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ArtBizJam – Interview with artist Lori Siebert

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Lori Siebert, a very successful licensing artist, tells why she is excited about being a part of the artist retreat ArtBizJam next month. Lori, licensing artist Paula Joerling, and product developer Anne Brown and I will be hosting a fun packed and educational artist’s retreat at the beach in Destin, Fl.  It promises to be an unforgettable weekend.

You can find out more at www.Artbizjam.com

Lori Siebert ArtBizJam
In addition to happy hours, a shrimp boil and lots of freebies and surprises we will also be sharing valuable information on running an art-driven business.

We are keeping this gathering small and we are almost at full capacity. Also registration closes on August 10th (Saturday).

For the past month I have been sharing interviews with the “instructors” that will be participating. This weeks interview is with Lori Siebert but be sure to check out interviews with  and Anne and myself.

Why did you want to be involved with ArtBizJam?

One of the wonderful things about creative people is how they love to be together and share ideas and support one another. I truly value my creative friends. This is an opportunity to do just what I love…spend time with fun, interesting people and share what I have learned along the way… while having an incredibly fun time.

What will people get out of attending this particular workshop? 

A lot of camaraderie, fun, bonding and support from other creative people…thought provoking conversation about your dreams and goals, practical classes about the business side of things, good fun, wine, the beach.

What will people get out of attending this particular workshop?

A lot of camaraderie, fun, bonding and support from other creative people…thought provoking conversation about your dreams and goals, practical classes about the business side of things, good fun, wine, the beach.

What makes this workshop/retreat special and different from other workshops?

When we talked about how to make this different,we decided on two things…make it small and intimate so we can really cater to the people who attend…and make it about BOTH side of the brain. We all love to create…that is a given…but,we also have to find ways to be efficient and make money…so we can continue to make a living creatively. This is what we want to share.

How do you reconcile your passion of creating art with the business side of art?

I am really lucky in that my husband is my business partner and we have an agent,CourtneyDavis. I really do get to focus on the creative. But,it is important to have an understanding of our business as a whole and where it is going.

What are you looking forward to fun-wise with ArtBizJam?

Time with really great, creative folks…great food,sharing,learning from one another…an overall re-charge!

You can read more about the classes, schedule, instructors at ArtBizJam.  If you have any questions, please contact me or one of the other instructors.

We hope to see you at ArtBizJam!

Phyllis

 

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ArtBizJam Interview with Guest Instructor Anne Brown

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This week’s interview is with Anne Brown, Director of Product Development for Magnet Works and Studio M. As an artist, I find it completely spellbinding listening to Anne talk about the development side of creating product lines. You can have the opportunity to learn from Anne as one of the instructors at ArtBizJam, an artist retreat/workshop taking place in Destin, FL September 18-22, 2013.

Anne Brown ArtbizJam

You can join Anne, licensing artists Lori Siebert, Paula Joerling and myself for fun on the beach, a little wine and lots of information about the business side of art licensing as well as creative play time with new techniques!

We want to keep it small so that some of the discussions can be tailored to your specific needs. We are almost full and registration closes August 10.

You can find all the details at  ArtBizJam.com

Among other things, Anne will be discussing the following topics at ABJ.

1. Finding Your Creative Spark. Everyone has one but some have yet to define and commit to it. Anne will discuss the importance of identifying your Spark, what ignites it and how to stay true to it.

2. Share Your Spark. Learn from a Product Developer ! Anne will discuss her perspective of what a product developer wants to see in portfolio presentations and their expectations during development. You will learn how to determine which products best work for your artwork.

3.  Ignite Your Spark. A trending field trip to learn the in’s and out’s of determining trends, plus much more information on correctly predicting trends.

You can see the full class schedule for ArtBizJam.

Artbizjam date

Anne’s Interview:

Why did you want to be involved with ArtBizJam?

When Lori, Paula and Phyllis called me to share their vision for the retreat, I was inspired by their passion and purpose. I was thrilled to be included as a guest teacher.

What will people get out of attending this particular workshop?

I hope the participants walk away with a better sense of their creative purpose and tools to enrich their business and art.

What makes this workshop/retreat special and different from other workshops?

ArtBizJam is a creative renewal that encourages realness, vision and kinship. I love that it was tailor-made for an intimate group of artists who are interested in growing personally and professionally while having a blast doing it!

How do you reconcile your passion of developing product with the business side of art?

My passion and job is developing products with licensed artists and designers. As a Product Developer, it is crucial I am always looking through the lens of my retail customer and end consumer. This means there are times I have to pass on an artist I admire personally because it is not the right fit for my product.

