'Talent alone isn't enough. Education is important' Tracey Emin 'Don't make art for the
purpose of a career or success: make art because it is an unstoppable obsession' Shirin Neshat
'You're not meant to know what you're doing when you're young and making art. It's meant to
fill you with dread' Ryan Gander 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. Survival
Notes is an inspiring narrative weaving artists' reflections on success with advice to aspiring
creatives. Featuring direct quotes and exclusive interviews with internationally acclaimed
artists such as Anish Kapoor Shirin Neshat Tracey Emin Jesse Darling and Shahzia Sikander
this book offers authoritative counsel on how to thrive in a highly competitive art world as
well as thoughtful insights on what it means to be an artist in the twenty-first century.
Nine thematic chapters offer essential guidance on how to negotiate the practical realities of
artmaking with discussions relating to education self-discipline gallery representation
mental wellbeing mentorship and more. In a climate where emerging creatives feel less
empowered than ever Lydia R. Figes provides a hopeful message about perseverance and
perspective while questioning whether the advice given by established practitioners can still
be applied today.
