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Story by
PoshDots,
Vanessa
Published on September 14, 2009 in How-To |
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Every now and again I hear about Etsy sellers who have scored licensing deals. One such seller is Becky from PoshDots, teacher, artist and mother of three, who was kind enough to take time away from her very busy schedule to do an interview with me. She describes how the company approached her and struck a deal to have her design for her children's item manufactured.
Hi Becky! First off, how do you handle your shop, your kids, your teaching job and the licensing deal? Any time management tips?
I fly by the seat of my pants. With three kids, a schedule is worthless. I don't know from one minute to the next what challenge will face me. The last time I had the house to myself, the phone rang. My oldest had caught a softball in his mouth, and his lip was mashed into his braces (which were put on that same day!). We ended up in the ER. There is always drama here!
Becky with her daughter.
Tell us about your items and describe your licensing deal.
Posh Dots specializes in handpainted wooden letters and matching accessories. The bulk of my business comes from the letters. The licensing company, Dish & Spoon Productions, will use many of my designs on a variety of children's products, including canvas wall hangings, growth charts, night lights, and name banners, to name a few.
How did the company find you?
I asked them the same thing! They found me right here on Etsy. The company has a staff member who seeks out new, fresh artwork. They contacted me several months ago with the proposal, and I was shocked. Considering all of the wonderful talent here and the fact that they only add two artists per year, I feel like the needle in the haystack!
What's the appeal of doing a licensing deal?
The biggest appeal is knowing that someone really appreciated my work enough to want to reproduce it. It is truly an honor. With three young children and teaching full time, my painting hours are very limited. With this opportunity, more children can enjoy my work.
How did Etsy play a role in what has happened? Do you have any suggestions for other ways Etsy could help?
I would say Etsy played a huge role. I doubt I would have been "discovered" without having my shop here. Maybe offer suggestions for legal counseling or finding an agent?
Had you done any wholesale orders before?
I have not done any other wholesale orders. I am approached weekly by boutique owners wanting to carry my letters, but I am so overwhelemed with business from my own shop that I have turned them all down. I am currently in the process of developing a few new products that will be available for wholesale. The products designed by Dish & Spoon Productions will also be available wholesale.
Did you do any research or can you link us to any information that helped inform your decision to say yes to the deal?
I have two books that have lots of good info: Licensing Art and Design: A Professional's Guide to Licensing and Royalty Agreements
Becky's home studio.
What are your plans for your Etsy shop? Will you now use it to sell your handmade prototypes or more limited run (handmade by you) items? Will you use Etsy a place to continue to experiment with new products?
Right now, I am planning on taking the shop in a slightly new direction. I want to add more ready-to-ship items and personalized items that are less time consuming. I also want to move towards more teen and adult designs. I've considered canvas reproductions, but I don't want to compete with myself and the products made by D&S! My wheels are always turning...so keep an eye out for new and exciting products. And possibly a new shop with a totally different line of products.
Do you have any advice for sellers who are interested in getting licensing deals?
I wish I had some great words of wisdom on how to land a licensing deal, but this came out of nowhere. I had considered hiring an agent, but never did. If you are serious about getting your work reproduced, that may be an avenue. If, like me, you want to leave it in the hands of fate, keep your work fresh and exciting. Take great pics and set up a shop that is cohesive. KISS: Keep it simple, stupid!
If possible, get a small advance in royalties. As of now, I've put several hundred hours into creating sample pieces and have seen nothing in return. I knew what to expect from the beginning, but it's tough staying motivated. I know I need to be patient... It will pay off!
Becky hard at work.
Do you think there's something about your item that lends itself to a licensing deal?
My work is very colorful and fun. The designs are simple, clean and fresh. I love mixing patterns, which seems to be a hot concept right now.
What stage of the process are you in now? How does it feel?
Right now, everything is still in the production stage. I have not seen any of the final pieces yet. I'm very anxious to see what they are doing with my work. D&S is preparing to launch the products in September at the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas. I will have something final soon.
Do you get credited on the final packaging of the items the company sells?
Yes, my signature, BSBowen, will be on all of the products. That's very exciting!
What is important about "handmade" for you and your business?
