Art Licensing Resources: Courses & Books for Surface Pattern Design & Trade Shows
Are you ready to dive into the art licensing world? Here are our top resources that will turn you into an art licensing pro, from extensive courses and surface pattern design books to art licensing trade shows.
Free Art Licensing Training
3 steps to turn your art into passive income with art licensing
This hour-long free training is a great way to get your feet wet and see if art licensing may be the right path for your art business. You’ll learn what art licensing is, how it can bring more consistency to your business, how the industry works, how to create a licensing portfolio, and more!
Courses for Art Licensing
Looking for a course to teach you about creating repeat patterns? Need help building your art licensing portfolio? Searching for a class that teaches you everything you need to know about the licensing world in one place? We’ve rounded up all our favorites so you can find the class that’s right for you.
the art licensing blueprint
This comprehensive, 3-part class will teach you everything you need to know about getting into art licensing. It covers everything from contracts to fee structures to finding buyers, and a WHOLE lot more. It's great for letterers, illustrators, or pattern designers starting out with licensing and comes with 6 months of coaching calls so you can get 1 on 1 feedback.
Art Licensing Portfolio Builder
Are you stuck on what to put into your art licensing portfolio? Check out this strategic (and fun!) collection of 100 prompts to help you build a killer art licensing portfolio that buyers will be excited about!
Art Licensing Fundamentals: Finding Buyers for Your Art
Learn from surface designer Shannon McNab and gain the confidence to search for and connect with buyers.
Pattern & Design Courses
Get started creating successful pattern designs and build your own profitable design business today with Pattern & Design’s courses.
Intro to Surface Pattern Design: Learn Adobe Illustrator
This course with Bonnie Christine is designed to give you all the technical and creative skills you need to start designing patterns, plus it will motivate and inspire you to start following your creative dream!
Trade Show Success: How to Prepare, Exhibit & Follow Up
Learn about the entire art licensing trade show process from beginning to end with Shannon McNab.
Surface Design 101: Repeating Patterns
Ilana Griffo teaches you how to create a seamless, repeating pattern using Adobe Illustrator.
surface pattern boss toolkit
If you’re a surface pattern designer looking to level up your creative biz, Elizabeth Silver is here to help. The SPB Toolkit features an ever-growing resource library, exclusive videos just for subscribers and an archive featuring her trend and industry intel.
Make Art That Sells
A collection of licensing-related courses from art agent Lila Rogers.
Surface Design Immersion
This 8 week online training program is perfect for those who want to learn Adobe Illustrator, the art of surface pattern design, how to become a licensing artist and create a sustainable business as a creative entrepreneur.
Introduction to Designing Repeat Patterns in Illustrator
Join thousands of successful Skillshare students who have learned how to create a seamless repeat pattern illustration with popular surface designer Elizabeth Olwen!
Start Your Surface Pattern Design Business
Elizabeth Silver is a go-to for learning about surface pattern design! In this class she helps you build your client list, ramp up your online presence and nail your pitches!
Books About Art Licensing
Looking for surface pattern design books? Spoiler alert, there aren’t a ton out there (share your favorites in the comments if we’re missing it)! But here’s one of the most helpful books we’ve found on how to wrap your mind around licensing your art in unique and creative ways.
A complete and easy-to-follow system for the artist who wasn't born with a business mind.
Youtube Videos About Art Licensing
Need a quick answer to an art licensing question, like how to price or find buyers for your work? Here are a few YouTube videos to get you started.
An Introduction to Art Licensing for Beginners
Art licensing is a great income stream for beginners and advanced artists to tap into. In this video, Ilana takes a look at what licensing is and how you can leverage this passive income stream in YOUR art business.
Building Your Surface Design Portfolio
What's a surface design portfolio and what goes into one? Whether you design patterns, lettering, illustration, or something else entirely, Ilana will show you how to get your portfolio ready for sharing with clients and booking jobs.
How to Price for Art Licensing
Pricing for art licensing can be a very scary subject, but Ilana's here to help walk you through everything you should be considering when you come up with a price...without pulling your hair out! From educating clients to scope of work to usage terms, Ilana's diving into all the factors that influence your bottom line.
Art Licensing Trade Shows
Art licensing trade shows are events where you can showcase your work and get in front of lots of buyers at once. Here are some of the top shows you’ll want to check out.
Surtex
SURTEX is a surface design trade show in New York where designers, retailers, and manufacturers connect to create the next best-selling products in every category imaginable—from wall coverings and decorative accessories to linens, stationery, apparel and more.
Blueprint
Blueprint has recently moved its shows online. Each exhibitor is able to create an online booth for the duration of each event, enabling meetings with Art Directors and Buyers using Doodle and Zoom.
Printsource
Printsource is a trade show for surface and textile design, covering such industries as men's, children's and women's apparel, bed and bath, kitchen and tabletop, paper goods and stationery, wall coverings, window fashions and other surface and textile design applications.
Licensing Expo
Based in Las Vegas, the Licensing Expo offers a chance to get your brand in front of leading retailers and manufactures.