One of the first things artists wonder about, after learning about art licensing, is whether they should find an agent or go it alone.
Questions like, "Will I have time to do the marketing and create my art?" "Will I make more money with an agent or on my own?" and "How will I ever find contacts if I try to do it myself?" spin through the artist's mind.
While no one can answer those questions definitively, there are certain beliefs and mindsets that might make an artist more likely to succeed promoting their own work than another.
An artist who is extremely shy, or very hesitant to promote their own work, for example, would likely be more successful using an agent.
Here are 5 statements to consider about promoting your work.
If you agree with most of them, you might want to consider marketing your own work.

1. I enjoy collaborating on projects with clients.
   
2. I am not afraid to make phone calls to promote my work.
   
3. I like taking direction from others and being creative within what is asked of me.
   
4. I like to control every aspect of my business.
   
5. I am organized and can keep track of finances and accounts receivable.
   

Art licensing agents are business people - in the business of promoting artists work to manufacturers for licensing.
They do the sales, marketing, contracts and bookkeeping involved for the artists they represent.
If you are comfortable doing these things and want to really learn and understand every aspect of your business, promoting your own work might be a great choice.
And remember - you can always make a different choice later.