What are you looking forward to fun-wise with ArtBizJam?

I am looking forward to a long weekend of learning, sharing and creativity…on the beach. Our hostesses have taken great care in planning every detail and know this will be a memorable weekend!

We look forward to seeing you at ArtBiz Jam!

Phyllis

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Interview (with myself Phyllis Dobbs) for ArtBizJam!

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This week we are starting a series of interviews with the instructors at ArtBizJam, which is a creative/art business retreat being held in Destin, FL September 18-22, 2013.  The instructors along with myself are Anne Brown, Director of Product Development at Magnet Works and Studio M and artists Lori Siebert and Paula Joerling. My name was drawn out of the proverbial “hat” to be the first interviewee!

ArtBizJam artist retreat

Why did you want to be involved with ArtBizJam?

Conducting a retreat has been in my mind for quite a while. I love attending retreats and enjoy teaching so it was natural to want to host one. This one came together almost as a product of a magic wand being waved with some fairy dust – the four of just all wanted the same thing and were so excited about it. As a teacher at ArtBizJam, I feel that I will get as much out of it as will the students. Any time you meet someone and network, you automatically gain from it, whether you are the teacher or the student.

What will people get out of attending this particular workshop?

The attendees will benefit on several levels. They will have fun and create cherished new friendships and an experience that they will treasure. They will learn how to improve their business to get it to the level that they want as well as work smarter with their business side. Working smarter makes us more productive while giving us more time to enjoy the benefits of being creative. And the attendees will also relax and rejuvenate by being being creative in new areas, taking these techniques and incorporating them into their creations. Taking time to creatively play will give you the energy and spark to create new ideas. We have some fun surprises that will delight everyone there – you will love every minute in this beautiful gulf coast area.

What makes this workshop/retreat special and different from other workshops?

Most workshops focus on only one area of your business, mostly taking creative classes.  This one also focuses on the business side as well as the creative. You can have a creative business but if you don’t know how to promote and grow it, you will not get as much as you can from it.
We are also keeping ArtBizJam small so that its a more intimate retreat where individual  business or creative needs can be addressed.

How do you reconcile your passion of creating art with the business side of art?

All our art and creativeness comes from the right side of our brain. We tend to really love that area and want to stay there. But when our art is our business, we need to venture into the left side of brains. I know its not as much fun, that left side, but there are ways to make it that way.  We can be just as creative with the business side and that’s what I strive to do to make my business side as interesting as the creative part. Its all the same coin, just different sides, and I find it fun to flip it back and forth, well at least some of the time!

What are you looking forward to fun-wise with ArtBizJam?

Laughter and camaraderie! When ever a group of women get together, no matter what the reason from serious business to just relaxing, it always turns into laughter at some point.  And that’s especially true with artists. We become close knit as we get to know each other and that forms into friendships. We always enjoy getting together any time that we can. The laughter is the perk that always happens!

Phyllis

 

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ArtBizJam, A Unique Artist Retreat

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I’m so excited to be part of a new and unique artist retreat, ArtBizJam  with Lori Siebert, Paula Joerling and Anne Brown! It will be held in the beach resort of Destin, FL, home of sugar white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, September 18-22, 2013.

ArtBizJam artist retreat

ArtBizJam is different from other retreats as half of the focus, the Business Side, is devoted to the business aspects of being a professional artist to give you the tools to maximize your business growth. I guarantee it won’t be “business boring”, but filled with exciting classes that you will love and with information you will take to your studios and begin using immediately. The Creative Side of ArtBizJam  will rejuvenate your creativity.

Artist Retreat in Destin FL

Being creative is the nature of the artist, however, its easy to loose our spark or get in a repetitive rut.  We all need to try different things and techniques to keep our art fresh and exciting. All of the classes are being taught by 3 professional artists with years of experience in creating art for textiles, giftware, garden and stationery products, and wall art publishers and by a product developer who has worked with leading top gift companies and will share her expertise in developing concepts, product lines and working with licensing artsts.

ArtBizJam Sept 18 2013

To quote Albert Schweitzer (1875 -1965) In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

Join us and light your inner fire! All information about this unique artist retreat can be found at ArtBizJam.

Due to the small intimate setting of this jam, spaces are limited, so BOOK EARLY to insure you will be a part of ArtBizJam!

Phyllis

 

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Atlanta Gift Market was buzzing!

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I just returned from a few days at the Atlanta Gift Market and was thrilled with how exciting, upbeat and busy market was. Market was really busy all 4 days that I was there and I consider it a good sign for the gift industry.

