I’ve been loving your fabric posts. Have you thought about doing a post on outdoor fabrics? All the interesting ones I see in magazines tend to be to the trade only. Surely there are some sources for those of us who don’t have designers on call.

I’d like to see these applied as kitchen counter tops, which are normally pretty dull and derivative. Really cool stuff, nice one.

love that beautiful juicy red/pink at the bottom. also…i saw you in time out for a building in brooklyn!
lookin’ cute! : )

Samantha is living my dream! I think her stuff is smashing looking and she’ll get a rep in no time! Great job, Samantha! Can’t wait to check out her blog as well. Thanks, Grace!

I can tell you as an exhibitor of Surtex for over 7 years that the show in my opinion is not getting more notice but less. I know for a fact that several of us who had been doing it for years have decided this year not to show since traffic was the worse it has ever been last year. Many of us feel the show comes to late after the Atlanta gift mart when most deals are made.With this economy hurting many manufacturers I am predicting that there will be even less traffic. Some of my big clients told me they will not be attending the show.
Although Surtex can be a great source for new art and designs it has its limitations in a tough economy. Many manufacturers these days are either merging or going bankrupt. I had two clients merge and a few go bankrupt.
I have been getting lots of email from other artists who would like to get into licensing and do Surtex but from what I see they really need to do their homework. Is there portfolio full of what manufacturers are looking for such as Christmas, Halloween,Easter
Everyday etc. Do they have a special style and do they know how to negotiate business deals. This business is not for the weary, you really have to know how to sell yourself. I see that Design Sponge is doing a seminar along with some other names I know well and yes artists need to know how to market themselves in order to stay afloat in this business. I am sure your seminar will be filled because I can see that many do not have an idea about self-promotion and all it encompasses. I am constantly sending out mailers and talking to perspective clients and its not easy to create and do both but if you can be aggressive you will prevail.

I am curious to see how Surtex will do and since I am not exhibiting but will be meeting clients at Stationery I will surely stop by and say hello to friends. Good luck to those showing and I will see you next weekend!

Thank you so much for the post Grace!! I’m excited to show my stuff. Thanks Beefy for the lovely words. I am nervous about all Ellen mentioned. I’m hoping that my work will be perceived well and that I will be able to negotiate good deals. If you have any great resources to recommend for the business end I’d love to hear. I’ve been looking at the pricing and ethical guidelines. I was thinking of making some holiday plates….perhaps I will.
Hope the show is better than what you project Ellen. Fingers crossed.
-Sam :)

Oh and thanks Avi, kitchen countertops….cool idea. Hopefully a buyer will think so too!

These are great designs. Love the top one the best!

sorry to be the bearer of bad news Samantha but I have first hand knowledge of how bad things are in this business. I myself am trying hard to generate business this year when I have always thrived. Its just a very tough economy and until it gets better I am not certain of the outcome. Some of my fellow artists who license think Art and Licensing will tank soon. Not everyone can be Paul Brent, Debbie Mumm, Susan Winget, Mary Englebreit and the Hautman Brothers, who are very successful licensors. Like I said it takes a very savvy person to thrive in this business but even that cannot help if companies are folding as we speak. Just look at how Patience Brewster left Dept 56! and they had a bad year last year. Some other companies I deal with cannot take licensing this year because of buy backs meaning if they have generic goods companies buy back the goods not sold and resell it to dollar stores. If they have licensed goods they cannot do this and since they are trying to not loose money and take a chance it will sell well there goes my licensing deal. Believe me I wish things were better, then maybe I could have had a better vacation this year!! I do wish you luck and will be walking the show to see everyone

Many artists in the licensing industry are also concerned about the Orphan Works bill that was introduced the end of April.

The intent of the bill is fine, but there is loophole that could potentially affect the artists and designers in the licensing industry in a serious way.

Hopefully, the bill won’t go through, or possibly be re-written. Maybe for non-profit use which is what it was initially written for, I think.

I am looking forward to Surtex though.
Good luck to you Samantha. Hope you sell loads.

