Contents 103
Leader
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News & Exhibition Diary
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No Ordinary Marker
Winsor & Newton talk about their new Pigment Marker which gives new scope for artists, designers and illustrators.
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Go-To Source
Looking ahead to Surtex 2016, the 30th edition of the B2B marketplace for original art and design.
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Top Of The Table
While some designers can become known for a particular medium, Christopher Vine talks about licensing his patterns and images to two completely different formats.
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Let’s Take A Hike
The master of 3D lenticular artwork Michael Searle talks hiking and expanding his library of designs.
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Autumn 2015
The SPLiCE Of Life
Now in its 17th year, Brand Licensing Europe is the
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definitive event for the European brand and art licensing industry.
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Artist Spotlights
Goldilocks and Rose Mary Berlin.
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Agency Spotlights
Ansada, Happy Art, Pomelo & Pomelo and World Art Group.
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P106 Steady As She Goes
Blue Print may only have had one show so far, but the collectively-organised event has a second outing in December, and the third is already arranged.
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Last Word
Thirty years in the business is a good vantage point to look back from – Vicki Thomas explains how learning to adapt has kept her consultancy going.
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Advertisement Manager Christine Contreras christine@lemapublishing.co.uk +44 (0)1442 289936 (direct)
Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk Subscriptions Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk @ArtBuyerMag https://www.facebook.com/ ArtBuyerMagazine Lema Publishing Ltd 1 Church Gates, Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts HP4 2UB, UK Telephone: +44 (0)1442 289930
www.artbuyermag.com
Tracey Bearton
Editor Tracey Bearton tracey@lemapublishing.co.uk
Leader
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UCKING the trend is something the a stake in its success – and success it has proven art world is known for, with artists already. and illustrators often tackling difficult Small but perfectly formed is their aim and, subjects, or coming up with inventive having started with 12 studios, not only are they new and exciting ways to depict the returning to New York in 2016, but it will be a fiveimages they see in their heads. day show instead of three – and following a second In the world of art licensing, outing in December! there are many different trends as The initial dozen exhibitors has They all also been expanded to 30 in a bigger manufacturers find ways of making their products stand out with the use have a stake in venue in the city, not bad going at all of surface pattern, characters and for a few friends who just wanted to the show’s pictures. try it their way – and the best of luck success One trend common to all to them. industries is trade shows – and the The particularly nice thing is that fact that buyers and suppliers have Blue Print isn’t taking anything been pulling back a little on their away from the bigger and more attendance in many cases, which has traditional shows like Surtex, seen exhibition organisers either cut Licensing Expo or any of those down on space, or the number of mixed events in our Exhibitions’ days they open. Diary on page 96. So it’s nice to see a new kid on Interestingly, that list actually gets the block buck the trend, as is longer every issue as we discover happening with Blue Print, the new more shows around the world where show that opened its doors for the artworks and surface pattern designs first time in May this year. are available for licence. Run in a different way to the more If any readers know of any that are traditional trade show, all the studios taking part missing from our list, please do let us know so we collectively help organise the event so they all have can make sure it’s as comprehensive as possible.
Editor
the team
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news
News in brief
Bringing art to the wilds
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UST listening to the bands at the Wilderness Festival misses the point as there’s always so much more going on and this year Bridgeman Studios added artists, workshops and a social media competition to the mix. A new concept for the 2015 event held in Oxfordshire, England, in August, the Wilderness Studio was nestled between a gin bar and the makers of the iconic Swiss Army Knife, and boasted a classroom space, exhibition shop and reception. From Katie Edwards’ screen printing and paper-cut headdresses with Isobel Barber to Sally Muir’s knitting your own dinosaur workshop, selected Bridgeman Studio artists shared their skills, bringing affordable art classes to the wilds. It was also the place for Bridgeman Studio Award winner Nik Van Els to show off his prize of producing the conceptual map (pictured) of the festival, with 30,000 copies printed for everyone attending, and there was the #wildmap competition where festivalgoers could post a picture of themselves with a map and one lucky entrant was drawn out to win a limited edition print worth £200. Three other artists who entered Bridgeman’s annual contemporary art contest won the chance to have designs featured on limited edition prints, deckchairs, silk scarves and tote bags as part of their sister company CultureLabel’s collection. The products featuring work by Laurie Hastings, Yoko Honda and Rosie Emerson were on show in CultureLabel’s Secret Emporium and are also available on their website along with prints of Nik’s map. www.culturelabel.com www.bridgemanimages.com
THE SHORTLIST of 165 of the entries to the first World Illustration Awards has been announced by organisers the Association Of Illustrators with international partner the Directory Of Illustration. Judges sifted through more than 2,000 submissions from all over the world and all 165 shortlisted entries are showcased online, and will permanently be available to view in the Awards archive following the private viewing on October 5. From the 16 category winners to be selected, two overall award winners will be chosen for Professional Illustration and New Talent. www.theaoi.com www.directoryofillustration.com TARA Reed has sold her Art Licensing Info teaching business to concentrate on creating her own work and licensing it – and a happy new project. She released her first eBook, How To Get Started In Art Licensing, seven years ago and has now handed the reins of the teaching side of her business to John Mavrakis and Melissa Schulz of Ideaologie. Following changes in her personal life, Tara is now working on www.pivottohappy.com, a new project building a community, support and tools around being happy. www.artlicensingblog.com ARTISTS gathered on Wandsworth Common in London in August to enjoy the fun and games as global illustration agency Bright Group International hosted their annual artists picnic. Along with the rounders, sandwiches and homemade cakes, Bright also hosted an exclusive preview of their new Emporium venture, a one of a kind gallery, retail platform and events space that opened in London’s Battersea in September. www.brightartlicensing.com DESIGNER and artist Debra Valencia has published the first in a three-book series featuring her quilt and home décor fabrics. Co-authored with her sister Cheyanne, the DIY book Sewing Pretty Bags: Boutique Designs To Stitch & Love also features fabrics by some of Debra’s favourite fellow designers – Ana Davis, Josephine