Art & Design Licensing Source Book 2015

Page 1

000-000_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 12:25 Page 3

Summer 2015


IFC-003_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:24 Page 2

The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s leading museum of art and design with over two million objects and designs providing almost inďŹ nite sources of inspiration from textiles, furniture, graphics, to photography, jewellery and fashion. The V&A’s collections appeal to a broad range of clients, including advertising agencies, publishers and broadcasters offering almost limitless opportunities for image licensing. The global brand licensing programme spans interiors, table top, stationery, apparel, jewellery and gifts. Images and brand licensing opportunities are available.

vandalicensing.com


IFC-003_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:25 Page 3

For further information contact: Lauren Sizeland Director: Business Development & Licensing +44 (0)20 7942 2981 licensing@vam.ac.uk

3


004_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 12:27 Page 4

The Definitive Event for the European Art, Design & Image Licensing Industry.

WHERE BRANDS COME TO LIFE Are you looking for new partnerships that could transform your business? BLE 2015 is the only event in Europe where you can meet hundreds of leading brand owners and discover thousands of the hottest brands, characters and images available for license. Whether you are a retailer, licensee or sales promotion professional a visit to BLE 2015 will open up a world of new opportunities and partnerships. Don’t miss this chance to spot the next big thing for your business. See brands come to life at BLE 2015. Register for FREE today, visit www.brandlicensing.eu Organised by

Organisers of

Official Publication

Provider of

Sponsored by

4


005_Leader and Contents_rob_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:36 Page 5

Leader and Contents

Welcome Contents: The team: (l to r) Sue Marks, Jacqui Parr, Ian Hyder, Rob Willis, Jakki Brown, Warren Lomax.

elcome to the 2015/16 issue of the Art & Design Licensing Source Book. This colourful, creative, and diverse publication is absolutely possible because of the industry it represents. The global art and design community is truly unrivalled when it comes to constantly evolving trends, as nimble artists keep up with changes while remaining true to their core, famed-for respective styles. Among interviews in this issue, we caught up with world renowned artist Madeleine Floyd to hear more about her work, including with The National Trust, and we were also lucky to get some time with Sarah Beise and Denise Bosler to hear about their latest collaboration - Line & Dot Spot. Art licensing is an industry that requires great communication from a number of parties, all of whom are balancing their own creative preferences with that of the audience to which they are appealing. We spoke to a number of core licensees to ask what kick-starts their creative brain read more of this on pages 35 to 39. As with all art, appreciation is best garnered in person. For this reason we are lucky, as an industry, to have an array of exhibitions - worldwide, to get our fill of new contacts, new art - and great new ideas. Kick-starting proceedings is Surtex in New York, followed shortly by PG Live, taking the other side of the water in London in early June. If you have the air miles or expense account, you can hot foot it back to Las Vegas in June for Licensing Expo - which boasts a good number of artled exhibitors, before enjoying Brand Licensing Europe (London) in October. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, we hope you enjoy all 100 pages of this issue. The Art & Design LSB Team

W

07

State of the Nation: Corporate News

13

State of the Nation: Photography

15

State of the Nation: Graphic

19

Face to Face: Madeleine Floyd

25

Surtex 2015: Show Preview

35

Product Perfection: Licensee Feedback

40

Agency Interview: Bright Group

47

PG Live 2015: Show Preview

51

State of the Nation: Fine Art

53

State of the Nation: Contemporary

57

Artists Collaboration: Line & Dot Spot

63

Licensing Expo 2015: Show Preview

66

Bright Group Artists Gallery

84

Global Artists Gallery

25

63

19

47

The Art & Design Licensing Source Book is published by Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP Ian Hyder - Joint MD Jakki Brown - Joint MD & Editor-in-Chief Warren Lomax - Joint MD Rob Willis - Publisher Mark Grayson - Creative Director Jacqui Parr and Sue Marks - Editorial Team T: 020 7700 6740 F: 020 7607 6411 E: robw@max-publishing.co.uk & ianh@max-publishing.co.uk W: www.max-publishing.co.uk Copyright 2013. The publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. l

l

l

l

Read The Art & Design LSB and other publications online at issuu.com/maxpublishing

Art&Design Licensing Source Book

5


006_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 18:07 Page 6


07_09_SOTN corporte_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:38 Page 7

State Of The Nation: Corporate Happenings

At The Heart Of Art The latest snippets from across the globe feature a myriad of partnerships across all strands of the art and licensing sectors, as well as news about what's happening at the key trade shows taking place in New York, London and Las Vegas. Tan-Tan Teams Up With Libesa

Above: The new Tan-Tan

diary for Libesa. The newest partner to join MGL Licensing's Reilly–Tan-Tan’s licensing programme is leading Chilean stationery manufacturer Libesa. Libesa will be the first Latin American licensee for the Tan-Tan brand with a range of notebooks and diaries. “We were looking for edgy and contemporary designs for our line of stationery targeted at tweens at teens," says Marcelo Tapia, Libesa’s commercial director. "Tan-Tan is exactly what we were looking for and fits perfectly with the designs we had in mind."

A Coxon Steer The distinctive artwork of artist Claire Coxon (represented by Image Source), showing beautiful women of the 1920s in fabulous clothes and millinery is gracing the branding for two leading trade awards programmes this year. The artwork appears on the entry forms and website for both The Henries (UK greeting card awards) and the Excellence in Housewares Awards (for housewares products and retailers) as it ties in beautifully with the 1920s theme of both awards. These awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing, owner of LSB. Claire says that her inspiration for this collection of artwork “comes from traditional and vintage art as well as fashion and contemporary art and design”. The artwork was donated for use by Noel Tatt (which publishes a range of greeting cards based on the artwork) with the full blessing of Image Source.

age Source

for ent Final closing date 201 Tuesday 23 June

Above: The Henries entry form is graced by Claire Coxon’s imagery (from Image Source).

Inset: The Stag.

MGL Licensing Partners With Art Marketing MGL Licensing has gone into partnership with Art Marketing forging a unique alliance to promote their in-house artists. MGL licensing executive Katie Sharp comments: "Art Marketing's focus on creating innovative and prevalent trend lead art is a combination that lends itself naturally to a whole roster of new product categories particularly gift, textiles and stationery."

Above: Summer House Morning, 2010, a digital collage by Trygve Skogrand/Bridgeman Studio.

Finding New Contemporary Artists Launched a year ago by The Bridgeman Art Library, Bridgeman Studio is a platform for contemporary artists. Success stories include book covers for artists Didier Gaillard and Rebecca Campbell and calendars showcasing the work of Simon Fletcher. In addition, Mark Adlington was commissioned to illustrate the centenary edition of Gavin Maxwell’s autobiography Ring of Bright Water. Bridgeman has also licensed the work of one of its Studio artists, Louisa Hereford, to the cruise line Fred Olsen. The second Bridgeman Studio Award, in association with Creative Review, is now open to all artists, illustrators and photographers. The theme is the Great Outdoors with the deadline for entries June 15, 2015. Entries should be sent to competition@bridgemanstudio.com

Co-Branded Stationery & Gifts Artist and designer Ana Davis, and CrownJewlz, a burgeoning wholesaler in the stationery and gift industry, are collaborating on an expansive line of stationery and gifts. The co-branded line comprises four collections of varied artwork to include contemporary geometric designs, kitchen themes with a vintage twist, intricately beautiful damasks in Above: The new Ana Davis/CrownJewlz rich pinks and oranges, and painted patterns of bright teals stationery collection. and deep blues. The comprehensive group of 28 items and shaped notepads. includes boxed note cards, stacked notepads, journals, magnetic list pads York (May 17-22), and will The collection will make its debut at the National Stationery Show in New also be showcased at the Atlantic Gift Markets in July and January. Blend Fabrics, The Other recent Ana Davis partnerships include Keka Case, Cottage Door Press, Giftwrap Company, HDS Trading and Coyne's Company.

A Wolf Of A Licence In a first collaboration between Creative Connection and Northcott Silk, Northcott has picked up several of Kathy Goff's wolf paintings for a brand new fabric collection. Above: Among the latest wolf paintings by Kathy Goff.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book

7


008_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:10 Page 8

Find New Creative Designs to License or Buy

If you are a manufacturer or licensee looking for new and creative designs for your products, you will find them at SURTEX. SURTEX is the only show of its kind where artists and designers license and sell their original designs for the products you make. Some 1,000 artists represented by artist, agent and licensor exhibitors will be there to show you thousands of unique and cutting-edge designs for a range of products categories including: APPAREL • BEAUTY/PERSONAL CARE DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES • GIFTS PAPER PRODUCTS • HOME GOODS HOME TEXTILES • INTERIOR FABRICS STATIONERY • TABLETOP • TECH PRODUCTS WALL COVERINGS AND MORE! Take advantage of the variety on display and find cutting edge prints, patterns, designs and more. Register today at surtex.com

Registration is FREE for qualified buyers/licensees: Register today at surtex.com

surtex.com | #surtex 8


07_09_SOTN corporte_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 12:04 Page 9

State Of The Nation: Corporate Happenings

Card Sharp

A Winning Hand Card sharps from all sectors of retail will be out in force when the seventh dedicated greeting card show PG Live opens its doors at the slightly later timeline of June 2-3 at London's Business Design Centre. The show continues to strengthen its position in the international marketplace, offering an opportunity for buyers to see the latest designs and offerings from across the greetings community, from the largest publishers to the smallest. In addition to artists and image libraries who are exhibiting (in the Artists’ Quarter), many of the 200+ greeting cards publishers who are exhibiting are increasingly interested and potent for licensing. While the leading brands are exhibiting in the main show, brand new and emerging talent are being showcased in the Springboard sections. As with previous years, all visitors to the show will receive a free, hot, two course lunch, free teas and coffees throughout the show and an invitation to a free drinks party on the first night, Tuesday June 2. Below: The meeters and greeters at PG Live will be clad in dresses made from greeting cards.

Pure Illustration has announced new licensing agreements which will see two of their artists’ work - Catherine Aguilar and Sian Summerhayes - appear on greeting cards in National Trust shops all over the UK. The licensing agency confirms that its European licensing business is also expanding with many licenses for greeting cards, wrap and stationery having been agreed in the early part of 2015. Right: A new greeting card design from Pure Illustration's Faye Gollaglee.