With my business being custom work, I feel it must be handmade. Painting is my passion. If I couldn't be working with my hands and mind, I would go crazy! This business allows me to do both and to create something truly unique for my clients. I've often asked in the Etsy Forums about pricing, time management, etc., and many will offer advice on how to change my product line by offering more ready-made items. But, somehow ready-made and custom just don't work together in my mind. I love the design process, working directly with the buyer and creating something just for them.
Was there anything in the contract that you felt strongly about and made a point of negotiating? or if it hadn't been in the contract, you would have pushed for it?
I wanted to able to have the final word on the products, and I wanted to have my signature on my pieces. I also wanted to maintain copyrights to my designs. It was all in there exactly as I wished.
Were you concerned as to whether this was legit? did you have anyone review the licensing contract?
There were a few times when I wondered what I had gotten into! But, after many conversations with the owner and seeing their products on several top ranking sites featuring children's products, I feel good about the decision. My very cautious husband reviewed the contract.
Can you share with us any highlights or how much more money in proportion to your income? (No worries if this is too personal!)
It may not seem like much in California or New York, but in the backwoods of Virginia, the estimate they gave me is huge. If the estimate turns out to be correct, it will top my teaching salary...not bad.
What does this licensing deal mean for your business?
I don't know yet! It has the potential of surpassing my teaching salary. (Of course, that won't be hard to do!) But, I have quite a wish list:
1) Operate Posh Dots full time
2) Put on an addition to our home
3) Travel
4) Save
5) Use extra income to start up another business
(I am always dreaming up ideas for new products — some handmade, some mass produced.)
My biggest dream...buy a beach house!
I may have to pick just one from this list.
Posh Dots, we here at Etsy wish you luck and will continue to watch for your latest items! Visit her website poshdotsstudio.com and PoshDots Etsy shop.
Readers, do you have a licensing deal and tips to share? Let us know if you'd like to contribute a post or leave your words of wisdom in the comments. Questions? We want to hear those too!
| Tags | business, children, company, entrepreneurship, How-To, HOW-TO, licensing, poshdots, sellers, selling, toys |
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184 comments Login to add your own!
thestapeliacompany
How exciting! I love reading stories like these. They're a real inspiration. Way to go!
Tias
beautifulbridget
bobnstitch
bubblegirlknits
Congratulations Becky!! I have purchased from her and she is definitley a talented artist. I gave her painted wood letters as Christmas gifts last year and everyone was thrilled with them!
BeadsInTheBelfry
pamwares
sighandgroan
pinkytoeclothing
warmnfuzzies
capecodjewel
What a wonderful opportunity! :)
Sounds like this could be the beginning of something BIG for you and your family.
All the best!
spacejam
ThePaperTray
peaseblossomstudio
sean11
sonyarasi
Thepaperboat
PoshDots
OMG...you guys are making cry, lol! Thanks to all of you and especially to Vanessa and Etsy for this wonderful opportunity!
SeaFindDesigns
stubborndog
Congratulations! Your story is inspiring and your work is just adorable.
IcingOnTheCupcake
KalliopeBeads
bylynnkrestel
wow! congrats! i've previously admired poshdots work!!
many blessings!
KnotOriginal
laraandmedolls
HarrietsHaven
beachhouseblues
ElegantSnobbery
heidiburton
WhiteFlagDesigns
Oh man, what an inspiration. Great story, thanks for sharing it with us!
WoodPigeon
maybeads
graphicspaces
This is fab! Congrats! I've admired your work for awhile now and I'm not surprised. I'm so happy for you!
BlackStar
Nomsa
Congrats!! You have such adorable items. I can't believe how many little details are in your letters!
ItsMikioi
You give all of us hope! I know you will fulfill every wish on your list!
starshinecompany
Congrats PoshDots!! Seems like a dream (of many) come true! Enjoy it!! =)
QuiltFinger
mazedasastoat
What a truly fabulous story, almost too good to be true & such an inspiration. Makes you realise how crucial it is to grab an opportunity when it presents itself, instead of saying "I'm too busy" or "I'm not ready"
Becky, I hope you achieve everything your heart desires... seems like you're already well on your way!
mazedasastoat
Oh, & I'm sorry, but I flatly refuse to believe your studio is that clean & tidy when you're NOT expecting photographers round! LOL
caoimhamarie
Becky seems like such a laid back, business minded and fantastic person! good luck with everything you do i hope you enjoy it
dressurdolly2
Couldn't have happened to a nicer or more deserving person! I'm so happy for you!