Its always fabulous to walk market and see all the new products (many of which are designed by my artist friends). And its always fun to meet up with these friends. I can’t take pictures of the product displayed throughout market but its fun to take pictures of friends.

Robin Davis and Phyllis Dobbs at Atlanta Gift Market

I went to several artist’s signings, where they were autographing some of their products. Robin Davis adorable new line Blessings with Wings is with Carson.

Lori Siebert and Phyllis Dobbs at Atlanta Gift Market

Lori Siebert was autographing her new products with Carson as well. I have to tell you that Lori was wearing the most fabulous and colorful boots (much like her art). I did try to take a picture of them but it turned out really blurry but take my word, they were great.

Bob and Greg Giordano at signing in Atlanta

The fabulous Giordano brothers, Greg on the left and Bob on the right were both autographing some of their many flags at the Custom Decor showroom. I’m doing a pretty wimpy job of holding the flag.

Artists meeting up in the License and Design at Atlanta Gift Market

My agent, Jewel Branding and Licensing, was exhibiting in the License and Design section that is held at the January markets. On Thursday, after the License and Design was set up, several of us met for an impromptu photo op – Robin Pickens, Brenda Pinnick, myself, Shelly Comiskey, Karen Embry and Sue Zipkin.

Artist meet up at the Westin at Atlanta Gift Market

And for a period to get together and talk a bit, there was an artists gathering at the Westin on Friday afternoon.  You may see several of your favorite artists here – Teri Conrad, Paula Joerling, Joyce Shelton, BJ Lantz, Gina Wilder, Jane Maday, Sharon Himes, Robin Davis, Beth Yarbrough, Beth Logan, Audrey Jeanne Roberts, Karen Embry, and on the front row, Cherish Flieder, Janet Wecker Frisch, Shelly Comiskey, myself, Sue Zipkin, and Robin Pickens. Getting us all together for this photo was like herding cats and several got away. (Thanks to Shelly for this photo as mine didn’t turn out!)

Large red and white football helment

As I was walking through Building 3 of the market, I saw this giant red and white helmet. I’m assuming it was due (or  I’m attributing it) to Alabama’s win of the BSC bowl last week. There was definitely a lot of Alabama items showing throughout the showrooms.

I’m back in full work mode, but will be leaving next week for Anaheim for the Craft and Hobby show (CHA). Check back as I can show lots of product from this show.

Phyllis

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New Seminar Location in Atlanta for New Dynamics of Art Licensing

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We’ve been so happy with the response that we’ve received for our exciting new seminar The New Dynamics of Art Licensing (see my prior post)!  And, because we’ve also have had several creative’s asking if were were having it at other locations, we’ve decided to offer this seminar during the Atlanta Gift Market on January 12, 2012 (Thursday afternoon 2:30- 4:30 pm, the location to be announced later but close to the gift market).

 

New Dynamics of Art Licensing Logo

The New Dynamics of Art Licensing is being presented by Karen Embry, Brenda Pinnick and myself, 3 artists with over 50 combine experience with art and design licensing.

For more information on all the topics we will be discussing, please download The New Dynamics of Art Licensing brochure.  We are also having a portfolio review/consult in Atlanta.

We hope you will join us and get the up-to-date information on how to license your art, designs and products.

Phyllis

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Business Seminar – The New Dynamics of Art Licenisng

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If you are planing to take the next important step to expand your creative endeavors into licensing of your art, design or products, then this seminar is not to be missed! “The New Dynamics of Art Licensing” seminar will deliver  straight forward, honest advise, insight and tips for succeeding in licensing. The playing field for licensing has changed drastically over the past few years and this seminar will give you the information you need to overcome these challenges that will save you time and money.

New Dynamics of Art Licensing Seminar“The New Dynamics of Art Licensing“, presented by Brenda Pinnick, Karen Embry and myself, encompassess the extensive knowledge from over 50 cumulative years of experience in art licensing, product design and licensing and exhibiting in major trade shows. The wealth of information that we will share will prove invaluable for your career.

In addition, we will be offering an optional “add-on” for a consult, a review of your portfolio and a look at our own portfolios that we show our clients, tailored to YOUR needs.

WHEN – Saturday, January 28, 6:30 – 8:30, portfolio review/consult scheduled individually.

WHERE – Anaheim, CA,  Annabella Hotel, Azalea Room (next to the Hilton)

Seats are limited, so book early!  We want to see you there.  For more information and details of all that we will be covering in this information packed seminar, follow the link – The New Dynamics of Art Licensing.

Invest in your business! And if you have any questions, please contact me.

Phyllis

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Atlanta Gift Market – New Products and A Cool Perspective!