Kimberling, Ann Kelle, Teresa Woo-Murray, and Pampered Girls. www.debravalencia.com THE British Museum have declared they are “amazed and impressed” at the quality and quantity of the response to their call for the provision of licensing agent services. The call came with the museum’s June announcement of a global licensing campaign to build on their strengths as a unique institution with strong marketing potential that has attracted a wide range of respected industry names in all areas of licensing and promotion. www.britishmuseum.org CHALKBOARD art is a major trend in gifting and homeware for 2015/16 and Iron Gut Publishing now have the licence from MGL Licensing for art prints featuring Lily & Val. Specialising in creating limited edition and fine art collections, Iron Gut will be releasing framed and unframed artwork for the UK home and gift market. www.irongutpublishing.com TREASURES from the British Postal Museum & Archive are now available for licensing as the organisation moves towards opening the Postal Museum & Mail Rail next year. BPMA have appointed Heritage Licensing as the licensing agency for their collections, including the designs for iconic street furniture like the red telephone and pillar boxes which will also be made available for licence. www.heritagelicensing.com MORE than 80 free mini-courses are on offer from All Art Licensing to help artists build successful licensing properties. The official blogger, interviewer and resource centre host for Licensing Expo, All Art Licensing claim to be the first online video education portal, and founder J’net Smith runs regular Q&A Live Events where registrants send in questions which she answers in hour-long sessions. www.allartlicensing.com
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EXHIBITIONS DIARY October 2015 Brand Licensing Europe October 13-15, 2015 Olympia, London, UK www.brandlicensing.eu Comocrea Interni October 26-27, 2015 Villa Erba, Como, Italy www.comocrea.com Mega Show Part 2 October 27-29, 2015 Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre www.mega-show.com
Paperworld, Creativeworld, Christmasworld January 30-February 2, 2016 Frankfurt am Main Frankfurt, Germany www.paperworld.messefrankfurt. com
February 2016 Spring Fair February 7-11, 2016 NEC, Birmingham, UK www.springfair.com
April 2016
Blue Print II December 2-4, 2015 404NYC, New York, USA www.blueprintshows.com
MosBuild April 5-8 2016 Expocentre Moscow, Russia www.mosbuild.com
Showtime Market December 6-9, 2015 ITMA Showtime High Point, North Carolina, USA www.showtime-market.com
Kazachok Licensing Forum April (dates tbc), 2016 Paris Event Centre, Porte De La Villette Paris France www.forumlicence.kazachok.com
January 2016 AmericasMart License & Design (part of the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market) January 12-19, 2016 Atlanta Convention Center Atlanta, USA www.americasmart.com PrintSource January 12-13, 2016 Metropolitan Pavilion, New York, USA www.printsourcenewyork.com West Coast Art And Frame Show January 25-27, 2016 Paris Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, USA www.wcafshow.com
PrintSource April (dates tbc), 2016 Metropolitan Pavilion New York, USA www.printsourcenewyork.com Comocrea Interni April 26-29, 2016 Cernobbio Sport Hall Cernobbio, Italy www.comocrea.com
May 2016 Blueprint III May 12-16, 2016 404NYC (tbc) New York, USA www.blueprintshows.com
Surtex May 15-17, 2016 Jacob K Javits Convention Center New York, USA www.surtex.com
June 2016 Showtime Market June (dates tbc), 2016 ITMA Showtime High Point, North Carolina, USA www.showtime-market.com Licensing Expo June 21-23, 2016 Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas, USA www.licensingexpo.com
July 2016 AmericasMart License & Design (part of the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market) July 12-19, 2016 Atlanta Convention Center Atlanta, USA www.americasmart.com
August 2016 PrintSource August (dates tbc), 2016 Metropolitan Pavilion New York, USA www.printsourcenewyork.com
September 2016 Indigo September (dates tbc), 2016 Paris Nord Villepinte Paris, France Expo Chicago September (dates tbc), 2016 Navy Pier, Chicago, USA www.expochicago.com
feature
No ordinary marker Winsor & Newton have announced a world first for the industry with the release of their Winsor & Newton Pigment Marker.
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UNIQUE collection of marker pens that will revolutionise the market, the new Winsor & Newton launch demonstrates the company’s commitment to shaking up the category. These new Pigment Markers are the first to use Winsor & Newton’s patented fine art pigment technology, giving them a completely original feel and fine art quality. Offering a palette of 107 colours and grey tones, the range incorporates the world’s first-ever White Blender which enables artists, designers and illustrators to mix an unlimited colour palette to create a wide range of textures and tones as well as giving them the option to draw on black and coloured paper – taking the marker pen experience to a new level. The Pigment Marker’s ergonomic design is sleek, comfortable and precise. The dual nibs, one fine and one broad allow artists, designers and illustrators to create work with maximum comfort and control. Developed in Winsor & Newton’s very own laboratory, the Pigment Markers draw on the company’s rich heritage of fusing science and art to create industry-leading products.
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The pigments were formulated by a team of scientists then rigorously tested by professional artists, designers and illustrators – the final product took three years to develop, and is set to be a great success with more than five million pens pre-ordered for the second half of the 2015. Ben Hovanessian, Global Brand Director at Winsor & Newton, said: “This year Winsor & Newton are experiencing rapid growth. We are unrelenting in our pursuit of perfecting the best artist materials on the market, and are confident that our new Pigment Markers offer artists, designers and illustrators something completely unique. “Winsor & Newton actively want to drive the art materials market – and there is nothing quite like this available at present. We hope it inspires a new wave and style of fine art, design and illustration. “The innovation doesn’t stop with the launch of the Pigment Markers. Artists, designers and illustrators should watch this space as we have a lot more in the pipeline for 2016.” Winsor & Newton Pigment Markers will be available from ww.winsornewton.com and in leading art shops from September 2015.
www.winsornewton.com
Now in its 30th year, Surtex is known as the B2B marketplace for original art and design for every product category available, and planning is already well under way for the 2016 edition in New York.
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VER the past 30 years, Surtex has become renowned as a go-to source for manufacturers and retailers seeking unique artwork and patterns for their product development needs. The 2016 edition of the annual tradeshow for the surface design industry will take place from May 15-17 at New York City’s Jacob K Javits Convention Center. More than 300 exhibitors will feature the work of over 1,000 artists, designers and studios from around the world to an audience of 5,500-plus manufacturers and brands that licence art for finished products in industries such as fashion, home goods, stationery, and furniture. ”We are very excited about the success our attendees and exhibitors had at Surtex this year,” said Liz Crawford, vice-president and group show director for organisers Emerald Expositions. “We have received great feedback and are working hard to ensure an even more positive experience next year.” The Surtex show floor has three key sections: ● Art + Brand Licensing – the largest section of the market, with approximately 200 exhibitors offering creatives for licence.
