins and thus my work, with all its nature, seasons and beautiful coastline.

© Janet Broxon

What brought you to art in the first place and who or what inspired you in your art? I think art was always a part of me; I drew and painted often as a child and my older sister constantly had some kind of sewing or crafting project going on, so we'd often frequent fabric, craft and stationery stores. We were always making gifts and greeting cards for family and friends, and I would go to the Laguna Beach art festivals every year, too.

About that same time, I remember shopping with my mom in a department store and seeing the iconic Vera Neumann signature on bath towels, sheets and all kinds of household products and thinking, wow a real person actually does these designs and gets to even sign her name! That's when I think the seed was first planted.

© Janet Broxon

What's exciting about your work? Well first I get to take a little from all the things I love, color, pattern, interesting and beautiful subject matter and throw it all together to create something completely new. I also like to have fun with the compositions I create, adding shapes and swirls that move the viewer’s eye around the piece, where they can find patterns and unexpected textures, like fun little surprises.

In reality, the creative process is a lot like life itself with its share of ups and downs. Some pieces come more easily but often there is that moment of frustration, even panic, when you feel "Oh no, this is just not working!" But it's great when you come out the other end with something that can express the joy of what you believe is wonderful in the world, and are able to share it with others.

© Janet Broxon

What's your favorite medium or tools you create with? I still love traditional mediums and tote around a pencil box full of all kinds of colored pencils, and pens. I do lots of mini paintings and designs, always in full color. I can't seem to visualize as well in pencil alone. When I like something, I'll enlarge it and paint with gouache and pastel and often add collage elements, a little fabric or an inked pattern for texture. I then scan and tweak it further, and maybe add layers of collage and filters in Photoshop. The challenge for me is to still capture the spontaneity in the mini paintings once I work on them larger. I'm also still determined to learn vector for patterns but I find I relate much more to pixels.

How long have you been doing art licensing? It's only really been the last couple years that I began to focus on art licensing more seriously. After working in house with a children's clothing company, I went freelance with the desire to develop my own style and see my work on all kinds of products but really didn't know how to go about it. I only knew about illustration assignment work, like educational publishing, advertising, children's books, greeting cards and editorial. Then in 2006, I was offered a contract to do several fabric collections for a company in San Francisco. I worked with them for several years while still mostly pursuing assignment illustration work. The fabric company was what really got me thinking again in terms of collections and seeing my designs on multiple products. I did lots of research and realized that there is a whole other category out there called "art licensing" (they never taught us this in art school) that works a bit differently. This felt like a good fit. I love being able to pick my own subjects to illustrate and like the idea of having my artwork on all kinds useful and decorative items.

© Janet Broxon

What brought you to exhibit for the first time and how many shows have you exhibited in - if any? I had heard about Surtex during my time of research and through friends who had visited. I admire those brave and ambitious enough to design their own booth and show on their own. Weighing all things for me, it just wasn't practical. So I opted to be shown with a group through an agent. Thus far, I've been shown twice at both Surtex and the Atlantic Gift Shows.

What advice would you give other artists that are considering the art licensing field? I would first advise they do a lot of research - there is a ton of information to be found on-line. Decide if it is really right for you and whether your art is really right for art licensing. If you don't already have a large body of work, then find out what you are best at and most passionate about and develop a lot of work around that. You need to be very self motivated. This was challenging for me coming from assignment work where an art director is guiding you along the way and giving you deadlines that you know in the end will be published and you'll be paid for it.

In the beginning especially, You will likely be working very long hours and without much guidance, developing your own collections without knowing if the work will go anywhere. You have to be your own cheerleader, so to speak, and this isn't for everyone. The other thing I'd say is that you need to be flexible; you may have to change colors on demand, make something look less juvenile or more, tone something down, give it more punch, etc.

