Survival Notes

Weaving artists’ reflections and anecdotes with their invaluable words of advice to aspiring creatives, this inspiring book explores the practical realities of the art world and demystifies the route to professional success. Offering a glimpse into the unique careers of established artists from the 20th and 21st centuries, such as El Anatsui, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tracey Emin, Yayoi Kusama and Ai Weiwei, this book features direct quotes and counsel on how to enter and thrive in this highly competitive creative profession. By mapping the origin stories of well-known practitioners, Lydia Figes highlights the practical realities of the art world and demystifies the route to professional success. Thematic chapters offer essential guidance for emerging artists on how to negotiate the complexities of the art sphere, with discussions relating to self-discipline, mental wellbeing, education, representation and other relevant topics. These chapters are followed by approximately 100 artist summaries, which not only profile each individual but also offer key elements of advice, often in the artist’s own words. In a climate where younger generations feel less empowered than ever, this book provides a hopeful message about perseverance and perspective. It advocates for resisting narrow measures of success, and encourages readers to pursue more autonomy in their creative endeavours. It also challenges the limitations faced by up-and-coming artists today, and questions whether the advice given by notable artistic practitioners contains universal truths that can still be applied. Survival Notes illuminates the career paths of internationally acclaimed artists, and is key reading for anyone working to establish themselves in the art world.