ArtBistro

I've joined the group of MANY now....unemployment.  This is the first time I've ever lost a job and it's a shock to begin with, but I'm learning to deal.  The thing that really keeps me going some days are sights like this.  I can post my art, enjoy other artists' works, and get incredible feedback that helps me progress.  Look at it this way....I have plenty of time now to work on my art!

 Me to!  i think it will be for the  better. its actually extremely tough  and stressful right now but im NoT going to give up. even if i am a starving artist. if you want to talk more in depth let me know.

Tony

good luck

In all seriousness, it can be a mixed blessing. Do use your time wisely...(there is nothing worse than looking back on a day and realize you got nothing accomplished-always move towards a goal of somekind.)

Learn some new software. Alot of companys offer 30 day trials-plenty of time to get your feet wet in a resume boosting program...

Read. Head to the library and pick up some books to enhance or learn new techniques.

Network. Check and see if there are any young entrepenuer or business groups that meet in your area...Perhaps you can pick up some freelance...

Good Luck, and keep moving forward.

I also have joined the 9.4% unemployment force. The good: I have my quad core mac pro, Cintiq 21UX, sketchbook pro, Adobe CS3, pencils , paper, and more time with my kids. The bad: my wife has taken over my drafting table (not so bad since I mostly work digitally now). Although I was very unhappy as a designer at my last job, having a sudden cessation of my income has struck a blow. Anyway, when in this situation, we must strive to look for the positive. Good luck to all who find themselves in this situation.

 After 35 years of steady employment in the prepress industry I was laid off in April 09. I spent the first week stunned, staring at the TV. Then I got some advice from a friend. She said "everyone needs a purpose" and she is right. I stumbled upon AB and haven't looked back. I created more Art in 3 months than the past 10 years. I want to thank all of you for the inspiration. 

http://artbistro.monster.com/albums/108344-thank-you/photos/2346556-eye...

 Hang in there everyone, and in the meantime, use the spectrum of mixed emotions you have to crank out some amazing artwork!

I was laid off in May after 17 years working for the biggest semiconductor company in the world. The money was great but the stress was incredible!  I thought it was the worst day of my life but now I see it for a blessing. Health wise, I feel better and new doors of opportunity are opening up for me.  This site has become very important to me. I have made many friends and have gotten lots of good feedback and moral support from members at ArtBistro.  You say "all I've got is my pencils"  but you have so much more to be thankful for.  You have a unique talent to offer the world. There is no one else on this earth exactly like you.  The sadness of the job loss will pass, I promise you.  keep sending out your resume, stay buisy and stay in contact with your friends.     Best of luck to you!   Sherry

 too lost my job of 6 years 2 months ago. I've been on this sight, but not until I found this thread did I even know all of you were out there and in my Boat!!!  I've been doing more art too, but not enough...until this last Sat, I started my own Blog and have challenged myself to do 350 portrait in 365 days!! LOL  I've done 4 so far...wish me luck. 

You are welcome to check it out :)  http://www.pamelajonasart.blogspot.com/

I teach art in a little town in Oklahoma.  I am the first art teacher that this town has ever had and I've been trying to open these cow poke's minds about how they veiw art.  We opened an art club this year, for several reasons.  One reason is  because I was told that if my # 's go down, I won't have a job next year, no matter how much the kids are enjoying this opportunity. They have slready cut my hour compaired to last year. The first meeting I had 30 kids, two meetings later I have 10.  The kids don't seem interested in raising $ so that we CAN do extra things.      Does anyone have any suggestions on how to encourage more kids to not only come to art club but want to participate?

Well I don't have any great words of wisdom to give you but just do the best you can and try to be thankfull for something  day to day . It will get better, do as much art as you can between job searches . I wish you the best .

Go to my article on artbistro and read about the great possibility of trading your art and or artist services for what you need.  Is there a local restaurant that could use some art on their walls?  Would you pay them a 20 or 30% commission if they sold any for you?  Would you trade any art for the following example...say $100.00 worth of your art for $100.00 worth of meals out .  I once traded a $3,800.00 diamond studded ladies wrist watch that I was trying to sell at the jewelers one day and was trying to get $1,000.00 for it. One of his customers walked in and fell in love with it.  She owned an Italian restuarant. I traded her for $3,800.00 worth of meals and it took me 3 years to use it up!! 

How about doing murals on the walls of businesses that you use...Curves, dry cleaners, your auto service dealer... Think outside the box. Think 360 degrees... Think of the glass half full instead of half empty.

Are you any good?  Give art lessons.. I sometimes give art lessons to the children of the person I am bartering with.  $15.00 and $20.00 an hour... not bad...

Try it you may like it.

Arlene Wright-Correll

elfus says ...

Hey Tress ,

 how about an update , how are you doing ?

Hey elfus!

Well, I'm doing ok...less than two weeks before my wedding.   The last thing I want to be worrying about is a job, but I've got a couple of commissions coming my way...so that's good.  I think I've put out nearly 500 applications and I can hardly land an interview.  I'm either over qualified or just not "right" for the job.  Oh man....I'm a Debbie Downer.  I would like to say I'm doing great, but I'm a little scatter-brained right now.  And feeling that way is making it hard to make some art.

Sincerely,

Tressina (don't remind me how close the wedding is) Cluck

P.S. I can't WAIT to get rid of the last name Cluck....I will no longer have to say, "Yes, the noise a chicken makes."