Over the next few days we will be announcing the incredible prizes we have lined up for the winner of the 2014 Global Talent Search. Like last year we have a host of licensing deals to offer, but new for 2014 we are also bringing you a series of amazing career development boosts, beginning with a dream opportunity…

Win a 1-1 video consultation with Chronicle Books Senior Art Editor, Kate Woodrow! Pitch your product ideas and share your artwork with an editor who’s developed hundreds of stationery and gift products. In a one-hour creative consultation, Kate will give you feedback to help shape your ideas into commercially viable gift products.

How cool is that? Kate is one of the judges for the Global Talent Search. Take a look at some of the gorgeous products that have been developed under her leadership and sold all over the world:

Would you love to see your art on products like this? If so, join the Global Talent Search today. Someone’s got to win, and it might just be you!

Hi Lilla! This post is one that I have been desperate to share over the past few weeks/months and so I am really hyped to be able to share it with you now. The time is finally here and I can show you my new line with Midwest CBK. It’s called Petit Bazaar. What an amazing job they have done with all of those gorgeous products. I can tell you that this is a dream job and the people that I worked with on this are the best. I have seen the progress and development of the product designs throughout the year but I can honestly say that seeing the final products in the catalog I was still wowed!! My favourite thing? Without a doubt the turquoise pouf! But I really think all of it is beautiful. I’m kinda proud of me. This is what I have dreamed about doing for so long and it’s finally happening. The other great thing is that I get to do more work with Midwest so watch this space! Enjoy! – Zoe

This home decor line was one of the fantastic prizes offered as part of the 2013 Global Talent Search, which Zoe won. The 2014 competition is now open for registration, and you could be the next winner! Find out more and enter here.

We are thrilled to welcome an esteemed panel of judges from across the industry for the 2014 Global Talent Search. Please let your jaw drop to the floor as we share that the panel will include senior representatives from:

• Chronicle Books
• Crate & Barrell
• Midwest-CBK
• Quayside Publishing Group (Quarry & Rockport)
• Robert Kaufman Fabrics
• Demdaco
• Where Women Create
• Nickelodeon
• Studio M
• UPPERCASE Magazine

You can see the full line up here!

The 2014 Global Talent Search is an incredible opportunity to get your work in front of these experts, many of whom buy art every day. They will be reviewing the work of the Top 50 shortlisted artists in this year’s competition. Registration is OPEN NOW. Don’t miss out on this opportunity – it might just change everything.

Someone’s got to win. It might just be you!

Every year we get thousands of artists approaching us for representation, so last year we launched our Global Talent Search to find hot new talent – and the competition is back!

Make art? Got talent? Want one of the TOP agents in the world to represent … YOU?

The second annual Lilla Rogers Studio Global Talent Search is here! 

Somebody’s going to win. Why not you?

Lilla Rogers Studio is one of the top art + illustration agencies in the world, representing 38 artists internationally.

We have sold art for products worth over $100 million and when it comes to making your portfolio as commercially viable as possible, we know exactly what buyers want to see.

We are always on the lookout for emerging talent, but we only take on a couple of new artists each year … and this year, it could be you!

 

Enter The Global Talent Search for a chance to be represented by Lilla for TWO YEARS — an opportunity that WILL change your career.

But even if you’re not chosen, just ENTERING the Talent Search is a HUGE deal.

Your work will be reviewed by a panel of leading art directors and industry experts. We’ve had past contestants secure major licensing deals, just by throwing their hat in the ring.

Don’t hold back. Show us what you’ve got! REGISTER NOW!

 

GTS 2013 semi-final piece by winner Zoe Ingram

WHY IT’S SO EXCITING!

Last year, we had over 1000 contestants from all over the world. We already have more artists than that on the waiting list! The energy + excitement is HUGE. Just being part of this Talent Search is deeply inspiring.

The winner, Zoe Ingram, has been stacked with work ever since she won. We’ll be sharing more of the 2013 GTS success stories on the blog in the coming weeks.

Even if you don’t win, everyone who enters The Global Talent Search will learn a TON about what it takes to create commercially viable work.

