All Art Licensing

Consulting

J'net provides consulting services by the hour or the project no matter how big or small, or short or long. As a consultant, J'net is an extension of your team and one of few people who will take on small projects which may be necessary for an artist's budget. J'net approaches each client's needs with the same dedication and thrust for success. By hiring J'net to develop your plans or actually tackle a project for you, your potential for achieving your goals in a timely and cost-efficient manner just increased exponentially.

Here's how J'net's consulting services can benefit you:

You Need a Negotiator

J'net has negotiated thousands of deals, so why not use her as your secret weapon, behind the scenes or upfront, to get the most from your deal. If you have little or no negotiation experience, this is an area that it literally 'pays' to have J'net handle. She is also a quick study and has no problem jumping in at any point to finish the job. J'net is also known for explaining every nuance, so if you are inclined in the future negotiate for yourself, you pay for her services once and gain the knowledge to try it for yourself later.

You Need a Licensing Plan

There is more to a licensing plan than meets the eye. While it doesn't have to be long, it needs to be smart and well-thought-out using industry information to create a strategy and order that will maximize your art's potential. The tactics need to provide opportunities to compete in today's marketplace and leverage your success at multiple points. This is how you build a business - success, plus leveraged success equals greater success and income. Get your unique strategy, implementation plan and tips without breaking the bank. J'net can help with execution or turn you on to affordable ways to create a profitable business.

You Need to Build a Brand or Leverage Your Brand

Maybe you need help establishing a brand or leveraging the one you've got. These projects may take longer or be on-going. The best way to start is with a SmartStart Session, so J'net can determine your exact needs. In the session, you will also get ANSWERS. Lots of them. In fact, she finds that many clients learn they know how to or can do more on their own than they expected. That may be a terrific bonus for some, or you may prefer to pay and have the job done. We want to provide options that meet all budget needs. One thing is for sure, whether you have an existing business that needs jet propelling, or you have a concept that is on the ground floor, J'net can tackle any problem you put in front of her.

You Need a Marketing Plan

Licensing is just one part of a company's overall marketing plan; it's one business model for getting product out into the marketplace. So you need to think carefully about your entire marketing plan, not just the licensing components. J'net always includes marketing advice in her licensing plans and consultations, but you may need a larger plan to integrate all the marketing elements to meet your needs.

SmartStart Session

This session is recommended as a starting point for all types of creative businesses and individuals. Prior to the two-hour private phone strategy Session, you will be asked to complete a comprehensive business questionnaire specifically designed to prepare both you and J’net for the session. It’s important for J’net to know exactly where you are with your art and business, as well as your background, needs and goals.

The SmartStart Session provides you with a ton of new knowledge - information on what to do, why to do it and how to do it, providing a much clearer vision of the exact steps you need to achieve your licensing business goals. J'net combines her sharing of knowledge and guidance with her natural exuberance, imparting the motivation and the realization to achieve your dreams! This Session also allows J'net and the artist and/or business to evaluate each other thoroughly and to determine the viability of any future relationship.

J'net's SmartStart Sessions are a true combination of coaching and consulting, as she determines exactly what is needed; a very involved, intensely informative, goal achieving, and enjoyable process. Unlike many agents and coaches, J'net is very free and giving of her information and is more than happy to teach you the industry "secrets." While these Sessions are usually utilized before accepting any long-term project or coaching arrangement, for the reasons stated above, we are also always open to discussing your specific situation and needs.

Learn More About SmartStart

Testimonials

"In a time when we desperately needed the support and advice of an independent licensing consultant, we contacted Jeanette. She quickly evaluated our situation and directed us towards the most time and cost effective way of sorting out our problems. I would recommend her without reservation on her general business acumen and as a formidable negotiator! She really came out tops!"

-Bob Elsdale, Owner/Photographer, WILDSIDE

“Working with Jeanette as a licensing consultant has been educational, creative and fun. She challenges her clients to produce market savvy projects, imposing her high expectations with a smile. Her expertise is impressive, her guidance masterful. I look forward to working with Jeanette again and whole heartedly recommend her valuable, yet affordable services.”

