FAQs

Do I need to log-in to browse for artwork?

No, you are not required to log-in to browse all of the artwork shown on our website. You can even save favorites to Art Boards feature to store artwork without logging-in. However, you will need to create a profile and officially “log-in” to utilize all the enhanced features of the Art Boards.

What are Art Boards?

Art Boards are easy-to-use online filing cabinets for website visitors to help them gather, organize and save images. Multiple Art Boards can be created to allow manufacturers to easily manage and share their selections with internal team members during their art selection and review process. When finished, visitors can then submit their Art Board(s) to MHS in order to request higher resolution files, request additional reference materials or simply to confirm availability in their product categories.

How big does my portfolio need to be to get started?

There is no magic number but we have found that a minimum of 25 images or collections provide enough material to make initial compelling presentations to potential licensees.

I am just learning Photoshop, how proficient at creative software should I be?

At the very minimum we need you to be able to capture and transfer your artwork to us electronically. We welcome art created in traditional media or digital, but ultimately it has to be electronically captured for ease of transfer and archiving. It is ideal if you are so proficient that you can actually apply your artwork to product templates digitally to make even more impactful presentations to potential licensees.

How much money can I expect to make in the first year of licensing?

Building a licensing program is a relatively long process and should be considered a marathon and not a sprint. It may take 18 months before the first royalties start rolling in due to decision making lead-time, market timing, product development and buying lead-times. The object is to build a steady stream of income over the life of the licensing program.

What is Art and Brand Licensing?     

“Art and Brand Licensing” is essentially a business transaction that allows a manufacturer to use certain images or artwork from an artist or brand on certain products for a specified period of time. The manufacturer is the “Licensee” and the artist or brand (property owner) is the “Licensor.”  MHS brings these parties together and acts as the “Agent.

What is the advantage of Art and Brand Licensing?

Manufacturers turn to licensing for a number of reasons. This could include supplementing the efforts of their in-house development teams, finding specific art that their customers are asking for, or simply ensuring they have access to the most trend forward, commercial art or brand that is available.

What is the advantage of licensing from MHS and their Art Brands? 

MHS Licensing and Consulting’s 25+ years in business has taught us to make the job of the manufacturer as easy as possible by delivering exceptional customer service, a wide range of styles of art and a keen understanding of what sells in the marketplace. We are experts at what we do and our licensee (manufacturer) partners benefit from that expertise. 

What is the business model for Art and Brand Licensing?

The transaction is typically royalty-based, meaning that for every piece of product sold that bears the licensed art, a percentage of that sales price goes back to the artist/agent. Sometimes advances against those royalties are required and sometimes minimum guarantees over the term of the agreement are required. All of these points are negotiable and it is to everyone’s advantage to find the terms that are fair to all.

What is “Licensing?”

“Licensing” is essentially renting the use of intellectual property for use on your products. The owner of the intellectual property is the Licensor. The manufacturer, or maker and seller of the products is the Licensee. MHS Licensing + Consulting brings these parties together and is the Consultant. As the Consultant we represent the Licensee (manufacturer).

What are the benefits of licensing?

Associating your products with known licensed properties gives your products instant credibility, higher recognition by buyers and consumers, and differentiates you from your competition.  In most cases Licensees can sell their products at a higher price when it is accompanied by a known licensed property.

What kinds of intellectual property could be involved?

Intellectual Property can take many forms but typically in our consulting practice we deal with Character and Entertainment properties, (e.g. Disney, Warner Bros), Sports (e.g. NFL, MLB, Collegiate), Corporate Brands (e.g. Kellogg’s, Kraft, Texaco) and Music (e.g. Kiss, John Lennon, Rolling Stones).

What are the benefits of working with MHS?

Our clients usually come to us because they already know they would like to get into licensing and may have even tried unsuccessfully to contact Licensors.  When we work with you, we will save you time and money and increase your speed to market by leveraging our 50+ years[1]  of combined experience and extensive network of contacts in the licensing industry. In many cases we have already successfully acquired and negotiated contracts with the properties that are of most interest to you.

How is PDR compensated?

We will review the details of your request and give you a custom quote for your project.

What is the benefit of working with PDR?

Our team is well versed in product development for a variety of categories and can create towards a specific trend or develop original themed collections based on our own trend research.