We were lucky to catch up with Tara Reed recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Tara thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents always encouraged my creativity from a very young age. From art and craft supplies to classes I was able to explore and learn. They taught me to chase my dreams with a large side helping of practicality.

My dad grew up loving to draw cartoons and draw. He lost his parents young and always told this story about choosing a path when he finished high school: “I was torn between art and science. I’d heard of “starving artists” but had never heard of a “starving physicist”.” He went to college and got a degree and later PhD in physics and Astronomy and became an Astronomy professor.

So while they always encouraged my creative side they also wanted to make sure I had other skills. I ended up getting a degree in Marketing which has proven to be a big piece of my success as an artist.

Whenever anyone asks for advice I give the same my parents did: “If you don’t want to go into the sciences, learn about business because EVERYTHING is a business. You can blend that knowledge with your passion and go far.”

Tara, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

It’s hard to believe that 2024 marks 20 years in art licensing. If you aren’t familiar, art licensing is basically creating art collections that I license to manufacturers to put on all kinds of products. I’ve had my art on everything from garden flags to dishes, coffee mugs and kitchen textiles, wrapping paper, quilting fabric, coasters and more.

When I officially started in art licensing in 2004 it wasn’t a well known concept. I feel like most people had stories of stumbling upon the idea which is exactly what I did!

I had been designing for EK Success in the scrapbooking industry since 2000 and one of my friends called me from a trade show and said, “Artists are showing their work to manufacturers of all kinds of things. You should do this!” I wasn’t sure but thankfully she was persistent and we exhibited at the Licensing Expo together in 2004.

While my art style has changed over the years, most of my art is hand painted in watercolors. I then scan it into my computer and adapt it to different sizes and shapes, as well as repeat patterns so it can easily be adapted to product templates.

With my business education, art licensing has always been a great fit. I love learning about the businesses I license my art to – who are their customers, what kind of art will help them open their wallets and buy. My job is to create art that helps sell product. Does anyone NEED another coffee mug? Probably not. But if it has art or a saying that speaks to them they will buy it anyway.

The industry and retail in general has changed so much throughout my career and it’s vital to keep up and adapt. That has meant keeping up with software, trends, social media and more. I’m always looking at the business landscape and trying to figure out where things are going and how I can remain an integral piece of the puzzle.

In 2018 I went back towards my crafty roots and began designing digital art files for crafters. Cutting machines like Cricut and Silhouette Cameo opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities for everyone. While I wasn’t and early creator in the space I was able to find a style and niche that resonated with crafters. Adding this direct to consumer offering turned out to be a lifesaver that got me through the pandemic.

I think my clients appreciate my versatility, can-do attitude and willingness to work with them to get things done. I’ve never missed a deadline – something that is so important!

Friends and I joke that we are unemployable but that doesn’t mean we don’t work hard. I love that I’ve been able to create a business that allows me time and space flexibility, the chance to pursue new things and work with amazing people.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In 2004 I got divorced and was at a crossroads: do I go for it or do I go for the safer option and try to get a more traditional job in sales or marketing?

I had been a stay-at-home mom with some creative side hustles and the thought of my 10 year old going from that to having me work outside the home was stressful. Thankfully my son’s dad (my ex) was supportive of me working to build my business so our son’s life had a little less disruption.

My son is obviously no longer a minor and living at home but I still love the freedom to work from home, travel when I want to and steer my own ship. I guess you’d say my “mission” was to have my business and be at home too.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is both the creative process and end result.

I love thinking of a theme – like Christmas – and coming up with new ways of creating art that I think would have mass appeal and work well on products.

To then see the art go from idea to being reviewed and adjusted to my client’s needs and then in stores is still amazing. The icing on the cake is getting feedback from consumers and knowing that my work makes a positive impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tarareed.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artisttarareed
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaraReedDesigns
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artisttarareed/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@artisttarareed
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/artisttarareed

Image Credits
none – all my own photos