FantasticToys
sushibooties
Wow what a great story! I love etsy every one has a fair shot on here! Thanks for the interview! and Congrats!
Fishstikks
Gosh, I just couldn't be any happier for you PoshDots!!!
I am thrilled for you that you've found this fantastic avenue for your wonderful happy style!!
Congratulations!!
SparklePaw
LisaFerinDesigns
Congratulations Becky! I am so impressed all around, and that studio is dreamy!!
PoshDots
Thanks all!! Actually, my studio stays pretty clean (except when my boys sneak down there. I'm a very "prissy" painter, lol, and ususally paint at the kitchen counter. :)
nomadcraftsetc
McGoStudio
Congratulations! PoshDots' creations are so adorable, I'm not at all surprised by her success!
paramountvintage
StudioCherie
TheHeartShop
lemondropbay
I love stories like this! How wonderful for you to be on your way to obtaining that beach house!
It's so nice to see an esty seller making it big. Your items are so happy and uplifting. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
lovelygifts
workingforpeanuts
Best Wishes for your continued success, Becky of PoshDots! Nice interview! Thanks Vanessa!
warpedLaurie
ChloesRuffleButt
dandelionland
SarahLamont
congratulations!
those letters are gorgeous!
(see you soon for xmas gifts!)
wow.
sarah
recycledwares
i'm so glad that artists like yourself are finding their nitch and able to get their work out to a larger number of people. can't wait to see your new work.
paisleybaby
OwlandMouse
artwithallie
Yaayyyy Becky!!! How exciting for you and your family!
I know in reality it's probably been a lot of hard work and very little sleep on your part but to us readers of your story it sounds like a fairytale.
You go girl...and bring on the beach house!
cleobelle
VixVintage
StellaJade
autumnsanticsstore
WOW! Such a great story -- CONGRATULATIONS! Your work is beautiful and I wish you the best of luck!
robynaut
Anszabo
mykonos
SimpleTraditions
girltuesdayjewelry
HibouCards
This is very exciting and inspirational! Congrats on your success and I truly hope you'll get your beach house one day :)
Thanks for sharing this story with us.
bittersweetdesign
Congratulations Becky! Your work is fun and fresh. How wonderful for you to be 'discovered'. I hope you can check every item off that wish list - keeping my fingers crossed for you!
earjeans
congratulations, Becky! This must be very exciting for you :o) Thank you for sharing your story. It is very inspiring and refreshing to hear. Here's to your continued success!
VintageBookStore
jensingh
bhangtiez
Wow, u'r stuff is so cute & so creative. Congratulations! And best of luck on the beach house!
joeyandaleethea
ClaudiaLord
Congratulations Becky! I did my first licensing agreement last year. I would recommend the following book - "Licensing Photography" by Richard Weisgrau and Victor S. Perlman. It was very helpful in understanding the entire process. But I also would recommend getting an attorney just to make sure the contract is in the artist's best interests. Good luck!
SusanKJewelry
whiteserenade
MomNMiaQuilts
Great article & Congrats on your successes! I love PoshDots !
ArtDecoDame
jenniferdennispotter
Wonderful! Congratulations. It's so great that you can chart your own course!
YellowViolet
Great inspiration. And I envy the neatness and organization of your workroom!
quiltitems4u
Becky! Congrats and Thank You So Much for your time doing this interview! What an Inspiration! Best of Luck on all your future ventures! I am so with you on that Beach House Dream! p.s. The picture of you and your Daughter is great. Our Daughter is now 36 yrs. old!
lisaroy
allisajacobs
Very inspiring! Many congrats..I hope you go out & celebrate!
2RavenChicks
This is so exciting! Congratulations to you and your family!
ForrestConcepts
petitepaperie
Congratulations! It is wonderful to see artists like you making it BIG! Enjoy the ride!
LeelaBijou
sureynot
misspixieporter
SassyCheekyChic
humblebea
theweddingcontessa
MeadowbelleMarket
Wow! This is too fabulous for words. Keep doing whatever amazing thing it is that you are doing!
EJPcreations
Excellent interview! Exactly the questions I would have asked. Congrats! I love hearing Etsy success stories!
CutNGlue
Hi Becky!
Congrats! I am so excited for you! I knew you were special the first time I saw your work! Thanks so much for letting me "feature" you on my blog...way back. I remember getting so many comments on that blog post because everyone loved your work. You deserve it. Keep up the good work.
