Make Your Art WORK: An Introduction to Art Licensing

Event Details
Presented by
CTAC Petoskey, CTAC School of Ballet
Begins
Ends
Venue
Carnegie Building Rotunda Room
Description

This event takes place in person and online.

Join via Zoom

Have you ever wondered how your artwork could be sold in home décor stores across the nation? Companies are regularly looking to license original art to create home products and art prints for mass production. Licensing your art can be a rewarding side business for artists working in any medium.

Want to know more?
Join us for this discussion with Anne McFarland Brown, the VP of Product Development at Williamson Home, who will introduce us to the basics of art licensing and product development, sharing insights from her fine arts background to her career in product development, creating home décor collections for companies like HomeGoods, Hobby Lobby, At Home, Burlington, Kirklands, Amazon and Wayfair. She will also be available to review your portfolio to determine if your art is applicable for product categories such as stationary, wallpaper/fabric, wall art, tableware, rugs, pillows, and home accessories.

SCHEDULE:
5:30 - 6:00 pm - Introduction to Licensing
6:00 - 8:00 pm - Individual Portfolio Reviews

Sign up for your Portfolio Review slot with Sign-Up Genius. 

Eight 15-minute portfolio review spots are available. If you would like to speak with Anne about your work, but are unable not secure a portfolio review time using the link above, email Liz at lizerlewine@crookedtree.org to make alternative arrangements.

During your portfolio review, Anne will ask you about your creative and career goals. Be prepared to share samples of your work that are indicative of your interests, skill, and approach. All media, styles, and approaches are welcome!

Featuring

Anne McFarland Brown

anne.brown@williamsonhome.com
https://www.williamsonhome.com/

Vice President of Product Development at Williamson Home

Anne studied Textile Design at the University of Kansas, with a focus on weaving and surface design. In 1997, with her BFA in hand, Anne left for Memphis to work for Seabrook Wallcoverings. The family-owned and operated company was the perfect place for her to begin her career in product development, where she traveled to strike-offs, helped create storyboards and established palettes for the wallpaper collections. 

In 2004, Anne was hired to be the Creative Product Manager of a new Home division for Demdaco, with an emphasis on tabletop. Anne was able to apply her surface design experience to ceramics and continued to develop relationships with licensed artists. This is where Anne first learned about sourcing products from China and India. The Home Division eventually evolved into Wall Art and Home Décor in 2009.
 
Anne was hired by the owners of Magnet Works in 2011 to help expand their current line of products. With no idea where to begin, she quickly began her crash course in gardening and outdoor products. Studio M, the new division of Magnet Works, premiered in Atlanta in January 2013.  

Anne joined Williamson Home in 2018 as the Director of Innovation and eventually moved into the role of Vice President of Product Development, where she currently manages the teams responsible for trend forecasting, art/brand licensing, innovation, product development, marketing and sourcing. Anne works closely with the team in China to make certain all products are brought to life with an eye for quality, cost-effective construction and design integrity.

Anne lives in St Louis, Missouri, with her children and enjoys her summers in Northern Michigan.