Conference Programme At Surtex Surtex, the annual New York trade show for the surface design industry (which focuses on the selling and licensing of original art and design), will again be bringing together owners and creators of surface design together with manufacturers, retailers and marketers. Emphasising its global reach, this year’s show (which takes place at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Cente, May 17-19) will host some 300 exhibitors (collectively featuring the work of over 1,200 artists and designers) from around the world, including heavyweights from North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. The roster of exhibitors includes over 50 newcomers representing a mix of studios, agents, and US and international vendors. Among the show highlights will be a 10 part comprehensive three day conference programme featuring distinct tracks - Core, Advanced and Trend & Beyond - where design and licensing experts will address best business practices. Some 5,500 attendees are anticipated to visit Surtex. Visit www.surtex.com

New Art Newcomers At BLE This year's Brand Licensing Europe will be taking place from October 13 – 15 at London’s Olympia. New companies currently confirmed so far for this year's Art, Design & Image zone are Alex Underdown Art; Claire Louise; Dupenny; Hello Munki; Morrigan ; Napa Arts & Licensing Agency; Olive and Moss; Pango Productions; Sarah Hurley; Técui and RaNT. Once again, the event will be divided into three zones: Art, Design & Image, Brands & Lifestyle and Character & Entertainment. Running alongside the exhibition is the popular Licensing Academy, featuring keynote sessions from industry trailblazers. Following its launch last year, The Brands & Lifestyle Theatre will also be returning, in addition to the License This! Competition, now celebrating its sixth year. Although registration opens in the Summer, visitors can sign up now for a reminder via www.brandlicensing.eu

Licensing Expo Expands Internationally Better Communication Advocate-Art.com is live and more userfriendly, packed with images and artists. The new design makes it easy to navigate through a range of catalogues and themes allowing visitors to browse and review artwork with ease. "We wanted to create a site that communicated with our artists, clients and associates alike," says studio manager Dave Moxey. As well as an impressive image library, the site has a community section revealing industry tips and news of the company's latest signings. Right: A greeting card image from Advocate Art.

New Pavilions and increased representation from countries to include Mexico, India, China, Japan and the UK, will give Licensing Expo a truly international flavour this year. Taking place from June 9-11 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, the new exhibitors join a growing list of international companies and featured Pavilions that include Brazil and Korea, with China and Japan significantly expanding their footprint at the 2015 show. Brands from more than 35 countries will be represented on the show floor with each Pavilion offering a full range of licensing activity. Licensing executives will also get a chance to gain insights from an exciting panel of top merchants and brand experts during the Executive Keynote Panel that will kick off Licensing Expo 2015, sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) and owned and organised by UBM Advanstar. Sony Music will co-host the prestigious Opening Night Party and present Fifth Harmony as the special guest performer. Visit www.licensingexpo.com/registerhere

Eye, Eye Upcoming products for the Debra Valencia brand this year include a women's eyewear line and a beauty category expansion. Debra will continue adding licensees with a focus on stationery, fashion accessories and home décor products. Also in store from May is Debra's first authored book, Sewing Pretty Bags, for Fox Chapel Publishing. Featuring Debra's colourful quilting fabrics, each sewing project is designed to combine several fabrics with clear, step-by-step instructions and pattern diagrams for an array of fashionable and functional bags. Right: Sewing Pretty Bags by Debra Valencia.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book

9


010-011_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:11 Page 10


010-011_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:11 Page 11


012_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:13 Page 12

$VVDI )UDQN 3KRWography & Licensing %HVW 6Kot Factory Image Library Image licensing for wall art, greetings, Stationary, tabletops & products. Photography commissions

www.bs-factory.com info@bs-factory.com 12

'DUULQJWRQ 6SULQJĂ€HOG 5G &DPEHUOH\ 6XUUH\ *8 $% 8.


13_Photography_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:59 Page 13

State Of The Nation: Photography & Image Art

In The Frame An extensive range of subject matter, spanning everything from travel and fashion to landscapes and science, is brought into focus on photographic licensing opportunities. Above: Brooklyn Bridge Umbrella by Assaf Frank.

New Signing Renowned artist Reuben McHugh has recently joined Image By Design Licensing (IBD). Reuben has worked with a host of major publishers in the past, both in-house and as a freelance illustrator. He works in a variety of mediums and combines photography and painting with digital techniques to create inspiring modern designs licensed for greeting cards and other products.

Fast Paced Photographer

Right: Reuben McHugh's Boy’s Room.

Global Reach

Above: Soho Mannequin by Mitushige Nishwaki

Tokyo-based etching artist Mitsushige Nishiwaki works on a global stage creating etchings for books, advertisements, fashion and shop window displays for Japan, Europe and the USA. Two galleries in the UK currently stock his etchings. Mitsushige will be showcasing his work at Surtex (booth 252) where he will be looking to expand into other markets to include textiles, interiors and stationery.

LuvKelly Launches Kelly Richardson Images is introducing her new brand LuvKelly, which is used side by side with the rescue kitten images that she photographs and licenses: LuvKelly Kitten Images. Licensees are also helping to donate money and raise community awareness for rescue animals. Below: Among the images from Kelly Richardson Images' new LuvKelly brand.

Wild About Danita Ardea has expanded its scenic content in recent months with a new collection of travel and landscape photography from new contributor Danita Delimont. This wide ranging collection includes scenics and landscapes as well as wildlife imagery. The Danita Delimont collection emphasises Ardea's continued dedication to quality, bringing together images from around the world.

Licensing photographer Assaf Frank has seen a surge in demand for his landscapes and cityscapes, with retailer John Lewis offering an extensive collection of his images framed with liquid art. His cityscapes are also being licensed for use on other products including puzzles, calendars and coasters. Assaf is planning more city locations for photography trips later this year. "The great thing about being in cities is the fast pace which is totally different from the tranquil settings of landscapes," says Assaf. "I love the busy hub of humanity getting on with their lives."

Above: Danita Delimont's Lavender and Wheat Fields along the Valensole Plateau in Provence, France.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 13


014_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:14 Page 14


15_Graphics_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:41 Page 15

State Of The Nation: Graphic Art

Setting The Tone Graphic art is an exciting medium, with current designs encompassing a wide gamut of subjects, from sewing to sentiments and selfies. Inset: Tina Crawford

Seamstress Extraordinaire

The Great British Card Company has secured the greeting card licence for Thread-Drawn by Tina Crawford from This Is Iris."Tina Crawford’s free drawing with a sewing machine is so incredible it really has to be seen to be believed,” says Nick Adsett, group product director at GBCC. "Working with such blue chip clients as Sir Paul Smith, St Paul’s Cathedral and Kew Gardens, Tina has already built a real name for herself in the stationery industry and we are delighted to be able to work with her.” GBCC expects to release a new range of greeting cards from Tina Crawford at PG Live 2015, which takes place at London's Business Design Centre on June 2-3.

Virtual Art Licensing Show

Making Her Debut

The new ArtLicensingShow.com website is a protected portfolio website and private social networking community in one. Over 300 artists/agents have uploaded thousands of exclusive images/collections Above: that can be shared ArtLicensingShow.com with specific authorised art director members on the site. At no cost, licensees can join and work directly with licensors and can review and search hundreds of works with a single login. Artists/agents maintain 100% control over their IP. All industry professionals are invited to sign up for a complementary listing.

Marsha Rollinger is a versatile designer who enjoys working in various media under her studio name Equinox Art & Design. Finding inspiration everywhere, Marsha’s designs range from sophisticated and textural to playful and whimsical. Exhibiting for the first time at Surtex this year, (booth 561), Equinox Art & Design will be debuting seasonal, novelty, and everyday pattern collections for various markets, including paper goods, gift, fabric Above: Poinsettia by and home decor. Marsha Rollinger.

New, New, New It’s been a busy year at Caleb Gray Studio with new licensing agreements, new product categories, and new designs. Among Caleb’s newest licences is Primitives by Kathy, who has paired Caleb’s designs with sentiments and sayings on the company's line of baby box signs and frames. Other current debuts include Caleb’s new Super Speedway and Spaced Out fabrics with Robert Kaufman, new Little Stinker kids gifts and stickers with Frecklebox, as well as the Robot Factory partyware collection. Caleb Gray Studio will also be rolling out several new collections at Surtex to include Beachy Keen, Let Me Entertain You and Season’s Eatings. Left: Primitives, a new licence for Caleb Gray Studios.

Beryl Cook Collection Carousel Calendars and Otter House Above: Beryl Cook. Card and Gift, together with licensing agent This Is Iris, will be publishing a range of Beryl Cook stationery and giftware for the first time in 2016. Having recently acquired the licence, the publishers are thrilled by the opportunity to create a new collection showcasing Beryl Cook’s unique artwork. "Beryl’s work is stunning, humorous, instantly recognisable and with a very wide appeal that makes this a really exciting project for us," enthuses Martin Rees-Davies, head of licensing for the Otter House Group. "Our brand planning, ideas and strategy will develop some great product that we are looking forward to sharing with the market across dated, stationery, card and gift.”