● Atelier – roughly 80 exhibitors showcasing designs exclusively for sale. ● ReSource HuB – where attendees can find licensing-related technology and business resource providers. In addition to exhibits, attendees can also take advantage of the Surtex Conference – three days of programming that will cover all aspects of licensing, monetising art and trend spotting. The full conference line-up will be announced in January 2016. Other Surtex features will include the annual Designext international design competition for students judged by a panel of industry professionals. Trend Theatre will also return this year, with presentations by world-renowned trend forecasting companies. There will also be networking opportunities for exhibitors and attendees alike. Surtex is co-located with the National Stationery Show and ICFF, so attendees can use their badge to access all three shows. Attendee registration will open in November 2015 and designers looking to licence or sell art can find out about exhibiting at Surtex by emailing john.erich@surtex.com www.surtex.com
surtex preview
Go-to source
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feature
Top of the table Becoming known for licensing designs in one particular medium doesn’t preclude a licensor branching out into completely different products, as Christopher Vine Designs show with their two specialities of paper products and ceramics.
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ELL known in the US and the UK, licensing and design house Christopher Vine Designs also work with partners and licensees in ceramics and tabletop. And, despite being a completely different material to the paper products of greetings cards, gift tags and bags that they are best known for in their two biggest markets, tabletop is the largest category product-wise for founder and owner Christopher. “We’ve had incredible interest from Germany and Italy, in particular, for our new tableware collections,” Australian-based Christopher said. “The Christopher Vine designs and style lend themselves seamlessly to ceramic and tabletop. I’m passionate about dining and cuisine and I truly love the category. “Ceramic is a lot like a canvas, its white composition providing exceptional contrast to our bold designs and colour palette,” and he explained how he takes inspiration from the world around him and global cultures for his detailed style with an emphasis on sophistication and focus on timelessness. “Colour is very important, it sets the mood and evokes emotion. I want my collections to be aesthetically pleasing with or without food, and to be used as decoration pieces as much as they are used to serve food,” he added. “I believe classic becomes timeless and we only use hints of trends to avoid the designs being seen for only one season. This can be seen throughout the collections, which use classic colouring and detail. I love the idea of mix-and-match and pattern-clashing to create individuality and a personal touch.” Marigold is the latest intensely striking collection, featuring rich monochrome patterns contrasted by golden copper lustre. “Inspired by the exotic flavours of the East combined with the sophistication of European styling, it draws on the cats’ eye shape and classic patterns,” said Christopher. As for forms, he uses modern and functional shapes that can be used for a variety of cuisines: “My designs are intended to be as much home fashion as they are functional. I combine styles from across the globe to reimagine classic dinner sets. “Depending on the market, we’ll add different pieces – for example, in Italy a pasta bowl and espresso cup is vital.” Christopher is launching his ceramic ranges in 16 countries over the next 18 months, with the rollout currently underway in the UK where Valerie Graham have been appointed as distributors to the brand for the UK and Eire, with the Maxwell & Williams tabletop company manufacturing the collections. Valerie Graham MD Michael said: “With its bright colours and patterns and fantastic modern shapes, Christopher Vine Designs give our customers a different look of product. “So far, it has been a huge success with more than 100 doors opened in just four weeks and sale through is exceptionally strong.” In addition to expanding the Christopher Vine tabletop/ceramic category globally, the brand is also aiming to add other licensees. “Licensing can be incredibly powerful – much like specialisation it allows for each party to perform their speciality function. It’s the perfect model for us as we know that every function,
from concept to store shelf, is performed to a world-class standard,” explained Christopher. “Our designs lend themselves to so many categories. I’ve always had a keen eye on the textile industry as it’s so diverse. We have recently signed a licensing deal for home textiles with Australia company IDC. “Paper product is our next target as it’s a natural progression from greetings cards, while glass is an area we want to explore.” www.christophervine.com.au T: + 61 3 9529 5560
cover story
Let’s tak ke
This has been a year of adventure for lenticular artist Michael Searle as he’s hiked his way across much of the US, including his beloved Hawaii, with youngest daughter Marisa for company, and life is good on the business front too.
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IKING has played a big part in Michael Searle’s year – both the walking version and as a reference to the climbing sales and number of ways to utilise his unique 3D art.
“It’s been a fun year of adventure for me all over the country,” Michael said, “I’ve been fortunate enough to hike from the White Mountains of New Hampshire through the rugged terrain of Arizona to the lush tropical trails in Hawaii, and also from Virginia to Utah and California. “I’ve enjoyed observing and being inspired by all the beautiful vistas that can only be found up close on the trail. “Some of my most profound ideas have come to me out hiking and seeing the spectacular naturally-occurring designs found in nature. “The highlight of all my travels was to have my youngest daughter Marisa accompany me and hike alongside me exploring the islands and discovering hidden gems together. “We had a fantastic time, it was magical to be able to show Marisa all the wonderful places that I love – and incredibly inspiring too. I can’t believe we’re approaching the end of another year.” Things are also climbing high on the
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business front where Moodies Worldwide have teamed up with Michael to develop and launch one of the most unique applications of lenticular art yet. PocketDazzlers are 3D holographic tradeable inserts that slide into a patented clear pocket sewn into children’s jeans. The response has been overwhelming, making PocketDazzlers an amazing success to add to the growing list of lenticular products that are circulating and selling worldwide featuring Michael’s dynamic 3D art. Michael is very excited to team up with Moodies Worldwide who specialise in children’s clothing. Moodies offer a unique line of kids’ couture, designed to inspire selfexpression and creativity in a youthful
a hike ● On the trail in Kauai, Hawaii – Michael at Waimea Canyon and with Marisa after hiking up Sleeping Giant aud audience with wit product exclusively exc available ava through throu www. moodies.com moodie Moodies Worldwide CEO Michael Ignaff o Ig and CVO Jason Jardine said: Jard “Combining stylish jeans jean with the universal and universal desire for customisation customis choice, ch hoice, the link up with Michael Mich is the next ne wave in children’s clothing. clothi “It’s designed for exuberant children,
Searle-art.com www.searle-art.com +1 954 663 9933 933 3 michaelsearle.art@gmail.com
with future offerings for playful teens and statement-seeking adults.” Deluxebase Ltd have been developing and networking a very large distribution base for Michael’s lenticular art from their English offices to nearly all four corners orners of the planet. New products are being developed oped and added to the range at warp speed, and Michael said: “It’s nice to have a great team like Deluxebase out in the trenches
and creating all these opportunities.” To keep up to date with what’s happening in Michael’s world, check out the website regularly and see his everexpanding p g libraryy of 3D lenticular art.
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brand licensing europe preview
The SPLiCE of life Now in its 17th successful year, Brand Licensing Europe is the definitive event for the European licensing industry where people can meet to meet face-to-face with more than 300 leading brand owners, discover the hottest brands, characters, images and artwork available for license and find new partnerships that could transform a business.
