Howard Robinson

As the COVID-19 virus appeared and spread and the whole world seemed to be put on hold it has been a good time to reflect at where we are and what we are doing. As the news has been totally dominated with lock-downs, masks, social distancing and hospital reports it has been nice to see new Selfie installations in children’s wards, schools, dentist and veterinary surgeries and doctors waiting rooms intending to create a calming space in these stressful situations. The brand new Dubbo Base Hospital in NSW, Australia have recently revealed a new Selfie mural installation in their Medical Imaging Department.

Not surprisingly the lock down had created a renewed interest in hobbies and crafts with jigsaw puzzles becoming one of the go to activities to fill in the time and keep people sane, many stores running out of stock. Much of the recent licensing activity has also been in this category with paint by numbers for Hinkler in Australia, diamond painting kits for both Diamond Painting Deutschland and Dozelf in the Netherlands, wooden puzzles with Decolaser in Argentina, stitch kits with Art Needlepoint Co in the USA and a range of Selfie activity books with Kidsbooks Publishing in the USA. We were honoured and amazed to receive the Elite Business and Leadership Award for the Best Beach Front Resort in our first year of opening our Selfie Beach Resort although there is much work still to be done. Everything is on hold at the moment due to the lock downs but we have used the time wisely and are proud to have helped the local community during these very hard times and have had our staff deliver regular food parcels to 300 of the poorest local families.

Total Art LicensingSpecial Supplement

Welcome to the Total Art Licensing special supplement, highlighting some of the top artists, designers and agencies working in the world of art licensing today

Jehane Ltd is celebrating on-going expansion and significant growth since the pandemic began.

With major licensing deals and an invitation to sponsor The Lynn Tait Most Promising Young Designer or Artist Award at The Henries 2020 the year ahead is set to see further success for this Brighton-based Illustration agency. First up to announce for the agency in 2021 are two exclusive stationery ranges with UK partners Museums & Galleries (MGML). Wild Press sees the addition of greeting-cards to MGML’s best-selling range of stationery by artist Helen Ahpornsiri whose unique images are made by hand from hundreds of leaves and flowers with traditional flower-pressing methods. Second is a brand-new range of cards and stationery by leading light Catherine Rowe whose artwork embodies luxury and opulence. Catherine Rowe won the Liberty Open Call for a new iconic Liberty fabric in 2018. Her winning design ‘Palace Gardens’ was launched in 2019 and Catherine’s career has flourished ever since. Jehane Ltd is continuing to develop its niche in children’s book publishing and editorial. Jehane’s artists are currently working on new fully illustrated titles for 2021/2022 covering a range of topics from author-illustrated picture-books to Jane Eyre and nature-inspired books. With a range of titles set to be released by agency clients including Scholastic, Sleeping Bear Press, Kids Can Press, and Red Paper Kite. Last but not least, one of the agency’s books has been awarded as the Book of the Year for Younger Readers 2020 by the CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia). “The Secrets of Magnolia Moon” is illustrated by JNew Zealand artist Katherine Quinn, written by Edwina Wyatt, and published by Walker Books Australia. With a dedication to outstanding quality, artistry, and creative ideas licensees working with Jehane Ltd can depend on artwork which is beautifully crafted to make art work. Jehane Ltd continues to compete at a high level. 2021 sees the continuing launch of the UK agency’s latest collaboration with games innovator Borderleap and Apple Arcade. Four of the agency’s leading artists Tracey English, Jade Mosinski, Katherine Quinn, and Natalie Pedetti-Prack have been commissioned to create new work for the puzzle game ‘Patterned’. Over the next twelve months, sixty carefully researched designs by Jehane Ltd artists will be being released into the game focused on the theme of travel. Borderleap’s founder Nate Dicken says “Patterned is taking a trip around the world! Introducing a new selection of beautiful patterns celebrating peoples, culture and landmarks of numerous countries and regions around the world. Over 300 unique, new patterns handcrafted by 13 select artists, released on a regular basis over the next year. "Patterns around the world" will kick off in October 2020 starting with regions in the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean…”. Patterned is for pattern and puzzle lovers alike. Playable on Apple Arcade, Borderleap is an independent game studio with a passion for creating beautiful, innovative games. A designled game, Patterned is a unique puzzle game that immerses you in the beauty and joy of seamless, repeating patterns. Each pattern begins as a sketch and you must use visual clues to reassemble its scrambled pieces. Piece by piece, each pattern begins to come alive in increasing amounts of colour and structure. When the final piece is seen, the pattern fills the screen in full colour. Patterned paves the way for the future of game users. Combining high-calibre artwork with interactive content. Accompanied with a range of relaxing piano soundtracks, agency owner Jehane Boden Spiers’ own designs are also featured in the Apple Arcade games app. Jehane predicts ‘This is a game parents will play more than their children’. The patterns are seamlessly repeated and indeed endlessly playable.

