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Masterclass with Zoe Wodarz - Licensing for creatives

“From shaping your style for success to reaching out to companies to secure licensing deals…we will be covering it all in this essential masterclass”

 

Mimi is very excited to bring you this exclusive Masterclass with artist, illustrator and product designer Zoe Wodarz. Zoe has worked in the creative industry for over 25 years (in-house and freelance) and has collaborated with major international brands such as Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Target, Lush and more. In this Masterclass, we will be covering EVERYTHING you need to know about surface design - from shaping your style for success to reaching out to companies to secure licensing deals. We’ll also be exploring trends, moodboards, the reality of getting paid, the different types of licenses and the various ways of creating passive income.

This Masterclass will be hosted by Melanie Johnsson with guest speaker Zoe Wodarz.


You’ll want to attend this Masterclass if:

  • You’re new to surface design and want to understand the whole picture as you’re embarking on this journey

  • You’re a freelance artist wanting to get more licensing deals, collaborations…and clients!

  • You’re an illustrator struggling to understand the world of licensing and how to get paid (or how much to charge)

  • You’ve been a freelancer for a few years but are now lacking direction and need a boost of inspiration and confidence on what to do next (Hint: you’re not alone and you can create your own network!)


What we’ll be covering

Understanding the world of surface design

  • Preparing to enter the market as a freelance surface designer

  • Working on your style

  • Developing a unique point of view

  • Investing in tools to succeed

  • Networking tips and tricks

  • Understanding the financial hustle and reality of getting paid

Creating current yet authentic art

  • Using trends and seasonal colours to your advantage

  • Creating moodboards for personal and client use

  • Understanding how far ahead you should create artworks

  • Discovering new unexpected places for trends online and in-person

Showing your work without fear

  • Setting up your portfolio, preview portal and client PDF samples

  • Sharing your work online

  • Protecting your work (copyright in the US, UK and beyond)

  • Dealing with art theft from small and large companies

How to reach out to companies and license your art

  • Discovering which markets to work in

  • Understanding how to contact companies in post-covid era (what works and what doesn’t)

  • Figuring out payment resources and markets sliding scales

  • Discussing non-exclusive and exclusive licensing, buyouts and royalties

  • Building passive income streams

  • Navigating the shifting social media landscape and community

 

More about the expert, Zoe Wodarz

Zoe Wodarz is an accomplished artist, product designer, and surface pattern designer currently based in the USA. She’s spent the past 25+ years developing her creative skills in multiple mediums and refining her fine arts foundations into the digital space with hand-drawn elements, vibrant color combinations, and a contemporary sophisticated style.

Zoe’s professional experience, efficiency, and artistic versatility make her a coveted collaborator around the globe. Her ability to seamlessly match a brand’s aesthetic and interpret a creative brief while infusing her own expressive style, industry knowledge and unmatched enthusiasm distinguishes her from her peers.

From home decor, apparel, and giftware to editorial, luxury goods, packaging, and more, her surface design work and licensed products can be found at major retailers, featured in marketing/advertising campaigns across social media, and in-store merchandising worldwide. Zoe loves to work with emerging and established brands on curated launches, create meaningful connections through her designs, and turn current trends into best-selling products and pattern collections.

Where

This Masterclass will run on Zoom on Wednesday 2nd May 2023. It will last 2 hours, with the final 30 minutes opened to questions (Q&A). The Masterclass will be recorded so you will be able to access it later on too.

Good to know

You’ll be able to write your questions in the chat box during the Masterclass -Zoe and Melanie will answer them at the end during the Q&A. You’ll also able to write a question in the box below once you’ve booked your spot.


BONUS:

After the Masterclass, you’ll receive the following goodies via email:

  • The Freelance Illustrator Mini Guide (worth £7.99 - but really worth way more than that!)

  • You’ll be automatically entered in a draw to win a 40 minute coaching session with Melanie on Mimi.

 
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Workshop - Planning and productivity tools for freelancers

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9 May

Workshop - Prop Styling Tips and Tricks