© Janet Broxon

Another key element is you have to get your work out there to be seen and noticed. This is much easier now to do with the Internet, but you are like a needle in a haystack, there are now so many others doing it. You must figure out a way to stand out. Patience is another important trait to have, it takes a while to land a deal, to get paid, and for most of us, to achieve any real success. Respect yourself and know your worth — as an artist you are bringing something important to the table, so learn about contracts and copyrights, and be negotiable but don't settle for deals you'll later regret. Lastly, be persistent - this isn't an easy field. I have made my share of mistakes along the way and still have a lot to learn, but I believe the longer you stick with it, the more you'll gain the confidence and clarity you need to be successful.

© Janet Broxon

Please give us your analysis of the market based on your own experience and contacts. From what I've read and heard from others as well as felt myself, it has definitely been a tougher time for many people. Manufacturers are offering fewer guarantees, little or no advances, and are giving products less shelf life, making it more difficult to accumulate decent royalties. And never before has it been easier to find exceptional artists from around the world, making the competition fierce.

Despite all this, I remain optimistic. There are also many positive changes taking place. With such easy access to finding so many unique artists, it sets the bar higher for both artists and manufacturers in general, and also educates the public more to what is out there, leading to more art appreciation. Never before have there been so many ways to market your art and even get it on products. Look at how Etsy, Spoonflower and Pinterest and POD sites have taken off. I think manufacturers will follow suit. I have already seen in some cases, companies becoming less conservative and willing to give emerging artists and newer styles a chance.

I recently stumbled upon on The Vera Company website, this philosophy I love of the late Vera Neumann that "fine art should be accessible to everyone, not just a select few." She believed that artwork should not be relegated to walls. Rather, people should surround themselves with art - wear it, dine off it, and dream under it. Because Art inspires, it lifts your spirit and makes you feel better.

© Janet Broxon

What do you think the main trends are for 2012-2013? Trends are fun to research and know about, but I don't follow them too religiously. I always feel I'm going to be too late on them anyway. I try to just paint what most interests me. If it happens to coincide with an upcoming trend, then great! I like to see what the new colors are and I'm thrilled to see brighter colors coming in the next year. The new color of the year for 2013, Emerald, will of course likely bring in more greens. There always seems to be something for everyone with the trends from mid-century nostalgia to fractal kaleidoscopes. So take what you love and run with it. And one I'm always happy to hear about is a continued trend toward more drawing and hand painting.

Janet Broxon

Illustration and Design

www.janetbroxon.com

Enchanting Watercolors by Artist Lisa Livoni

I have been researching out companies that are a match for my art and sprucing up my artwork presentation. Time consuming but necessary. I'll post one soon, once I work out all the details and make it exactly the way I want it.

In the meantime I want to show off the amazing work of Lisa Livoni, an artist whose work is done all in watercolors. I met her at one of our monthly local licensing meetings in Berkeley. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and she developed a serious interest in art as a child; she attributes some of her early creative influences to extensive travel which included three years of living in Japan and attending classes at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

She studied at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland, California, receiving a fine arts degree in graphic design and illustration which led to opening a design studio in San Francisco.

Artist Lisa Livoni

Her development of corporate identities, packaging and wine label design introduced her to the Napa Valley where she eventually moved in 1988. After twenty years of designing she returned to her first love of drawing and painting. Lisa has a passion for painting color, light and texture and believes in using white space to encourage the viewer to use their own imagination.

Lisa tells us: "I am a watercolorist who paints in a representational style using a lot of white space. I try to focus on the essence of what I see in nature and to paint the feelings it creates within me."

© Lisa Livoni

She also adds: "My art is mainly of flowers, fruit and vegetables and I try to focus on capturing their personalities and interpreting them in paint and trying to create dynamic forms and composition."

© Lisa Livoni

Drawing is an important part of her painting - the foundation is there only as a structure, not to be formally adhered to but rather to add another dimension of interest and personality." I work a lot with a wet in wet technique to keep the colors clean and clear and let the colors mix on the paper. I use the best red sable brushes and Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper."

© Lisa Livoni

Lisa also shares some insights on being an artist: "An artist has a way of noticing the hidden detail, a glimpse of the soul, and if they are fortunate to see it, feel it, it can pass through them into their work. That is what is exciting about painting every day. My main source of inspiration is the beauty in nature, I am drawn to the perfection of form and color which is why I paint flowers, fruit and vegetables - the possibilities are infinite."

