[Darla Dixon]

For me, I've actually had an upswing in business, which I think is due to several factors.

I do realistic pencil portraits though, so my price range is more affordable for many people.

I think people see my artwork as a more traditional gift idea, and something that will last, so it's a good investment.

I also created an artwork of an eagle ON September 11th, while I listened to CBS News reports. I had the artwork reproduced by Colson Fine Art printers, sold limited edition S/N prints of the Memorial Eagle, and raffled off the original artwork, with all proceeds from the print run and the raffle going to the Red Cross.

The fundraiser is still struggling though, because of the cost of the print run and mailing / promotional expenses cutting into it, but I hope that long term it will bring some decent money in for the Red Cross. Doing the fundraiser got me some newspaper coverage and has helped draw attention to my art.