Q&A

J’net has taught licensing for years and many current licensing industry consultants once began their careers as her clients. For several years, she was trusted to host the ‘Art+Design Information Booth’ at Licensing Expo, the largest worldwide licensing industry event. During the show, among other responsibilities, J’net would give upwards of 60 consultations to artists and creators looking to get started in the industry. She has offered many online courses, as well as countless Q&A sessions. Here is a small sample of some questions asked by creators and the answers provided, and a couple of interviews with prominent cartoonists and colleagues. These will give you an idea of how J’net approaches challenges and shares her expertise.

Work For Hire vs Royalties

How Many Pieces Do You Need In A Portfolio To Show It To A Prospective Client?

I Don’t Have Any Licensing Deals Yet, So How Do I Assure Potential Manufacturers That My Art Would Be Good On Their Products?

How Do I Handle A “Cold” Negotiation With A Manufacturer At My Booth?

What’s Your Number 1 Tip For Those Who Are New To Character Licensing?

What Are The Main Key Points That You Need To Know As An Artist Before Setting Up Your First Trade Show Booth?

What Questions Should We Ask And Be Prepared To Answer With People Who Stop At Our Booth?

This Is My First Year Attending The Licensing Show As An Exhibitor And I Will Be By Myself How Do I Handle Scheduling Meetings & Breaks?

What Constitutes a Collection?

How Do You Introduce And Where Do You Launch A New Character?

I Have Two Separate Styles Of Art Will It Confuse Buyers If I Show Them Both On My Website?

When Creating A Cast Of Cartoon Characters or Licensing, What Is Needed Before Approaching An Agent For Representation? Is A Storyline Needed?

Can I Pitch A Series Or Movie With Just My Storyline Or Do I Need To Have It Written?

What Is The Best Way To Position My Characters To Pitch A Series Or Movie? Do I Begin With Licensing Or Do I Create And Sell My Own Product?

If You Have An Entertainment Property Which Is Fully Developed, Is It Best To Be In The Art Section Of The Art Licensing Expo Or Out On The Floor?

Which Do You Think Is More Valuable Into Today’s Marketplace: Developing Characters For Children’s Books Or Artwork For Product Use?

What Do You Think Is The Most Important Aspect About An Agent?

How Can I Find A Good Agent?

I Don’t Want To Deal With The Marketing Part Of The Licensing Business Is That OK ? Who Should I Talk To About Licensing My Images?

Do You Really Need To Do Product Mock Up To Get Your Art Into The Licensing Business?

Why is Public Relations Important For Marketing?

Interviews

J’net also interviewed Jim Davis, creator of Garfield, at the Licensing Expo, as well as worked with Tom Wilson, Ziggy cartoonist, for his Character Matters business.

Jim Davis, creator of Garfield Interview

Tom Wilson, Ziggy Cartoonist/Owner Character Matters and J’net Smith Interview

Getting Started

The SmartStart Session is an intelligent investment, a first-step, in the brand building and licensing journey. It is a coaching, consultation and information guidance session. You will be amazed, as countless others’ have been, at how much detail you will receive in one two-hour Session. Most of our current and long-term clients have started with All Art Licensing this way. Learn More