Industry Vet Looks to Licensing to Extend Brand

Jason Yenter, under his moniker J. Yenter Design, comes to the world of licensing in a somewhat backward manner. Most designers start out creating art for a wide variety of products, establish a brand presence, and then are oft

April 6, 2018

Yenter has done exactly the opposite.

Yenter has already made a name for himself in the craft and fabric industry, having been a presence for more than 15 years. Now, Yenter will leverage his catalog of designs as he looks license for a variety of other products.

Yenter took a little time off from creating in his Seattle studio to answer a few questions for Art of Licensing.

Art of Licensing:

What brings you to licensing?

Jason Yenter:

I have been designing for many years and have compiled a vast array of work, most of which was originally created for quilt and/or craft fabric. I would love to see my designs on other products.

AoL:

Why do you feel your art is perfect for licensing?

JY:

That would be a two-part answer.

First, my designs have a proven track record and have been printed on millions of yards of fabric for the quilting/craft market. Second, all my designs are digital and already in repeat, so they are easy to manipulate, recolor, rescale and even change their overall layout.

AoL:

Where do find inspiration for your designs?

JY:

I do a lot of research–ok, a lot of shopping. I am continually searching catalogs and stores, from big-box retailers to small boutiques, to absorb current trends and colors and to try and figure out what might be the next hot look.

AoL:

So what have you been working on lately?

JY:

Most recently I have been working on a "Legends" series. These are groups of designs inspired by legendary and mythical places. The first one I completed is Camelot. Next will be Avalon, then Shangri La and Atlantis. I also seem to be constantly working on new winter and holiday designs.

AoL:

How would you describe your working style?

JY:

I think I am pretty easy to work with. I look at my work as graphic art–not fine art. I am happy to change things to fit whatever product I am working on. My only concern is to create something that pleases the end consumer and sells lots of product!

To schedule an appointment with Yenter, call 206-778-2825 or email at

[email protected]

Subscribe and receive the latest news from the industry.

Join 62,000+ members. Yes, it’s completely free.