Great Insights...

Did you listen to the Ask Paul Brent call last night? I did, and what a great way to spend an hour--while I worked on new collections of course! Tara Reed, an art licensing coach and artist hosts "ask" calls with prominent contributors to the art licensing market. For the past 3 years, she has had a Surtex wrap-up call with Paul. To those of us in this industry, Paul Brent is the gold standard of someone who's success is only overshadowed by his generosity and good humor. (loved his giggle when asked if the economy has affected art licensing!) He had lots to say about trends both in the market (a trend away from vector art, more florals) and within the show itself (more artists, shorter visits by fewer people---but quality attendees, baby, quality!).

With the changing economy and retail trends (such as they are) he really emphasized the importance of continually showing up with new work, new ideas and concepts. The man is a machine apparently, as he mentioned that he put out 40 new collections in the past year. Yeah...40, people!

I decided a while back that I had to step up my game as well....if you want to have longevity in this business, you can't wait around for inspiration to strike, you've gotta go get it, wrassle it to the ground and show up!

So, guess what I'm doing this weekend? Besides making potato salad and drinking a beer (or two) on the dock? You guessed it, I'm drawing pictueres!