Artists' Commonly Asked Questions

GENERAL INFORMATION

Applejack Licensing is now Art Licensing International! 

Applejack Art Partners began as Applejack Limited Editions, a small publishing company in 1988.  As the company grew, CEO Jack Appelman became aware of other niches in the art world that his company could fill. With the growth of the company expanding in new directions, Applejack Art Partners was formed and later evolved into Art Licensing International. 

Does Art Licensing represent multiple publishers?

Yes, Art Licensing represents Applejack Art Partners as well as independent art publishers such as; SOHO Editions, McGaw Graphics, Interlitho, and others.

Who manages Art Licensing?

A team of managers, each with significant experience in their area of expertise. Jack Appelman is CEO and is responsible for working with artists.

Where are your offices?

We are located in Sunderland, Vermont. The Vermont office is approximately 50 miles east of Albany, NY (the closest airport).

MARKET PRESENCE

What geographical area do you serve?

Art Licensing has a concentration of customers in North America, but also licenses with many companies overseas. Our operation has licensed images in many countries worldwide.

Will my contract be exclusive?

Art Licensing usually requires that no other company represent the artist’s images during the duration of the contract period. 

Who are your customers?

Art Licensing International does business with a variety of industries including gift (stationary, giftwrap, etc.) home décor (tabletop, fabric, etc.) wall decor, puzzles, and many others.

ABOUT OUR ARTISTS

Where do they live?

Nowadays, with UPS, FedEx and other overnight carriers, there is no restriction on where an artist lives. We are currently working with artists all over the world! 

How long have some of artists been on board?

Royalties are still being paid to many artists that started with Art Licensing more than 10 years ago.

What are the names of some of the artists you presently represent?

William Vanderdasson, Jenny Newland, Pat Yuille, Nicky Boehme, Color Bakery, and many more.

ART

What style of art is Art Licensing looking for?

We are looking for a wide variety of art, including traditional, realism, country, contemporary and some other styles in a variety of mediums. Please note that we are looking for two-dimensional wall art, not three-dimensional sculpture. Color and trend are very important. Pencil, charcoal and pen and ink are rarely used for art reproduction. We like to see various styles and subject matter.

What medium reproduces the best?

Mediums with dense color produce the best reproduction such as oils and acrylics; however, we have also been successful with watercolor, pastels and colored pencils/markers.

What is your system for caring for my original artwork?

As soon as it arrives, it is logged into our tracking report and put into a secure area. Only a few people have access to your artwork. We also have insurance that covers the entire value of your work(s) in our possession.

PRACTICAL PAINTING MATTERS

What size art should I paint/create?

For best reproduction quality, the reproduction should never be larger than its original. Example: an image created at 16” x 20” should end up on product not much larger than 16”x20”. The image can be made smaller than the original art size, but it cannot be made larger. When in doubt, create larger pieces, as many of the products we license are large.

Who will I talk to at Art Licensing?

You will often speak with Jack Appelman, Director of Licensing. He is also the point person for the artists, or you can connect to one of our licensing associates. Once under contract, you may also speak with other members of the licensing team and design department to discuss projects you have under way.

MARKETING INFORMATION

What trade shows do you attend?

Art Licensing has exhibitor booths at the two largest trade shows of the industry - at The Surtex Show in NYC and the Licensing International Show in Las Vegas. We have several booths at these shows where we display your work and meet with customers to solidify business.

Surtex 450

How is my art shown to the industry?

Each year we produce a Licensing Design and Style Guide which features each artist we represent and highlights various collections that we represent.  We have a state of the art website which shows each artist and their entire portfolio and serves as a tool for the customer.  Internally, our licensing account managers communicate with customers to send them the art they're looking for via email, disc, or hard copy.  

ARTIST ACCOUNTING MATTERS

How much will I earn?

Artists receive 50% of all money received from other product licensing arrangements. Licensing royalties depend on the standard royalty for each product category.

When am I paid?

Royalties are paid out in the quarter following receipt of payment to Art Licensing royalty payments are mailed quarterly.

Will I receive advances?

Some licensing agreements include advances. Licensing advances are determined by the individual manufacturer contracts and vary by industry and company.

Do you buy my original artwork?

No. Artists maintain ownership and control of their originals. As soon as photography is complete and we have a color separation we are pleased with, your original(s) will be returned to you.

Do I receive free samples of products made from my work?

Licensed product samples will be handled on an individual basis as each manufacturer has different sampling procedures. Shipping charges for samples will be deducted from royalty statements unless you notify us that you do not want them forwarded.

How accurate is your accounting system?

We pride ourselves on our meticulous accounting controls, which assure that you are paid the proper amount. Our accounting system is fully automated and computerized, so every transaction is recorded and accounted for properly.

What if I have a question about an item on my royalty statement?

Just give us a call or send us an e-mail. We will research the issue and report our findings to you promptly.

THE CONTRACT

What if I need a small exception to my exclusive contract?

We believe in fairness and reason. We have granted exceptions in the past, as long as they’ve been win-win situations.

Am I required to send every original to Art Licensing?

No. However, we’d like to see what you are doing in general. You can always send a photo or color copy, and we will provide feedback on some images.

What happens if we have a disagreement after the contract is signed?

Although the contract has dispute resolution mechanisms built in, the best way to resolve differences is to talk about them and work them out. In our 10+ year experience, we have found that reasonable discussion between our client representatives and the artist has solved most problems amicably.

Will I retain my copyright?

Yes, you retain the copyright on the original work. The copyright on the reproduction itself is assigned to Art Licensing.

Will you act to protect the copyright if another firm copies my work?

Absolutely. We have on number of occasions filed suit against infringement.

I have more questions. What should I do?

Please contact us. Call Jack at 802.549.1220 or jack@artlicensing.com.