Surtex has been the premier art and design show in the US for the last 21 years and is certainly not anything new…actually, the show was “hotter” a few years ago than it is right now, given the downturn of the Art Licensing business in general. This has been a tried and true show for many years and certainly changed my business and many other artists by the exposure that I got from exhibiting there. The problem for Surtex now is that the attendee traffic has slowed down the last few years, with many companies that used to attend the show having gone bankrupt or merged and the retail market is pretty bad as well. You have to be prepared for that. I am a licensed designer and have been exhibiting at Surtex for many many years, served on the show’s Advisory Board, and given seminars on art licensing for over 15 years. I license my designs to manufacturers and my work has brought in millions of dollars at retail over the years. I also specialize in proprietary product along with Art Licensing
Consultation. In fact, I am running a workshop/seminar here in Marblehead, Ma in September, with more details to follow, on the basics of Art Licensing, marketing strategies,how to develop marketable design collections, understanding the licensing business, etc. The important thing to realize now for anyone planning to do the show is that having some lovely patterns is not enough…you have to think product and be able to design for products that will sell. A nice design just doesn’t cut it anymore. Manufacturers are looking for design collections that will work on a variety of products, from Christmas ornaments to tabletop and that address the trends and will sell. A designer must think in themes and for occasions. Every designer I know is in the same position right now so it is even more important to develop a good marketing strategy for your designs to reach the right audience while things are so tough. I hope that I have been helpful to your readers and that all the talented gals in blog land will sit up and take notice that while patterns are great, you need to think more about products and what will actually sell at retail. Hey, if it were easy, everyone would do it!

best,
carol eldridge
carol eldridge designs

I don’t mean this in a mean way, but is it just me or do the Surtex exhibitors sound like a slightly bitter bunch? My best friend showed their last year and did really well, so I don’t think it’s all bad. Best of luck Samantha- I think talent will always rise to the top despite lower attendance or economic issues.

Jackie

Thanks Jackie, and everyone else. I am taking note. I realize the economy is suffering and I’m sorry it has hurt the business. I’m still going to give it a shot and go into it with my eyes open and expectations high. Hopefully, my patterns will be applicable to many surfaces. I hear what all of you are saying and will try to think of products as well. Samples are expensive so my booth with primarily have patterns but I’ll also have cushions, notecards, teeshirts, and a few other items I’m working on. I hope it’s not dreary and grim and that some companies will still be looking for some fresh work. If it does not work out, I’ll have to keep plugging away but it seems to me that Surtex is the way to debut your work. Otherwise it’s cold contacting companies who are probably already inundated. I’m grateful to Grace for putting my work out there and encouraging me to show at Surtex. All I can do at this point as go in with an many patterns and applications as I can and hope that someone will take notice of my work and be interested in talking with me about working together. So let’s all keep our chins up and do the best we can! Looking forward to meeting you all. Remember booth 1010. Think of 1010 wins! Thanks for all the comments.

This is directed to the comment from someone named Jackie–Hey, knowledge is power! I resent the implication you made that I am bitter. NO ONE has been more of an advocate for Surtex over the years as much as I have!!!! I have personally been responsible for bringing in dozens and dozens of artists to that show and Gina of GLM will attest to that I am sure. I am simply stating what is going on in the business now, trying to give some experienced and professional advice that should be particularly helpful given the state of the Art Licensing business today. I never said it was bad at the show. The comments are not bitter, they are realistic and meant to help, to make you aware of the state of things. I don’t know who your “best friend” is that you are referring to who you say did “really well”, but I know many of my Surtex friends had the same reaction to last year’s poor attendance at the show as I did and these are gals whose works are very successful. not first timers. You know, the problem here is that people hear what they want to hear and without listening you have completely missed the point. Good luck.

carol eldridge

jackie we are not a bitter bunch but a fun loving bunch who has to face reality in these times and quite frankly I am offended that you think we are not talented as well. I have had many lines is various retail stores do you think they think I am untalented?? I do not know who your friend is but let me tell you we are only trying to get the word out that its just not so easy as bloggers make it seem to get into this business and remember I have been designing for over 20 years so I have first hand knowledge of this. While I think Samatha’s designs are lovely I just want her to go into the show with more understanding of the business. I did not mean any ill will in fact I am just trying to let others know do their homework!!! I myself along with extremely talented people are having a rough year!!

Wow, ok, maybe I’ll replace the word “bitter” with “sensitive”.

I think it’s perfectly valid and fair for Samantha to know that others at Surtex have done well.

It’s fine to let her know about the reality of the industry but I think it sounds like you’ve had tough experiences lately and that may be coloring your opinion of the overall show and the market, when that isn’t the case for everyone showing there.