Since their launch in November 2020 Creative Sparrow, a licensing agency set up by long-term industry name Hannah Curtis, has gone from strength to strength.

Doubling its portfolio of creatives in a matter of weeks, the agency is set to soar across all areas of licensing in 2021. Recent signings include surface pattern illustrators Caro Windmuller and Jane Sunner, who have both had long and successful careers within the fashion industry; Caro having recently collaborated with luxury Argentinian fashion brand Cloetas on a stunning on-trend advertising campaign. The agency also signed creatives Colleen Harrington, Ginger Deverell and Maria Over who all showcase fresh trendled portfolios perfect for Home Décor and other products. Working with clients and artists globally, Creative Sparrow facilitates successful collaborations across all creative sectors. Recent licensing partnerships include projects in Animation, Apparel, Greetings & Stationery, Home & Gift and Packaging. The agency is looking to expand its remit across Advertising, Children’s Products, Editorial and Publishing.

Launching amid a pandemic, Creative Sparrow has quickly and successfully positioned itself as a go-to, solutions-based agency, and, as a small start-up with a big background, the agency is able to react quickly and nimbly to its clients’ needs. Creatives represented by the agency have worked with household names such as Ted Baker, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Paperchase, Sainsbury’s, Clintons, Random House, Pier 1, Hilary’s blinds, Accessorize, Matalan, The Range, Costco & Tesco ….to name a few. ‘’Creativity is at the heart of the agency,’’ comments Hannah, ‘‘we are continuously producing beautiful art and showcasing a portfolio of outstanding creatives. We generate successful collaborations between our creatives and clients: executional excellence is a core value of the agency. Our Passion means we use drive and dedication to engage and inspire others.’’

"Creativity is at the heart of our agency..."

Emma Lawrence Designs was first spotted by several manufacturers at Spring Fair a couple of years ago.

This interest pivoted her into the world of licensing, where she continues to expand her portfolio. From kitchenware to children’s nature activity sets, jewellery and baby toys, the appeal of her brand continues to grow. Emma has now appointed licensing guru Mel Humberstone-Garley, of MHG Licensing who instantly recognised the potential in Emma’s vast array of assets. Mel was also intrigued by Emma’s story behind her brand. Despite being such a prolific illustrator, Emma Lawrence Designs is a relatively young business and is a second career for Emma. She previously worked as a Consultant Neuropsychologist. From NHS Doctor to Illustrator? How did that happen? Emma explains. “My passion for nature and drawing started in childhood, from collecting shells on the beaches of North Wales to sketching wildflowers. However, when I was told Art and Biology couldn’t be studied together, I ended up on a different path. I studied for 8 years to become a Clinical Neuropsychologist and worked in the NHS for over 20 years. I specialised in brain injury and stroke rehabilitation and even then, used creative

ideas to help develop strategies for patients. Sometimes I hand drew pictures for patients who found it easier to remember information if it was presented visually!” “Later, with two young children and an introduction to picture books, I felt there was a gap for younger children, so I created one in my spare time. This led to the first book of the Little Nature Explorers series, The Worm, which was published whilst still working. I was then asked to complete the illustrations for a gardening book which gave me the confidence and motivation to take the leap. I handed in my notice to start my new journey.” Following on from the successful Spring Fair, Emma signed a licensing partnership with Smart Fox Gifting for the Little Nature Explorers and I Love Birds brand. Leading UK homewares and gift company, My Gifts Trade, developed the Country Range of kitchen products, designed to bring humour to your country kitchen. 2020 saw the launch of Materia Rica’s stunning Country Life collection of eco-friendly, walnut jewellery. Based in Barcelona, Materia Rica brought Emma’s wildflower, toadstool, bee and watering can illustrations to life as pendants and earrings. “It is amazing that I have come full circle and ended up doing what I have always loved. Now that Mel is on board, we are looking for new licensing partners to expand the Licensing Programme into lots of other product categories, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch!” said Emma.

From Clinical Neuropsychologist to artist, Emma's passion for creative ideas have helped in both fields

With over 25 years’ experience Elizabeth Stirling Designs is uniquely placed to provide images that will appeal to a wide range

of consumers.