-Sharon Kurlansky, Owner, Laughing Stock

“Jeanette has the unique ability to see the big picture while also focusing on critical details. She's essentially a "license whisperer"---capable of taking a property in its most basic state and finding its voice and how it fits in the market place.”

-Kate Brennan Hall, artist/illustrator

"As Fine Art Publishers, Jeanette has been an integral part of setting up our new Licensing division. Her training, organization and insights got us up and running quickly. She is very responsive to our needs and knowledgeable about all aspects of licensing. J'net is easy and fun to work with, and you'll feel she is a part of your team whether working on a short term project or for an on-going relationship you can rely on. We would highly recommend her services."

-Audrey Ruggieri, Owner, Sun Dance Graphics

-Kim Dooley, Licensing Sales Manager, Sun Dance Licensing

"I just wanted to take a minute to say "Thank You", because it's through your eyes that I have begun to see the vision of what's possible for our designs and our brand. Your encouragement goes well beyond $$'s and cents, and I so much appreciate it."

-Janet Parker, President, Paned Expressions

“Jeanette is great with helping artists understand the path of building a license program either through using an agent or by doing it on their own. She provides solid tools, such as strategies, classes and templates, to new and established artists. Her knowledge, energy and focus are key to helping artists build a bridge to financial success!”

-Sheila Meehan, Owner, Meehan Design Group

“Working with J’net Smith and her associate Charlotte Crawford has been a uniquely wonderful and productive experience. For the first time, I feel like I’m in a true partnership—both creatively and in a business sense. J’net and Charlotte have worked with me step-by-step to refine Last Kiss in both look and content. Their remarkable marketing advice, strategic planning, and publicity have taken Last Kiss to a new level of success. J’net’s extensive contacts in the licensing world and her ability to negotiate difficult contracts, has resulted in numerous deals for Last Kiss.”

- John Lustig, Author/Creator/Owner, Last Kiss

"Because J’net has been in the business so long, her experience, contacts, cautions, and encouragement all kept me on track. She licensed about 350 SKU’s into the marketplace, in a two year period.”

- Becky Denny, Owner/Product Designer, Ceranima

“It was great talking to you again. I’m so happy to have found you. Thank you for all your help. Lovely to work with super efficient professionals like you!”

- Astrid M., Switzerland

"I hired J’net as a coach to help me find an agent. She helped me prepare and taught me the process. I did everything she suggested and got offers from three of the six agents I approached! There is no doubt that she made me stand out and the time frame was decreased considerably. She continues to coach my partner and me on a long-term basis for a book and television project, which is getting some great traction. Thanks for the ‘spot on’ detailed and honest advice. It's worth the price at any cost!"

- Alece B., Colorado

J'net with agent Karen Hacker, TSB & Co., and Alece Birnbach at 2009 Licensing Show.

“J’net is a great consultant. I hired her last year to get my art and website organized and more appealing to manufacturers. She also was very frank in what art worked for licensing and what did not - just what I needed. It was well worth the price! “

- Joan B., California

“I have taken two classes with J’net Smith and had a one-on-one consultation with her also, here in Seattle. She is very amazing, full of great information and advice. She is extremely generous with her knowledge and I really appreciated that about her.”

- Colleen O., Washington

“Although I have been a syndicated cartoonist for 17 years and know a lot about the business, I found Jeanette's insight to be invaluable. J’net looked at my work and saw ts potential in a totally different light and allowed me to see opportunities I had no idea existed.”

- John M., New York

“You are such a visionary! What a great experience to spend the day with you! Your expertise and ability to teach others the 'ropes' of licensing is truly incredible. This workshop is truly the 'motivation' that I have needed for a very long time!!!”

- Cindy Y., Colorado

“J’net brings an enormous depth of knowledge and experience to the wonderful (and potentially profitable!) world of licensing. I found her class to be hugely informative, entertaining, and encouraging. You will be glad you gave it a go.”

- Karen B., Washington