POSITIVITY
Spreading Positivity, Positively Everywhere... We tasked Sarah Lawrence, Founder and Owner, This is Iris, to gather some good news and positivity posts from her colleagues and friends in the art and licensing industries. They certainly didn’t disappoint! Sarah Lawrence, UK Art Licensing Agency, This is Iris “It has often been said that flexible working is beneficial for people’s mental health, this is something that Iris has always supported and although this is a worrying time for everyone, everywhere we need to keep working together to find ways to stay positive. It has never been more important for people to keep in touch with their colleagues, business partners, friends and family through phone and video calls. We’re able to keep to our scheduled meetings with the majority of our partners via Zoom and we thank those who are remaining positive and enthusiastic throughout this time. We are currently working on a number of new briefs and finalising projects which were initially on hold but are now heading back in to production which is really encouraging. It seems our licensees are also finding working from home a positive move as the calmer environment is allowing them the time to explore new ideas, which is great for us! Take care and keep talking.” This is Iris Artist, Ailsa Black “I have been creating a number of new images for our partners as well as a new a new Clap for Carers image each week. I have been encouraging all my social media followers to put their hands together and join the Clap for Carers celebrations during these difficult times. I have also added a free gift wrapping and card writing service to my online shop so people can send gifts direct to friends and family from the safety of their homes. I am also in the process of expanding my colour me in range which has allowed me to add free colouring downloads to my site so those with time on their hands can print these out at home. I am lucky, I am able to work from home and am trying to adapt and move froward.” This is Iris Artist Amy Crabtree from Cakes With Faces “From Cakes with Faces’ Bakery Motivation series of wisdom from the world of cakes and baking. Art is so important right now to lift people’s spirits and remind everyone of all the good things in the world. Part of Cakes with Faces’ mission is to provide a distraction from all the bad news in the world with fun drawings and cute characters, so I’m continuing with that aim in mind, now more than ever. If I can make people smile even just for a moment, I’ve done my job.” Ian Downes, Start Licensing “I am lucky to have a lovely dog. Tess the Whippet. We take her out everyday for our daily exercise. At home she has helped fill the day with her constant enthusiasm for chasing down a ball in the garden. She seems to have endless energy, and is a welcome break from seeing myself on countless Zoom screens!” PAGE 32
Catalina Estrada, represented by This is Iris for the UK “I believe that now more than ever we need the power of colours and beauty! Colours give us strength, beauty gives us hope. I think the only way out is for us to work together with optimism and creativity. And poetry of course... “To make a prairie it takes a clover and one bee, One clover, and a bee, And revery. The revery alone will do, If bees are few.” -Emily Dickinson” TOTAL BRAND LICENSING
