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Surviving the economy
Lane County, Oregon has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Things are tough here. Sony just closed, laying off 2400 people. Hyundai, a similar high tech industry, closed last year, 800 laid off. Many other small businesses have closed as a result of these and other closures, including several large RV manufacturing companies.
So how do I survive here as a portrait artist? I have taken my cues from the mall where I do business. 60% off. I have dramatically increased my bottom line. I am drawing.
This was a real let down after returning from Palm Springs, where there never is recession. I did splendidly there drawing at a very large mall twice the size as the one here in Eugene, and in a community where the main industry is rich people.
Thus, my silence lately. I have emerged from my dilemma, and am rising to the surface after nearly drowning in a depressed economy. Alas, it is sweet to draw for a living even still. What price we pay for our art.
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