 You’ll have the opportunity to work on a professional-level creative brief and develop a new portfolio piece.

 You’ll get your work directly in front of Lilla Rogers (she personally reviews EVERY piece!)

 You’ll have the chance to get your work directly in front of our judging panel of experts (most of whom buy art for a living) — and be eligible for The People’s Choice Award.

Priceless industry knowledge. Priceless exposure. And a whole lot of FUN!

So, what are you waiting for? GET STARTED NOW!

 

YOUR NEXT STEP:

REGISTER NOW and give yourself a chance of a career-changing opportunity. You’ll receive your first creative brief on August 5 by email.

Good luck + make great art!

Lilla

PS Feel like you aren’t sure whether your ready? Neither was Zoe, and she went on to win. Just go for it – you never know…

 

…and Lilla shares her journey from artist to agent in this issue of the magazine, reprinted from her book I Just Like to Make Things (Quarry).

Order the magazine here:  http://stampington.com/Where-Women-Create-Business-Spring-2014

Lilla sketching vintage floral pins

Lilla playing with paint and collage on masonite

I am totally delighted to be able to show you my new fabric collection with Robert Kaufman Fabrics which is called “Carried Away.” This was just one part of the Global Talent Search prize! It’s so fantastic to finally see all of these products coming to life! They have done such an amazing job and it was a real pleasure to work with the Robert Kaufman team.

The collection will be available in stores from early September 2014!!! – Zoe

 

Huge thanks to Jo Packham and the team at Where Women Create Business for the beautiful 8-page article on 2013 Global Talent Search winner Zoe Ingram.

The feature was part of Zoe’s prize, along with a host of licensing deals and representation by Lilla Roger Studio, and it gives a fascinating into Zoe’s journey to this point.

In it she shares her top advice for artists starting out, including keeping an open mind, taking time away from what you are doing to refresh yourself, budgeting well, finding a support group and using social media creatively to promote yourself for free. If you want to know more you can hear an interview with Zoe here.

The same issue (Vol 2 Issue 2) also features Lilla’s story from illustrator to agent, and is packed with insights from a host of inspiring female creative entrepreneurs.

Have you got what it takes to be the next winner Global Talent Search winner? The 2014 competition is open for pre-registration here. Join us – you never know, you might just win!

So does ‘Make Art That Sells’ actually work? Do artists who take the class actually sell more art? Well yes, they do. We asked class participants for examples of their successes since taking the course, and were staggered by the response, bearing in mind that some people only took the course 4-5 months ago. Students have since secured licensing deals in the gift, editorial, baby apparel, bolt fabric, wall art, greetings, home décor, paper and fashion markets, many have won competitions and a number have been signed for representation.

It’s also really important to say that people join Make Art That Sells (MATS) at different stages of their creative journey. Some are nearly ready to seek out work, others less so. For many people the greatest breakthrough is a new level of confidence in their work, a fresh love of creating, or a deep feeling of connection with others in the community. Success looks different for everyone. The licensing deals, competition wins and studio signings are the easy things to measure. The impact it makes on people’s lives – on the way they see themselves as artists, and the way the see their work – is perhaps the thing that we are most proud of.

Here is a selection of class participants who have a lot to celebrate since taking Make Art That Sells. If you want this for YOUR art career, join us for the next class which begins on Monday 31 March!

Victoria Johnson

“Initially I wasn’t sure whether I shouldn’t have been just adding to my portfolio, rather than taking time out to follow a course. Little did I know how much MATS would influence my ability to produce a good portfolio. I feel so much better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead and achieve my goals – armed with a massively bumped up level of motivation and a far more profound knowledge of this business – and myself as a part of it.

I really sensed a warmth of spirit and generosity towards us students from Lilla. I’ve been used to working in very competitive environments where your concept of abundance was almost completely absent and the emphasis was on one-up-manship in order to grab the largest piece of a very limited pie! I’ve the loved the nurturing, sharing aspect of this course and will do everything possible to pay it forward with a similar attitude to my peers!”

Causes for celebration since MATS:

– Signed contract to work with leading US card manufacturer and created test collection of 12 designs

– Sold numerous designs to another leading US card manufacturer, one of which was based on a combination of two MATS Part A projects

– Commissioned to work on 8 piece collection and a concept design for another leading US card retailer.

