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Heidi,
Ouch! As a painter who has seen MUCH promotional money go down the drain I can emphasize with you. Not that much all at once though but a very rapid flow that was more than that.
Southwestern art? So many are doing it. You might be an also ran rather than the wonderful individualistic artist that you are. I actually think it is the modern day souvenir, not unlike the trinkets we picked up as kids when our parents took us to see real "Indians ".
I think the stuff is trite, hackneyed, sentimental and derivative and I include ALL of the so called "Western artists". I hate to see artists making 'paintings' of the 'colorful' remains of a people and a culture for their own benefit and not for the people they are portraying.
A very good friend of mine and other sculptors can make extra money making toy prototypes. He has knocked out gift items as well, for large gift companies. The Franklin Mint and other companies like that use freelance sculptors.
I understand they pay well and you don't have to kid yourself its art.
I can try and find out more if you wish, but just look in the magazines and papers for the companies and get their contact information and requirements. Some want baby angels sculpted for Christmas etc.
Just some ideas until you can make a name for yourself, which I am sure you will!
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