Wow, 2009 went by in a flash, didn’t it?  I started last year worried about the economy like everyone else.  Those of us whom try to make a living on our art or craft find it especially stressful.  After all, nobody really NEEDS what we do.  When people across the country are cutting back on those “little extras” , a $28  hand sculpted caricature zipper pull would not seem to  land high on anyone’s priority list. 

Alaska has had the good fortune to not have been hit as hard by the floundering economy as else where in the country, but many people are still cautious.  While participating at some new venues (and several standard ones for me) I listened to many of my fellow vendors.  Some fretted and wrung their hands while others withheld any opinion, prefering to take the ”wait and see” approach.   Will small business production craftsperson or artists go extinct?

By year’s end, I made some interesting observations.  Those folks whom allowed the media’s gloom and doom to rattle their confidence did not seem to do very well.  Those whom maintained a more positive attitude, seemed happier with their bottom line. 

(a strange juju occurs in the confines of a craft booth during a show…customers will sense negatively and keep on walking.)

Another thing I noticed was the folks whom were happy with their sales (myself included) took steps to keep a potentially frugal customer interested.  This might mean introducing a new line of work that is more affordable or perhaps introducing an item that is very practical as well as beautiful,  fun & funky.  

So what does this mean?  Well to me, a former anthropology student, it boils down to evolve or die.  Those whom can not, or will, not change with the times (be they good or bad) will usually not survive in the long run.  (like the dinosaurs and the Neanderthals)

Thus  far, I have been able to continue keep my work evolving.  I heard folks whom have visited my booth year after year, comment on that very thing. “Gee, you just keep changing and getting better and better.”  To me, this is high praise.

So am I still worried?  Well, I can’t say current events don’t occasionally give me some anxiety, but, I do know that I refuse to live in constant fear and worry.  I will continue to do the best I can and hopefully, I will not find myself admist the the dinos and Neanderthals.

Best wishes to everyone  (even the dinosaurs) for a prosperous New Year.