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LE HAS teamed up with The Society of Product Licensors Committed to Excellence (SPLiCE) to present a new series of panel discussions in the Licensing Academy this year. The three panels will address AntiCounterfeiting; Social Accountability and Direct To Retail and are breaking new ground for Brand Licensing Europe with the discussion of issues that affect both consumers and licensing professionals. It’s the first time the trade association have brought their insights to the UBM Advanstar-organised event that takes place at London’s Olympia from October 13-15, and includes a specialist Art & Design sector. Kimberly Kociencki, CEO at SPLiCE, said: “For years now we have been sharing best practices in the US. It’s a significant pleasure to be opening up the floor at BLE and to the European licensing Industry.” Kimberly, pictured, will moderate the 45-minute sessions which will feature top level presenters, and host a question and answer opportunity at the end of each. Darren Brechin, BLE Event Director, added: “We are delighted that SPLiCE are bringing such eminent speakers and lively debate to Europe. The topics are new for BLE and we can look forward to top level discussions that will offer a new level of insight and expertise for our visitors.”
The programme will run as follows: Tuesday, October 13 2.15pm Anti-counterfeiting round table – featuring experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, World Customs Organisation, World Trademark Review and 24IP. 3.30pm Social Accountability – featuring brands and industry thought leadership including Insight Licensing Services. Wednesday, October 14 2.15pm Direct to Retail – featuring brands and retailers including Chupa Chups, PBS, and Sainsbury’s.
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Registration is open for this year’s show, which promises another action-packed three days, following the 2014 event which was the biggest in the event’s 17-year history. More than 7,164 retailers, licensees and sales promotion professionals attended from over 65 countries and there was a 28 per cent increase in retailers attending the show. Once again, this year’s event will be zoned into three distinct areas to help visitors navigate easily – Art, Design & Image; Brands & Lifestyle, and Character & Entertainment. The highlights for this year include two educational programmes, divided between the Licensing Academy and the Brands & Lifestyle Theatre and there are two keynote presentations from industry trail blazers, with past
speakers having been from Mojang, Rovio, FIFA and Lucas Licensing. There’s also the annual License This! competition where the four finalists are preparing to present their concepts to the judges in front of an audience on the final day of the show. Now in its sixth year, the challenge offers those with brand-new creative concepts the opportunity to break into the global licensing industry.
The finalists are: ● Natu Natu, presented by Fran Bravo – an eco-friendly, cross-media project which features small, fantastic creatures and aims to help promote a more ecological way of life. ● OiDroids, presented by Jonathan Klemenz – pop-out and build collectable cardboard robot toys, aimed at the pocket money sector, each with quirky detail and full of personality.
● Victoria Spunge, presented by Stuart Simpson – an animation series in development about the sweet, smart Victoria Spunge age 6½ and her visits to her Grandpa, the eccentric inventor Albert Custard age 66½. ● Wussywat, presented by Simon Quinn and Simon Rolph – Wussywat The Clumsy Cat is a 2D animation series for three to five year olds, currently airing on CBeebies, about a curious and clumsy cat discovering the world with his animal friends. Judging panel chair and LIMA UK MD Kelvyn Gardner said: “Nearly 40 entries for 2015 License This! provided an exciting session for the judges with much debate about the many different approaches taken by candidates. “There was a lot of very good material, so no easy task to whittle the entries down to four. Our four finalists each have a very good story to tell; we look forward to their pitches at BLE and encourage everyone to come along for what should be a very lively final.” Other judges on the panel were Rocket Licensing Joint MD Charlie Donaldson, Tom Gunn, International Brand Director EMEA at MTV Networks and Be Inspired Consulting MD Wendy Munt. The four finalists will now compete for a chance to win the prize valued at more than £6,000 – including a fullyfurnished nine square metre stand at BLE 2016 to bring the property to market; LIMA membership for one year and one ticket to the LIMA Licensing Essentials Course & Spring Fling Networking Party in May 2016. www.brandlicensing.eu www.thebleblog.com
VISIT US at Brand Licensing Europe 2015 Olympia London
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Catitudes
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[[[ QEVMP]RVSFIVXWSR GSQ Tel: +44 (0) 1949 860621 e: marilyn@marilynrobertson.com
Celebrating 25 years in art licensing +44 (0) 208 392 8010 info@mgllicensing.com www.mgllicensing.com
art and design licensing
brand licensing europe preview
MGL Licensing
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HIS year MGL are celebrating 25 years in licensing, making them one of the most established art licensing companies in the world. Over the years MGL have grown from a handful of artists and licensees to being a leading artist agency with more than 300 international clients. At BLE they will showcase a selection of their most talented artists working across a large range of styles and product categories, including stationery, gifts and textiles. Debuting at this year’s show is MGL’s newest design artist Sharon Turner, who currently enjoys worldwide sales and has a loyal following on social media. Her collection of pattern designs, graphics and illustrations have already been licensed by Bed, Bath & Beyond, Deny, Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom just to name a few. MGL will also be showcasing the Shell Rummel brand whose licensing programme continues to expand rapidly into the UK and abroad thanks to its sophisticated, highdesign aesthetics.
