Navigating Pattern Design Licensing: Tips for Finding the Right Companies and Pitching Effectively

As I embark on my journey to become a licensed pattern designer, I've gathered some information on how to navigate the world of licensing. Here's my strategy for finding the right companies to work with and how to pitch my designs effectively:

Firstly, I'll create a list of companies that I want to work with, and then visit their websites to see if they're currently taking on new licensing opportunities. If they are, I'll check if they have any guidelines for submissions. Ideally, this would be a simple process, but I expect that I'll have to do a fair bit of digging and research. This could involve visiting the organization's About Us or Our Team pages on their website, looking up individuals on LinkedIn, and even calling the organization to ask for submission guidelines.

I've realized that it can also be helpful to start researching companies well before having a complete portfolio. By doing a bit of research while still designing, I can learn more about the companies I'm interested in and their specific needs. This approach can help me to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the pitching process and can help me break it down into manageable tasks.

Once I have my portfolio ready and my first list of organizations that I would like to pitch to, I'll draft a brief email that includes a bit about why I want to work with them, attach my portfolio, and hit 'send'.

It's important to remember that pitching is a numbers game, and getting my art in front of as many people as possible will increase my chances of success. However, I'll make sure to pitch to companies that I think would be a good fit for my designs. For instance, if I design cute animal prints that would be good for children's clothing or decor, there's no point in pitching to an organization whose products are geared towards teenagers.

Navigating the world of pattern design licensing can be challenging, but by taking the time to research, prepare, and pitch effectively, I hope to find success in licensing my designs.

Rosalinde Clara