With only a few days and weeks left before the big, summer licensing shows begins, I invite you to participate in the Art of Licensing LinkedIn group “meet-up.”

Those of you who have been following the discussions on the Art Of Licensing LinkedIn group board can sense how difficult or even impossible to schedule a time to get us all together in one room to socialize at Surtex & the National Stationery show. Since Paul Brent was the generator of the meet-up discussion, I bounced around with him a few concepts and he came up with this genius idea.

If everyone identifies themselves as part of the group by wearing the Art Of Licensing logo/graphics, then we can easily identify and network with one another as we see each other throughout the shows. If you are exhibiting, you can even show your membership by posting a small sign in your booth.

No special time or location necessary. It is that simple.

So, take a quick minute out of your busy week, print out the graphics below and join in the fun. I will be looking forward to seeing you wear the group button next to your badge so that I can meet and support you at the show!

You may learn more about art licensing and how to join the 850+ members Art of Licensing LinkedIn group at ArtOfLicensing.com.

Download a printable PDF of the graphics here!

By Tara Reed

There are several trade shows for artists who license their art to exhibit at but you can also connect with manufacturers by attending a trade show without having a booth. Here are six tips to make going to a show worthwhile.

1. Respect the exhibitors time. If you are attending a trade show in the hopes of meeting with potential clients and showing your art, be very aware that their first priority is to meet with clients and sell products. If they have time, they will often meet with artists, but that is a secondary priority at a show. If you show that you understand that and are professional, just saying hi and shaking hands can get your foot in the door. Follow-up after the show is key.
2. Bring plenty of business cards. You need to have something to leave behind with your name, contact information and website to leave with anyone you talk to or to leave for a decision maker if they are unavailable.
3. Get business cards whenever possible. If you talk to someone, ask for their card. If an art decision maker is unavailable, ask if you can have their card to follow up later. Collecting contact information is one of your prime objectives at a trade show.
4. Take a postcard or something small that has a few samples of your art on it. Have something that can visually jog a person’s memory or give them an overview of your art and style. This will help a person remember who you are when they get back to the office after the show.
5. Have a portfolio with samples of your work to show. Always tell the person you are talking to that you have a portfolio they can review if they have time but don’t force it on them. If they have time they will flip through but just meeting them and making a connection is good.
6. If you can make appointments before you go, do it. Sometimes you can make appointments with manufacturers and other times you can’t but it is worth asking. If two artists show up at the same time and one has an appointment, they get priority.

Know as much as you can about the trade show, who will be exhibiting and who you would like to meet before you go. Focus on your goals and be professional at the show. Then remember that follow-up after the show is the real key to success.

Get a jump start on licensing your art by claiming the first chapter of the eBook “How to Get Started in Art Licensing” FOR FREE . Tara Reed is a licensed artist who is doing what she is teaching and creator of  the place for artists to learn how to earn an income licensing their art. Artists! Learn to build your Art Licensing Business Make art. Make plans. Make money.