Survival Notes

Life Lessons from Contemporary Artists

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£14.99
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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

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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.
Extent: 208 pp
Format: Hardback
Illustrations: 10
Publication date: 2025-09-11
Size: 21.6 x 13.5 cm
ISBN: 9780500297919

Press Reviews

What an inspiring read! This is a must for all those who make art, all who love art and anyone who’s felt the stirrings of creativity anywhere in their life but wondered: where do I start, and how do I carry on? Lydia Figes has drawn inspiration from some of the world’s boldest and most brilliant artists, to create a wise, confident and gloriously motivating work of her own
Bidisha, author of The Future of Serious Art

if you stick your head above the parapet and show your work in public, people are going to lay their sniper rifles. This is a book about how to put on the armour, how to duck and, most importantly, how to stay true to your principles
ArtBookReview

A roadmap publication offering counsel and insights for creatives and artists
The Art Newspaper


About the Author

Lydia R. Figes is a writer and editor, and is currently Curator of Digital at Contemporary Art Society. She has interviewed many well-­known artists, and her writing has appeared in Apollo, ArtReview, the Guardian, British Journal of Photography, AnOther, Dazed, i-D, Elle, A Rabbit's Foot and Elephant, amongst others.

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