Now available for licensing through MGL, the Art Marketing collection will be introduced at BLE, which is an exciting portfolio of more than 1,000 images that includes a wide variety of styles, techniques and subject matter such as landscape, wildlife, flowers, fashion and many more. www.mgllicensing.com info@mgllicensing.com Stand J16 – T: +44 (0)20 8392 8010
Marilyn Robertson
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S AUTUMN draws in, it’s traditional for business owners to reflect on the year to date and what’s still to do, and in 2015 UK artist/designer Marilyn Robertson has been busy creating new art work while also boosting her digital profile. Marilyn explained: “I enjoy both the image creation and business sides of art licensing but, for some time, I’ve wanted to get closer and more interactive with the end users of my art and design.” This has involved increased use of social media and the building and launch of two new websites for general art work at www.marilynrobertson.com and her trademarked brand Catitudes at http://catitudes.co.uk Marilyn believes positive feedback from art and design fans around the world helps to confirm and refine how visual trends wax and wane across an increasingly discerning and international audience. Based on such feedback, she believes art buyers can be confident that her work is finding increasing favour across Europe, North America, Russia and the CIS states, China/ Korea and Australasia. New product launches for 2015 have included Marilyn’s Kimono series, used on crafting kits for Crafter’s Companion in Europe and North America, and a series of note cards for NobleWorks USA using the
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artist’s Catitudes designs. Marilyn added: “Following the launch of these products I’ve tracked definite surges of interest in my Facebook and Instagram accounts but, aside from any commercial considerations, I enjoy the simple pleasure of connecting with likeminded people across the planet.” At BLE Marilyn will be launching a new series of fashion-related illustrations alongside extensions of her existing styles. Also, in response to client requests, Marilyn is offering new surface pattern designs and design capability to complement her illustrative art. As she put it: “The future’s bright, the future’s rainbow-coloured!” www.marilynrobertson.com www.catitudes.co.uk marilyn@marilynrobertson.com Stand J2 – T: +44 (0)1949 860621
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VETTE Jordan is an artist renowned for her figurative work – high visual impact coupled with intricate detailing, flowing lines and jewel-like colour are all characteristics of her style. Yvette’s work has been adapted for a wealth of products from cross stitch to compact mirrors and particularly suited to goods that reflect the same love of quality, style and sophistication that her art celebrates. The Academy Group’s Tatiana Smirnova said: “Graceful and elegant style reflected in Yvette Jordan’s designs revealing a woman’s unique radiance and beauty will not leave indifferent any lover of fine arts.” Yvette’s work can be seen at BLE, and she welcomes all licensing enquiries. www.yvettejordan.com info@yvettejordan.com Stand J45 – T: +44 (0)1438 358778
brand licensing europe preview
Yvette Jordan
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brand licensing europe preview
Animal Century
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NIMAL Century GbR, Munich (Germany) is the licensing link to the artist Maria Pishvanova, creator of the art collection Animal Century. This collection comprises more than 270 portraits of dogs, cats and other animals dressed in fine clothing designed by Maria, providing each breed with a unique and apposite personality. Over 120 dog and cat breeds appear on portraits in their whole beauty and the natural manner and special attitude with which the artist portrays them make these paintings inimitable. Whether your pet is a sweet princess, a noble lord, a charming lady or a brave officer browsing through the Royal Gallery of Animal Century, you will find a portrait that matches your pet’s image exactly. More than 420,000 people like Animal Century on Facebook, and they keep showing their love each time a new portrait appears. All this makes the Animal Century Art Collection a great licensing property with the paintings divided into 11 series making it easy to match portraits with each other or to choose a special theme. The Cat Napoleon, Chihuahua the Pirate and Mr Rabbit Holmes are just a few of the animals who live in the magical kingdom created by Maria Pishvanova. www.AnimalCentury.com palace@animalcentury.com Stand J5
This Is Iris
Yellow House Art Licensing
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K ART licensing agency Yellow House are launching four distinctive art brands at this year’s BLE in London. Yellow House are looking forward to meeting with clients to secure new licensees for each of these exciting brands – there’s the humorous Modern Mamil with A Cyclist’s A To Z, the architectural brand Oscar Francis, contemporary folk brand Nancy Nicholson, and the iconic ceramist Ken Eardley. Following their Great Art – Simply Licensed mantra, at the show the popular archives of the Glasgow Museum’s heritage collection will also be strongly featured along with award-winning illustrator Paul Thurlby’s new take on London, published by Hodder. www.yellowhouseartlicensing.com hello@yellowhouseartlicening.com Stand J63 – T: +44 (0)1273 705752
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HIS Is Iris are an exciting creative licensing agency based in sunny north Devon where the team work alongside a variety of established artists, designers and IP developers to extend their ever-growing international licensing programmes. They also serve as a creative resource for brand owners with their experienced creative team working across many category fields including style guide development, stationery, gifts, apparel, publishing and packaging. This Is Iris have a thorough understanding of the licensing industry and a passion for all things creative – and are thrilled to welcome a number of new collections to their portfolio. Shirley Copperwhite is a surface pattern designer and member of The Illustrators Guild of Ireland who works from her studio overlooking the sea in South Dublin. Scottish painter Ailsa Black incorporates a touch of humour and her love of people in to her works where animals and birdlife images evolve which capture the happiness and simplicity of the good things in life. Carousel Calendars and Otter House Card and Gift, together with licensing agent This Is Iris, have announced their intention to publish a range of Beryl Cook stationery and giftware for the first time
in 2016. This is Iris have further boosted the Beryl Cook collection by signing a deal with Frances Lincoln to create a variety of stationery items as well as developing a unique recipe book. Flame Tree Publishing have become the first UK partner to sign the licence for a 2016 calendar with artist Catalina Estrada as This Is Iris have been asked to represent her, working alongside the worldwide agent Edebe Licensing. Last but not least, This Is Iris are thrilled to have secured a greetings card deal with The Great British Card Company for Tina Crawford’s Thread-Drawn, free-drawing a sewing machine. www.thisisiris.co.uk hello@thisisiris.co.uk Stand J61 – T: +44 (0)7816 970696
MARY EVANS PICTURE LIBRARY
This is Iris, a creative licensing agency. For more information visit us at BLE, Booth J61
Snuggle up with Susi at Brand Licensing Europe 2015 Š2015 This Thi is i Iris. I i www.thisisiris.co.uk hi i i i k
Stand J20 - Art & design Zone
www.mar y ev a n s.com
For appointments say hello@thisisiris.co.uk or visit www.thisisiris.co.uk
brand licensing europe preview
Vicki Thomas Associates
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HIS summer Vicki Thomas has been reviewing and re-thinking after 30 years of running her specialist design consultancy having been encouraged by The Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, among others, to start up back in 1985 after completing a Master’s degree in design history at the Royal College of Art and the V&A Museum. The associate designers are drawn from a wide range of design disciplines – Julie Lavender, Steve Gappy, Anna Brewin and Juliet Robson are textile and surface pattern designers; Clinton Banbury, Rachel B Stevens, Carol Tratt and Jessie Eckel are all illustrators. They are joined by cartoonists like Anthony Smith and between them are involved in developing animal and children’s characters for the consultancy and their clients. Ceramic designers, sculptors and product designers like Jane Jones, Roy Simpson, Sally Felton and Peter Griffin turn the two dimensions into three, making characters and products more tangible. Leonie Sharrock is an animator who can help develop storyboards ready for production and make characters come alive. Isobel Bushell and Jill Moore are graphic designers with a specialism in packaging for foods and toiletries turning necessities into treats and can help develop brands and style guides ready for licensing programmes. Jill and Barbara Sampson join Vicki in having specific experience in design for toys and playthings – Vicki has been sharing her expertise with young designers by teaching part-time at the University of Northampton which has led to collaborative research on the creative benefits of play to the design process. Vicki’s historical and social research has led to the consultancy representing and working with licensors like owner of Bonzo The Dog, The Quilters’ Guild Of The British Isles and Craft Partners, developing style guides and licensing programmes. It might be easy to confuse this representative role as simply another art and design licensing agency and to overlook and appreciate the wealth of knowledge and expertise that underlies the work of the consultancy team. The 30th anniversary has helped them re-focus their activities on their consultancy and interdisciplinary design and show how such knowledge and skills supports licensing and this new emphasis will be reflected at BLE. www.vickithomasassociates.com vickithomasassociates@yahoo.co.uk Stand J33 – T: +44 (0)20 7511 5767
