Bonnie Christine, Surface Pattern Designer

Five huge leaps, or a hundred tiny steps, it doesn’t matter how you get to your big dream. It just matters that you get there. If you make a commitment to taking one action every day, no matter how small, Bonnie says you’ll be amazed at how much progress you make over time.

While it can take a while to get your first licensing contract, your wait isn’t over just yet. First, you create the design, then it gets approved and the items are made. Next, the items get shipped and hopefully sold. After that, you receive a quarterly paycheck based on how many sold and the percentage that you negotiated. So while this kind of work can be fulfilling, you need to have another way to support yourself in the interim.

When it’s time to work out the details, make sure you’re happy with your percentage. There may be a standard rate and at the same time, there may be room for negotiation. It won’t hurt to try and can add up in the long run. Negotiation can feel uncomfortable for many of us. Companies sometimes count on that to limit their expenses, don’t let them. 

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