What kind of work can I expect from companies that will license my illustrations for 'their stuff'?

Great question!! This is a frequent question I'm asked when an illustrator promotes their work. It’s potentially a great market for an illustrator and one that the Directory of Illustration reaches.

I have seen everything from toy companies to greeting cards/stationery/calendars... shoe and apparel companies, even surgical scrubs... accessories (like iPhone cases, etc.)... wall coverings/textiles... home decor... gifts...  etc.

Ashley Percival for Papryrus
http://directoryofillustration.com/ArtistPortfolioThumbs.aspx?AID=7553

You will reach opportunities through the Directory and can help yourself further by making a note of companies that you see in your travels that have product with artwork. Then google that company and see if they have an art submission department. Many publishing companies, for example, have art departments and specific art submission procedures right on their websites. Examples: http://www.peterpauper.com/submission.php and http://nuvango.com/new-artists

You can target your top '25 VIP' clients as part of your Directory of Illustration gift program. Give us the name of 25 U.S. art directors and we'll include them in our distribution. We'll send you certificates to mail to your 'hot list' to announce that the book is being sent to them at your request.

As always, I like to offer additional expert advice which you can follow up on licensing: 

The Creative Blog - The art of licensing: how to sell your designs to market: 

http://www.creativebloq.com/design/license-your-designs-9134535

The Association of Illustrators - The Illustrator's Guide to Law and Business Practice: 

http://www.theaoi.com/shop/staging/index.php/theshop/products/publications/the-illustrator-s-guide-to-law-and-business-practice-non-aoi-member-detail

Lilla Rogers - Make Art That Sells: http://lillarogers.com/make-art-that-sells/

Graphic Artists Guild – License It: 

https://graphicartistsguild.org/tools_resources/license-it

Cherish Flieder - My Art Licensing Story: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwroOLH6rwk

Tara Reed – Helping Artists Succeed: http://artlicensingblog.com/

The Association of Illustrators - The Illustrator's Guide to Law and Business Practice http://theaoi.com/

ABOUT THE WIA

For nearly four decades, the AOI has presented the most comprehensive and significant awards for illustration in the UK. Now, for the first time in it's history, the organisation welcomes an international partner, the Directory of Illustration, to create the World Illustration Awards.

The Directory of Illustration is widely regarded as the leading marketing program for illustrators in the United States. Their website and print resources are relied on by qualified art buyers from all over the world when they need to commission illustration.

“The Directory of Illustration is excited to be partnering with the AOI to support the World Illustration Awards. Honoring the most creative and inspiring commercial illustration from around the world will help everyone stay connected with new trends and ideas, and provide expanded opportunities for artists to promote their work to a global audience."

Glen Serbin – President, Directory of Illustration

Work entered into the World Illustration Awards will be reviewed by a jury of distinguished and international industry professionals. The competition shortlist reflects exceptional work by illustrators currently making an outstanding contribution to visual culture.

Shortlisted work is showcased online, allowing commissioners and industry peers to browse work and contact successful artists directly. Each year’s shortlist is available to view permanently in the Awards archive.

Award Winners will be announced at a prestigious ceremony at Somerset House, the major arts and cultural centre in the heart of London. Selected works will be exhibited in their spectacular Terrace Rooms before touring the UK, as well as being showcased in an accompanying publication, which will be circulated to all major commissioners of illustration.

Following its display at Somerset House the exhibition tours to multiple venues across the UK. This national tour receives approximately 40,000 visitors during its run.

A publication will be launched to coincide with this exhibition and will be available from October 2015.

The Call for Entries will be opening shortly.

Illustration (C) Laurindo Feliciano