Mary Evans Picture Library
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VARIETY of collections will be showcased at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe by Mary Evans Picture Library, including Love Susi X, a charming vintage brand just arrived at the library. Love Susi X draws on the archive of photographer Paul Kaye, whose images follow the adorable antics of his family’s spaniel puppy Susi in the 50s and combines nostalgic kitsch with a definite “aah”. Perfect for stationery, publishing projects, gifts, accessories and homeware, Love Susi X will star in Mary Evans’ 2016 customer calendar, which will be distributed free at BLE. In addition, Mary Evans will be tapping into the current vogue for French Riviera chic with a stunning selection of magazine covers and travel posters celebrating this most glamorous of holiday destinations. The work of quintessentially British cartoonist HM Bateman will also be on show, along with a selection of images of Victorian teacups, teapots and kitchenware from a rare 19th century catalogue and, looking ahead to the Queen’s 90th birthday in April next year, there’s the design archive of royal couturier Hardy Amies. Finally, following on from the success of the library’s collection of pulp science-fiction covers last year, more artwork from their extensive collection of Amazing Stories and other titles will be available to view, featuring a parade of fantastical monsters, aliens and space adventures. www.maryevans.com pictures@maryevans.com Stand J22 - T: +44(0)20 8318 0034
Earth Angels
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LE sees the launch of the new Earth Angels concept – designed by RP Greenwood, Earth Angels boast new characters for licensing. There are Earth Angel Cards with new card sets and greetings cards, the How To Be An Earth Angel picture book and the new This Journal Creates Angels activity journal. RP Greenwood is a writer and healer and the Earth Angel concept has been designed for all age ranges to promote kindness and positivity – visit the stand to go through the concept with the creator and may love guide your every step today. www.EarthAngelCards.com i@makeandbelieve.co.uk Stand B126 – T: +44 (0)1204 853660
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ARTDECO are independent greetings card publishers founded by illustrator and designer Fiona Hart who is taking her designs to BLE for the first time. HartDeco boast a diverse range of original designs, characters and images which are just begging to branch out and escape the confines of their kraft envelopes and cello bags. Fiona trained at Winchester and Central Saint Martins before working for several years in advertising and marketing, now based in a studio at the bottom of her garden in Wimbledon, she works in pen and ink and watercolour or gouache to create her artwork – ably assisted by three very attentive cats. Fiona said: “This is our first time at BLE, where we aim to find an exciting life outside of greetings cards for our original images.” www.hartdeco.co.uk info@hartdeco.co.uk Stand J1A – T: +44 (0)7894 354320
brand licensing europe preview
HartDeco
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brand licensing europe preview
Pink Light Studio
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INK Light Studio are excited to be exhibiting the latest work of their talented designs at Brand Licensing Europe for the first time this October They continue to expand their licences to retailers around the globe, in 2015 Pink Light launched brand-new products with Heys Luggage, Duke Imports, and Seller’s Publishing. The studio continues to grow and expand with new designers and this year Creative Director and Agent Mary Beth Freet has brought talented new artists Amanda McGee, Sanaa Legdani and Lynette Taylor to the team with all well received by licensees in just a few short months. Pink Light offer artwork for licensing and custom projects and the studio provide a variety of services including print and pattern design, placement graphics, trend research, licensing, and hand lettering. Pink Light artwork will help your products shine! www.pinklightdesign.com marybeth@pinklightdesign.com Stand J21 T: +1 206 200 8324
Kate Mawdsley
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Kate Knight
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ATE Knight has been involved in the licensing industry for 13 years and this will be the 11th year in a row she has exhibited at Brand Licensing Europe. This talented artist has built up an enviable reputation for producing exciting vibrant designs that are commercially successful. Companies from all the main market sectors have collaborated with Kate and they have invariably voiced their appreciation of both the quality of her artwork and the flexibility she adopts when working to their briefs. www.kateknight.co.uk mail@kateknight.co.uk Stand J37 – T: +44 (0)7813 147966
ESPECTED and successful freelance illustrator Kate Mawdsley has over 30 years experience and is skilled at combining originality with strong commercial appeal. Kate has developed an ever-growing client base for her surface designs which span such areas as kitchen textiles, ceramics, greetings cards and paper products. Well known throughout the licensing industry for her images of cats and dogs, Christmas and florals, all of which she creates using a variety of media with much of it still hand-painted. Her portfolio is predominantly the result of her own creativity but she is equally at home working to client briefs, tight deadlines and thrives on off-thewall challenges where her experience, flexibility and professionalism shine through. This year’s Surtex in New York proved to be one of Kate’s most successful shows yet with licensing agreements being reached with several new companies across both new product areas and international regions. Kate is now fully focused on this year’s BLE where she hopes to achieve similar success with her exciting new designs. www.katemawdsley.com kate@katemawdsley.com Stand J47 – T:
artists’ spotlight
Rose Mary Berlin
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OLLOWING the growing trend of adults who like to colour, Rose Mary Berlin has produced her first colouring book entitled Itty & Bitty Visit America’s Parks. Itty & Bitty are her two miniature horses characters based on the children’s book series that Rose Mary illustrated for author Nancy K Carpenter. The illustrations are complicated enough to inspire adults to colour along with their children, who will enjoy Itty & Bitty’s adventures as they explore famous sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Carlsbad Caverns and the Adirondacks. The kids, in turn, will learn a little geography, and fun facts about the parks. “I think this book will inspire a new market for Itty & Bitty to tap into,” Rose Mary said, “they could visit all the states, do a little world traveling. Nancy has an amazing imagination, which makes my job a lot of fun. “We expect to have the book available in every gift shop of the featured parks – and
Goldilocks Designs
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there are fans of the Itty & Bitty series clamouring to get it. The licensing opportunities are limitless.” Rose Mary would like to see these images on T-shirts, hats, mugs, totes and other products that are sold in souvenir shops as the mini horses have enough charm and mischief to appeal to both boys and girls, and the author isn’t afraid to approach subjects that are beyond preschool. While this line-art style is a departure for Rose Mary, who is known for detailed painted images of dogs, Christmas scenes and sweet animals, she really enjoyed working in black and white. “As long as this trend is popular, I’m happy to do it”, she added, and she expects there to be more Itty & Bitty books in her future. www.rosemaryberlin.com www.ittyandbitty.com rose@berlinprod.com T: +1 914 490 6819 (mobile) +1 914 962 0526 (studio)
FTER debuting at the National Stationery Show Goldilocks Designs had an overwhelming response to their inspiring cards with the tagline “greetings cards and the stories behind them”. These eclectic cards combine vintage photographs from family photo albums and other sources such as posters, sheet music, ephemera with
quotes from sources as diverse as Kierkegaard to Albert Einstein. Now, with her cards to be found in upmarket boutiques, gift shops, home and decorative accessories store, museum shops and florists, founder Allison Staffin is expanding her horizons to make the artwork available for licensing. www.goldilocksdesigns.net allison@goldilocksdesigns.net
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agencies’ spotlight
Happy Art
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APPY Art design studio create fine art images and designs for babies, kids and their parents, covering goods, soft toys, greetings cards, designs for tableware and repeat patterns for fabric and paper. Located in Bayville, NY, USA, Svetlana Titarenko, known as Lana, is the owner and the artist designer of the Happy Art studio who is helped by architect husband Anatoli and programmer son Aleks to create both 2D and 3D artwork and designs. Originally from Russia, Lana has lived in the US permanently since 1995 having graduated from the Architectural Academy in Ekaterinburg in 1987 with a Masters’ degree in industrial design and fine art. At the Academy she spent five years studying industrial design, classic drawing, classic fine art techniques, sculpture, fine art composition and fine art history. Since graduating, Lana has worked most of the time as an artist designer, creating fine art images, wall décor from nature’s materials, decorative wall plates and repeats for fabric and paper.
