158-159_161_SOTN Art & Design.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 20/09/2018 13:19 Page 161
STATE OF THE NATION: ART & DESIGN
Right: Independent artist and illustrator Monika Suska is attending BLE for the second time. Far right : Colin Livingstone says networking is one of his top reasons for attending BLE.
“BLE is pretty amazing for independent artists like me mostly because I have a chance to show my work right next to huge established brands,” Monika explains. “This is not only exciting but also shows that I'm serious about what I'm doing – which as a bonus has helped a lot with my freelance illustration business. “I’ve got pre-arranged appointments set up and BLE is definitely the place to be for networking. As for signing deals, for me personally there’s so much going on at the show that I prefer not to sign anything on the spot but it’s a wonderful opportunity to talk about possibilities. “Art, design and illustration has always been a competitive market, now so more than ever, so it’s important to find a way to stand out and also to build something for yourself rather than waiting to be discovered. Building art brands through licensing means there are many undiscovered possibilities out there for commercially minded artists.” Steve Maddren is director of first time exhibitor
Lucy Pittaway, a family business run by artist Lucy and her husband Neil and coowners Steve (Lucy’s brother) and his wife Felicity. “Lucy’s art appeals to a broad audience with it being bright, happy and fun, and we have seen great success with our initial foray into merchandise production,” Steve says. “We already have some beautiful ceramics, stationery and greetings cards but we want to diversify the product range further and grow into new sectors. “We hope that by attending BLE we will be able to speak with a wide range of product manufacturers from around the world who are interested in discussing licensing partnership opportunities. “The show delivers a great chance to meet and speak to potential partners, learn from fellow artists and businesses and seek out ways to grow the business moving forward. It’s important to gain a better understanding of how to maximise licensing opportunities and there’s going to be some fabulous brands in attendance.”
Rachel Hale turns up the cute factor
The Rachael Hale brand – represented in the UK by Start Licensing – will return to BLE having recently been acquired by its long-time US agent, Jewel Branding & Licensing. The brand is well represented across Europe – as well as Start Licensing, its agents include VIP Entertainment & Merchandising AG throughout Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, Sweden and Benelux, as well as Maurizio Distefano Licensing for Italy and Eastern Europe. Coinciding with BLE, Rachael Hale is introducing a new release of cute animal photography which will be available for current and potential licensees. “We are excited about what’s in store for the Rachael Hale brand and licensing programme,” said Julie Newman, ceo and founder of Jewel Branding & Licensing. “The brand is so well established around the globe and in partnership with our European licensing agents, we are poised for tremendous growth throughout Europe.” Right: The Rachael Hale brand is introducing a new release of cute animal photography in time for BLE.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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