A groundbreaking new book titled "Survival Notes: Life Lessons from Contemporary Artists" offers aspiring creatives unprecedented access to wisdom from some of the art world's most revered figures. Published by Thames & Hudson, the anthology features career guidance from over 50 renowned artists including Wolfgang Tillmans, Tracey Emin, Chantal Joffe, Shirin Neshat, Anish Kapoor, and Antony Gormley.
Author Lydia R. Figes spent an entire year conducting interviews with established artists, asking each the same fundamental question: "If you could give one piece of advice to a young, aspiring artist today, what would you say?" The project emerged from Figes' experience as an arts writer, where she noticed that successful artists particularly enjoyed reflecting on their journeys and sharing insights with younger generations facing increasingly difficult economic conditions.
"The idea for Survival Notes began years ago when I was working as an arts writer and speaking to lots of emerging and established artists," Figes explained. "Typically, at the end of each interview, I liked to lighten things up by asking for their advice for young, aspiring artists. It dawned on me that artists – especially the very successful ones – love being asked this question."
The resulting collection reveals surprisingly diverse and often contradictory perspectives on artistic success. Figes discovered that many well-established artists share a deep commitment to solitary art-making that borders on obsession. This dedication suggests that becoming an artist requires a particular way of living that isn't suitable for everyone, involving significant sacrifice, experimentation, and failure.
Many artists in the book challenge conventional definitions of success, emphasizing artistic integrity over commercial achievement. Their guidance often proves counterintuitive, with the most prolific creators motivated primarily by continuous learning and self-challenge rather than external validation. This approach reframes success as maintaining curiosity and pushing creative boundaries throughout one's career.
Figes highlighted several memorable encounters during her research process. "It was a delight to interview Ryan Gander. He's an artist I admire greatly for speaking so logically and without fear of others' opinions – and never without a sense of humor," she recalled. She also praised conversations with Marilyn Minter, noting the artist's openness and generosity, and described visiting Anya Paintsil's south London studio as particularly inspiring.
The book addresses significant challenges facing today's emerging artists that previous generations didn't encounter. Young creatives now navigate unprecedented financial pressures, with most unable to survive solely on art sales unless they come from substantial wealth. The burden of educational debt combined with increased competition from more art school graduates creates additional obstacles to sustainable artistic careers.
Social media presents both opportunities and dangers for contemporary artists. While these platforms democratize access to audiences, they also create constant visibility of competition and pressure to develop personal brands. Figes noted that young artists often feel compelled to become "artist-Instagrammers," focusing on appearance and lifestyle rather than work quality.
"It's quite sad that young creatives feel like they have to develop their personal brand to succeed," Figes observed. "I don't think an artist's appearance, wardrobe or flashy lifestyle should be up for scrutiny before the quality of their work." Artist Issy Wood specifically addresses these concerns in the book, encouraging readers to think carefully about social media identity pressures.
The anthology includes cautionary tales that illuminate industry dangers. Caroline Walker's story about having artwork stolen by a gallerist, only to buy back her own pieces decades later on the secondary market, serves as a warning about predatory practices targeting emerging artists who lack experience protecting themselves.
Regarding political engagement in art, Figes argues that contemporary artists face increased commodification, censorship, and control that limits artistic freedom and political potency. Wolfgang Tillmans advocates for mindful political consciousness-raising through art-making, noting that choosing to be apolitical is itself a political decision. Recent years have witnessed significant arts censorship, with artists fearing career damage for speaking out.
For young artists seeking success through online visibility and fame, Figes advises prioritizing personal values and artistic integrity. She points to advice from Marilyn Minter and Antony Gormley, who suggest that exceptional artists often find fame cumbersome, preferring studio solitude to public events and parties.
The book's lessons extend beyond visual arts to all creative professions. Key takeaways include developing courage and discipline to pursue opportunities without constant second-guessing, accepting rejection as normal, and understanding that growth comes through continuous creation and learning from failure. Artist Alvaro Barrington's simple response – "Just do the work" – encapsulates this practical philosophy.
"Survival Notes: Life Lessons from Contemporary Artists" is now available through Thames & Hudson, offering essential guidance for anyone attempting to develop themselves in creative fields. The book serves as both practical career advice and philosophical reflection on what it means to live as an artist in the contemporary world.
