A union man

[avram]

As of last week, I’m a member of UAW Local 3030 AFL-CIO-CLC, specifically the New York chapter of the Graphic Artists Guild. I did this primarily so that I could qualify for Working Today’s health insurance plan, which is a lot cheaper than the one my parents are currently paying me to stay on, and includes stuff my current plan doesn’t, like dental and optical coverage. I discovered today that I’ll need to be a member for three months to qualify, though. I could have qualified last year if I’d taken care of it soon enough after being laid off.

I’m not so thrilled with the other opportunities the GAG offers. There’s a job board, but it charges job-seekers $55 for a six-month subscription, and I don’t think I’m at the level of desperation that would drive me to pay money for a chance at a job. (As an alumnus, I’ve got access to the School of Visual Arts job board for free.) The illustrators show coming up in October has a registration fee of around $300 for half a table, no guests or shares, and I’m not up for that either.

On the other hand, looking at the samples of artwork being shown on the promotional site for the show makes me more confident about my prospects in the illustration field. From where I’m sitting, I can see that I can compete with these folks if I put some work into it. But I can also see how much work it’ll take, and it’s a steep hill to climb.

Right now, it’s time to head Manhattan-wards. I want to buy some spray fixative (and I really ought to get a window fan to disperse the fumes, maybe tomorrow or Sunday) and eat something. I feel like sushi cold and moist with rice up my ass.