Every time the economy takes a turn for the worse I start to re-assess my career choice.  Needless to say, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately.  How does an artist or craftperson get by when “disposable income” is just a fond memory for most people?  I’m hoping that if I share a few of my thoughts and plans with you, that you’ll send a few of yours my way.

First of all I plan to keep my galleries as happy as possible.  If we are feeling the pinch right now, they are feeling it in multiples.  Gallery owners and managers are telling me that their customers are buying items with lower price points so that is what I will send them.  I could count on one hand the number of boxes priced over $100 that I have made in the last year.  Probably 90% of the pieces that have sold in the last 18 mos. are under $40.  I can deal with that.

Next I am re-assessing my show schedule.  I don’t know about anyone else but at the end of 2008 I was completely rung out by the Holiday shows.  In my attempt to compensate for slower sales I had added more shows.  Good idea in theory but grueling in practice.  My thought for this year is to try some shows and/or open studios that I have not done before and give the shows that I routinely participate in a break.  This way I hope to broaden my base by making my work available to a new group of potential customers.  Jurying for shows a little farther afield seems like a good idea as well.

Finally, I am going to allow myself the time to work on some completely new ideas and explore some new mediums.  This is the perfect time to work without having to think about sales potential.  Channeling my art school days might be helpful here in allowing me to experiment and push some boundaries. ………I may even take a few classes to help me move in that direction.

Things will turn around – they always do.  Except for a very few, artists have always put the satisfaction with what we do ahead of any financial compensation.  Since we still have to pay bills and buy groceries (very few grocery stores will barter these days) I hope some of the above thoughts will be of help.

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