– Won Editor’s Pick in Minted/West Elm Together Again competition with a design based on my Bromeliad project from MATS Part A

– Will be in the upcoming issue #21 of UPPERCASE magazine’s Surface Pattern Design Guide (also based on work from MATS Part A)

– Commissioned to work on key concepts by leading UK stationery retailer.

– Featured on Print and Pattern Blog 5 times since taking MATS Part A

See more of Victoria’s work on her website here.

 

Este MacLeod

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Work licensed for giclee prints by large British department store chain John Lewis

– Work licensed to Paperchase for their fine art card range

See more of Este’s work on her website here.

 

Jennifer Wambach

“I wasn’t sure MATS was for me, but every day I see my work improving exponentially and good things are starting to happen. I’m convinced it was worth the investment… and then some! The most valuable thing I learned in the course was how incredibly important it is to have fun. I never made the connection before, but looking back, the projects I loved working on so much that I’d forget to eat were always the ones that won contests and sold the best, so it’s absolutely true!

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Secured a licensing deal with KekaCase

– Three top 10 places in Spoonflower’s Fabric of the Week contests

See more of Jennifer’s work on her website here.

 

***

Emma Trithart

“Make Art That Sells helped motivate me to keep making personal work outside of my comfort zone.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Got signed for representation by Lemonade Illustration Agency

See more of Emma’s work on her website here.

 

Anne Bollman

“The most important thing I have learned so far in MATS is that creativity cannot be used up and that the more I use my creativity the better I get! In Lilla Rogers’ words, “Talent is not finite!””

Causes for celebration since MATS:

– Secured my first licensing deal with Oopsy Daisy

– Won the Print & Pattern Scholarship for The Art & Business of Surface Pattern Design

– Featured on Print & Pattern

– Will be in the upcoming issue #21 of UPPERCASE magazine’s Surface Pattern Design Guide

See more of Anne’s work on her website here.

 

Barbara Chotiner

“MATS has given me the courage to fully explore the creativity inside me. It has pushed me further than I have gone before, and with all the new work I am creating I feel very excited at what is to come in the future. I am using materials in combinations I had never explored before and the influence of MATS can be seen in much of my graphic design work as well.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Two new illustration commissions

– Wall art featured in the Surface Pattern Design feature in the upcoming issue of Uppercase

See more of Barbara’s work on her website here.

Gaia Cornwall

“I learned so much from MATS, but the biggies for me were: “People buy your joy” and to find those people submit, submit, submit!– it’s a numbers game!“

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– A print of my mixed media piece, Elk on The Ridge, was selected to be sold by West Elm in collaboration with Minted

See more of Gaia’s work on her website here.

 

Kathrin Legg

“I have learnt so much in MATS A and Bootcamp, particularly how to dissect a brief into small manageable parts by having fun with the minis and then focusing on the big assignment. I also learnt lots of hot tips on color and icons and to never shy away from a new challenge, no matter how scary it may seem at first!”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

See more of Kathrin’s work on her website here.

 

Patty Rybolt

“I have grown so much through MATS A, MATS B and Bootcamp.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Won a Spoonflower contest for fabric design

See more of Patty’s work on her website here.

 

Emma Schonenberg

“When I enrolled in MATS Part A I had no idea what an eye opener I was going to be! Let alone all the amazing things I learned, receiving input from my MATS mates and Mama Lilla. It felt like family and the funny thing is, going into the class (the very fist week) I thought it was going to be difficult because nobody knows anybody (on the most part) and are from all over the globe… But that ART-LOVE-CONNECTION is what makes all that family magic come to life!”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Wall art licensed by a Brazilian company and debuted at the ABUP Show in Sao Paolo this month

See more of Emma’s work on her client’s website here or on her Facebook page.

 

Margot Miller

“My biggest takeaway from the MATS classes is the importance of recognizing we are all on our own creative path so to just keeping working towards goals, and keep doing it joyfully!”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Greeting card featuring ornament assignment from MATS Part B licensed to Calypso Cards

See more of Margot’s work on her website here.

