In the world of art licensing, where creativity meets business, revisions are an inevitable part of the process. While the idea of altering your artwork might initially feel like a compromise of your creativity, embracing these revisions with a “can do” attitude leads to growth, stronger partnerships, and ultimately, more success (aka more money!)
A good thing to remind yourself is that these revisions are not about you or your creativity. They’ve already chosen your artwork! It’s just business. Art directors are trying to mold your art to fit what is currently popular and selling. They’re adjusting your product to fit the consumer’s tastes. Like when you order that delicious new salad without the ranch dressing at your favorite restaurant. It’s just your taste, the creativity of the chef isn’t in question.
Here are a few reasons why being open to revisions in art licensing is not just a necessity, but a valuable skill that can grow your success in art licensing.
The Collaborative Nature of Art Licensing
Art licensing is a collaborative effort between artists, clients, and often, other creative professionals like designers and marketers. When a client requests revisions, it’s usually because they need to better align with their brand, target audience, or specific project goals. Understanding that these revisions are part of a larger vision can help you see that it has nothing to do with your artistic skills.
You are simply “helping” the client reach their vision of the project they need.
Revisions as a Learning Opportunity
Every revision request is an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s a chance to see your work from a different perspective and to explore new techniques or ideas that you might not have considered before. By being open to feedback, you can improve your skills, expand your creative horizons, and gain a deeper understanding of the market.
Revisions can also push you out of your comfort zone – and that’s a good thing! They challenge you to think critically about your work and to find innovative ways to meet a client’s needs while maintaining your artistic integrity. This process not only makes you a better artist but also a more versatile one – and clients will love that you are so easy to work with!
Strengthening Client Relationships
Being open to revisions shows clients that you’re professional, flexible, and committed to delivering the best possible work. It builds trust and demonstrates that you’re willing to collaborate to achieve a common goal. Strong client relationships are crucial in the art licensing industry, where long-term partnerships (I have some that are 24 years old!) can lead to more opportunities and a steady stream of projects – and income.
Clients appreciate artists who are easy to work with and who approach revisions with a positive attitude. By handling revisions gracefully, you increase your chances of repeat business and referrals, which are essential for sustaining a long and successful art licensing career.
Finding the Balance
Of course, being open to revisions doesn’t mean you should completely compromise your artistic vision if it really doesn’t sit right with you. Discuss the reasons behind the requested changes, and don’t be afraid to suggest alternatives if you feel there’s a better way to achieve the desired outcome.
Sometimes, what a client initially asks for isn’t exactly what they need, and your expertise as an artist might guide them toward a solution that works for both of you. By engaging in a constructive dialogue, you can ensure that the final product is something you’re both proud of. But “pick your battles” – know when to raise issues and when to let them go.
Embrace the Process
In the fast-paced world of art licensing, revisions are not a sign of failure— I promise you! I wish I could show you how often, and how many, revisions I still have to do on certain projects. Even after all these years.
Revisions are a natural part of the creative process and every revision is an opportunity to refine your work, enhance your skills, and deliver a product that not only meets but exceeds expectations.
So, the next time you receive a request for changes (even if it’s the 5th request), take a deep breath, put your ego aside, and approach the task with an open mind. A challenge even!
You might just find that the result is better than you ever imagined.
I’m always telling you how you can and should recycle your art, even after it’s been licensed. So, if you didn’t love the final revisions on a certain project, you can still take that art at a later date and recolor it, add some new elements, etc, and go after another vision of it.