These speakers and artists have attended ArtBizJam, most multiple times and share their thoughts and feelings about ArtBizJam:
Short Video Testimonials:
Attendee’s thoughts on the ABJ 2023 conference!
Tracy Dawn Brewer, “Brewifully Yours”, Artist and first time attendee!
Lisa Peruchini – First time ArtBizJam attendee and experienced licensing artist, first time attending live plus she attended the virtual conference.
Shannon Christensen, artist and first time ArtBizJam attendee.
Jennifer Smelker, successfully new to licensing, has had a successful career designing and producing her own products for wholesale through her business, Tandem for Two. Jennifer attended live for the first time and had attended the virtual ABJ.
Jan Shade Beach, an experienced licensing artist for 34 years, has attended ABJ 4 times. She is a speaker for ABJ 2024 on how to handle infringements.
Mandi Blackford, Artist and Entrepreneur. Mandi has attended 3 ABJ conferences and was a speaker at her third conference, talking about becoming an Amazon seller and product designer/manufacturer.
Stephanie Darlene Greenwald, licensing artist. Stephanie attended the virtual ABJ and a live conference.
Angela Kilpatrick, licensing artist. Angela has attended 2 live ArtBizJam conferences.
Cherish Flieder, licensing artist and entrepreneur. Cherish has attended 7 ArtBizJam conferences. Cherish was a speaker at one conference, speaking on tech products.
Lisa Haight, artist. This was Lisa’s first ABJ conference.
Written Testimonials:
ArtBizJam is a fabulous workshop for artists and designers to come together in a warm and inviting atmosphere for inspiration, friendship, and unbridled creativity! I had a fantastic time attending ABJ, and so enjoyed getting to know new artists, reconnect with old friends, and share industry insights and knowledge in a setting that allowed for great conversation, questions, and learning. I arrived as a “newcomer” to this event, and left feeling like I had a wonderful group of new friends! ABJ attracts many talented artists who are willing to share and exchange their ideas and passion with like-minded folks who are looking to connect, energize, and grow their own creative businesses. I can’t say enough good things about this multi-day format of sharing and learning. You can’t afford NOT to go to Art Biz Jam – you will have a wonderful time filled with inspiration, positive energy and friendship…Susan January, VP of Product Management, Leanin’ Tree
ArtBizJam is more than an event, it is a community. As a creative director, it was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about the needs of an artist during the development process. I am fortunate to have worked with a number of participants from ArtBizJam on projects for multiple companies. I encourage artists to attend who are looking to re-invent themselves, learn more about licensing and product development or simply looking for a creative renewal. There truly is something for everyone. It is a safe place for all to share, grow and be inspired during the weekend and beyond…Anne Brown, Director of Product Innovation, Williamson Home
As a first time attendee and presenter, I had no idea how fabulous the ArtBizJam experience would be. Lori and Phyllis have created a community of like-minded creative souls who come together to learn, grow and be inspired – artisans and designers who have a passion to create and to make the world a more beautiful place. I highly recommend ArtBizJam for those who wish to expand their horizons and draw outside the lines...Debbie Saviano, Founder at Women’s Leadership LIVE
ArtBiz Jam is life changing! This event full of generous content, dynamic speakers and presentations, an abundance of healthy food and most of all, networking with new friends and colleagues who make a life in the business of art. I was on the fence about attending but after 48 hours into the event, I was already making plans to never miss this event as my schedule allowed.It is so inspiring, empowering and so reasonably priced that I’ll shout it from the rooftops, “ If you make a living making art, you must experience ArtBiz Jam to energize your artful endeavors!”...Joanne Sharpe, Artist, Author, Educator
As a first time attendee, when I registered and paid the fee, I was praying that it was a wise investment in my business. Believe me when I say that IT WAS! Every single session was AMAZING! I learned so very much that I can immediately implement to increase my chances of growing a successful business as an artist. Valuable insights to reach new audiences, how to improve my website, easier ways to offer products for sale on my website, how to take better photographs of my products – it just goes on and on. The presenters were top notch and shared so much of their knowledge with a giving spirit. The networking opportunities with decision makers in multiple parts of the industry abounded. And the friendships made are sure to be life long. Mingling with artists of all experience levels, who work in so many different areas – what a tribe of kindred spirits to inspire each other. Everyone was so encouraging and welcoming.
