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In this follow-up episode, Delores sits down once again with illustrator and licensing mentor Vanessa Stoilova from Art Business with Ness — and this time, they're going deep into the real-world mechanics of working with art licensing agents, pitching your own work, and what it actually takes to make consistent income as a surface designer.

Vanessa shares her personal journey from cold pitching to landing a dream contract with Pink Light Studio, and explains how agencies work behind the scenes — including how they pitch to companies like Hobby Lobby, and what artists should know before seeking representation.

You’ll learn:

• What art agents actually do (and don’t do!)
• Why licensing your art is not passive income (but can still be joyful and profitable)
• How many designs you really need before pitching
• What to put in your portfolio if you’re just starting out
• How Vanessa's students are landing deals (with or without an agent)
• A peek into Vanessa’s own design and pitching systems — including her Airtable database tips!

Whether you’re dreaming of licensing your art or already dabbling in surface design, this episode is full of down-to-earth encouragement and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t want to miss.

🎓 Want to dive deeper? Vanessa’s Art Business Bootcamp opens Sept 1, and her free masterclass on starting a freelance illustration career is happening Sept 2.

🎉 Plus: Vanessa is joining Delores live inside the VIP Creators Pack during the Five Cards in Five Days Challenge on Sept 25 — don’t miss her licensing Q&A!

🖼️ Vanessa's freebie: "6 Essentials for Your Surface Design Portfolio"

 🎥 YouTube: Art Business with Ness

 🖥️ Explore Vanessa’s courses & art business bootcamp

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