Making An Exhibition Of Himself It has been a jet setting year for artist/illustrator Howard Robinson who began the year exhibiting with Prime 3D for the launch of his new range of children's 3D puzzles at the Hong Kong Toy show, followed by the Nuremburg Toy show in Germany. It was then back to the Far East in April for the Hong Kong Gifts & Premiums Fair, which saw the launch of a new and extensive lenticular 3D program. In addition, a new set of images will be launching at Surtex in May (booth 333) and Licensing Expo in June (booth H26) taking the popular ‘selfies’ trend as a theme. Above: 'Selfies', by Howard Robinson.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 15


016-017_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:15 Page 16


016-017_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:15 Page 17

17


018_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:16 Page 18

ART AND DESIGN LICENSING www.mgllicensing.com Email: info@mgllicensing.com Tel: +44 (0) 2083928010 Surtex: Booth 423 | Licensing Expo: Booth F024

Art Marketing

Jody Bergsma

Gary Redford

Alison Lee

Dominic Davison

Rachel Stribbling

Haruyo Morita

Art Marketing


19_21_Madeleine Floyd_GF_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:44 Page 19

FACE TO FACE: Madeleine Floyd

Spreading Her Wings ention the name Madeleine Floyd, and aficionados will immediately picture the beautiful watercolour illustrations from her book Birdsong - which features over 50 drawings of British birds, their eggs, songs, sounds and Madeleine's personal anecdotes - that made people sit up and take notice when it was first championed by the National Trust five years ago. Since then, Madeleine (who describes herself as being “gentle and determined"), has expanded her portfolio, branching out into new designs featuring chickens, butterflies and, more recently, florals, a key focus for the brand going forward. (Summer florals was launched last year, with Spring and Autumn florals launching later this year). "The National Trust has been a great patron of my licensing brand as they found a strong resonance between my work and their customers," explains Madeleine. "In addition to Birdsong, another highlight of our collaboration

M

From a first commission for the Evening Standard's ES magazine, to prestigious collections for Highgrove and best selling books for the National Trust, British natural world artist Madeleine Floyd - who paints, draws, writes and illustrates - is f lying high with an ever expanding licensing portfolio that is managed by DRi. LSB Art & Design put Madeleine into the hot seat to discover what's currently on her easel.

has been my book Chickens, Ducks and first commission was for the Evening Geese, which has also translated into a Standard's ES Magazine. "In those days licensing success." the Evening Standard was a fantastic Coming from an artistic background, it advocate of illustration and I was asked seems that Madeleine was born to be an to illustrate a run down, rough around artist. Her paternal grandmother was a the edges pub miles from anywhere keen portrait and landscape painter, and beyond the end of the Northern line," both her maternal grandparents enjoyed she recalls. occasional watercolour painting. Today she works from her own airy, "I have always loved drawing for as spacious studio in London's long as I can remember," concurs Wimbledon, where she not only writes Madeleine. "I began by doing line and illustrates her own books drawings of my family and was always Captain's Purr and Cold Paws Warm very interested in recording my Heart preceded Birdsong - but she also surroundings. I think my love of the natural world arose as a contrast to my reality of living in a boys’ boarding school where my father was a housemaster and subsequently a headmaster. As a little girl I sought somewhere to escape from all that machismo and testosterone!" After she graduated from London's Camberwell College of Art some 25 years ago, her Above: Robins are among Madeleine's collections for Highgrove. Art&Design Licensing Source Book 19


020_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:18 Page 20

20


19_21_Madeleine Floyd_GF_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:44 Page 21

FACE TO FACE: Madeleine Floyd Left: Gardening Green, one of the Japanese ranges from licensee Skater.

Turning Japanese An exciting international development for the Madeleine Floyd brand is a collaboration between UK licensing and marketing company DRi and Copyrights in Japan. Licensees include Skater which will be producing a range of kitchenware and homewares to include melamine and bento boxes, and Yamaka Shoten which who are producing an extensive range of ceramics.

produces hugely successful exhibitions and undertakes commissioned work for corporate clients. What makes Madeleine's illustrations so unique is the way she captures the magical details of the natural world using a dip pen and a pot of ink. They cleverly depict the personality and spirit of the subject she's studying, with notes in her own handwriting adding another personal and fascinating dimension. Having discovered that her work translates beautifully onto all kinds of materials she is continuing to pursue a licensing route. Working in collaboration with licensing and marketing company DRi, her work is now available on a growing portfolio of licensed products - from greeting cards, bone china mugs, melamine and fabric to tinware, limited edition prints, giftwrap, stationery and most recently, a new range of ceramics. So was it easy for her to move into licensing? "I took the step when my son was born eight years ago," Madeleine explains. "It was fairly easy as by then I understood that there was considerable commercial value to my illustrative work." Her first licensee was McLaggan Smith mugs, who sold a large volume of her bird mugs into The National Trust. After that, the licensing programme began in earnest, with Madeleine admitting that she is delighted to see her work shown in this way. Naturally she still gets a buzz seeing her artwork on a beautifully designed Right: The Ulster Weavers butterf lies range of kitchen textiles.

product when the licensee does a good job. "Quality can vary," she admits, "and is always dependent on the licensee and the art direction that is involved along the way." Given that she now works in so many different formats and product sectors, how does she approach a commission for a new licensed collection? "The principle remains the same, in that I aim to keep producing original, new illustrative work about subjects that inspire me and, by and large, that simple formula results in honest work that translates well across a range of products," Madeleine replies. "I remain in awe of the beauty of the natural world so the possibilities are endless." Three years ago, Madeleine also began a very special collaboration

Did she ever think that 'Madeleine Floyd' would become such an acclaimed international brand? "I never thought I would be a brand at all!" she laughs. "I love what I do and I’m just delighted if it can bring others a sense of happiness or enjoyment in the natural world and if that can be combined with a sense of wonder and a suggestion of humour and character then that is all the better.” In many ways, Madeleine says that she feels as though her career has only just

begun, but if she had to choose a highlight so far, it would probably be the successful fine art exhibitions that she has held. "Some people are not aware that I paint as Above: Summer f lorals, a range of bone well as illustrate, and, as an china mugs from Otter House, launched artist, selling one’s large last year. Above right: Also from Otter House, a new collection of stationery personal work to the general featuring Madeleine's chickens. public is a unique and with Highgrove, home to HRH Prince rewarding achievement." Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Madeleine's main goal this year is to Cornwall. "It was a great honour and I continue to grow the brand have been thrilled with the results," she internationally. "I'm keen to see how enthuses. "Initially Highgrove needed Madeleine Floyd takes foot in Japan. I'm some contemporary illustrative work for also very much looking forward to a set of greeting cards. This then exhibiting more fine art in the future," progressed into two Christmas she states. collections and a subsequent vegetable At the moment she's busy producing garden collection. I look forward to new floral and butterfly work in addition being able to produce further exclusive to commencing some exclusive work for work for Highgrove in the future." Chewton Glen and Cliveden. She clarifies that what she loves most about her job is the freedom of being in control of her time and production. "When it goes well I'm creating something original that will exist long after I do, and that feels like a worthwhile way to spend my time. I'm still in awe of the creative process itself and am just privileged to be someone who can make a living and learn from that.” Art&Design Licensing Source Book 21


022-023_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 17:09 Page 22

22


022-023_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 17:09 Page 23

23


024_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:30 Page 24


25_27_29_31_33_Surtex_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:46 Page 25 world renow

Surtex 2015

Artistic Ambition

The art, design and illustration world will once again be descending on New York in mid-May, as over 300 artists, studios and agents will be displaying their designs and showcasing their latest collections at Surtex, in what is commonly considered to be the world's biggest and best creative marketplace. A&D LSB takes a virtual guided tour of the gallery to see what's in store for 2015. aking place from 17 – 19 May this year, the 29th Surtex show continues to be the primary global resource for art and design licensing, attracting over 5,500 visitors that licence art across industries such as fashion, home goods, stationery, furniture and more. With over 300 exhibitors already gearing up for three days of frenetic artistic activity, it offers designers and licensees the chance to come together to create exciting product plans and embark upon new partnerships.

T

The international art licensing community will be coming together to turn the Jacob K. Javits Center into a focus for their creative forces, with global heavyweights attending from as far afield as Europe, Asia and Australia. There is also a whole host of fresh talent, with over 50 first-time exhibitors representing a diverse mix of studios, agents and international vendors. The exhibitors are split into three key sections, making the worldleading trade show easy to navigate. The largest section of the

show floor is dedicated to the core market of art and brand licensing, and plays host to around 200 artists, designers, agencies and brands who will be presenting their newest collections and designs. The second section, Atelier, offers designs from over 80 trend-forward design studios which are exclusively for sale and ideal for a multitude of product categories, covering everything from fashion fabrics to wall coverings. The final section of the show, the ReSource HuB, focuses on some 20 companies offering technology and business resources for artists – skills which are increasingly essential in the continually evolving digital age. “We are delighted to welcome both returning and new exhibitors to what promises to be an outstanding edition of Surtex,” said Liz Crawford, vice president and group show director. “Attendees can expect a unique and diverse collection of the industry’s best art and design for sale or licence.”

Surtex Seminars A 10-part seminar series, The Surtex Conference will see design and licensing experts addressing best business practices across a wide variety of categories, such as licensing, monetising art and trendspotting. More information about the conference programme and how to register for the show can be found online at www.surtex.com. Art&Design Licensing Source Book 25


026_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:32 Page 26

26


25_27_29_31_33_Surtex_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:46 Page 27

Surtex 2015

Happy Happy Art Collective

Above: Gorgeous colourways and bright patterns.

Fresh Colour Native New York lifestyle design studio Design Works International will be showcasing its newest surface design collections this May. Visitors will be able to discover the updated twist on colour, style and trend as Design Works previews its latest print and patterns collections for 2016. With varied techniques, fresh colour updates and a variety of styles, the collections take in a broad spectrum of styles, ranging from updated transitional to modern contemporary. Booth 622

Emily, Jill and Tammie are three artists from the Happy Happy Art Collective and are excited to show their newest work available for sale or licence. Their work will be seen in 2015 on home decor products, children's books, greeting cards and wallpaper. The trio will be exhibiting lots of hand lettering, adorable characters and repeat patterns. Booth 532

Everyday Inspiration Inspired by everything – from the strange to the ordinary – the Bridgewater Moss Design collection offers a never-ending mix of everyday geometric designs, florals and textures. These are offered alongside seasonal motifs and sprinkled liberally with special occasion and conversational themes. A full service design firm, Bridgewater Moss is returning to Surtex for the 21st year, bringing with it trendforward surface design solutions for the fashion, home, tabletop, contract and paper industries.

Plane Spotting

Booth 605

This year will see Giordano Studios celebrating 35 years in art licensing. Launched in 1980, the family of artists is best-known for pet, wildlife, Christmas/holiday and other traditional themes. For this year's show, the studio has concentrated on many children's themes including under the sea, African savannah, growth charts, planes, trains and vehicles and baby animals. New patriotic designs will also be featured, as will collections entitled Songbirds and Lodge. The full portfolio of over 2,500 designs will be available.

Below: Everyday geometrics, ideal for homewares.

Booth 436 Below: Popular children's themes will be on show.

Above: Complimentary colours and styles from the Happy Happy crew.

Above: This funky silhouette design looks great in fabric.

