Have you ever noticed how certain actions or mental attitudes can pretty much ensure failure? When you are in school if you sleep in class, never do you your homework and do poorly on the test, you aren't going to pass the class.
If you hit parked cars and speed while taking your driver's license exam, I'm pretty certain you won't get your license.
While I usually like to look at the positive side of things, I believe a list of "don't"s can be valuable for artists just starting out or considering art licensing.

1. Don't expect to be an overnight success.
   Art Licensing takes time.
   Sure, there are the stories of people who throw their art in the ring and become overnight sensations.
   But let me share some wisdom that was shared with me by a client early on, "It is almost better to build your business more slowing so you don't become a shooting star known for one thing.
   Do you want to be a One-Hit-Wonder or build a lasting business on a solid foundation?"
2. Don't compare yourself to others.
   Deciding to start licensing your art can be scary.
   Realize that every artist brings their own unique background, experience, style and energy to the table.
   Do your best to focus on your strengths and what unique qualities you and your art bring to a manufacturer who is considering licensing your art.
   Comparing yourself to others is a quick way to make up excuses for not even trying or giving yourself an ulcer.
   Life is too short for both!
3. Don't expect to collection royalties on the same art for decades.
   This seems to be a common "newbie" misconception.
   There are certainly cases where a particular piece of art or art collection continues to sell for years and years but like the woman who loses 60 pounds in 3 weeks on a diet plan, "these results are not common".
   The reality of art licensing today mirrors the reality of information - everything is moving and changing faster than ever.
   Most contracts are for 2 years which should tell you how long the average lifespan of licensed art is.
   Consumers want new and different so the manufacturers need new and different.
   That means the artist must always be creating new and different.
   (Of course always holding out hope for those uncommon results!)
4. Don't expect quick money.
   Licensing your art is not the solution if you need to find money to pay next month's electric bill.
   It can take 12-18 months, on average, to see you art go from contract to bank deposit.
   Understanding that it takes time to have income coming in will help you be mentally prepared to stay the course!
5. Don't give up! This is the most important step.
   If you want to license your art and create art that will appeal to a wide variety of people, don't give up.
   Don't listen to the "Negative Nellies" who talk about the good old days...
   they exist in any business.
   Stay positive, stay focused and stay the course!