On Fridays I like to I like to post something I designed...although this Friday all credit will be given to Lazart Production Inc.
They sent me this nice photo awhile back, of the wonderful display they created for my canvas art for the Atlanta Gift Show.
Product Information:
A handful of my gift items can actually be purchased, on Amazon.com such as the rubber stamps, embroidery kits.
Sign up on my business facebook page to receive updates of new product releases.
8 Advantages of a Handmade Card Business
I ran a handmade greeting card business as my full time job for about 15 years, and I found there were several advantages over a printed card business.
Here is a sample from my first handmade card line. This line, I described as "Hyper Asian."
It was part of a larger line that, with the help of sales reps, I sold in all Barnes and Noble Stores as their feature line, along with over 1,000 other independent stores.
Do you have a handmade card business? Tell me what you think, or if you agree or disagree. I like to hear other people's experiences. Here are links to each article I wrote about.
Also see more articles on the card business on this blog. -Kate
Handmade Card Business Part 1: Financial Investment
Handmade Card Business Part 2: You Change Designs Quickly
Handmade Card Business Part 3: Financial Investment
Handmade Card Business Part 4: More Designs & High Quality
Handmade Card Business Part 5: Higher Retail Price
Handmade Card Business Part 6: Homebased
Handmade Card Business Part 7: Easier for Beginners
Handmade Card Business Part 8: Card & Gift in one
Free Art Licensing Directory
What is the Art Licensing Directory?
The Art Licensing Directory Project is a list of artist's submission guidelines for companies that license art for gifts, greeting cards and houseware products.
How do I access it?
Go to Art Licensing Directory
Who Created it?
This directory was created by over a hundred artists who volunteered to share their resources. See the list of contributing "Art Angels" at the end of the directory.
How can I "Share the Love"?
On the directory page, leave a comment, a resource link, or thank one of the "art angel" contributors directly by recommending a company to them.
Do you also have a list of Art Agents who might represent me?
No, but Joan Beiriger has one on her blog.
BOOKS For Art Licensing
These are books I own and recommend. Some may be out of print, but used copies may be available. Check link.
Licensing Art and Design
Good for learning about how licensing works.
2011 Artist's and Graphic Designer's Market
Annual listings of greeting card publishers and agents who license art.
Start with a Scan
One of a kind book that tells you how to transform your art into a scan and what to do with it from there.
You Can Write Your Own Greeting Cards
Clear guidelines on how to write card sentiments professionally.
Design Your Own Repeat Patterns
Simple book on learning repeats.
Twentieth-Century Pattern Design
Great book for inspiration and creative approaches to designing patterns.
How to Design a "Wow!" Trade Show Booth Without Spending a Fortune
Simple tips for your first tradeshow booth.
How to Break into Product Design
Overview of product design in all industries.
Licensing Art 101
Good beginners guide on the art licensing business.
Complete Guide to Greeting Card Design and Illustration
Great Book on understanding the greeting card profession and how to develop a style.
Build a Better Trade Show Image
Professional recommendations for doing a tradeshow. Advice to take before you attempt one.
Mary Engelbreit: The Art And The Artist
Amazing story of how Mary ended up doing licensing.
Principles of Pattern Design
Good info on pattern design
.
Imagery on Fabric
Basic info on putting images onto fabric.
Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing
Yearly updated guidelines for pricing for people in art careers.
Finding the Right Words
One of many basic books of this series that tells you how to add words products, cards, etc.
Designing a Digital Portfolio
Shows you how to put a digital portfolio together for the modern era.
25 Free Adobe Illustrator Brushes
Here's an interesting article and excerpt by DJ Designer Lab. To see all brushes go to their blog site.
Greetings etc Magazine Supports Independent Artists
Throughout my 15 years in the card business, I have witnessed how Greetings etc magazine, (a trade publication for the greeting card industry), has always supported independent artists and card designers in their publication and online newsletter.
When I first started designing cards, and was just trying to break into the industry, I didn't know how to get exposure for my designs. I couldn't afford a booth at the New York Stationery show, so on a whim, I sent some samples to Greetings etc. magazine, and to my surprise they featured them!
As a beginner, I was so surprised and grateful, and because of the feature, I received hundreds of inquiries from retail stores all over the country, who wanted to know more about my designs.
From my experience, when they feature new products they review all card publishers equally, no matter how small or how large the company.
But don't think just by mailing a sample to a publication, you will automatically be featured. If you are are just starting out, take a look at these important tips for how to present your product professionally to an editor. -Kate
Kate Harper's humorous "office quote" designs have just been released on magnets by Leanin' Tree. These magnets bring a laugh into the workplace by using such statements as "A cubicle is just a padded cell with a desk inside," and "When opportunity knocks, don't be the one who says: 'can somebody get that?'"
When I first started designing cards, and was just trying to break into the industry, I didn't know how to get exposure for my designs. I couldn't afford a booth at the New York Stationery show, so on a whim, I sent some samples to Greetings etc. magazine, and to my surprise they featured them!
As a beginner, I was so surprised and grateful, and because of the feature, I received hundreds of inquiries from retail stores all over the country, who wanted to know more about my designs.
From my experience, when they feature new products they review all card publishers equally, no matter how small or how large the company.
But don't think just by mailing a sample to a publication, you will automatically be featured. If you are are just starting out, take a look at these important tips for how to present your product professionally to an editor. -Kate
Here is a recent feature that Greetings etc. did for one of my magnets.
Kate Harper's humorous "office quote" designs have just been released on magnets by Leanin' Tree. These magnets bring a laugh into the workplace by using such statements as "A cubicle is just a padded cell with a desk inside," and "When opportunity knocks, don't be the one who says: 'can somebody get that?'"
Kate's personal favorite is "I actually gave up being a hippie for this" commenting, "I can see this magnet getting a laugh at every baby boomer work station, and on every break room fridge. I am especially impressed at the color quality Leanin' Tree does on replicating my mod hues." Another magnet reads: "Need a vacation? Pretend you’re in Italy. Drive fast with a cappuccino in your hand." Kate comments "With this quote, we get the idea that even if we aren’t on vacation now, we can at least pretend we are, and it's OK to be ridiculous!"
The magnets retail for $3.95. For more information, visit www.leanintree.com.
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