Coool For Cats The latest series from Southern Californian artist John A. Conroy is called Coool Cats, and will be featured prominently at this year's Surtex. The most popular cat designs – which are whimsical and fun – which will be presented in single print and various dynamic repeat patterns. John is best known for his straightforward strong, striking graphics, which have an ethnic and iconic look. John has also been a successful touring artist on the arts and crafts circuit for over 25 years, and has established himself as a leader and forerunner in the surface design arena. Booth 542

Style Mix Dot Dash Design is very launching its first ever print and pattern collection at Surtex, with a range jam-packed full of new artworks for kids, lifestyle, stationery and gifting. The Studio Collection offers a real mix of art styles, with everything from watercolour florals and naïve sketchy doodles to bold graphic characters. The collection is available for both purchase and licensing, while the team also works on bespoke tailor-made commissions. Booth 455 Right: Fabulous 50s-inspired fashionistas.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 27


028_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 15:33 Page 28

28


25_27_29_31_33_Surtex_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:47 Page 29

Surtex 2015

Feast For The Eyes A fresh new face at Surtex 2015, Joan Chamberlain Designs showcases the vibrant art of Joan Chamberlain, featuring her love of food and the pleasures of the kitchen. Joan's botanical collection features the beauty of fruits and vegetables, brought to life with intricate layers of coloured pencil patiently blended to produce rich, saturated images for an elevated style in tabletop, kitchen textiles, and wall decor. Joan also offers whimsical, text-based images in her culinary range. Booth 552 Below: Culinary themes work well for kitchenware

Pattern And Paint With brand new collections on show at Surtex, Josephine Kimberling is expanding her signature artistic style in 2015, by incorporating traditional media such as watercolor, collage and hand-lettering for a fresh look that is already receiving a great response from licensees. Josephine's ability to apply her artistic talents to her varied portfolio of work based on emerging trends and the latest fashions is just one of her many strengths. Booth 424

Above: A fresh take on f lorals from Josephine.

Travel Trends M Design Studio began in 2000 with one little portfolio and some big ideas, and is now celebrating 15 years of designing and creating. With an eye for trend and love of travel, each new collection is designed to be relevant to today’s market. With ten new collections being introduced this year, the fresh offerings include bold geometrics, indigo hues, Indian and tile motifs, watercolour florals and artisanal handprinted designs. New collections include Watercolour Gypsy, Costa Maya, Got the Blues, Portugal Kitchen, Farmers Market and Crafty Mod. Booth 248 Above: Intricate, cool geometric patterns.

Fresh Feel Artist Nicole Tamarin returns for her fourth consecutive Surtex with beautifully hand-painted watercolours. Among her newest collections debuting this year are romantic French Country looks, pearl adorned lace-inspired pieces and fresh new peacock art. Nicole will also be showcasing an array of her signature florals. From seasonal and holiday themes to everyday images and patterns, Nicole is known for her subtle sophistication and elegance as well as her attention to detail.

Very Versatile Parcai Designs is returning to Surtex with four new, notable artists and dozens of new collections from artists including veteran illustrator Phil Marden and nature-inspired Aimee Ray. “Our trend-conscious artists have created a wealth of new work applicable to all product categories,” said art director, Lainey Parker. “We look forward to unveiling a unique body of fresh, fun art, including whimsical juvenile collections and a wide variety of versatile patterns.”

Booth 434 Below: Peaceful Peacocks by Nicole Tamarin.

Above: Bright, funky new children's designs.

Booth 451

Making Memories

0:

Artist Tatyana Starikova works from her busy design studio, in a variety of styles – from whimsical art for children to sophisticated florals for a more grown-up market – bringing her passion for illustration and pattern to products for everyday, holidays and special occasions. “Product art is not just for decoration,” said Tatyana. “It’s for celebrating the little and big moments in our lives, for making memories, expressing our taste, making statements about who we are." Booth 544 Right: Part of Tatyana's Flying Blossoms collection.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 29


030_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 12:02 Page 30


25_27_29_31_33_Surtex_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:47 Page 31

Surtex 2015

Bold And Bright Created by designer Annie Chen, Lemonni features simple, bold shapes with bright colours. The collection of stationery and home textiles designs is suitable for greeting cards, tea towels, cushion covers, and canvas bags all feature the colourful patterns. This year will be Lemonni's first showing at Surtex, and will allow Annie, who comes from a graphic design background, to showcase her deep love for patterns. Established in 2013, Lemonni brings Annie's original pattern designs and love for paper, textiles, simple shapes and unconventional colour combinations together. Booth 344 Below: Simple shapes making bold patterns.

Contemporary Collections

Above: A fresh look from Caleb Gray.

It’s been a busy year at Caleb Gray Studio with new licenses, new product categories, and new designs. One of Caleb’s newest licences is Primitives by Kathy, which pairs Caleb’s delightful designs with its nursery collection. Caleb is also delighted to add to his line of cards with Design Design and his fabric range with Robert Kaufman. The studio is also preparing to roll out several new collections, including the sunny Beachy Keen collection, the Let Me Entertain You collection and the tasty Season’s Eatings collection of holiday treats. Booth 365

Pop Patterns Artist Debra Valencia will be clocking up her seventh consecutive year at Surtex in 2015. Represented by her agent, The Brand Liaison, she will debut new everyday contemporary floral, paisley, fruit and holiday surface design collections with a fresh pop art look and adding hand lettering, icons and illustrations to the mix. Debra is looking for licensees with a focus on stationery, fashion accessories and home décor/textiles as well as back-to-school supplies and giftable stationery items.

Above: Colourful cockatoos in their natural surroundings.

Booth 207

Nature's Influence

Below: A pop-art take on chrysathemums.

Stephanie Chambers is a Brooklyn-based artist with a passion for travelling and the plant and animal kingdom. She uses traditional hand-painted techniques to create each image, which are then translated into icons and patterns digitally. Her artwork has been shown at galleries and art fairs across the world, and her nature-inspired Surtex booth will feature a variety of plant and animal collections. As a first-time exhibitor, Stephanie's goal is to connect with people in the home décor, paper, fabric and fine art print markets.

Africa Daydream Chicago-based Greenmarrow Studio will return to Surtex 2015 with new designs from founding artist Yun Jeong Bae. Yun intertwines her background in fine art and post production to transform her hand-drawn illustrations into lyrical designs that are wellsuited for home decor, wall coverings, stationery, fabrics, giftware and more. This year's studio collections feature botanical, conversational, nautical, seasonal and novelty themes across an extended portfolio.

Booth 259

Booth 354 Below: Graphic print based on an African theme.

Club Tropicana Abby Zweifel is the designer behind Pomelo & Pomelo, the creative company behind curiously fabulous patterns. Based in sunny Florida, she draws inspiration from her tropical surroundings. Abby has been creating a variety of art for products for the better part of a decade, both as an in-house artist and freelancer, and her work includes designs for homewares, stationery, gift, apparel and textiles. Print and graphic artwork themes at Surtex include coastal, Christmas/holiday, florals and woodland. Booth 465

Above: Graphic prints inspired by the tropics.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 31


032_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:13 Page 32

32


25_27_29_31_33_Surtex_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:48 Page 33

Surtex 2015

Great Outdoors Represented by Jennifer Nelson Artists, Lauren Lowen (formerly Lauren Minco) is best-known for her quirky and whimsical illustrations featuring unique characters for all ages. Her art has been featured on a variety of products, from stickers and greeting cards to book covers and gift items. Charming new characters, holiday and Christmas art will all be on show at Surtex, as will new florals created with her distinctive touch. Booth 559

Left: Cute character art, ideal for stationery lines.

Fanciful Fun Bluebell Design Studios offer a large inventory of happy, colourful art for all surfaces. Co-creatives Suzan Waldinger and Beth Saffer will be showcasing a number of their fun and fanciful designs. With genres such as folk art, retro, juvenile, geometric, and more, Bluebell Design has over 20 years experience in the art circuit and holds licensing contracts in prints, paper goods, doormats, and is currently working on a new line of designs for tech products.

Above: Heartbreaker by Molly Rosner.

Perfect Pop American Dream House is an upand-coming pop art brand, making its first appearance in the commercial market at this year's Surtex show. The new collection has mass appeal with bold, yet classic designs inspired by Andy Warhol and 1950's Americana. Molly Rosner's hand-painted designs are ideal for home dĂŠcor and merchandise: fresh, cool, and colourful for young and young-atheart consumers. Booth 247

Above: Fun, colourful prints make a splash.

Booth 336

Left: There's no pink or blue in this childhood print.

Cultural Cheer Festive Fun

Above: Friendly Christmas scenes are always popular.

Portfolio Select is a well-established art licensing company based in the UK, dedicated to excellent customer service and to providing fast, friendly assistance. This year it will be showing two new artists – Emma Leach and Delphine Cubbit, both with strong portfolios and designs for all products. Emma paints fun festive icons with a traditional feel, while Delphine has a vibrant, bold style, with eye-catching designs in bright colours, along with illustrative Christmas scenes.

Feng Liang Design remains internationally active by leveraging Feng's cultural background and experience in different markets. Two highlights from the newest collection are now available to license. Feng has expanded her collection to include reworking traditional designs that go beyond the typical holiday, birthday, or occasion. Carousel is a cheerful pattern which features a timeless take on childhood, while Animal Wonderland incorporates a mixture of geometry, folk patterns and animal outlines.

Booth 212

Booth 329

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 33


060_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 03/05/2015 13:47 Page 60

,i«ÀiÃi Ì } Ài Ì > xä w i >ÀÌ ÃÌÃ Ü Ì ÛiÀ £ä]äää >}ià >Û> >L i v À Þ ÕÀ «À `ÕVÌð Ì>VÌ ÕÃ Ì `>Þ v À ÀiÛ iÜ > ` >Û> >L ÌÞt ÜÜÜ°> Ã>`>}À Õ«°V U v J> Ã>`>}À Õ«°V U {£°Çxn°ä Ó{


35_37_39_Licensee Feedback_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:50 Page 35

Licensees Revelations

The Artistic Bombardment Licensees are bombarded all the time with opportunities to licence art and design properties and images. Art & Design LSB delved into some of the recent signings to discover what it was that piqued their interest as well as persuade them to share their personal artistic muses. Bev Cunningham, creative director of Abacus Cards and Clare Maddicott Publications: “We are still very excited by our new Selina Lake photographic range. Selina, who is a wellrespected stylist and author working mainly in the area of interiors and home accessories, wasn’t seeking to publish her work as greeting cards, but was thrilled when we approached her; and being a lover of greeting cards she was more than willing to venture into the world of cards. In the Abacus studio we were aware of Selina’s work and style, as we have always enjoyed poring over interior magazines for inspiration, appreciating interesting use of colour and identifying home trends. Selina’s style and books have a large fan base and not only has she published a considerable number of home styling books but these have been published in a variety of languages, which are sold around the world. Therefore, not only did we love Selina’s use of colour Right: One of the new Selina Lake designs that is published on cards by Abacus.