World Art Group
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ASED in Richmond, Virginia, the World Art Group have been designing and publishing a broad range of decorative art prints for the home décor markets for nearly 40 years. The company’s collection of more than 30,000 images spans virtually every category and subject matter. In addition to collaborating with hundreds of artists from around the world, World Art Group have their own in-house design group, Vision Studio, made up of a team of talented art directors, artists and graphic designers with advanced degrees in printmaking, illustration and textiles. The company work in every medium, from digital illustration to oil, encaustic, inks, watercolour, acrylic, collage and pencil and the design team produce more than 85 new images weekly. World Art Group are licensors to companies worldwide, across every industry and product category, including wall décor, housewares, floor and wall coverings, tabletop, giftware, furniture, textiles, paper products and stationery, clothing and much more. They also design proprietary lines for dozens of designers, wholesale manufacturers and retailers. The company’s mandate and mission is to be easy to do business with – World Art Group’s sales and design team are happy to do the research on its database and submit jpegs for consideration, all they need is a category, subject matter, colour palette, etc. www.theworldartgroup.com licensing@theworldartgroup.com +1 804 213 0600
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She also worked for a large US company producing wallpaper and interior fabrics but loves having her own business, and has learned Sketch Up, V Ray, Photoshop and Illustrator although she prefers freehand sketching and painting where possible. Lana said: “I love the balance between traditional fine art and decorative stylisation in my creative approach. I try to create harmony between beautiful lines and watercolour splashes, reflecting this creative joy in the happy and positive emotions of my images. “If you asked me what my favourite art style is, I’d answer that I very much admire Art Nouveau for its absolute beauty of lines, colours and images.” As a new kid on the licensing market block, Lana began exhibiting at trade shows just a year ago as Happy Clowns Art, but as the studio’s portfolio soon expanded to include several different themes she has now officially changed the name to Happy Art. You could see whole portfolio of Happy Art studio on their new website. www.happy-art.us info@happy-art.us T: +1 646 286 4153
agencies’ spotlight Ansada Licensing Group
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Pomelo & Pomelo
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OLLOWING their success at the new Blue Print show in New York May, the folks at Pomelo & Pomelo have been super busy creating fabulous new artwork for the upcoming second edition in December. Abby Zweifel’s signature bright colours and intricate line work will be complemented by two talented new artists, a creative team with a wealth of experience forging fresh designs, for textiles,
homewares, stationery, gifts, apparel and seasonal products. Expect to see vibrant florals, trendy geometrics, new takes on seasonal themes and eye-catching illustrations. All of the Pomelo & Pomelo prints are always in repeat and Photoshop files are expertly layered for easy use. www.pomeloandpomelo.com abby@pomeloandpomelo.com
N AMERICAN treasure, Jim Daly’s work is arguably the best in realism today and his latest painting is High Above The Rooftop. From historical events to everyday incidents, Jim’s paintings are high gloss renderings evocative of rural life, of simpler times. The authenticity of his art, achieved with a timeconsuming creative process and painstaking attention to detail, never obscures his primary purpose – empathy between viewer and subject. He said: “There are a number of voices out there telling us what is art and what isn’t art, how it should be done or shouldn’t be done. For me, art must come straight from the heart. “I want my art to be exciting, to have drama, intimacy, emotion, feeling and delight, and to always be visually beautiful. “By using inspired composition and design concepts and by utilising the basic principles of contrast, harmony and balance of colour, shapes and values, an artist can create a fine work of art no matter what school of art one embraces. These basic principles apply in abstraction, realism or impressionism.” Licensed by his agents at Ansada Licensing Group, Jim’s work is in demand and he has had great success in puzzles, stationery, crafts, books, sculpts, wall art and much more. www.ansadagroup.com angela@ansadagroup.com +1 941 758 0924
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blue print preview
Steady as From a small start with just 12 studios, the new collectivelyorganised art licensing exhibition Blue Print is growing steadily, returning with a second show just six months after the first event. New York in December is the place to be and there are already plans afoot for next May’s Blue Print III to buck the trend of cutting dates by running for five days.