Angela
1AEON
fyf198
Very wonderful work . and very nice craft , i think there will be many people like your craft in China .
Charming925
MagicMarkingsArt
congratulations to becky - for her passion to her family, work and art.
GeorginaKay
FriedOkraVintage
Congratulations and good luck! So exciting and inspiring :)
moonovermaize
How wonderful and exciting! I love your work and wish you continued success in the future! :)
WoodBeNice
babook
So colorful work !! I'm joying this great story : )
http://www.babook.etsy.com/
cutelittlethings4kid
It's a Dream Come True! Congratulations and Blessed of Luck!
sweetiepiesuite
your work is beautiful! congratulations with your new deal! how great is that!!
evihan
onecreativegirl
helenaemmans
MeghanT
Wow! What an amazing opportunity. You must have been thrilled. I am always so happy when creative people are recognized for their outstanding work. Congratulations on your astounding success. Your work is beautiful. :)
MeowBarkArt
Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you- and I bet you will be making your whimsical letters from a beach chair soon!
monkeyandsquirrel
poppyfox
thecluelesscrafter
It's wonderful that despite her immediate success, she is still dreaming up new crafts and products. It shows just how passionate she is, which is why she deserves this opportunity.
snuzal
breadandroses
Fantastic, Becky! I'm happy for you and hope this is just the beginning of great success. Great tips, too. I was repeatedly contacted by a company that wanted me to 'collaborate' and provide both patterns and duplicate samples of several of my most popular designs, all without any compensation or contract! They refused the licensing option and denied I owned my copyrights. Amazing but absolutely true. Artists/artisans/designers, be wary of of slick offers. There are folks out there who want something (in my case, everything) for nothing. Do your homework. Stay alert.
tinkerdotdesigns
Congratulations!! That is so fantastic for you. I wish you so much success. Your story is an insipiration, and especially to fellow artists like myself. Way to go, and I hope you get to do/have more than one thing one your wish list :) Sounds like you're on your way! ~Jenni
sweets4shaw
WOW!! Congrats! Very exciting!
I love reading success stories! Love the pics of your painting studio too...mine is a table in the corner of my freezing basement! Lucky lady!
I wish you continued success!~Lisa Sweet
PeacefulElements
Fantastic!! Tx for tips and inspiration!!! I LOVE YOUR STUDIO!!
Much Continued Success!
~Milli Macen-Moore
KellysClayCreations
SoStinkingSweet
How awesome for you and your family! I love to read these kinds of stories! Wishing you the best and I hope that this new adventure brings you your new beach house!
koketi
Congratulations! Your story help me believe that is possible to make a living doing what we love... sometimes I doubt that. Thanks!
smilingbluedog
Awesome story!
Congradulations Becky!
This is so inpiring & gives me hope.
Nice to know that people do get seen
here on Etsy :)
JohnZane
Thanks so much for your story, it was very informative. May I ask if you paid to make all the samples the licensing company chose? Or did they pay you an advance? Did you, or are you planning to charge them for your design time? I appreciate any advice you'd have, and thank you for your kind regards. Cheers, JohnZane
cherrycreek
So very cool! Congratulations to you! I love your shop. Best wishes on your continued success.
MADART
A very inspiring story, congratulations!! It does help all of us other artists/artisan to hear of successes like this from fellow Etsians. I'm also actively pursuing licensing for my Signature Style and have been very fortunate to have already closed several big licensing deals within the past couple of months, one for greeting cards, window blinds and vinyl skins. It's a lot of hard work, but can pay off Really big if you get the right deals, and it sounds like you're well on your way, CONGRATULATIONS Again!!
EmbellishYourself
You are such an inspiration! Congratulations to you! Your work is fabulous!
vickyscottagecrafts
Awesome...well done, see all that hard work has paid of!!
Purrs and Happy Kitty Love!
sassmama
Thanks for sharing your story. I appreciate all the advice you have and I hope you reach your goals very soon!
happymaxdesigns
pursesonalsofpgh
It's official! You are now the Queen of Time Management. Kudos and congrats...you worked hard, kept plugging and still are willing to keep you hands on your work & designs. Inspiring.