As they look to the horizon and glimpse the future hope for design and manufacturing they recognise they must be prepared for exciting times ahead. As the world emerges from the grip of the pandemic there will be undoubtedly a huge pent up demand for retail and consumers will be looking for creative and inspiring design in all product areas. With a group of talented artists Elizabeth Stirling Designs covers all emerging trends whilst ensuring that their artwork is always commercially appealing to retailers. Until they can meet again in person individuals can schedule a virtual meeting to view Elizabeth Stirling Designs' latest collection.

Jewel Branding & Licensing (JBL) is proud to highlight the designers and artists of color in their portfolio including illustrators and influencers Kendra Dandy of Bouffants & Broken Hearts, and Jessi Raulet of EttaVee, as well as celebrity interior designer and

TV personality, Nikki Chu. In celebration of Black History Month, Jewel is thrilled to announce some exciting upcoming launches for 2021. For their limited-edition artist series, Athleta joined forces with Kendra Dandy on a fun collection of masks and t-shirt. Kendra’s art is featured on the home page of Walmart.com in celebration of Black History Month. American Greetings has partnered with Kendra to launch an endcap collection of greeting cards slated for release at a major national retailer later this year. There has been international growth including new back-to-school collections with partners Vadobag, Stationary Team, Bagtrotter, Vivat, and Top Creative, all launching across Europe. Popular Dutch online kids clothing retailer, Kleertjes, is slated to launch an exclusive Bouffants kids’ clothing collection through licensee Retail Tribes. And personalized online card retailer Moonpig is refreshing Kendra’s collection of cards with some new sassy designs in the UK. Additionally, Kendra has signed with Chinese subagent Zenulla, who is working on key promotional and product opportunities in China. 2021 will be a big year for EttaVee! LANG is releasing a new EttaVee collection of calendars, stationery and gift products that will be available at retailers including Barnes & Noble and Walgreens. American Greetings has partnered with Jessi to create a collection of greeting cards that will be featured on an endcap in a major national retailer. This summer, Fit & Fresh is launching a collection of Etta Vee lunch bags and lunch kits at key retailers in time for back-to-school. Riley Blake will release a collection of apparel fabric in collaboration with Fabric.com. And Tervis has a collection of drinkware available on Tervis. com and Target.com. Stay tuned for a big announcement about a brand new collaboration for EttaVee in the home space slated to launch this summer! Follow Jessi to learn more closer to the date. Nikki Chu Home continues to be a top selling name in home fashions and décor with a beautiful line of rugs, bedding, decorative pillows, throws and wall art. She recently launched a new collection of home products exclusively through Walmart.com. York Wallcoverings has been recently signed to develop a unique collection of peel & stick wallpaper, slated to launch later this year. Additionally, Nikki recently signed with a leading home décor partner and will be introducing home décor accessories and accent furniture later this year. Nikki’s wall art continues to sell out at all major retailers, and most recently she was profiled on FineArtCanvas.com. “I feel fortunate to be partnered with Jewel Branding & Licensing because they understand the importance of highlighting a diverse portfolio of designers,” said Nikki Chu. “The success of my line has been years in the making and I’m thrilled that retailers and consumers are committed to amplifying black female designers like me,” said Nikki Chu.

Debra Valencia and her licensing partner Spectrum Home Textiles have announced the release of all new collections

of Shibori designed bedding. The deal was created by The Brand Liaison, the exclusive licensing agent for designer Debra Valencia. Debra has spent years mastering the ancient Japanese hand dyed textile tradition of Shibori, studying under the guidance of a master instructor in Japan. Debra personally created dozens of handmade textiles incorporating a variety of techniques, including handcut stencils, sewing, folding, binding and clamping, her textile works are one of a kind originals. Select prints from Valencia’s Shibori Collection can be found on stationery, bedding and other home goods. The entire collection is available for licensing across all product categories. Typically used only for textiles in the past, the Shibori collections are on trends as surface art for dinnerware, home accents, wall décor, social stationery, paper goods, craft, apparel, fashion accessories, bath/beauty products and more.