 

Reika Hunt

“There are so many things that I’ve learned in MATS, but I think the most important for me is the inspiration and motivation to make art and enjoy making art, which was so hard for me before I took the course.”

Causes for celebration since MATS:

– Licensed work for fabric

– In the top 10 of a Spoonflower fabric design competition

See more of Reika’s work on her website here.

 

Lauren Minco

“The most important thing I’ve learned from MATS is that you should make art you love rather than trying to fit into a style that is not ‘you’.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Runner up in the Print & Pattern Design Scholarship for The Art and Business of Surface Pattern Design

See more of Lauren’s work on her website here.

 

Shannon Newlin

“What I learned the most was to find inspiration but take your own creative risks… I found a sense of relief and joy in this process.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Will be in the upcoming issue #21 of UPPERCASE magazine’s Surface Pattern Design Guide

See more of Shannon’s work on her website here.

 

Linda Tordoff

“The most important things I learned in MATS were to just draw and have fun exploring a subject before you start thinking about the final design. Always go the extra mile with your designs, add one extra thing to turn it from good to great, and finally, check the design works thumbnail size.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Now represented by Paper & Cloth Studio who contacted Linda after seeing her MATS Assignment Bootcamp cuckoo clock iPhone design

– My work will be shown at Surtex in May (with Paper & Cloth)

See more of Linda’s work on her website here.

 

Jan Avellana

“The most important thing I learned in MATS is to be you with a vengeance. Lilla and my MATS tribe of fellow artists have been

pivotal in helping me apply this one truth to my art because of their awesome support and encouragement!”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Featured on the front cover of the Surface Pattern Design Guide in upcoming issue #21 of UPPERCASE magazine

See more of Jan’s work on her website here.

 

Kathy Weller

“From MATS, what has stuck with me is integrating my analog sketching/painting directly into my finished digital work. For many years I’d just redraw everything digitally and end up feeling like the magic of the sketches was “sacrificed” by the digital medium. No more! Now, I use my analog art in the final work in very direct ways. The work has more depth, mood and atmosphere, and I am just so much happier with both the process and with the results!”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Secured a licensing deal with Oopsy Daisy for wall art

See more of Kathy’s work on her website here.

 

Brooke Witt

“Since enrolling in Lilla’s classes my portfolio and professionalism has grown exponentially. The most important thing I learned in MATS is icons! You can never have too many icons to work with. Thinking icons first has changed my entire way workflow and I’m a much better designer because of it.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Secured licensing opportunities in the stationery and gift markets

– Receive fairly regular enquiries for commissions and a boost in website traffic directly from the MATS Bootcamp Gallery

See more of Brooke’s work on her website here.

Farida Zaman

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Got signed for representation by Studio Voltaire

– Have bags manufactured with Sunsand

See more of Farida’s work on her website here.

 

Rebecca Jones

“By far the biggest thing I learned from MATS was to just draw, draw and then draw some more, and not to start worrying about how the finished design will look until later. I found it so liberating to be able to draw and play without worrying!”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Licensing deal for holiday cards

See more of Rebecca’s work on her website here.

Stephanie Corfee

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Work licensed by Oopsy Daisy, DENY Designs, and PMI (gift, home décor and fashion)

– Three books with Walter Foster Publishing

See more of Stephanie’s work on her website here.

 

Deborah Velasquez

“The most important thing I learned in MATS is to “put yourself out there, someone will buy your joy”.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Work licensed for wall art

– Have won seven awards

See more of Deborah’s work on her website here.

 

Mary Tanana

“MATS helped me to take my designs to the next level by teaching me to fully explore a theme or a trend in a few simple steps and to not get overwhelmed by the project itself. The caliber of designers and artists that make up each MATS class is second to none. I loved to learn from everyone around me and gain valuable insight and experience from this talented group.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Licensed designer for digital textile fabric manufacturer Modern Yardage

See more of Mary’s work on her website here.

 

Lyndy Hants

“My greatest lesson from MATS? Be YOU with a vengeance!”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Wall art licensed to The Art Group

See more of Lyndy’s work on her website here.

