Table Talk: Art Licensing, Part I

Licensing art for a book cover - How to manifest it, and navigate the contract when you land it.

On 2.25.25 ‘When We Grow Up’, Angelica Baker’s sophomore novel, was released nationwide in bookstores and online. I’m honored to have my painting ‘Pool Bar’ selected as the cover art.

The novel is about 6 longtime friends all approaching 30, celebrating in Hawaii when their vacation is suddenly interrupted by an unexpected crisis. The painting choice felt kismet, as it was inspired by my own longtime friends the year we also turned 30 - just sans unexpected crisis (and ensuing tension!)

Thank you to Angelica, the team at Flatiron Books and designer Emily Mahon. And extra thanks to my friends Aliya, Anna, Katie, Mercedes, Zoe, John and Ben for being there throughout our own ‘growing up’, and always kindly obliging as my art muses!

If you’re interested in learning more about the novel and author, I enjoyed this under 30 min pod episode with beloved bibliophile Zibby Owens.

Now onto the meat of today’s post and our first edition of ‘Table Talk’! If you missed my introduction to ‘Table Talk’ you can read more here.

Below I share how this opportunity came to be, what I learned along the way, and lots of tangible takeaways (including a bulleted list of my manifestation lessons and helpful licensing contract considerations c/o my dad, who has combined 38 years experience as a transactional attorney in private practice and general counsel of both public and private companies.)

This post will be helpful for anyone looking to manifest personal or career goals, or has curiosities about art licensing.

Please leave any questions in the comments!