Jackie

Thank you Carol, Jackie, and Ellen. I really don’t know what to expect but I’m going to give it a real go. I would love to hear any advice any of you have on the business end. I’m currently trying to get prepared for the show and figure out contracts etc. If any of you would be willing to share a sample contract that would be great. I’d also love to hear about buying versus licensing. I hear mostly people want to buy patterns. Does that happen on the spot in the booth? I’m planning to write up a contract and purchase orders but if anyone has advice on one time rights versus buy outs or limited time frame purchases etc. I would value your wisdom. I hope I have a great experience at the show and look forward to meeting you all. Thank you for the positivity Jackie and the frankness everyone else. It’s great to hear both perspectives.

I hear you Jackie and I too wish Samantha the best I just wanted to give her feedback and let her know to make sure she is well equipped with other categories and know what to ask for in contracts.

I have always been busy at Surtex but when it comes right down to actuall contracts that becomes another story. I have done very well showing at Surtex and recommend it still but want others to do their homework before showing so that they do not wonder why the did not get contracts after the show. I will give Samantha a big tip to see how well the show went, if you get 3 good contracts after the show it was successful ! If its lower than that you will have to judge if you got a good return on your investment. My very first show I landed a big deal w/ JC Penney but I have been told it was a rare thing to get, so you are correct in saying people still do well, I just wanted to give my opinion on how the market has been lately and meant no harm in doing so.

I am the Show Manager of SURTEX and have been reading the comments with great interest. Art licensing is a tough business and it has become more challenging due to the economy, but it doesn’t mean an artist can’t be successful at it. I say this with no disrespect to Ellen or Carol who have been long-time supporters of SURTEX. I agree with much of what they say regarding what it takes to be successul. They have chosen to market themselves in a different way and there is nothing wrong with that. However, there are success stories like Jackie says and it important both sides of the story are heard.
Artists looking to get into art licensing or need more education, may be interested in 2 particular seminars taking place during the Show: The Art of Effective Marketing on May 18 at 2:00, in which Grace is speaking. And, the Manufacturer Forum: Getting Your Art Noticed on May 19 at 11:30a.m. This seminar will be led by 2 manufacturers and will discuss, in part how to present portfolios to manufacturers.

Just like any buisness, it is about having what the people want. Some will have it and some won’t. We just have to try and do our best. And I think that is what everyone who reads this blog and commented is attempting to do.

Good luck to everyone!

Everyone’s opinion of what is “doing well” is different and expectations are varied depending on your experience level. Doing well at the show for an inexperienced and new designer to the Art Licensing field may simply be making some new CONTACTS and getting a license with anyone. For those of us with more years of exhibiting experience and dozens of licensing contracts under our belts, CONTRACTS with major manufacturers or working directly with a retailer developing a line that has enormous financial implications is what we are looking for and what we consider “doing well.” The retail market is down dramatically and fewer attendees come to the show and there are even fewer manufacturers to license your artwork to……these are facts, not just opinions- not sensitive or bitter anything- but cold hard facts. Anyone who tells you differently is not telling you the truth.
Everyone shows at Surtex with the hope of doing well of course and we want them to do well. But, without a reality check a new artist showing for the first time could be quite discouraged when things don’t go well after such a major investment. We were just trying to help and make suggestions. Exhibiting at Surtex for the first time without any business understanding, product understanding, contract negotiations experience and not really knowing what you are doing is definitely a detriment especially now. It has nothing to do with tough experiences, it has to do with knowledge, hard work, good design, an understanding of the market and what sells at retail, tried and true sales records of licensed designs and lots of professional experience mixed in with a dash of good luck and good timing.
Samantha…I wish you well at the show and the more understanding you have up front of how the business works, the better you will do. Contracts I got as a result of exhibiting at Surtex helped pay for my 3 girls to go to college, took me and my husband to Europe and many other wonderful perks over the years. Make sure you watch the retail market for my 2 new garden lines with over 70 SKUs in the line, a fun new new resort ware collection, my “Summer Fun” acrylic barware, floor mats and giftware accessories. All of these products were from contracts I got from doing the show.

