The Art of Licensing - June 2008 - (Page 10) Following Tradition Through a love of American folk art and traditional images, Jim Shore has built a successful licensing program, which generated $178 million at retail last year. By Regina Molaro Award-winning artist Jim Shore, who is renowned for his Americana themes and folk art style, worked his way to the top the old-fashioned way—through a lifetime of dedication, inspiration, and plenty of hard work. As with most successful ventures, good fortune also played a key role in Shore’s success. South Carolina was home to Shore who inherited a love of traditional images and American folk art from his parents. A master quilter, Shore’s grandmother also nurtured his artistic side by cultivating his appreciation for patience and skill, which is required to bring intricate designs to life. As a budding artist, Shore drew inspiration from his family roots, which were clearly grounded in the arts. “There’s an innocence and purity to the quilts, appliqué and tole paintings found in early American art,” says Shore. “These were masterpieces not designed for rich commissions, but because artists were driven to create.” Shore, who collects quilts that date back more than 150 years, is “amazed” with the level of skill and creativity involved. “This is high art from humble beginnings,” he says. Although humble beginnings also mark Shore’s starting point as an artist, he currently finds himself among the top art licensors. In fact, Jim Shore was ranked No. 75 on License! Global’s Top 100 10 THE ART OF LICENSING Summer 2008
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