The year 2021 will mark the 40-year anniversary of the Giordano family’s success

in the art licensing industry. Greg and Bob Giordano have expanded, developed, and adapted their art and designs to fit the ever changing consumer market, while still maintaining a sense of loyalty to the traditional style in which Joseph Giordano, their father, brought to the field in the early 1980s. Joe Giordano started licensing his artwork under “Giordano Studios”. Before starting his own art-licensing business, Joe was a staff illustrator for a top greeting card publisher in New York City. After college, Bob joined the business in 1984, and after several years as a successful wildlife painter, Greg also joined the family business. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Giordano Studios established themselves as leaders in the field. The brand was famously known for its nostalgic, classic and whimsical Santa designs, which were featured on a myriad of products, including holiday stockings and tree skirts, collectible plates and figurines, stationary and plush. Joe’s Santa Claus designs were extremely influential to both of his sons. “Our father’s Santa Claus’ inspired us in everything we do and create, even to this day. Our art remains warm and traditional” explains younger son Bob. In the early 2000s, Greg and Bob took over the business side of the operation, allowing Joe to focus solely on creating new art. By that time, the company had created over 2,000 original designs, and had licensed designs with over 500 manufacturers worldwide. Both sons continued to be an integral part of the company, working closely with licensees and manufacturers at both the business and creative levels. In 2002, Greg branched out onto his own and established himself as the owner and operator of Greg & Company. Currently working with more than 75 licensees globally, Greg continues to expand his collection of art styles and subjects, and the latest designs feature adaptations of vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Greg continues to have success with a multitude of other styles and subjects, including vintage farm and patriotic themes. His designs have been licensed for various home accents, including blankets, wall décor, garden flags, tin signs, and pillows, as well as jigsaw puzzles, calendars, bookmarks, t-shirts, mugs, greeting cards and other stationery products. Over the years, Bob stepped into his new role of Managing Operator of Giordano Studios, and he has embraced the foundation and traditions on which the company was built, while continuing to expand and further develop his own unique style. Today, Giordano Studios continues to be widely recognized for their original puppies and kittens art, as well as their holiday and Christmas designs. The designs portray a variety of themes suitable for a multitude of products, As Greg enthusiastically shared, “I’m looking forward to creating more art for my licensees, and also expanding my base of licensing partners by further developing my art archives and subjects. We’re excited to see what the next several decades of Giordano brings to the art licensing world."

Established in 1990, MGL is one of the world’s leading art licensing companies.

Representing the work of over 50 artists and designers. With a portfolio of over 10,000 images, MGL prides itself in representing stunning imagery covering a variety including wildlife, floral, landscapes, patterns and vintage. MGL imagery is licensed for merchandise ranging from Arts & Crafts (diamond painting, paint by numbers, paper crafts), Paper Products (greeting cards, calendars and stationery), Textile (apparel, home, fabrics), Homeware & Gifts (mugs and novelties), Wall Art and more. As well as providing existing artwork, MGL also offers a customised service to either adapt existing imagery or create new, bespoke designs. The company has a dedicated and experienced sales team who, understanding the needs of manufacturers, retailers and their customers, are happy to help with the decision process and advise on trends.

The Frida Kahlo licensing program continues to grow substantially, announces Barcelona based Art Ask Agency despite these challenging times, and has launched its latest Frida Kahlo collection launch of licensed product in collaboration with Polish cultural retailer, EMPIK.

Good news for Frida fans is that EMPIK stores are currently open in Poland as they are in the bookstore category of retailers. The range has 48 different SKU’s in the categories of gifts, bags, accessories, stationery and home décor. A colourful range embracing the iconic lifestyle brand Frida Kahlo that appeals to consumers of all ages, including the youngest segment. “I want it all! Empik have done an amazing job on this range and I’m confident their customers will snap up these irresistible products,” says Maria Strid, Owner Art Ask Agency. “Frida Kahlo is a character that needs no introduction. The Mexican painter is a colourful bird and an extremely expressive personality that has become an icon of feminism and a symbol of charisma and bold expression of her views. We were inspired by the art and personality of one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century, and have brought this to our customers with our Frida Kahlo collection,” comments Ewa Ziemnicka, Category Manager, EMPIK. Art Ask Agency are preparing for a launch of a second licensed collection with another brand from their roster in the of March.

Patricia Nash Designs recently announced the appointment of Evolution USA as licensing and brand management agency. Total Art Licensing caught up with Travis and Patricia to see where they plan to take the partnership...

Tell us about the partnership between Patricia Nash and Evolution?

Travis Rutherford, Partner & Chief Revenue Officer for Evolution USA: Evolution and Patricia Nash Designs originally connected during the Festival of Licensing last year when Patricia Nash, COO Jennifer was investigating qualified licensing agencies to assist in the strategic brand expansion for certain classifications outside the existing core product offering. Evolution was seeking additional clients in the fashion brand vertical and after having several discussions and Zoom meetings, it became clear to both sides that Evolution's full suite of licensing services and brand management capabilities could deliver on the opportunity for Patricia Nash to successfully enter the licensing arena. Evolution provides an end-to-end solution to effectively manage the entire licensing process on behalf of the Patricia Nash brand, which includes the necessary market analysis, licensee identification, partner due diligence, retail development, operational support, product approvals, legal, finance and contract management. Patricia will maintain a leadership position in directing all the creative execution of every licensee's assortment, maintaining a cohesive look in the market, regardless of the category or partner. Both firms are working closely to realize the opportunity with the first product estimated to come to market in early 2022, while maintaining strict quality controls and best in class brand management protocols.