and styling, but we were also aware that we were fans among many; not a bad start for a licensed range. Our most recent licence signing though is with cartoonist Neil Kerber. Neil, who is a regular cartoonist for Private Eye and the Daily Mirror, approached us with a submission via our submissions@ email address. The range launched in May featuring cartoons from his “Basically” collection, a selection of cartoons dealing with life’s absurdities. Everyone in the office loved Neil’s humour and cartooning style, so we didn’t hesitate in putting together an initial range of 14 designs.” Personal Revelation: What artist/designer, artistic genre or design technique has made a major impact on your life? “This is probably a corny answer, but I’d have to say my art teacher at secondary school, Mr Thomas! He is

Right: The distinctive cartoon style of Neil Kerber.

the person responsible for encouraging my passion for art and design and allowing me to see that I was not only capable of getting a degree, but that I could ultimately get a job in the creative industries. I was the first person in my family to go onto further education and achieve a degree and came from a background where my mother’s attitude was “Art A’ level and then what?” But much to my parents’ surprise and delight and with great thanks to Mr T, for all my working life I’ve been able to earn a living from jobs that have utilised my creativity. But if I have to choose a professional artist, then I would say Matisse. I never tire of Matisse, his work has always touched a chord and in fact at the Matisse Cut-Outs exhibition held the Tate last year, I actually felt goose bumps when I first walked into the gallery and spied a particular wall in the second room. He’s like an old friend who dips in and out of your life, but that you’re always delighted to see; familiar and comforting, and always interesting and inspiring.” Art&Design Licensing Source Book 35


036_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 18:17 Page 36

C

i ht Š Shi l

C

hit 2014

This is Iris, a creative licensing agency. We work alongside a variety of established artists and IP developers to extend their ever growing international licensing programs.

For more information say hello@thisisiris.co.uk or visit www.thisisiris.co.uk Š2015 This is Iris. www.thisisiris.co.uk


35_37_39_Licensee Feedback_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:51 Page 37

Licensees Revelations

Martin Rees-Davies, head of licensing for The Otter House Group (which include Carousel Calendars): “The last two years has seen an enormous amount of growth for Carousel Calendars within the licensing sector. We have been able to increase our brand portfolio by 35% and part of this has been through recent additions from the art and design world, including Beryl Cook, Emma Bridgewater, Banksy, Jan Constantine and Matt Sewell to name, but a few. We’ve recently announced that we are to publish a range of Beryl Cook stationery and giftware for the first time in 2016, covering calendars, diaries, stationery, cards, jigsaws, key rings and gifts (through a licensing agreement with licensing agent This is Iris). Beryl’s work is stunning, humorous, instantly recognisable and with a very wide appeal, especially as her paintings show people enjoying themselves. She only began regularly painting later in life and had no formal training as an artist. Beryl spent the majority of her life living with her husband John in Plymouth in the UK, and it was there that she found a lot of the inspiration for her art. Beryl died at her home in Plymouth in 2008, at the age of 81, and shortly afterwards one of her largest exhibitions was staged, visited by thousands who came to view her art and remember the life of this incredibly popular artist. It will be a pleasure and an honour to now translate some of Beryl’s art onto a whole range of products.” Personal Revelation: What artist/designer, artistic genre or design technique has made a major impact on your life? “Having spent nine years in The British Army, the historic and traditional military artist has always inspired me and had a major impact on how I viewed art. I have always loved the work and attention to detail that has gone into all subject matter, whether in battle, ceremonial or historic locations around the world where the Army served or where stationed. The works of Sir Alfred Munnings, WA Thorburn and Richard Caton Wooodville are particularly stunning and a stark reminder of past events such as Waterloo and The Crimean War. Equally impressive, but in a different way are the more modern works of Tessa Campbell Fraser, especially her horses which are so lifelike you believe they are there in front of you.” Left and below: Among the products from The Otter House Group that will feature Beryl Cook’s art are calendars and dairies. Above: Among the Emma Bridgewater products from The Otter House Group is this diary.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 37


038_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:20 Page 38

38


35_37_39_Licensee Feedback_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:56 Page 39

Licensees Revelations

Nick Adsett, group product director of The Great British Card Company: “ We’ve had a lot of great recent signings of which Avanti is very significant. Avanti is acknowledged as masters of cute/humorous/whimsical photographic greeting card sends and as such we are delighted to have signed a deal to publish and distribute Avanti product in the UK, to further extend our humour portfolio. Another good one is Look At It This Way, a cartoon female to female humour range by Lee Fearnley, which is doing well for us and is now being licensed to Design Design in the States. Lee’s humour crosses the Atlantic the other way! Also notable is Histericals, licensed from MGL, which started off slowly but is now starting to gather pace and adds a more modern humour approach to our Paper House offer. Villager Jim has been another great photographic addition to our portfolio this year and we have huge plans for some extensive product development later on this year, taking the brand into everyday, special occasions and relations cards, and also into Spring Seasons. On our Almanac brand front, Ken Eardley and Shawn St Peter launched at the Spring Fair and have met with a great response, joining established favourites Animal Magic by Becky Brown and the print work of Barry Goodman as popular selections.” Personal Revelation: What artist/designer, artistic genre or design technique has made a major impact on your life? “That would have to be Peter Saville, who was responsible for so many great record sleeves for Factory Records in the 1980s for the likes of New Order, Joy Division and The Happy Mondays. His use of typography was inspiring.”

Below: One of the images from Villager Jim, whose real identity has remained underwraps. Right and below right: In a change of its business model for the UK market, Avanti is now licensing its designs to GBCC.

Dan Graham , editorial director of Top That Publishing: “Working in children’s book publishing, a lot of the art that we sign is licensed from the illustrator for us to sell around the world. While it is hard to pick a favourite, I am particularly excited by our new Learning Journeys range of Above: The colourful books and bookswork of artist Steph plus components Hinton features in the Learning Journeys books titles. The artwork by Top Take Publishing. style was developed by established artist Steph Hinton, under the pseudonym of Olive May Green, and the retro approach perfectly complements the series’ editorial mission to promote a greater understanding of the world to young children and has most importantly, has international appeal. Vintage and yet also modern, the Learning Journeys art style will conjure up feelings of nostalgia for adult readers, while the colourful animal characters and fun depictions of places will instantly appeal to children. The first Learning Journeys books are now available for co-editions and licensing rights around the world, and have already been sold into several territories at the recent Bologna and London book fairs.” Personal Revelation: What artist/designer, artistic genre or design technique has made a major impact on your life? “I’m a big fan of art with an underlying political or social message and like works that spark conversation with guests and my children. Works by the street artist, Mau Mau, are bold, fun and fulfill both requirements without breaking the bank. Over the years I’ve bought eight of his vibrant limited edition prints and they provide much-needed colour and focal points to my minimalist, industrial interior decor and make me think too. (Here’s a link to Mau Mau’s website: www.mau-mau.co.uk) However, if money was no object, I would love works by John Hoyland, Alan Davie, Roger Hilton or Frank Bowling to adorn my walls! One day...”

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 39


40-41_Bright Article_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 10:59 Page 40

ART FOCUS: Bright Art Licensing

A Creative Space A boutique art licensing agency, Bright Art Licensing is already well-known throughout the industry for pushing at the very boundaries of creativity. Its latest project, the Bright Emporium, is no different. A&D LSB took a ‘behind the scenes’ tour to find out more about what the future holds in store for this innovative company. he idea is that we'll be able to show consumers and licensees exactly where the illustrations in their favourite books and designs hanging on their walls all started out," explained Hannah Curtis, art licensing agent and the driving force behind Bright Art Licensing. "We want to make our artists into rock stars!" A combined retail outlet, gallery space, design studio and licensing agency, the Bright Emporium will be the first of its kind. Situated in an airy building in a cosmopolitan shopping area in London's fashionable Battersea, the " emporium (which is due to open this autumn) will bring together all the elements which make up Bright's business and allow the public to have access to them. By lifting the 'fourth wall' in this way, Bright is able to offer a home for sophisticated licensed artwork and children's illustration alike, making it accessible to the consumer. "We will be able to allow our emerging talent and established artists to display their work in a unique showroom," explained founder Vicki Wilden-Lebrecht, "and bridge the gap which currently exists between artists and their audience." The project, which is the brainchild of Vicki and Hannah, will see

T

40 Art&Design Licensing Source Book

consumers able to walk in off the street and browse the artwork on display, with the opportunity to purchase licensed product, bespoke pieces, print on-demand editions and other commissioned artworks. "It's a huge step forward for our artists," continued Vicki, "as its such a unique opportunity. We'll be putting them right in front of their core audience and giving them a retail platform to work from, making them directly accessible to the public." By giving artists an opportunity to be discovered and consumers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the creative world, Bright is bringing together two worlds which have been kept apart - until now. "We wanted to create an innovative,

It's All In The Name Artists often end up as unsung heroes in creative projects – but Bright wants that to change. With talent like Benji Davies, Sue Hendra, Yasmeen Ismail and Nicola O'Byrne on the books, Bright knows that publicly-recognised creatives can sell books and merchandise through their own, renowned styles. The Bright Emporium will allow artists to have their talent recognised, their names to be celebrated and distinctive brands to be created.

Above Vicki Willden-Lebrecht, founder of Bright Art Licensing.

passionate hub," Vicki said, "where people can come together and form a real artistic community." As a multi-functional space, the Bright Emporium will be able to function as a gallery, event space, design studio and Below: A striking design from Fiona Woodcock.


