Surviving the economy

Lon Haverly · 06-18-2003, 02:20 AM

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.

Timothy C. Tyler · 06-18-2003, 09:28 AM

Oregon is lovely and I liked the folks there but it has long been one of the worst states in the US for buying art of any kind. Travel and ship is the answer I think. Nice place to live- poor place to sell. Try the Carolinas for selling portraits (just about perfectly the opposite side of the country)

Michele Rushworth · 06-18-2003, 10:07 AM

I don't think it's necessary to be in the portraiture hot spots (the Southeast, the Northeast) to get work. Those areas have more demand, but also more supply -- more competition from lots of other well-established portrait artists.

Depending on your price point, I do think it is necessary, however, to market in an area where there is SOME money. There's gotta be at least a couple of Mercedes Benz dealerships around. Their clients are the same ones (wealthy, conservative) who will be able to pay several thousand dollars for a painting of little Billy or the lovely wife.

Seattle is also one of the areas with no tradition in portraiture and a very high unemployment rate but I am finding wealthy clients here. They may not be able to afford to keep their beach house in Maui with the downturn in the economy, but they can often still buy portraits. My latest client is a billionaire (yes, spelled with a "b") and I don't think she even looked at my price sheet.

Lon, maybe you could concentrate on Portland?

Lon Haverly · 06-18-2003, 01:06 PM

I am a public artist. That is what I do best. Portland malls have no interest in my product. I am doing well enough here if I watch my pricing. I really prefer drawing over painting, but I would paint if there was a demand.

I am going to be a snowbird to Palm Springs.

I have written to Seven Feathers Casino at the Oregon coast. I wouldn't mind going there a few months out of the year.

Of course, I am preparing for a series on PBS which I am submitting the pilot next week on which I will market my books and videos. But, drawing is my passion. I shall not leave the mall business for a while.

Michele Rushworth · 06-18-2003, 01:18 PM

Congratulations on the upcoming PBS pilot! And I'm sure you'll enjoy (and do very well) in Palm Springs.