How do you plan to evolve the brand together?

Travis Rutherford: The Evolution USA and Patrica Nash Design teams are working closely to prioritize and focus on the most important classifications first that will become the backbone of the brand expansion program. Home furnishings, room decor, housewares and tabletop to name just a few. Once initial core products are in market and performing to expectation, additional sub-classifications will be licensed and the brand expanded accordingly. We are initially focusing on getting the North American market right before turning our focus to any international territory expansion. Concurrent with seeking qualified manufacturing partners, we are also engaging in discussions with senior leadership at certain key retailers who sell the Patricia Nash core product, to ensure we are considering their needs for their specific customer demographic. This effort may in fact provide a direct to retail licensing program to materialize, which in such case would be supported by key retail suppliers versus a traditional licensee led program.

What categories are you looking to branch into?

Patricia Nash: The brand is inspired by travel, memories, vintage craftsmanship and a sense of family so we’re looking to natural category extensions that preserve the integrity and quality of the brand. Newly licensed categories will include a broad assortment of indoor and outdoor home furnishings and housewares, tabletop and drinkware, women’s dresses and resort wear, women’s swimsuits and cover-ups, sleepwear and slippers, and an extended line of accessories including watches, sunglasses, gifts and candles, stationery and paper goods and pet accessories.”

Which areas do you see synonymous with the brand?

Patricia Nash: Entertaining, whether in the kitchen, outdoors or inside living areas. Cooking meals with family as the brand is family-centric and all things travel. The brand was founded in part because of my wanderlust and love of travel.

What has the pandemic meant for business, and have you noticed any interesting trends over the last 12 months?

Patricia Nash: Since the pandemic, people are obviously spending more time at home, so more energy and resources are being poured into home décor and home improvements. There is a focus on comfort. Travel is still happening, but with more weekend trips. As far as running the business, all of our work lives have changed to accommodate virtual meetings with staff, vendors, and customers. The ability to adapt to change has been critical.

Yellow House celebrates 10 years this year.

In its first year Yellow House licensed designs to Almanac, now part of The Great British Card Company, by enamel artist Janine Partington so creating the range Copper Tree. This range is still going. The art editor at Almanac had such foresight to realise that these simple designs could be translated from enamel panels onto greeting cards, using a copper foil treatment to echo the enamelling process so successfully. Janine's work has been licensed onto product for the National Trust and also on notebooks and journals for Flametree Publishing - there is something about the simplicity of the design and the limited colour palette that really appeals. Not everyone is aware that Yellow House also has access to a great archive of retro photography. In fact this has been a mainstay of the business for many years. These children bringing home the tree is one of our most regularly licensed images. Yellow House has also represented Glasgow Museums for many years. Their collection is so wide ranging, covering tapestries, old masters, decorative papers, shipping posters, fashion plates, photography and of course an extensive collection of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Yellow House comments: "It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to make their archives more widely known." Other standout licenses have been Suzy Taylor for colouring books and quilting, Claire Winteringham for puzzles, cards, books and advent calendars, Spencer Wilson for many book projects, calendars and cycling merchandise, Mary Stubberfield for being the company’s go to Cat artist, Tiffany Lynch, Jane Askey and Emma Brownjohn for cards and wall art, Gillian Martin for ceramics, tins, wall art. Liane Payne for cards calendars, and tins. Nancy Nicholson for cards, fabric and tins. Paul Thurlby's work has been licensed onto ceramics, apparel, cards, books, and more.

Portfolio Select is an art licensing agency based in Hertfordshire, UK, representing talented and award winning artists and illustrators.

The company currently represents around 50 artists and the portfolios contain over 27,000 designs in every style. Portfolio Select is an art resource to clients for greeting cards, gift wrap, gift bags, social stationery, tableware, prints/posters, tins, packaging, puzzles, fabrics, tableware, craft products and giftware. Company Director David Seddon has established the business to be a leader in Customer Service with great communication. David and Lucy (his co-director) work closely with the artists, providing good feedback, guidance and support. Ginny, Paula and Katie also provide the much needed 'back office support'. A great team!