40-41_Bright Article_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:00 Page 41

ART FOCUS: Bright Art Licensing

Left: A simple lamp is given a lift with this tropical design from Julie Ingham. Below: Fashionable colours and imagery used on textiles by Lola Design.

retail showroom. The inclusive twolevel space is fully moveable, allowing allowing them access to artists, storytellers, artists and publishers to use illustrators and storytellers then we're it for exhibitions, workshops or displays really giving something back to the - showcasing creativity to the creative community.” consumer at every stage. By allowing consumers – both As an interactive artistic hub, the children and adults – to personally Bright Emporium is expected to be a experience what goes on behind the hive of activity at the best of times, but story, they are able to feel more Vicki has a clear vision of the events involved with the artists themselves. which will take place within the space. “It's great for the artists too,” “We'll be able continued to host Vicki, “and everything they're all from artist-led really excited exhibitions to about the book signings exposure this and children's will give them. literary There are so workshops,” many benefits she explained. and “We already possibilities run that all feed Storytelling into one Sunday events Above: Storytime Sunday will allow children to immerse another – themselves in a world of storytelling. in Battersea's crucially, we'll be Doodlebar, so being able to bring that able to position them as a brand in in-house will be fantastic.” their own right. It's an incredible Exposing the younger generation to opportunity.” art and storytelling is important to In the space between events, the Vicki and the Bright team, who believe Bright Emporium will be utilised as a exposure to the arts is one of the most retail platform and gallery space; valuable things a young person can showcasing one-off artworks, taking experience. “Creative art and story commissions and displaying licensed telling is all around us,” Vicki pointed product. “We'll be making a focus of out. “If we can help shape children's everything from books to screencharacters and personalities by printed furniture, with everything

from gifts and stationery to bespoke works,” said Vicki. “Having such a broad portfolio at our fingertips means that we'll be able to really maximise the space we have.” Of course, Bright Art Licensing will remain an agency at its heart, operating from within the Bright Emporium itself. But the new opportunities and scope for growth mean that artist and consumer engagement is taken to a new level as creatives are able to establish themselves as a 'name' within contemporary design. “It's a platform unlike any other,” concluded Vicki. “And we can't wait to get started.”

Cover Girl The gorgeous cover of last year's A&D LSB was designed by Laura Huges, one of Bright Art Licensing's talented artists. This year, Laura worked with Waitrose, across the supermarket's 2015 Easter campaign, to create a show-stopping range of cheerful sweets, decorations and games. Laura explains what was involved in such a high-profile project. “The initial brief was to develop an ‘Easter toolkit’ comprising of lots of small elements that could be applied by the design team to the packaging in-house. Waitrose requested a rabbit, lamb and a chick character in a variety of poses as well as some Easter eggs, flowers and a collection of repeat patterns. Everything was quite loose and spontaneous which was really fun and it’s been great to see my work in the shops and for my family to be able see the fruits of my labours! This project has given me the opportunity to reach a much wider audience with my work and hopefully people will enjoy what I’ve created.”

Above: Laura Hughes and her show-stopping range of Easter treats for Waitrose.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 41


042_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:28 Page 42

42


43_Bright Gallery_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:02 Page 43

Bright Art Licensing

The Gallery Alice Boston (Alice Palace)

Colleen Whittaker After 16yrs within “ the greeting card industry,

My proudest moment gns in was seeing my card desi work I did recently for a shop. I really enjoyed the use the brief was fun beca don Lon of the Museum my style. just is ch whi – cal and whimsi

my portfolio has developed so much since I set out on my own!

Amanda McDonough

Paper products, graphic design, illustration and innovation have always been my passion.

buildings, people, books or fashion. It helps that I'm naturally nosey!

After nine years working as a senior artist I became a freelance artists over two years ago, and am loving every moment of it!

Louise Wright

I’m influenced by children’s stories and like my work to be fun and brigh t.

Anna Jones

I'm influenced by the “ world around me; nature,

Lola Design

Dotty Lottie Designs (Charlotte Archer)

An agency's portfolio is a wonderous thing, offering a wide selection of styles and approaches. Here, we take a dip into Bright Art Licensing's creative pool.

“ Nature is my biggest influence, I grew up in the

countryside and it never fails to ground me again and make me smile.

Eleri Fowler I find my artistic “ inspiration in shapes,

Michelle Breen

colours and patterns within nature, travel, fashion and textiles.

My most exciting project “ and proudest moment has been

producing card ranges for Whistlefish Galleries.

Becca Stadtlander

My two biggest influences are Edward Gorey and Grandma Moses, but I've always loved Van Gogh's paintings as well.

Fiona Woodcockinspiration in

I find “ Japanese woodcut prints

for composition, simplicity and pattern.

Chester Bentley colour current trends in the fashion world, new ng combinations and textures, exciting letteri and layouts.

Christine Gore was when I decided “ My proudest moment to leave my career as an inhouse designer to pursue my dream of becoming an illustrator/designer.

Naomi Engelmann ourite

My fav r, “ designer is Lou Gardne

-off she creates unique one ary embroidery. pieces of contempor

Gladys Baccala

I have so many things “ that give me inspiration:

Sanja Rescek

Everything can be “ inspiring to me, but nature is

important and a good combination of colours can be inspiring too.

My current inspiration “ is botanical drawings of flora

s Laura Hughe biggest artistic

My dsmith, as “ influence is Brian Wil ur and colo his work is a burst of utifully texture but always bea designed.

and fauna from 18th and 19th centurys.

Tracy Cottingham

I am inspired by all “ things bright and beautiful, vintage children's books‘ and folk art.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 43


044-045_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 12:04 Page 44

44


044-045_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 12:04 Page 45


046_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 14:32 Page 46


47_49_PG Live_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:07 Page 47

PG Live Preview

Great Greetings! For the seventh year running, the international greeting card community convenes in one place for Progressive Greetings Live. A&D LSB takes a look at what's on offer between June 2 – 3, from independent designers right through to the largest card publishers. eld in a beautifully cosmopolitan area of London in (hopefully) sunny June, there's no better place for the independent artist looking to showcase their work. With thousands of greeting card publishers, licensees, retail buyers and artists all under the one roof, the show is a hotbed of new collections, ensuring classics and the very latest industry news. Split into three sections, PG Live offers a wide variety of independent artists and established publishers. The main show is dedicated to greeting card publishers of all shapes, sizes and styles, while Springboard@PGLive is dedicated to fanfaring new and emerging

H

Art For All the naked giraffe is a new venture from Sarah Davis and PG Live is its first trade show. Sarah will be showing a variety of ranges, with cards catering for every generation starting with our vibrant animal designs aimed at young ones, fun alien collage creations for kids to our contemporary beach inspired art for all. All cards are created in-house. the naked giraffe. Stand 160

publishers, offering a real treasure trove of undiscovered and exciting new talent just waiting to be discovered. "We have all the major card publishers exhibiting as well as our everexpanding Springboard section, which

will be showcasing well over 100 brand new and emerging publishers," explained Simon Boyd, show director.“It's always an honour to be able to bring so many card suppliers and buyers together, but the real joy comes from seeing the industry

working together to do business, network and exchange ideas." The third section is the Artists' Quarter, which plays home to a group of talented artists, creative designers and knowledgeable agents, all presenting their latest creations to publishers and licensees alike. Left: Shirley Portfolios are Copperwhite will be packed to the showing a number of new lines this year. brim with fresh Below: Animal new works, each designs for a younger one available to audience from the naked giraffe. buy or licence. A regular in the Artists' Quarter, Shirley Copperwhite (Stand 164) will be returning for the third year running, making the most of the opportunity to showcase her colourful creations and showstopping designs. Art&Design Licensing Source Book 47


0048_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:33 Page 48


47_49_PG Live_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:53 Page 49

PG Live Preview

Snap Happy Assaf Frank Photography and Licensing agency will be showing a wide collection of new vibrant high-quality photographic images for licensing onto greetings, gifts, calendars, stationery, puzzles, prints and other products. The collection includes shabby chic, flowers, nature, cityscapes, humorous, seasonal and more. Assaf Frank Photography and Licensing. Stand 138

“I can’t help coming back for more – I just love the atmosphere at the show,” said Shirley, explaining why she is looking forward to the 2015 show. “The Artists’ Quarter is beautiful and bright, so it’s a great place to show off artwork.” Best-known for her stunning card designs, Shirley offers a great example of the range of art licensing which often takes place at the show. “I always have special show offers on my cards Below: Sara Miller is making her debut at the 2015 show.

and other products,” she explained, “but this year I also have a brand new range of pure silk scarves along with some funky home textiles that I am looking forward to showing.” As a PG Live expert, Shirley has some wise words of advice for firsttime visitors as well.

designs into different product sectors,” said Sara. “Making my debut at PG Live, I will be showing some of my brand new work, which will be available to licence.” As a keen traveller, Sara's designs are influenced by a number of different

Artist Gallery Left: Bold, colourful pictures from Assaf Frank Photography and Licensing. Below: Ontrend designs from Lola Design, via Bright Art Licensing.

“Do your research before you come to the show! The show is very wellorganised but you must be too...” Other creatives making a name for themselves in the Artists' Quarter include Sara Miller, the designer behind Sara Miller Design (Stand 150). With ten years’ of experience across a broad range of sectors including greeting cards, homewares and fashion, she had been working as creative manager at Woodmansterne, but decided to make the bold move of branching out on her own just last year. “I have been busy designing new ranges and am currently licensing my

A boutique agency representing some of the top artists, designs and styles for art licensing within the greetings, stationery, gift, home and print industries, Bright represents award-winning artists and ranges and work with clients worldwide, including the largest publishing houses and boutique publishers. Bright will be launching new artists, styles and designs exclusively at PG Live 2015. Bright Art Licensing. Stand148

cultures, with her recent trips to India inspiring the latest collection which is being launched at the show. “My absolute passion is working with colour and creating unusual combinations of print, pattern and colour to create something unique,” Sara continued. “I am particularly interested in the mood or feeling that a particular design or range evokes – from sentimental and nostalgic to quirky and whimsical or fashionable and fun.” Fun, friendly and infinitely fabulous – what more could you ask from a show dedicated to the wonderful world of greeting cards?

Show Bites ■ PG Live takes place on June 2-3 at the Business Design Centre in London. ■ Over 250 exhibitors will be showcasing new designs. ■ International buyers from over 40 countries will be attending this year's show. ■ All visitors and exhibitors can enjoy a free, hot two-course lunch as well as complimentary tea and coffee, served from the famous tea trolleys throughout the day. ■ A fantastic free post-show industry party takes place on Tuesday June 2. Open to all, it is a great opportunity to do some serious industry networking over a glass of wine or a well-deserved pint.

To register, visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com or phone 01635 297070. Follow the show on Twitter@PGLiveLondon

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 49


050_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 18:22 Page 50


51_Fine Art_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:10 Page 51

State Of The Nation: Fine Art

The Finer Points Fine art shows its many sides, both meaningful and intellectual, with everything from fashion to footwear and children to animals. V&A Steps Out With Clarks London's V&A museum, which houses the world's finest collection of art and design, is launching its first footwear collaboration with Clarks, the UK's leading shoe brand. Inspired by the Museum's textiles and fashion archive, the first season will include a variety of styles for men, women and children. ‘We are looking forward to the opportunities that our first footwear licence will bring," says Lauren Sizeland, director of business development and licensing. "It's truly fulfilling to work with a brand that also has a great British heritage and exciting that the range will reach an international market." Above: The V&A has collaborated with Clarks.

