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Wyland fight: state seeks new artist for “whale tail” plate
December 3rd, 2008, 11:13 am · 11 Comments · posted by Pat Brennan, science, environment editor
Months after a public fight with Orange County’s one-named artist, Wyland, the state Coastal Commission is holding a contest for artists to design a new “whale tail” license plate. 
The highly popular specialty plate, designed by Wyland, earned the state about $45 million in revenue over 11 years. But Wyland, strapped for cash, requested earlier this year that the state share some of that revenue with his foundation.
When the state refused, Wyland’s reaction was swift: insisting that the state cease using his license plate design immediately. Coastal Commission officials said they would continue using Wyland’s design until they found a new artist to create another.
That was in June. Wyland did receive $20,000 for his design at one point from the commission as part of their informal agreement, but earlier this year requested 20 percent of the revenue from the plate. The two sides are still talking, said Wyland spokesman Steve Creech.
“We’re still open to some sort of resolution on this,” Creech said. “At this point we’re open to anything.”
Wyland (left) is a well-known marine life artist who creates popular whale paintings and sculptures. The Wyland Foundation also travels the world educating children on environmental issues.
The state Coastal Commission says the competition for a new design is open to artists, designers and photographers. A commission announcement said the new design “will be seen by millions,” and that proceeds from its sale will fund coastal restoration and education projects.
Contest guidelines and entry forms can be found on the commission’s public education web site; those interested also can call 1-800-COAST-4U. The deadline is Jan. 15.
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He hasn’t made enough money already? Sorry, not the time to be greedy!
This article didn’t investigate what arrangement was originally in place between the state and Wyland, did it?
If there was no formal agreement and terms, then he’s a fool. But that’s not likely as he’s run a long lived business with his art.
If it was agreed that Wyland was giving the image for no compensation, then he’s a weasel for asking for money after the fact.
If it was for compensation, then he’s trying to renegotiate an already specific contract. Not as much as a weasel, but still.
The reporter didn’t think one more question to investigate was significant? How can I make an informed “vote” in this online poll without knowing such an important basis?
Wyland seems to have gotten too big for his britches in the past decade or so. If his original contract didn’t call for on-going residuals, then he is out of luck. The State needs the $ too.
Thanks to reader for requesting more information on their agreement; more on that added.
There was a good article about this in Orange Coast Magazine this month. The agreement was NO MONEY. This was Wyland’s gift and his only compensation was the promotional value of doing it. There are many much more qualified artists that I’m sure would be happy to do this. Interesting that he needs the money, people don’t want quickie airbrushed whales any more?
Well its kind of like Thomas kincade”painter of light”…….
Wyland: yesterday’s greedy art weasel reneging on his original agreement with the state. Get a new design and dump Mr. Whiny Whale-Man!
whale meat tastes like chicken
Some facts are missing in this story. Whereas its true that Wyland didn’t ask for compensation from the beginning, he began PRIVATE talks with the Coastal Commission to try to get some percentage of their license plate earnings for his Wyland Foundation. The Foundation educates children on wise water use, etc. Wyland would get absolutely nothing himself. The Coastal Commission and the Wyland Foundation actually do alot of the same work. Some loony media person got wind of the private negotiations and made them public. Wyland and the Coastal Commission were in the early negotiating stages when this went public. Now its overblown and the Coastal Commission is really the greedy one.
Wyland has always been about the money;
Artist’s don’t do beach towels and coffee mugs.
I remember Wyland back from The White House days. He seemed nice but arrogant back then.
If his original contract with Laguna Beach didn’t specify his foundation getting a cut, then sorry Wyland, you and your foundation are out of luck.
I don’t believe he is strapped for cash. What does that mean, under 20 million in the bank?