carol eldridge

Wow, thank you everyone. It’s great to read all the perspectives on this. To be honest taking a booth is a huge gamble for me as I know very little about contracts and the business end. But I decided that I am ready to show my work and will go to the show as prepared as I can possibly be as a newbie. Of course, I’m nervous. That being said, I’ve read the pricing and ethical guidelines book which talks about licensing versus buying but I would love it if someone out there would be willing to share a sample contract for buying as I hear that mostly that’s what I should expect. If a company wants to license, they would be presenting me with a contract versus buying where I would provide the contract. Please drop me a line here on D*S or on my site if you are willing to share any information on this with me and Grace’s other readers. Otherwise I will continue to find out all I can before the big show. I am very happy for you Carol that you are so successful in this and appreciate you sharing you wisdom! I could have certainly waited a year or longer but I have the patterns and the drive to do something with them so I did not want to put it off for a better economy or the day when I’m totally business savvy. I think I have to just dive in. I am totally in agreement that the business end is daunting . To me, asking lovely Grace here, + other bloggers and experienced people like you is a good avenue for information. Please let me know if you want to share info or point me to a good site or book that can. Best to all of us!

Very helpful comments from everyone. I will be attending SURTEX & ISS this year in an effort to research the business of surface texture design and this is the kind of candid discourse I hoped for. I am a 20 year print design veteran with a background in consumer products (think licensing style guides) wanting to shift focus from paper to product. A big thank you to Design Sponge for providing the forum for this discussion. Looking forward to the show!

Congrats Samantha, your designs are fabulous and it is great to see them up on Design*Sponge! Bravo to the upbeat, supportive comments from ccolleagues, but an enormous ‘Boo’ to those that tried to take the wind out of your sails! Grace is right…everyone is getting pumped for SURTEX. I totally agree with Jackie, and say ignore the bitter comments of those who are now probably second-guessing their decision not to show. Don’t let anyone burst your bubble…you’ll have a great experience!

Thanks so much Annie!! I hope you’re right. I’m working my tail off getting together final details. If you are coming to the show please stop by my booth. :)

I love your fabric designs, samantha. I’ll stop by the booth and see how it’s going!

I’m exhibiting at the stationery show for the first time this year, (much bigger investment than I originally thought) and I think its going to be a great show! I feel a little in over my head, but I think that’s what is going to drive my group to do our very best.

i love the yellow/black design at the top here. Gina’s right, all it is going to take is you having what the buyers want. best of luck!

Best of luck to you too!! Please do stop by! I know the investment is insane…I’m really digging deep in my pockets. But I have to try to put my work out there….you do too. Glad we’re both taking the risk. Hope it pays off!

My apologies for “taking the wind out of anyone’s sails”. Sometimes the truth is hard to face. These are very tough times we are living in right now especially in the retail market. With my vast experience of exhibiting at Surtex, serving on the show’s Advisory Board and giving seminars on Art Licensing at both Surtex for over 18 years and the CHA show, I thought that my advice would be helpful to the newbies taking it on for the first time. I made my decision not to exhibit this year based on years of experience and education along with the slow decline of the traffic to the show over the last few years, the fact that there are fewer attendees because there are fewer companies to work with now and the fact that I have had so much experience in Art Licensing that I have made many contacts with major manufactures already at this point of my career. It was a good decision for me based on a lot of facts. Many of my colleagues who have exhibited with me at Surtex for years have made the same decision this year, which is why there are so many designers not returning to the show.We are not bitter, quite the contrary, we are forging ahead with new opportunities, yet, being generous enough to take the time to write to this forum, which I was under the impression wanted good and factual information. If this is truly a forum for discussion, apparently some are only wanting to hear just good news, not reality. It is not all fun and being “pumped” to do the show. It is a lot of hard work and effort and time and talent and business savvy. And, for the record, it takes a lot more than just having what the buyers want…it takes being able to negotiate the contract with the manufacturer, it takes developing the products, it takes having the samples made well by a vendor where the price points are not too high, and it takes retailing well and then it takes you getting your royalties paid to you on time. So, if I took the “wind out of your sails” with my truthful advice, my experience and trying to be helpful, I am sorry that I wasted my time and yours.

carol eldridge

I have to weigh my 3 cents in here since I know both Carol Elderidge and Ellen Crimi-Trent. Both a highly respected and well known artists. Both have successful careers and know what they are speaking about. I too have exhibited at Surtex for close to 20 years and I decided 2 years ago there were better ways to spend my money. As an agent I felt that with the changes in the markets it was much smarter for me to pursue who I wanted to work with and go to them. Artists take booths at Surtex and “hope” that the right customer comes to them. I ALWAYS did my homework ad made appointments with manufacturers to meet with me and my artists. This takes alot of research and time. It is one of the reasons that many artists do sign with an agent.