Forever Young The Ansada Group has teamed up with artist Catherine Simpson, whose collection, Forever Young, includes various subjects and seasons, featuring children who tell a story in detailed images that evoke cherished memories. She portrays the simple Below: Friends Come Calling by message of Catherine Simpson. the children, who are depicted in each composition. Her work enjoys a universal appeal and can be found in both corporate and private collections in Canada, the USA and internationally.

Mixed Media Artist Leah Pruitt recently joined the Penny Lane family of artists. She paints with acrylics or watercolours, and combines Above: Leah Pruitt, new to Penny Lane. many different elements, from antique papers and postage stamps to feathers and butterflies to create her mixed media artwork. Penny Lane is the source for a wide variety of artwork that meets today’s home décor trends.

Tales Of The Unexpected “Art licensing often throws up the unexpected,” says UK artist Marilyn Robertson. Her distinctive imagery has been propelled to unexpected places and projects worldwide, to include her Catitudes range of cat images which recently appeared on special edition packs of Real Nature, an upmarket German cat food brand celebrating its 25th anniversary. In addition, Marilyn’s Kimono range of Asian inspired designs were recently launched as crafter’s kits in Europe and North America by Crafter’s Companion. Left: Catitudes by Marilyn Robertson.

Animal Crackers Laura McKendry is an exciting recent signing for Yellow House Art Licensing, which collaborates with marketing agency Yellow House. As Yellow House director Sue Bateman comments:“We were drawn to Laura’s supreme draughtsmanship and quality of line. She breathes life into her animal subjects and has already secured extensive ranges with card publishers Cardmix and a Christmas range Above: Laura with Museums and McKendry's Galleries." Kate Osborne Dalmation Tail. is another popular Yellow House artist, a respected watercolourist. Kate recently completed a series of mugs for Dunoon featuring garden birds, and is currently working on a new book.

Fashion From The '30s Mary Evans Picture Library is representing a unique archive of 1930s fashion images by Dora Sprinzel who arrived in London from Berlin, with her husband Paul, as refugees. She began to forge a career as a fashion illustrator, translating descriptions sent by her sister from the Paris catwalks into elegant images, recording the latest styles from such visionaries as Jeanne Lanvin and Elsa Schiaparelli. Dora's pictures were then licensed Above: 1930s fashion images from to clothing Dora Sprinzel, manufacturers available from the Mary Evans Picture worldwide, who Library. made copies at an affordable price. With great potential for use on stationery, giftwrap or fashion accessories, this archive is a vintage gem, says Mary Evans. Art&Design Licensing Source Book 51


052_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:35 Page 52

MARY EVANS PICTURE LIBRARY vintage inspiration from every era

F

www.maryevans.com pictures@maryevans.com 020 8318 0034

52


53_SOTN (Contemporary)_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:10 Page 53

State Of The Nation: Contempoary Art

The World Around Us Taking On Europe

Contemporary life is ref lected by a myriad of artists whose work appears on everything from home decor to children's picture books. A Touch Of Humour Since winning the best contemporary trend range at The Henries (greeting card industry awards) in 2014, Alice Scott has gone from strength to strength, with new licensees bringing the brand's elegant, witty style to a selection of gifting and stationery. With Pigment and Penny Kennedy expanding their greeting cards and giftwrap collections to over 100 lines, they are joined by Galison for stationery and McLaggan Smith for mugs, while Elite will be launching tin storage in early 2016. All products feature the brand's signature black and white style, complementing Above: A new Alice Scott notebook trio for Galison. popular greetings line.

Ritzenhoff in Germany has added two new products to over 50 designs by Julien Chung Designs - a coffee mug for skiers and a striking harlequin salt shaker/egg cup for the company's Koko collection. In Canada, Azalai Cards will be launching a line of birthday cards featuring a selection of animal characters from his collections. In addition, a boy's picture book, Le Velo de Petit Lion (A New Bike for Little Lion), published by Bayard Canada, has been inspired by Julien's animals. Passport covers and paper cup designs have been added to Lafarm's collection of stationery in Korea. Barcelona based agency Monday2Friday, has signed Julien and represents him in Europe. Above right: Julien Cheng's Harlequin salt shaker/egg cup for Ritzenhoff's Koko collection.

Hand Drawn Art Greenmarrow Studio is introducing new hand drawn designs from artist and founder Yun Jeong Bae. With eclectic themes that range from wildlife to urban landscapes, Yun’s subjects and colour palettes are on trend to inspire today’s diverse lifestyles. Her work has been featured in WGSN and her designs are currently being licensed with a wall surface company. Left: Ocean Serenity by Yun Jeong Bae.

Above: A first in home decor for Josephine Kimberling: Anatolia for Split P.

A Natural Wonder Reigning Cats and Dogs Artist and designer Dominique Vari has partnered with Enesco US to create the company's first Pets range. The designs include typographic and colourful images of cats and dogs from her Wild about Words collection, which has been sold into some 175 doors in the US, primarily to independently owned Hallmark stores. The range, which includes a series of mugs, wall art, tote bags, keyrings, photo frames and pets bowls, will be available in stores in the US this Summer and will be launched in Europe and Australia in September. Enesco will subsequently launch a Wine and Entertainment collection in the same typographic style this June. Right: Dominique Vari's cats and dogs for Enesco's new Pet's range.

New licensing deals for Josephine Kimberling’s designs and patterns with Split P, Wellspring Gift and Blend - continue to expand her licensing business into new and seasoned product categories. Split P has partnered with Josephine to create two home décor collections, Anatolia and Naya; Wellspring Gift Spring 2015 collection includes Kimberling’s Natural Wonder range and Blend, the licensing division of Anna Griffin, is launching three new fabric collections and a comprehensive stationery line and handbag collection, Flutterby, based on Kimberling’s Natural Wonder fabric collection. Art&Design Licensing Source Book 53


054-055_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:43 Page 54

54


054-055_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:45 Page 55

55


100_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:18 Page 100

MA R I LY N

R O B E RT S O N

%68 ()7-+2 -009786%8-32

“...illustration with style &

HMWXMRGXMZI ÂEMV ¶

Catitudes

TM

13 - 15 October 2015

J2

VISIT US at Brand Licensing Europe 2015 Olympia London

Licensees include: www.marilynrobertson.com t: +44(1949)860621 e: marilyn@marilynrobertson.com

Hallmark Crafter’s Companion Ravensburger Portmeirion Group International Graphics


57_59_Sarah Beise (Face To Face)_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:14 Page 57

FACE TO FACE: Sarah Beise and Denise Bosler

Art That Hits The A chance conversation at Surtex seven years ago, between designers/illustrators and licensing entrepreneurs Sarah Beise and Denise Bosler, has culminated in a first joint marketing venture between the two women at this year's show (May 17Top left: Sarah Beise. 19 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York). Above: Denise Bosler. Named Line & Dot Spot, Sarah and Denise have taken facing booths, where they will be showcasing over 3,000 pieces of art, along with brand new selections that are exclusive to Surtex. But as Art & Design discovered, that's not all the two artists have in common. s industries go, the licensing world is a very convivial friendly one, with many business acquaintances becoming firm friends, as has happened with Sarah Beise and Denise Bosler. From the moment they met at Surtex in 2008 - and discovered that they had both gone to School for Communication Design, and that both self represent as licensors - the pair were soon bouncing ideas off each other, collaborating at every opportunity. "We came to realise that we had something very special to offer," explains Denise. And so an idea began to develop. Why not collaborate for Surtex and bring our talents together in one 'spot'? The result is Line & Dot Spot, a joint marketing effort to 'brand' their 'spot' in

A

the Surtex floor. The 'spot' will not only showcase their work, but will be a fun place for visitors at the show to get together. Explains Denise: "There will be a morning breakfast 'spot', daily treats, a photo booth 'spot' and a happy hour 'spot'. So the 'spot' will be a good place to take a break during what is sure to be

Above and left: Sarah's Halloween and Monster designs.

another hectic show." On a more business orientated note however, booths 350 and 351 will also be showcasing over 3,000 pieces of art that covers birthday, seasonal, holiday,

baby and everyday - featuring cute, cool, whimsical and hand lettering - all of which will all be available for licensing, with both women representing themselves. So where does their inspiration come from and who does what? "My inspiration comes from living in a community surrounded by illustrators, designers and artists," states Sarah, who first licensed her designs 15 years ago. "I have creative friends, a neighbourhood filled with kids playing, silliness and laughter. I also live in a 90 year old house that has been renovated in a modern style - to include a dedicated studio space - with my two dogs Mazzie the Schnauzer and Max the Yorkie. They aren't very productive in a work sense, but they are great for morale and inspiration!" she jokes. "All these sunny life experiences are reflected in my art." Art&Design Licensing Source Book 57


058_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:47 Page 58

58


57_59_Sarah Beise (Face To Face)_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:14 Page 59

FACE TO FACE: Sarah Beise and Denise Bosler

Why I Love What I Do . . . Denise Bosler "I love the freedom of creativity that my job allows," enthuses Denise. "I get to draw anything that comes to mind, whether it be a cute and fuzzy bunny or an elegantly rendered script. I have the freedom to allow my expression to come through my art. "

Happily, Sarah's jolly, light-hearted, style easily transfers onto a wide range of products that include paper, fabric, 3D and so on, which is continuing to evolve as trends change. "It's still exciting when those samples arrive, but I have become much more of critic," she admits. "I immediately start thinking about what could have been done to make a better product. Admittedly, after all these years, it isn't the same excitement but when those sample boxes arrive they always makes me smile!" She cites her Halloween collections as among her major successes as well as favourite product ranges, with her designs featured on fabrics, yard flags, window clings, lighted 3D characters, lighted window designs, paper table top decorations, scrapbooking materials and greeting cards. "I worked for Hallmark at the beginning of my career," Sarah continues. "It was a great experience and I learned so much and had such fun creating designs for all kinds of occasions with the exception of Halloween. For some reason I didn't get that assignment. So when I started building my licensing career, the very first collection I worked on was Halloween and some of those early images are still finding their way onto product today." Denise meanwhile, who initially started her career as a graphic designer in the world of packaging and brand

identity, first got into licensing some 10 years ago. While Sarah's art is bright and sunny, Denise's is more whimsical, featuring hand-lettered designs. "My favourite range to work with is with hand-lettering. I can capture the feeling of a word or saying through the connotation of the lettering style - the expressionism of the letters, the nuances of the details and arrangement of the layout. It's pure bliss." She begins all of her work in the same way with a pencil, paper and an idea, and takes her inspiration from everything around her - which includes