© Lisa Livoni

She is currently painting for several upcoming shows and working on a large commission piece. Lisa hasn't had any art licensing experience yet but she says, "I am certainly open to exploration. It is an area that interests me a great deal."

© Lisa Livoni

Her future goals? "They are to reach a greater audience with my art, to continue painting large scale pieces and working on commissions with interior designers, perhaps designing textiles, china or linens - I am open."

You can find more of Lisa's beautiful art here:

www.lisalivoniart.com

Art that Feeds the Soul - Artist Stephanie Ryan

More and more, people are looking for uplifting and inspirational art that speaks to their soul and that is a reflection of their own values and dreams. When an artist comes along with that perfect point of view, that unique style and beauty that appeals to multiple generations, it is a dream come true.

Stephanie Ryan's art has that effect on people. Her art is beautiful and speaks to the soul because it comes from her own heart.

The Moon from My Attic: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your art? Hi Alex, thank you so much for the opportunity to share my story with your readers. I like to refer to myself as an artist, designer and creative soul. I love to paint, craft, write and play on the computer. My career started as a doll maker many moons ago and I have been in product development ever since. Currently, I am living my dream as a self-employed artist; I still can't believe it! My work is primarily watercolor art with thoughtful sentiment weaved throughout. TMFMA: What is exciting about your creative work? I think the exciting part for me is the creation of something new. I never know what I am going to paint when I sit down to work. I let my intuition guide me and pretty flowers start to appear. I also love manipulating the art on the computer. I go into it with the same sense of wonder every time and am always surprised by the finished product. TMFMA: Is there a person or thing that has influenced you in your artistic efforts? What inspires you? There are too many to list, I am constantly inspired by nature and my beautiful friends in the art community. I also have this inner voice that is constantly guiding and nurturing my creative spirit. I can't shut it off. My life is all about finding and creating the art that lives inside my heart. TMFMA: Tell us of your experience as an art licensing artist. I have been on the product development side of things for a long time and always wanted to create my own art for products. In an effort to live the life of my dreams, I finally faced my fears and took the leap in 2011 with the introduction of Floral Fusion, a dinnerware collection for Lenox. After the success of Floral Fusion I started to create collections and develop my brand. In 2012, I partnered with MHS Licensing to oversee all of my licensing opportunities so that I could concentrate on what is important to me - creating art and inspiring others to listen to their hearts and see that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself. This past May, after attending Surtex for many, many years I finally had my own booth as an exhibitor! It was a dream come true. Surtex was a huge success and I couldn't be happier with my decision to exhibit. So, I guess you can call me a newbie to the licensing game but I feel like I have been doing it forever because of my background in manufacturing for the past...oh, too many years! TMFMA: What project are you currently working on and what's exciting about it? Right know I am working on expanding my collections. I am trying to envision what my dream products are and create vision boards and mock ups for manufacturers. I am also creating new art and preparing for the launch of my first fabric collection for Moda Fabrics this fall. Everything is exciting these days! TMFMA: What are your future aspirations and goals as an artist? That is a question that I have been giving a lot of thought these past couple of weeks. First, I would like to be a successful licensed artist, but I want more than that too. I want a creative life that has a purpose and meaning and I want to share my experiences and story. I'm not quite sure what that is yet. I would love to write a book, teach workshops, and figure out how to nurture other people's creative spirit.  TMFMA: Any important tip and trick you can share about licensing? Let's see...be true to yourself, create a strong brand that you love because you have to live with it for a while. Create a lot; manufacturers always want to see what's new! Create product sheets of how your art looks on products. You have to have a lot of patience to make it in licensing. It takes at least 3 years to start getting a steady stream of income coming in. Put a lot of thought into whether or not you want an agent. I think that was the hardest decision I had to make about my licensing career. Oh! and most importantly, have fun and create from your heart. Stephanie's Website: www.stephanieryandesign.com

and Blog: www.stephanieryandesign.com/blog/

You might also want to listen to her recent interview with Monica Lee at Smart Creative Women.

More of Stephanie's art: