Entrepreneurial History
1994 – Present: Art BusinessLicensing Expo: In 2001, I attended the Licensing Expo in Manhattan, New York, and walked the show. In 2002, I returned to New York City to display my portfolio at the annual Licensing Expo. The Licensing Expo is the meeting place for the global licensing industry. My portfolio display attracted business to my booth and after three days of art business negotiations with multiple manufacturers, I formed a few business partnerships. I designed toys for Sunco, Ltd. in Kowloon, Hong Kong. I illustrated a paint-by-number set for Dimensions, Inc., which sold over 300,000 copies in Walmart nationwide. I created over 50 children’s book cover illustrations for Paradise Press, Inc. including all of Jack Hanna’s coloring books. One visit at the Licensing Expo provided leads for freelance work for over ten years. My work has appeared on products distributed and sold by Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart, JCPenny, Dollar General, Family Dollar, CVS Pharmacy, Freedom Greetings, Marvel, Toys R Us, Jack Hanna, and many others.
Licensing Expo 2002
In 2002, I displayed my portfolio collection at the Licensing Expo in Manhattan, NY. In an effort to offset some of the expenses, I shared a booth with another artist. During the three day event I had many visitors and negotiated a few profitable licensing contracts.
Paint by Number Set
In 2002, Dimensions, Inc. visited my booth at the Licensing Expo. A year later they contacted me and negotiated a license for the butterfly design they had seen at the show. They used the butterfly artwork for a children's learn to paint set. The product sold over 300,000 copies in Walmart stores nationwide. I learned that licensing my art was the most profitable type of contract. (left) Actual paint by number set. (right) Original artwork.
Continue: Kappa Books (2009 - 2010)