SweetPeaFabrications
prendasbyenid
Congratulations, I read all this and is great, I want a beach house too!!! LOL
bamdesigns
YAY Becky- that is great! Congrats on reaching a huge business achievement- that is awesome. Good luck and i totally understand what you mean about managing time with kids. LOL
twinkletoes27
So inspiring! I'm a teacher too, and i'm amazed at how organized you seem.
MaryZoom
Wow - Congratulations! I hope you get to achieve everything on your wish list.
FaerieMajikk
Congratulations! This is very exciting news, to read about other artists getting a big break from doing what they love. This certainly helps me to stay positive and hopeful.
Thankyou for the inspiration...now all i need is for you to swing by my place an organise my studio...don't know how you do it.
I really do hope you get to achieve everything on your wishlist especially the beach house.
Once again congratulations and goodluck with this exciting new venture, also wishing you the success in your future ideas.
MyMoms
Congratulations to you! Very impressive! Very nice studio & stuff!
doolallydesigns
CONGRATULATIONS! How exciting for you and great to hear that there are 'scouts' actively looking for fresh ideas and designs. In a world where mass produced seems to overtake our lives, it's so nice to hear that the bigger companies will look to the small communities. I wish you every success with your venture.
brenda45
A huge Congrats to you, and thank you for sharing your inspirational story! :)
Furiousdreams
Exciting and it looks like you did enough legal research to protect yourself. Congratulations!
Tina669
DeslynnWDesigns
lissilulu
Yay for you and your family Poshdots! I can see why they chose your work...it is fresh and upbeat! :o)
PoshBerry
IdaJefsen
Congrats Becky.
I love your designs! So beautiful, simple and happy. I wish I had kids, so I could fill up their rooms with your stuff :)
Ida
pilpush
arlenefaye
NO Place For SPAM!!!Thank you very much!!!
Congratulations Becky! I love your work. You deserve the best! God bless you bunches!And your family too!
Krystyna81
ugh...spam is just so....ugh!!!
CONGRATULATIONS on the opportunity - LOVE your work! Such an inspiring story :)
littleclouds
Postdots sooo seems like she deserves it, very inspirational story and I'm sure in NO time you will be doing this full tip! Another slot in the 'Quit your Day job' I guess?
Galsfly2
ajawin
This feels oh-so-right!!!! Way to go Becky ! And thank you for the story Vanessa!
prettypeardesigns
Yeah for you!!! I a have always been a fan of your. Best of luck to you, very exciting and well deserved!
neelieileen
CavemanPottery
Congratulations! It all sounds wonderful. You deserve it with all of your hard work and talent. We have had the success of being found by a restaurant chain that now wants to carry our work, so this is inspiring that the best is yet to come! God bless you and grant you all your "wish list".
hollychristine
I have similar story. My products will come out in January! It's a large company and I can't wait to see what happens
franticmeerkat
I attended the National Stationery Show and was approached by a company in the UK that wanted to license some of my cards. After talking to him and researching the company online, I decided to go for it. Since I only receive royalties quarterly, I haven't received any money yet, but I only had to email them the designs, so I didn't have to put that much time into it. I'll receive my first check in October and then find out if it was worth it.
PoshDots
Congrats to all of you with similar stories. Your work is fabulous. I hope all you dreams come true!
abpGallery
Yea, PoshDots! Best of Luck to you. You've got beautiful items!
That70sShoppe
mammysshop
littlepumpkincrafts
I love to hear stories like this one! Helps me to get back to work with a smile on my face and a dream in my head.
pickledbeads
What a wonderful success story! Kudos to you Becky and all the long hours you've put into your business. You are an inspiration to all!
jessgonacha
Wow, her letters are adorable. And it's so great to hear about people having such success from having an etsy shop. It's so awesome! Big congrats. :)
PenguinPals
This is such an amazing story, I'm so excited for you!
peace and prosperity
thefrenchfleashop
mossyrockpottery
pookieboutique
That is so fantastic! As a newer business, its so inspirational to hear about getting to that next step!
chineseart88
very helpful,I am a new seller,and I have learned a lot from here.Thanks for all the information.
LilAshleysCloset
Wow, your work in incredible! Amazing detail and fun! Love the sunshine of your studio too, no wonder your creativity flows so well:)
LadyLuLus
Autumnblues
Congrat's! Your work is awesome! You deserve this exposure, soak it all in. Wish you the best of luck. I am so happy for you and I don't even know you. lol
underoakstudios
ornamentsbydeb
christyyeoumans
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