 

Ashley Lotecki

“With Lilla’s direction and projects, as well as the support of the amazing community, I was able to strengthen my creative voice and begin sharing my work with others.”

Cause for celebration since MATS:

– Won the Spoonflower fashion themed fabric design contest (This was the first time Ashley had put any designs created under her own name out in the world, and she says this was “In no small part a result of my experience with MATS.”

See more of Ashley’s work on her website here.

 

Brooke Albrecht

“I’ve learned how to let my instincts and joy drive the work and the markets will become apparent. Some of my classmates have been of the highest caliber and I see the hard work and dedication it gets to be at the top, but I realize with perseverance and time I can get there.”

See more of Brooke’s work on her website here.

As the new term of Make Art That Sells rapidly approaches (courses start on Monday), we have been receiving lots of enquiries about who it is for, what they will learn and why it is valuable. Lilla thought it would be helpful to make a short video to explain why Make Art That Sells (MATS) could be a hugely important investment for your art career:

[Please note, if you cannot view this video it is due to a Vimeo.com bug which is affecting thousands of users – Vimeo is currently investigating and we hope you will be able to view it soon. You can try advising your ISP that you cannot view Vimeo videos, or try watching it on your mobile with wi-fi OFF… or check back later!]

In short, this phenomenal class from the Lilla Rogers Studio School will teach you everything you need to know to sell your art in the ten hottest markets in the world. If you want to make more commercially viable art whilst staying true to yourself, this is for you. Is that exactly what you need right now? Then join us – but hurry as class begins on Monday. Register here.

Class begins on March 31 – so you can squeeze it in before the competition begins.

The 2014 Global Talent Search will run for several weeks through the Summer. Dates, judges and prizes will be revealed when registration opens in June.

Pre-register here to be the first to hear when the Global Talent Search opens for registration in early Summer. You do not want to miss it!

PLUS If you jump on the list before Monday 31 March, you will be entered into a draw to win a stack of goodies from Lilla Rogers Studio!

So join the list now, and be sure to tell your friends about it!

 

Make art? Got talent? Want one of the TOP agents in the world to represent … YOU?

Pre-registration is now open for the 2014 Lilla Rogers Studio Global Talent Search.

Somebody’s going to win. Why not you?

GTS 2013 Final piece by winner Zoe Ingram

Lilla Rogers is one of the top art + illustration agents in the world, representing 38 artists internationally.

She has collectively sold over $100 million worth of products — and when it comes to making your portfolio as commercially viable as possible, she knows exactly what buyers want to see.

She’s always on the lookout for emerging talent, but she only takes on a couple of new artists each year … and this year, it could be you!

GTS 2013 Semi-Final piece by winner Zoe Ingram

The 2014 Global Talent Search offers one artist the chance to be represented by Lilla for TWO YEARS (and secure a host of licensing deals) — an opportunity that WILL change your career forever.

But even if you’re not chosen, just ENTERING the Talent Search is a HUGE deal.

Your work will be reviewed by a panel of leading art directors and industry experts. We’ve had past contestants secure major licensing deals, just by throwing their hat in the ring.

Don’t hold back. Show us what you’ve got!

The 2014 Global Talent Search will run for several weeks through the Summer. Dates, judges and prizes will be revealed when registration opens in June.

Pre-register here to be the first to hear when the Global Talent Search opens for registration in early Summer. You do not want to miss it! PLUS If you jump on the list before Monday 31 March, you will be entered into a draw to win a stack of goodies from Lilla Rogers Studio!

So join the list now, and be sure to tell your friends about it!

DID YOU KNOW… the very best way to prepare for the Global Talent Search is to take Make Art That Sells.

This phenomenal class from the Lilla Rogers Studio School will teach you everything you need to know to sell your art in the ten hottest markets in the world. If you want to make more commercially viable art whilst staying true to yourself, this is for you.

2013 Global Talent Search winner Zoe Ingram credits much of her success to what she learnt in Make Art That Sells (listen to an interview with Zoe here). Class starts on March 31 – so you can squeeze it in before the competition begins.

Take your art career seriously. Sign up for Make Art That Sells now!