The world is changing rapidly as is the marketplace. When I did my first Surtex show ,color copies and computers did not allow for maufactureres to ask you to” send them copies of your work so decisions could be made at later meetings.” Decisions were made at the show. Now an artist doing Surtex, sends off hundreds of dollars in color copies waiting for an answer. Do not fool yourself . Deals are not closed at Surtex. The ones that are were started earlier at another place. Meet compnaies at the shows they show at or in their showrooms. Why pay to hope to meet them at Surtex.

I wish everyone doing Surtex 2008 the best.Have fun and hopefully you have done your pre-show work. Sent out postcards, made appointments, created fabulous new collections and have a knock out professional booth to set up. Then when you get home make sure you FOLLOW UP every lead you got!!
And marrying a rich “man” or winning the Mega Lottery is another piece of advise I would recommned for any Licening Artist starting out in today’s market. You would be surprised how many of the “famous ones” had some help. There are lots of Smoke and Mirrors in todays Blogland. Use not only your artsitic talent but your brains.

A true realist
BBB

As a pattern designer who’s shown at Surtex several times over the past 10 years, I understand both sides of the story. But I feel that both sides are being represented as if there isn’t a middle ground.

Deals may not be closed on location, but I closed several “deals” after meetings at Surtex. That said, no one should arrive expecting to be handed a wonderful career- but I don’t think that’s what people are saying here.

I wish you luck Samantha and hope you can see through some of the talk here and recognize that there definitely is a middle ground and that Surtex and/or the pattern industry isn’t all good or bad.

Amelia

Hmmm….some people might pull the bride aside on her wedding day to talk about the divorce rate but I think that’s in very poor taste. Go Samantha, I’m so excited for you!

Maybe this is harsh- but if you look at the work of the upset people talking here you might notice that some people’s pattern design looks a bit more modern than others- maybe that’s what’s causing the lack of success at the show?

I mean, that does account for something, right? Sometimes a certain style isn’t popular any more and perhaps the industry isn’t too blame- or the show- but the market’s interest in a certain look.

I read Carol’s blog and it looks like she’s taking this all very personally.

Caren

Blah Blah-

Sounds like sour grapes to me- if you’re not selling, make way for the new designers who will. Just because a few people are doing poorly doesn’t mean everyone will.

Out with the old, in with the new.

okay I have had enough of your rude comments regarding my work, I will have you know that I will have a huge line this christmas in Target stores do you think they have no sense of design and style too!! What does your work look like? If you cannot handle constructive advice you should never get into this business and please for the love of god isn’t this supposed to be a forum for discussion not insults!!

I’m not trying to be rude, but if YOU guys can’t handle criticism of your work, you shouldn’t be in this business either. I think it’s fair to note that perhaps work that isn’t selling any more isn’t what the market is interested in.

It’s perfectly constructive to note that an industry changes and what is successful at any given time can change depending on trends and styles. I’ve looked at your work and Carol’s work and it’s very traditional- the current market seems to be interested in something more modern so why is that an insult to point out??

Caren

The insulting comments about me and my work from some of these amateurs shows their lack of professionalism and maturity and how totally clueless they really are about what is going on in the Art Licensing business now. Apparently my taking the time to try to bring attention to the reality of today’s industry has fallen on deaf ears.
I am offering a seminar this fall on this very subject and will have more information about the details on my blog later this year.
Sounds like there are those among you who would benefit greatly from attending.

carol

It seems like the only deaf ears here are those that refuse to see that pointing out a market’s current interest isn’t an insult.

All I’ve done is say that I think your work looks more traditional, while the current market seems to be interested in something more modern.

How on EARTH is that an insult??

I thought this site was read by people who understood that art isn’t some sacred thing that can’t be questioned or touched. If you can’t handle someone saying your work is “traditional” than perhaps you should reevaluate whether or not you want to be a part of the design industry.

Caren

Caren are you not listening to what we are saying??? We are talking about companies folding and merging and them taking less licensees, and by the way did you take a look at my blog? I do not have a very traditional style I have many styles. If you believe that I am not current than why would Print Pattern put me on their blog. I am not offended by your criticism at all in fact its why I love putting stuff out there!!