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Its been a whirlwind the past two weeks, attending two trade shows literally back to back.  Attending the Atlanta Gift Market is always a treat with so many new products and fabulous colors capturing my attention as well as meeting up with friends. The market was abuzz with buyers making their selections from the new products.  I saw a lot of retro, but it was an equal mix with contemporary and whimsy.  I thought the color turquoise was dominant throughout market, while a friend thought pink stood out. (Me – I’m still with turquoise!)

Speaking of new products, I found one of my products, Our Henhouse garden flag, debuting in Evergreen’s showroom. (The picture is a little grainy and the flag colors are way off due to the lighting, so I am showing another picture of the flag so you can see the correct colors.)

Our Henhouse Rooster Garden Flag designed by Phyllis Dobbs for Evergreen Enterprises

Rooster garden flag Evergreen Enterprises by Phyllis Dobbs

I met up with several artist friends one afternoon for drinks and talking.  By the time that our conversation toned down and we remembered to take a picture, several had already left.

Artists gathering at Atlanta Gift Market

Shown left to right are Karen Embry, Cherish Flielder, Sharon Himes, Jane Maday, myself, Brenda Pinnick and Stella Violano. Please visit their blogs to see their fabulous art and a possible sneak peak of new products featuring their art.

Strangely, although it was the middle of the summer, the weather turned cool during market with cool evening breezes.  Not so, with the next show, CHA (Craft and Hobby), which was in Chicago during the middle of a heat wave.  Please check back as I saw many fun products that I was allowed to take pictures of.

Stay cool!

Phyllis

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Surtex and the National Stationery Show

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Its always exciting to attend the Surtex and the National Stationery Shows, both held concurrently in New York at the Javits Center last week. While the weather was gloomy, none of this gloom penetrated the shows which were hot and hip, filled with vibrant colors and and wondeful art. I attended as my agency, Jewel Branding and Licensing was exhibting in the Surtex show for art licensing. Surtex has grown this year in the number of exhibitors, which is a great sign. Many booths were so spectacular, stopping people in their tracks! And exhibitors I spoke with were excited about the number and quantity of contacts they spoke with.

My photos didn’t turn out too well.  I must have had my camera setting set on “grainy” so most of my pictures are awful so I don’t have many to share. Many of us attended the Surtex opening night party which was held in Battery Park. Fortunately, the rain stopped and although it remained cloudy and damp, it didn’t dampen the spirit of the partiers. Enjoying the party are, beginning at the left, Corrina Bucholz, Robin Pickens, myself,  and Erin Serpa and Ilene Guy of Simon & Kabuki. Amy Medhurst was behind the camera.

Surtex Anniversary Party

Robin Pickens and Phyllis Dobbs at SurtexI enjoyed spending time chatting with friend and artist Robin Pickens in the Jewel booth.

The National Stationery show was filled with wonderful stationery products, from cards to all types of stationery accessories.  A Paper Runway exhibit in the stationery show was spectacular with the dresses make of paper.  The exhibit and contest were sponsored by NYC’s LIM College.  Other dresses were from DCWV Scrapbook Papers. Here are a couple of the dresses.

2 dresses from Paper Runway

Now, to get busy with work!

Phyllis

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New York City – Always Interesting, Always Fun!

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I arrived in NY to very gloomy skies but fortunately, it did not rain THAT day.  I flew in for Surtex (Surface and Textile Design Show) and had only a few hours on my first day for my play time so I was especially glad that it didn’t rain. So as soon as I checked in my hotel and left my luggage, I took off to some of my favorite places (most rhyme with shopping).

I saw an article in a magazine recently about an art show on Park Avenue that consisted of rose sculptures in the grassy areas between lanes.  I put seeing the exhibit at the top of my to-do list.  The exhibit started further up Park Avenue than I anticipated so I only walked a few blocks of it, since I had already walked a bunch getting there. It was pretty special to see – giant roses at each cross street intersection.  It was especially colorful with the cloudiness, although I know it would have enjoyed it equally with sunshine! The details were great and each sculpture also had a bug of some kind on it which added both realism and whimsy.

Rose sculpture in NYCrose sculpture on Park AvenuePark Avenue Rose Sculpture

One of the many things I love about NY is all the restaurant choices.  I met friends for dinner after my play time.  With a combination of greats –  friends, friends and  wine, it was a wonderful evening. I highly recommend this restuarant – “44 & X”, located on 8th Avenue in the Hell’s Kitchen area.  The food was delicious!

Well, back to unpacking and more pictures to follow with information about Surtex.

Bye for now,

Phyllis