Have a question? It might just be answered below:
Do you have a catalog where I can see all your designs?
Not really. I license my designs to many different companies who then manufacture, publish, market and sell my designs in their own product lines. These product lines vary wildly and change seasonally. You'll find lists of links to licensing companies and retail stores on my Licensing Partners and Retail Partners pages of my website. I try to keep these links as current as possible but it is in no way a complete list, and often changes more quickly than I am able to keep up with. For more about this, see "Why Can't I Find That in Stores?" at the bottom of my Retail Partners page.
One of the main reasons I started my blog was so I could keep consumers posted as to when new products are available in stores and catalogs ... but often lead-time (from when I deliver final artwork to when the product hits stores) can be a few months to a couple years and during that time I may actually forget something's actually out there until someone tells me they see it! My Facebook Page is another great place to keep up with new products and designs.
Do you have a studio where I can visit?
I work from my teeny tiny home, in a teeny tiny studio/office, which I happily share with my cat, dog, and husband. Here, there is not much in the way of separation between home (private) space and work (business) space.
Once my art is scanned and in digital format, the originals are promptly packaged up and stored safely in my basement studio - not spread out or displayed on the walls or shelves. Same with product samples and handmade items: put away in boxes, as there just isn't really a place to spread it all out.
Most of my clients are located several states away, so there isn't really a need for a traditional business/client/public area for meetings and such. And those that are here in Seattle - if we don't meet at their own offices, most of the time it's simpler (and a nice excuse) to get out to a coffee joint or lunch spot for meetings anyway.
I'm an art director. Do you have an online portfolio where I can view your art?
Not yet. But if you contact me and tell me a little about your company and what you're interested in doing, I'd be glad to send you a sample portfolio, either digital or hard-copy!
I'm looking for a Beth Logan (or Beth Hendrickson Logan) poster I saw/had years ago, but can't find it anywhere. Can you help?
Sure - contact me and I'll see what I can do! If it's still being sold anywhere, I can direct you to a retailer who still carries it. I've started compiling these "archival" designs right here, and hope to add more to this page soon. Many are out of print but I still may have copies stored here in my studio. If it's out of print and I don't, I can print it in any size you like on my studio's professional-quality printer.
Will you donate your artwork to my favorite charity's or child's school's auction, raffle, or other fundraising event?
This isn't a flat-out "no", but first I will tell you that Artstuff Ltd. and the Logan family already support several close-to-our-hearts non-profits benefiting animals and humans, as well as auctions for schools where our good friends' children attend and charities with whom our family members and close friends are already associated. There are also a few great groups with whom I have already discussed working on a pro-bono basis who have been patiently "waiting in the wings" for me to actually find time to devote to their projects ... I'm embarrassed to say some have been waiting a long time for my good intentions to become reality.
In addition to cash and art donations to these groups, I have worked a regular weekly volunteer shift as a Wildlife Care Assistant at PAWS Wildlife Center since 1997. Still, my husband and I both wish we could do more, and fantasize about someday retiring (or magically turning independently wealthy, come on Lotto!) and becoming more involved in various charitable organizations for which we share a passion.
I will also add something of which many people are not aware: under current US tax law, as an artist, I am the only person not allowed to claim "fair market value" of my own art when it is donated to charity; the IRS only allows artists to deduct the cost of supplies, which is pretty minimal for me (a piece of paper and a little paint or pencil dust?). This doesn't stop me from donating art when I care about something and want to help, but it's not one of those, "why not just do this, you get a tax deduction" thing like many people assume it is. For me a donation of art is an act of love, something I don't take lightly as some might think.
Not trying to paint myself as some kind of saint here, I'm as selfish and lazy as the next guy (quite possibly more) and there's always so much more needed than I seem to be able to give. But if I don't get around to responding to your request, or if I do and the answer is not what you'd hoped ... please don't think it's because I don't care, or that I don't believe your charity isn't doing awesome and important work, or even that I didn't intend to figure out how to fit it into my schedule and get back to you later but "later" still hasn't come yet (true confessions: this happens, I'm sorry). It's just that sometimes I think I can accomplish a lot more than I am actually able. As my dear old daddy used to say about taking large helpings at the dinner table, sometimes "my eyes are bigger than my tummy".
And if I haven't totally scared you away or made you hate me by saying all this - please do go ahead and ask!
I am an artist. Can you tell me how to get into Licensing?
Oh boy. I could write a book! Maybe I will someday (or not) but until that happens (or not) let me just say that this is not a subject that can easily be wrapped up over coffee or in a couple quick emails. If you look in the right places you'll find a lot of good advice out there. If you're serious about getting into Licensing, your very first stop should be this article. A very honest reality-check is the most important foundation you need to set for yourself before diving into this business.
Once you've decided it is still your dream/goal, then start your research! A quick web search will turn up consultants and advisors, free advice and forums for you to link with folks from all sides (and experience levels) of the Licensing Industry.
Research, research, research!
Get ready to work your buns off (while spending way too much time on them), spend a fortune, live/breathe/dream your work 24/7, and stand brave and tall amidst ego-crushing let-downs. The lows can be devastating but the highs are awesome and I wouldn't change a thing about my own crazy career path. Follow your dream, and if Art Licensing is your dream: welcome to the Circus and break a leg!
I am an artist. Would you be interested in doing a trade for art?
Maybe, but please don't be offended if I don't take you up on your offer. As I mentioned above, I live in a teeny tiny house. Wall space, as well as shelf or tabletop space, is at a premium here, and it's simply not practical for me to collect more stuff than I already have!
Are you on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networking sites?
After a long period of hemming and hawing about this one, I have finally started a Facebook page, and I'd love for you to come visit me there!
If your question wasn't answered above, feel free to contact me, ask away!
