Maneki Naeko

Julie Rose

This piece features an artist (“Naeko”) in front of a neon-lit maneki neko—the Japanese “lucky cat” seen beckoning customers into businesses throughout Asia. This is a perfect metaphor for the acquiescent “customer service voice”, but underneath that glowing face lies the strong foundation of a fierce tiger who knows her worth and will not settle for less. The balance between these two forces is important in any business, but especially for the freelance artist.