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ROM small beginnings Blue Print is steadily growing – after the success of the first show in May 2015, the organisers and exhibitors are all looking forward to the next show in December in New York. This time the show runs from December 2-4 at 404NYC, which is a much bigger venue situated on 10th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets. It’s perfect for Blue Print II with plenty of open space and bright overhead lighting, and very easy to access with the entrance at street level plus the venue also has extra rooms where visitors can sit and relax and collect their thoughts. Main show coordinator Paul Turk, of Cinnamon Joe Studio, said: “We’re hoping to use one room to project
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current trends on to a wall, that people can see while taking a break on a sofa and enjoying a coffee. There’s a café situated right next to 404NYC which can be entered directly through a doorway on the mid-floor level.” By collectively planning and organising the event, everyone taking part has a shared interest in its success and for the December
show Blue Print II has grown from the original 12 studios – who enjoyed the first outing in May so much they have all returned – to 30, bringing creativity, design excellence, flair, and years of experience to the event. Paul added: “We wanted to keep the relaxed, boutique atmosphere of the show, not wanting to grow too big. So the studios we have now
may only be 30, but they offer a huge amount of exciting, innovative art that will more than satisfy buyers visiting the show. “The actual mix and variety of the studios means there is something here for every market that needs artwork for their products. “The size and layout of the December show means that buyers will be able to spend time with lots of different studios in their search for next year’s designs! “The second Blue Print event originated because several of the studios are normally in New York and the USA, meeting clients at that time of year – it also means we will not be competing with all the shows that are on worldwide in January 2016.” Visitors to the show will get to see the first exciting artwork for spring/ summer 2017, as well as plenty of
autumn and seasonal artwork too. It’s a great time of year to be in New York too as the Big Apple has a lot going on at that time, with the shop windows full of seasonal displays, the Christmas tree lit up in Rockefeller Plaza, and the annual ice-skating rink in town. Looking even further forward to May 2016, Blue Print III is going to be five days, completely bucking the current trend of reducing the number of show days. “The first May show was busy all the way through the three days,” Paul added, “and we actually over ran by an hour and a half on the
blue print preview
she goes last day with clients still purchasing artwork! “When it’s busy the time actually flies by and adding two days means we can see other buyers we missed that will be in New York on the Sunday and Monday as well. “We have studios that just sell, some that only licence, and some that do both! “ The spaces for each studio are drawn out of a hat two weeks before the show, so the allocation is completely fair, and it means that the show floors are totally mixed. To visit the Blue Print II show, go to www.blueprintshows.com/register
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last word
Learning to adapt Vicki Thomas Associates have been around for 30 years which is pretty good going after the gift design consultancy was founded almost accidentally. Here the eponymous Vicki Thomas looks back over the past three decades and where her consultancy is now.
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ACK IN 1984 Mary Wilson, a ceramic designer in Stoke-on Trent, asked me: “Will you be my agent?” arguing that the research I was doing meant I had valuable contacts across a range of companies. The interview was part of my master’s degree at the Royal College of Art and Victoria & Albert Museum looking at the gift trade in the Victorian era 1850s-1880s compared to the 1950s-1980s. I displayed my findings at the Royal Degree Show, resulting in a job offer to work as a buyer of accessories for a furniture store, and a ceramic consultant asked if I could come up with the next Eternal Beau, the bestselling dinnerware pattern of the 1980s. Maurice Janis, then of the Giftware Association, circulated a copy of my research among the board, claiming I could see the “wood from the trees”. Cutting a long story short, I started a consultancy, rather than an agency and, ever since, I have continued to research, generate projects and work alongside an interdisciplinary team of artists and designers. What changes have we seen in patterns and imagery over the last 30 years? Fashions are certainly coming full circle. The country images of A Diary Of An Edwardian Lady and delicate china patterns like Eternal Beau are being seen again, with a different twist linked to the hit costume drama Downton Abbey and the revival of the tea shop. In our first decade we saw the growth of gift shops of all kinds in places like London’s Covent Garden and historic properties up and down the UK. This was the decade in which Andrew Brownsword established his greetings card company, now part of Hallmark. Crabtree & Evelyn and The Body Shop were presenting foods and toiletries in new ways, stressing their distinct qualities through their design and presentation. We designed novelty teapots, worked on pewter ranges and developed bespoke gifts and greetings cards for charities’ mail order catalogues, such as Oxfam and Unicef. There were traditional producers such as Royles, Gordon Fraser and Wedgwood showing their wares at the Spring Fair with the new designer-led companies exhibiting at Top Drawer. We worked with the Design Council helping firms as part of the Thatcher Government’s Enterprise Initiative, developing environmentally-friendly potpourri ranges, soft toys and pop-up cards. Artists used books like Contact to get work in from
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art directors and studios. The 1990s recession coincided with motherhood for me and I slowed up just as the economy did too. The Star War films of the 1970s had changed the role licensed merchandise in the gift trades significantly and 1995 to 2005 saw my consultancy far more involved in licensing and more likely to licence our own concepts rather than sell our artwork outright. We worked with Hestair Hope creating characters that could be used for MacLaren Prams and Kiddicraft Toys. For the RSPCA and BBC we were creating images for a wide range of products linked to the popular television show Animal Hospital. Illustrations were commissioned for school and picture books and publishers were asking us to take twodimensional characters and turn them into toys. Maybe motherhood skewed my view of the decade but there certainly seemed to be a demand for children’s designs. Colour copying and digital printing started to became cheap and accessible, so we designed imprintables and for scrapbooking. The technology also affected how art was presented and shared. For adults we licensed images and patterns into the housewares sector for useful gifts as larger retailers increasingly wanted to compete with gift shop and had the ability to launch own-brand coordinated collections. This was the era of licensed characters and designer brands on bedding, stationery and giftware of all kind, with my team working as ghost designers for celebrities. This past decade has seen the effect of the internet and the demise of the High Street as shoppers move to buying on the web while simultaneously looking back to arts and crafts. Fewer artists use agents these days as they can represent and network themselves online. We still work with artists like Clinton Banbury and Kinuko Craft but in a different way, we’re licensing their artwork and developing and adapting their back catalogues for our markets. While many of the British manufacturing companies that were around when we started have simply became brand names now owned by larger global conglomerates, there’s a new wave of companies out there looking for design, though it’s for online businesses and niche markets. Artistic talent is a gift and central to these new types of sharing economies, we are learning to adapt to the new ways of creating and trading.
There’s a new wave of companies looking for design
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● Children are the future – the 90s were the decade for youngsters
● Full circle fashions – Country Diary from the 80s is back again
● Technology strikes – arts and crafts with the age of the internet
THE PREMIERE EVENT FOR SOURCING ORIGINAL ART & DESIGN
Thousands of manufacturers and retailers come to SURTEX to scout and source designs, patterns, prints and art they can use on their products. Original art from over 1,000 artists will be on display for you to shop and source. This is where it all starts. Spot trends, learn about the latest colors, styles and more.
TO LEARN MORE , VISIT SURTEX.COM
GIFTS BED & BATH TEXTILES STATIONERY APPAREL HOUSEWARES PUBLISHING HOME GOODS TOYS BEAUTY
MAY 15 - 17, 2016 | JACOB JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER | NYC
WWW.SURTEX.COM ARTISTS INTERESTED IN EXHIBITING, CONTACT JOHN.ERICH@SURTEX.COM.