If you look at who is successful in this business its not these fly by night trendy artists but those who continue to do good work prime examples are Susan Winget, Warren Kimble, Mary Englebreit, Debbie Mumm, Thomas Kinkade, Paul Brent, The Hautman Brothers. These are the top Art Licensors and make no mistake about it the trend is going away from digital and back to more hands on painting quality. If you look at even the children’s book market and the discussion that was brought up at the last big seminar in NYC you heard talk of everything looking the same and not enough of good painters and people who can really draw and individuality.

I think that there is an interest in modern design but you have to truly look at who really sells and who is the most successful at this, and how they go about it which is what Carol and I were merely pointing out. I do not know why this has turned into such high school banter and frankly I am done with the whole thing!!

Ellen

This isn’t high school banter- I’m sorry you’re taking this personally, but I’m discussing this as someone who cares about art and likes to see the best work promoted and supported- I think the current trend is moving away from the type of work you seem to produce (And yes, I looked at your site- it looks pretty traditional compared to what I see in hipper stores and in magazines these days) and that’s just the way the business works.

I recognize the way that the pattern industry is moving- yes, more painterly work is popular- but that doesn’t mean that it looks traditional. There is a difference between traditional painterly work and the modern work produced by designers like those represented by Lila Rogers.

To suggest that modern pattern designers are trendy or fly by night is ridiculous- they’re just a different style- a style that the younger market currently is demanding and supporting. Look at companies like Dwell and designers like Julia Rothman- are they just a blip to you because they haven’t been around for 20 years?

Print+Pattern is a great site but it’s not necessarily a badge of proof that your work is good- just the same as this post on D*S isn’t a badge of proof for Samantha.

Caren

Dear Samantha-
As a past exhibitor at Surtex I wish you much luck at the show. I know just how exciting the first year is and every year you attend, you will learn more and more about the business of licensing.

I have recently met Carol and Ellen thru blog land and I do have to agree with them on the state of the economy and the difficulties manufacturers are having in this climate. You only have to listen to Bloomberg News to know they are not exaggerating. The downturn also has nothing to do with style, since in this business all styles of art sell. When manufacturers license, they are not only thinking of modern art for metropolitan areas, but art that will sell thruout the country and internationally. Keep that in mind when designing your portfolio.

The best advice I give to anyone going into this business is to find a good copyright attorney. Reading contracts and negotiating are a large part of licensing and only the strong survive. It also takes up alot of time when I am always thinking- I could be painting.

I am sure you will enjoy this experience and hopefully make some good contacts, but I suggest you listen to the professionals that have the experience and not the comments of the naive.

I just checked back in….

There are a lot of perspectives here. I do agree that the economy is terrible and that a lot of small business owners are having trouble and artists too. I know there is a lot to learn about licensing. All I can do now is prepare my work for Surtex and hope it fits in somewhere. I have to do the work I feel. I can’t get a lawyer or become an expert overnight on licensing but I can present my work the best I can, learn a little about licensing and hope there’s room in the diverse market for my art. I don’t really know what Ellen and Carol’s advice is. It seems to me that they are simply saying be careful. I’ll try. I’ll try to make good deals. But I can’t make all the decisions. I’ll be in my booth. Whom ever is interested in my work can come talk to me. Hopefully they’ll realize this is my Surtex debut and that I’m not totally business savvy. They’ll also hopefully not think me totally naive. I’m learning what I can and getting as prepared as I can but I don’t think any of us going to the show know exactly what to expect or we’d just skip it and deal with companies directly. All any of us can do, traditional or modern, is do the work we feel we want to put out there and share. That’s my goal. I hope to become a “popular”, “in demand” designer. But more importantly I would love to see my work in a few places that I admire. I want to share my art. That’s what this is really all about. Let’s not lose site of that. It is business….but as Milton Glaser said “art is work”. I’d love to strike a balance. For me this is a labor of love. I love making patterns. I’m working my tail off. I have a full time job and then I do this all night so I’m hoping my hard work will pay off. Ellen and Carol….maybe you are right and it won’t…maybe I don’t have a chance. But maybe I do. I’m willing to take the gamble. I wish you all luck, I really mean it. There are lots of aesthetics out there. I hope each of ours is well received!!! Thanks for all the info. and feedback. It’s all valuable.

So Samantha, how did it go?