I can’t tell you the number of times the connections I made and the things I learned during the presentations have helped me. The community is so generous with their information sharing advice – the scope and success of my business continues to grow. I will attend this conference every year as long as I have an art business – which I hope is for the rest of my life! ArtBizJam…It’s all that and more! …Mandi Blackford, Artist
A retreat jam-packed with art and business information. This is my yearly investment in my business. I have learned so much! Notebooks are full of reference material. I fill up a notebook every year, date it and have used them years later. I have met so many wonderful people who were social media contacts or on-line friends and have become personal friends with so many. This retreat truly captured my heart. And as I begin to travel down a new path of creativity and business, I have lots of contacts and reference material to fall back on. Its is a beautiful sisterhood with a few brothers…Kim Green, Artist KG Art Studio
I have been fortunate to participate in three of the Art Biz Jam sessions and can’t say enough wonderful things about the experience. Since I’ve been working in the art licensing business for over 20 years, I originally wanted to attend ABJ to serve as a getaway with fellow artists. To my surprise it turned into so much more than just a fun getaway. I gained many new friendships, got a glimpse into many creative minds and their creative processes, laughed till my sides hurt, cried as I listened to the testimonies of some of the attendees, tried new fun painting exercises, etc. It was 5 days of leaving deadlines, schedules and commitments behind and enjoying several days of fun, food and fellowship. All that attend ABJ end up with a connection to each other that they will carry with them throughout their journey in the licensing field. I love nothing more than running into friends at the Gift Mart and hearing about their new opportunities and successes. I guarantee that you won’t regret treating yourself to an Art Biz Jam retreat!…Jan Shade Beach, Artist
Before ArtBizJam, I had worked with a few companies licensing my art, but I felt lost on how to really make it work as a career. Going to ABJ put all the pieces in place for me. I left feeling like I had a plan and art licensing was a reachable goal. Today I am working with 15 companies licensing my art. On top of what I have learned at ABJ, the friendships I have made are priceless!...Jennifer Heynen, Artist
ArtBizJam really was the best thing I have ever done for myself professionally. ABJ was inspiring, challenging, educational, and supportive. It was an amazing and magical group of very talented, accomplished, and giving artists, who were willing to share knowledge, their expertise, and share themselves. It was wonderful on so many levels. I would HIGHLY recommend it to any artist looking to move forward on their path to take their “business” to the next level. And it was REALLY FUN!!! {Mary Ann has returned to ArtBizJam each year for 7 years is registered for her 8th year in 2020!!}….Mary Ann Johnson, Artist
I had the extreme pleasure of attending the very first ArtBizJam in September 2013. {Gina has attended 6 years and is registered for her 7th} Honestly, I was totally impressed with everything – from the top notch professional artists and creative director who held the event to the meals provided. Combined with the beautiful coastal location, it was a dream come true for me. But my favorite part was the warm and genuine camaraderie and support between the whole group of attendees and the teachers as well. It felt like we were all part of this awesome, creative family – sharing laughs, personal experiences, professional information and becoming soul mates! There were very thorough and helpful professional topics of information being discussed and shared by the teachers, an exciting creative project as well as wonderful little fun surprises everyday. For an experienced professional designer like myself, I can honestly say that it was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and my creative business! I highly recommend it to artists early in their careers as well as to seasoned professionals who want to experience something “more” in their careers, or need a shot of inspiration and support to help break through a creative block….Gina Linn Wilder, Artist
Where can you find happiness, laughter and LEARNING all in one place? The answer is ABJ ( Art Biz Jam). It is packed with caring professionals that teach skills to help you learn this business of art. This retreat is located in paradise (tropical aqua waters and sunny beaches are steps away) and the artists are willing and able to share their love and experiences. True friends are found here. I wouldn’t miss it for the world!…Mary Lou Troutman, Artist
Making the decision to attend was one of the best investments I have made for my art career. The awesome opportunity to spend direct, quality time with some of the top creatives in the art licensing industry is priceless. I have been able to leap frog with this single investment in myself. I’m looking forward to returning again this year and reuniting with some of the wonderful artist friends I met last year and learning from the dynamic guest chosen for this year!…Willie Green-Aldridge, Artist
Picture it…white sandy beaches, magenta sunsets, the most comfortable accommodations and a delightful chef. Add a group of eager fellow artists (your soon-to-be new friends), daily workshops and mentors who are generous with their knowledge beyond measure and you have what turns out to be one of the most memorable creative experiences of your career. That’s ArtBizJam!…Karen Hillard Good, Artist
I am so happy I made the investment in my art career to attend ArtBizJam . What a wonderful learning experience it was, not to mention the dear friends I made while there! Every day was packed full of learning about art licensing, social media platforms, the business of art, establishing your unique style, developing collections, and how to market your art to companies. Within a few months of attending, I created a new collection and took the first step of submitting my art to several licensing companies. ArtBizJam gave me the confidence boost I needed at a time when belief in my abilities was wavering. ArtBizJam is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in art licensing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned designer, this art retreat offers a wealth of information and inspiration to any artist!…Joann Loftus, Artist