Above and left: Denise designs Love and Spooky Cat ref lect her love of typography.

her precocious four year old daughter and, in her words, "two large, very silly dogs, university students and the daily feats of juggling life as a career woman." The result are illustrations which are fresh, fun and very recognisable. "Living in a world of swirling chaos allows me to see the magic, beauty and fun in everyday life," she points out. From a licensing perspective, Denise's art works well with a wide spectrum of products that ranges from stationery, children's products and publishing through to home decor and giftware. "Getting samples in the mail is like Christmas morning all over again," she laughs. "I'm a giddy schoolgirl. It's also a blast to be able to walk through a store and see my work for purchase." She's proud that her children's monster collection is among her most

successful licensed art, appearing on stickers, gift bags, wall decals, lunch boxes, school products, garden flags and greeting cards. Looking to the future, other ambitions include plush, kids toys and bedding. While their art and illustrative work is certainly different, what brings Sarah and Denise together again is that their talents go way beyond licensing illustration. Both illustrate children's books and both have helped to develop apps. Denise also manages a graphic design business, and, as a professor at Kutztown University, PA, is also helping to educate a new generation of designers and illustrators, as well as being the author of two design books - Mastering Type and Creative Anarchy. "I'm never one to shy away from a challenge!" she jokes. With such busy careers, what else beckons for Sarah and Denise this year? "I've been adding multiple new designs to my Christmas, birthday, Halloween and everyday collection, with the emphasis on hand lettered pieces," confirms Denise, while Sarah is busy adding multiple new designs to her Christmas, Halloween, birthday and baby collections. "For younger children, I've also added a fun, new pirate's collection," she points out. "And I've recently formed a partnership with a fellow designer on surface design."

Why I Love What I Do . . . Sarah Beise "When I was asked as a child what I wanted to be when I grew up I used to say 'an artist, because I love to draw'," says Sarah. "I still love to draw and the best days are the days when I get to sit at my desk and create new work. I have a huge stack of pieces of paper where I have jotted down ideas and quick sketches. Every day I look at them just waiting until I can dig in and create my next new collections."

With almost 50 years of licensing, illustration and design experience between them, it seems clear that these two entrepreneurs have only just begun. Art&Design Licensing Source Book 59


LSB AWARDS A5 DPS Cats (NEW) 2015_v8_Grid 10/01/2015 15:00 Page 24

To enter the 2015 Licensing Awards go to www.thelicensingawards.co.uk Tuesday September 15 2015

The Great Room, Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, W1K 7TN Black Tie/Posh Frocks!

Ă“

The Awards 2015 Categories l l l l l

The Retail Award Categories Best Retailer of Pre-School Licensed Products Best Kids Retailer of Licensed Products Best Retailer of Adult Licensed Products The Radar Award- For retailers that have upped their Licensing activities in the last year Top Retailer Award

For ticket information Clare Davies, Createvents Ltd, 450 Brook Drive, Reading, Berkshire RG2 6UU T: 01183 340085 F: 07769 905959 e-mail: clare@createvents.co.uk Supported by Specialist Communication & PR Consultancy

Supported by Digital Communication Agency

Charity


The Product Award Categories Best Licensed Toys or Games Range Best Licensed Dress-up or Partywear Range Best Licensed Preschool Apparel Range Best Licensed Childrens/Adult Apparel Range Best Licensed Written, Listening or Learning Range Best Licensed Paper Products or Stationery Range Best Licensed Giftware Range Best Licensed Home Décor, Tableware or Housewares Range Best Licensed Food or Drink Range Best Licensed Brand Range The Innovation Award

The Licensed Property Categories

l l l l l l l l

Best Pre-School Licensed Property Best TV Licensed Property Best Film Licensed Property Best Sports Licensed Property Best Music or Celebrity Licensed Property Best Gaming or New Media Licensed Property Best Licensed Brand Property Best Classic Licensed Property

Ó

l l l l l l l l l l l

Ó

Ó

LSB AWARDS A5 DPS Cats (NEW) 2015_v8_Grid 10/01/2015 15:00 Page 25

Other Awards

l Best Licensed Marketing Communication Award l Honorary Achievement award

Award sponsors include

Misirli

creating essentials with flair


062_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:50 Page 62

62


63_65_Vegas Preview_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:15 Page 63

Licensing Expo: Las Vegas

Art & Design takes a peek at the art section at Licensing Expo, which takes place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas (June 9-11).

Art Expo-sure Anne Was Here Anne Bollman is debuting her fun, energetic brand, Anne Was Here, at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas this June. The brand offers art and illustration for products and publications, designed with humour and style, to make you smile. She is especially well known for her widely popular peeking dog series which went viral shortly after publication in 2014. Booth E13 Below: Boston Terrier Peek: Anne Was Here.

Distinctive Designs Sara Berrenson specialises in uniquely colourful hand-painted patterns and art, and will be showcasing her innovative, distinctive designs for both products and spaces. Sara's collections include vibrant florals, playful novelty prints and geometrics. She also has a large selection of sweet and sophisticated Christmas and special occasion art. Working primarily in watercolour and gouache, her style is cheerful and fresh with a feminine flair. Her designs can be seen on products in home decor, gift and tableware, stationery and apparel. Booth D15

Above: A loving design from Sara Berrenson.

American Folk Art The art of Corpirate's Kat Ford takes inspiration from Americana and Latin American folk art. With a wide range of styles, she will be introducing several new lines at Licensing Expo to include watercolours, hammered tin, line drawings and mixed medium pieces. Kat's two newest children’s books will also be available this year: Giddy-Up Fairytale Cowgirl and The Ballad Of Emmy Lou. Booth F13

Above: The distinctive artwork of Kat Ford.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 63


064_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:51 Page 64

64


63_65_Vegas Preview_Art & Design LSB 06/05/2015 11:16 Page 65

Licensing Expo: Las Vegas

Faith Themed Friends Take On Sin City A nutty breed of superheroes - Bu, Shivz, Momo, Nino and Beel - will be making their first appearance at Licensing Expo in Vegas, with the New York Comic Con superstars ready to tell the world their epic stories on the Mind Yard stand. Collectively known as Your Faith Looks Familiar, the collection includes collectable shirts, action figures, posters, stickers, greeting cards, and phone cases. Also making their debut this year are Monkey Boy Miko, K the Kat, Francis Analysis, and Ruben the Raccoon and his Woodland Friends. Booth E23

Feline Art Making her licensing debut at Licensing Expo, artist Joan Marie is relaunching a series of new designs. An industry leader in garment decoration, Air Waves will be licensing eight of Joan Marie’s cat portraits, which feature fine art felines with high energy abstract backgrounds. Joan has a long history with Air Waves, having had many successful designs with the company over a span of 20 years. Booth F22 Right: Angelina by Jan Marine.

Inset: Among the designs from Interlitho.

Below: Faith Themed Friends.

Concept Store Makes Its Debut Designer Debra Valencia will be debuting her concept store for a shop-in-shop or standalone boutique at Licensing Expo. The booth will display new design collections including pillows, dinnerware, home textiles and accents, wall décor, stationery, apparel, tech cases, fashion accessories, and bath and beauty products. Represented by The Brand Liaison, Debra Valencia and her licensing team will be entertaining meetings for licensing across all categories. Booth H22 Below: Debra Valencia's Poppy combination.

Bulging Portfolio Creating A Masterpiece Visitors to Licensing Expo will be able to watch a master at work, as artist Harold Blaylock will be painting on his stand on all three days of the show. With over a decade of licensing activity through The Bradford Exchange, Ted has been honoured with an induction into The Bradford Artist Hall of Fame. Booth G25

German based art licensing agency Interlitho Licensing will be attending Licensing Expo (as well as Surtex In New York, plus exhibiting at Paperworld in Frankfurt in January 2016). The company has a large portfolio of over 75,000 images which is constantly extended and is easily available to see and select from the categorised website, where visitors can search by keywords, artists and numbers.

Below: Harold Blaylock's Teton Splendour.

Dogs Rule

Below: Loose Leashes by Ron Schmidt is going

Loose Leashes, a photography concept property by Ron Schmidt, has from strength to strength. seen record breaking growth over the past two years, with new licensees as well as new images for 2015. Six new images will be unveiled at Licensing Expo. New distribution avenues for the company include Hallmark’s Sunrise Greetings, which partnered with the US Post Office to sell greeting cards, as well as two books published by Random House, Loose Leashes and DogGone School. Last year, Loose Leashes signed with UK-based licensing agency JELC, for representation outside of North America, who will now look to build on the success Loose Leashes is enjoying in the UK, where it currently published on a range of greeting cards by Woodmansterne. In the past six months, agreements have also been signed in Russia and Germany for stationery and school products.

Art&Design Licensing Source Book 65


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 66


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 67


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 68


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 69


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 70


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 71


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 72


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 73


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 74


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 75


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 76


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 77


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 78


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 79


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 80


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 81


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 82


066-083_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:49 Page 83


084_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:54 Page 84


085_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:56 Page 85


086_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 16:57 Page 86


087_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:02 Page 87


088_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 12:06 Page 88

All my work is drawn and painted by hand. Tel: 01588 650 309 E-mail: birdsbranch@btinternet.com 88

www.birdsbranch.com


089_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:05 Page 89

fashion home paper tabletop contract whatever

See what’s new: - Atelier / Surtex - booth 605 - Printsource NY in August

bridgewatermoss.com 89


090_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:06 Page 90

90


091_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:07 Page 91

91


092_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 17:06 Page 92

92


093_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:10 Page 93


094_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:11 Page 94

94


095_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:12 Page 95

95


096_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:14 Page 96


097_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:15 Page 97

97


098_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:16 Page 98

98


099_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:17 Page 99


103_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:22 Page 103

103


101_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:19 Page 101

101


102_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:20 Page 102

102


Illustration by Migy

IBC_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 05/05/2015 18:05 Page 3

www.brightgroupinternational.com

To be included in the Art & Design Licensing Source Book please contact Rob Willis on robw@max-publishing.co.uk Also available online at www.issuu.com/maxpublishing


OBC_Art & Design 2015_Art & Design LSB 02/05/2015 17:26 Page 2


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.