We sat down with Valerie Hart, a talented illustrator member of ArtLicensingShow.com (ALSC), and asked her to share a little about her life as a full-time artist and designer and her experiences so far on the Art Licensing Show site.
First up we have to ask, how do you take your coffee, or tea?
I’m definitely a coffee lover! My Starbucks order would be a Venti dark roast, extra milk, 2 sugars. Though I have my coffee every morning in my studio, the rest of the day I’m sipping black and herbal teas.
How long have you been an illustrator and how did you get your start in Art Licensing?
I’ve been an artist all my life. I started illustrating about seven years ago after working as an advertising designer for many years in ad agencies and corporate. I was aware of art licensing but I hadn’t found my “art” yet. I took a couple of online classes, started painting with acrylics and opened up an Etsy shop. I’ve been working on my digital art style for the past two years and exhibited at Surtex that May. Last year I joined the Art Licensing Show as a founding member while continuing to work on my style, creating more art, submitting to manufacturers and building up my licensing portfolio.
What inspires you to create and what products have you licensed your work on?
I do follow my inspiration and it’s really fun to see what shows up in my studio some days. I love animals. I started illustrating cats and they turned into a collection I’ve name Happy CatZ™. It was an natural transition for my dog illustrations to — Happy DogZ™ and they are a greeting card line that I have licensed. I’ve also submitted my Happy CatZ™ collection to several greeting card and gift companies for licensing. I’ve licensed my work on home decor items like pillows, garden flags and plaques. I’d like to partner with a fabric company for my textile designs. (Thank you Annie Troe for the Pattern Parade exposure!)
How has the Art Licensing Show impacted your art business?
The most important way ALSC has impacted my art business is with licensing deals! I’ve signed two in the last six months and I’m currently at the contract negotiating stage with two more manufacturers. And I can’t say enough about the “artist tribe” and camaraderie that ALSC provides to members. Having direct access to Art Directors, manufacturers, the variety of groups and the wealth of knowledge that’s always being shared has been invaluable. When you’re new to art licensing and doing this business as an independent, it can feel a bit overwhelming and intimidating. I did submit to several agents for representation over the past couple of years and was disappointed when I was was rejected. So, I had to figure out how to represent myself. The ALS website has really helped me with this. I’ve uploaded art collections, (used the new bulk upload feature), shared my collections with all of the Art Directors and followed up with emails. I try to change out my profile banner quarterly, connect with new members and I participate in groups as my time allows. My new challenge is that I’m getting really busy and the number of priorities and “balls in the air” you’re juggling can get crazy. But it’s all good!
Any tips for new members and balancing your life while pursuing your art dreams?
People are people and we’re all just creating our art and following our dreams. Don’t lose site of the fact that not everyone in the world can do this work. Participate, connect, upload your art! There are Art Directors and manufacturers on ALSC looking for art. And the people in this art community are very nice, supportive and helpful. I reached out to many artists asking to use their art for the recent ALSC One Year Anniversary promotion I was helping with and everyone was very responsive and accommodating. The world needs your art. There is a lot of violence and unpleasant stuff that happens in the world… and I think that all of the love we put into our art — and then send out into the world helps to balance this out. I’d like to think so anyway…
varda said on April 24, 2016
A little late to the game, Valerie. Love your art, and your attitude. Rejected by agents? Unbelievable. Totally their loss. You go, girl!
Valerie said on April 24, 2016
Oh thank you Varda, what a lovely comment! Thanks so taking the time for a read thru. Really happy to be on the ARt Licensing Show! I think this is a great opportunity for artists here. xoxo
Jacqueline said on March 31, 2016
Thank you for sharing. I’m just starting out and really feel encouraged by your interview Valerie. And I agree, this world needs joyful things!
Valerie said on April 3, 2016
Thanks so much Jacqueline for taking the time to read and leave a comment. So happy my art licensing journey has encouraged you. A step at a time and we were all beginners at one time. Best of luck to you! xoxo
Laura Holman said on March 31, 2016
Loved this interview, and love your work Valerie! And yes, the world needs more happiness. What better way to do it than through art.
Valerie said on April 1, 2016
Thanks so much Laura! Just found your Facebook art page. Gorgeous watercolor work!
Joan said on March 31, 2016
Thanks for your inspiring, uplifting interview & speaking from your “Hart”! : )
Valerie said on April 1, 2016
Thank you Joan! The work you have done for Louise Hay is stunning! I am such a fan of hers, beautiful spirit. xoxo
Kathleen said on March 31, 2016
I really enjoyed reading your interview and seeing your artwork. So inspiring.
Valerie said on April 1, 2016
Thank you Kathleen for stopping by and taking the time to read this. Happy Spring to you.
Lou Ann Kobus said on March 31, 2016
Valerie, what a great interview. It’s so great to hear how other artists got their start. I’m just starting out, so I’m trying to soak it all in. Thank you.
Valerie said on April 1, 2016
Thank you Lou Ann, I appreciate the support! I still consider myself a “newbie” and it’s been a lot of work but — well worth it. I always say that we are all on the same path… just at different stages on that path. And everyone was once a beginner!
madeline faiella said on March 30, 2016
Valerie I fell in like with you when I first met you at Surtex. I have watched as you built your budding career. Working on that myself I appreciate your tenacity and determination. So excited to hear about your contracts. WOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. Thank you for sharing this interview. I love coffee too. Hugs girl.
Leslie Clark said on March 31, 2016
Valerie, what a wonderful story! Your art is wonderful too!! Thanks so much for sharing!
Valerie said on April 1, 2016
Thanks so much Leslie for stopping by to read! I so appreciate the support and the lovely comments… xoxo
Valerie said on April 1, 2016
Thank you Madeline! You are a sweetheart and such a supportive person to other artists. We both know what a lot of work this is and the dedication it takes. Not in just creating the art, but also the submitting part. Thanks for the chats and the encouragement! Hugs back! I’ve got two words for your Maddy’s Girlz collection… cocktail napkins!
Valerie said on March 30, 2016
Thanks everyone so much for the lovely comments! And if anyone has any questions about how this site is working for me, feel free to email me. I’m not one of those people that feels threatened by another artists’ success! We can all be successful!
Judy said on March 30, 2016
Love what you said about putting your art out there to counteract the violence and unpleasant stuff. God knows we don’t need anymore ugliness. You are doing your part. Thanks for the info!
joanie bauer hupp said on March 30, 2016
It was so GREAT to read your interview, Valerie Hart!!! As always, we feel so connected, here on ALSC. CONGRATS and Best Wishes to you!!!
Jennifer L Nilsson said on March 30, 2016
Thanks for sharing your experience, Valerie!
Pamela said on March 30, 2016
Enjoyed reading your post!
Jill said on March 30, 2016
Lovely interview, from a lovely artist!
Vickie said on March 30, 2016
Thanks for sharing!