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Navigating the Art World - Professional Practice for the Early Career Artist
The business book is aimed at early career artists and helps to equip them with the practical tools needed to approach their careers, shining light upon topics that are often hidden from view. It has been written as a series of opinion pieces covering a breadth of topics rather than a how-to guide, such as how to exhibit and sell your works, as well as providing guidance and support for how to stay motivated, and advise on overcoming the periods of insecurity that a career in the arts can often create. The process of entering the art world and forging a career can be fraught with obstacles to overcome, and so we have written this guide to make the journey as stress-free as possible. Navigating The Art World consists of a mix of advice and tips from ourselves, as well as gallerists, curators, artists, collectors, and other industry experts to give some insight on various ways to enhance your art career. Contributors include Maureen Paley, Jake Chapman, Andy Dixon, Kristin Hjellegjerde, Claus Busch Risvig, and many others. 'It has been our intention to write about things that are not often discussed, in the hope that by pulling back the curtain slightly, things are a little clearer for all of us.' - Delphian Gallery
112 pages, Paperback
Published July 16, 2020
23 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 2, 2021
Penetrates the pretension; castrates the artifice; fixes the gaseous flan flummery; and neuters the empty fog of hot air. If any book deserves raw language in praise of its uncompromising readability and honesty, it's this one but I'm guessing that might get the review binned and maybe me banned so here's the version that won't - this book is a straight talking, readable, pocket-sized, navigation aid for new artists guaranteed to keep us out of the bogs of supercilious vacuity. Get it.
November 29, 2020
It’s hard to give “one size fits all” advice to anyone—particularly someone looking to find their footing a field as myriad as art. But Benjamin and Nick seem aware of that and, as such, this felt fairly digestible and applicable for any green creative work-making human looking to get their work out into the world. Will be gifting this to some recent/aspiring artists in my life.
December 17, 2020
A brilliant little book on navigating the in and outs of the art world. While too broad a topic to cover in so few pages, reading the words of so many (especially the Q+As dotted throughout) makes this a worthwhile read.
Below are some of the quotes that spoke to me most:
‘Don’t believe a word anyone says. Almost everything - proclamations, snide takes, humorous, advice, and eulogising - is nonsense. Absolutely no one has the faintest idea what the fuck is going on.’ (Rae Hicks, 103)
Below are some of the quotes that spoke to me most:
‘Don’t believe a word anyone says. Almost everything - proclamations, snide takes, humorous, advice, and eulogising - is nonsense. Absolutely no one has the faintest idea what the fuck is going on.’ (Rae Hicks, 103)
May 21, 2023
Short, concise and easy to read and make notes on. This book was really helpful as a recent art graduate/early career artist. It includes plenty of useful pieces of information and is definitely a book I'd go back to regularly.
My only criticism is the price. It may include a lot of advice but £9.99 for a book of just over 100 pages felt a bit steep.
My only criticism is the price. It may include a lot of advice but £9.99 for a book of just over 100 pages felt a bit steep.
June 27, 2024
started this monthssssss ago and forgot about it. now finished it on holiday and really loved it. a lot of food for thought for my next steps in my artist journey ;) and i’ll be coming back to different sections to reread! recommend for traditional artists that wanna make it a business 👩🏻🎨
January 31, 2023
If you’re an emerging artist, a student, a professional, a teacher or just a person, this book is a must! I purchased this book in the lockdown not too long after graduating from art school, it taught me more than my actual degree. It contains knowledge, and advice from artists, writers and curators who know what it’s like in the art world first hand, and are not dinosaurs asking you to spend a fortune on applications, like a random lottery, in an academy show.
This book navigates the reader into discovering what it’s like to be a creative in a time of social media, it explains the importance of mailing lists, of keeping in touch online, diy exhibitions, and learning to talk and write about your work. The biggest hit for me in this book is that some people are picked up early, but it’s important to not get too distracted by the hype of your peers. Be happy for them, and know that your time will come eventually. Trend-Art comes and goes and it’s better to stay true to yourself and your own practice rather than jumping onto any bandwagons.
Definitely a book to add to your shelves, no spoilers but it will change your life. So helpful, fun to read and a lovely tiny format that can fit in your pocket. Easy for people with dyslexia or those who find it hard to concentrate, as it has large areas of larger texts and quotes. Great read, thank you!
This book navigates the reader into discovering what it’s like to be a creative in a time of social media, it explains the importance of mailing lists, of keeping in touch online, diy exhibitions, and learning to talk and write about your work. The biggest hit for me in this book is that some people are picked up early, but it’s important to not get too distracted by the hype of your peers. Be happy for them, and know that your time will come eventually. Trend-Art comes and goes and it’s better to stay true to yourself and your own practice rather than jumping onto any bandwagons.
Definitely a book to add to your shelves, no spoilers but it will change your life. So helpful, fun to read and a lovely tiny format that can fit in your pocket. Easy for people with dyslexia or those who find it hard to concentrate, as it has large areas of larger texts and quotes. Great read, thank you!
January 14, 2021
I loved this little book very much!
The red text inside is beautiful and it offers really amazing to-the-point advice that I found super helpful. Not all of it applied to me (mainly the parts about exhibitions and curating) but it was useful to read anyways.
As they mentioned in the afterword: "some of what you read here might not apply to your particular experience, and that's ok. There is no sure-fire road to success in this world, and so, unfortunately, there is no winning formula that once applied guarantees success."
It also arrived with a cute bookmark and a sticker!
The red text inside is beautiful and it offers really amazing to-the-point advice that I found super helpful. Not all of it applied to me (mainly the parts about exhibitions and curating) but it was useful to read anyways.
As they mentioned in the afterword: "some of what you read here might not apply to your particular experience, and that's ok. There is no sure-fire road to success in this world, and so, unfortunately, there is no winning formula that once applied guarantees success."
It also arrived with a cute bookmark and a sticker!
November 28, 2023
I started out as a maker in college but got sidetracked being an admin in the art field for my entire professional life.
Now I’m at a point where I can go back to making work and have been doing so for a few years. I now do it full time. I’ve taken things more seriously as I set up a studio recently and also enrolled in an MFA program to keep me focused on my productivity and input. My goal now is not about making a living or getting fame from my work, it’s only about making work and have it recognized.
A few years ago, I bought this book, Navigating The Art World. I didnt read it at the time but ran across it this weekend and just finished it. It was wonderful. While some things did not apply to me as an older artist with an income in place, so many things were just basic common sense that I needed to read.
I made a list of “to-dos”, some which were already in progress and others to begin.
I look forward to going back to the book again a year from now and see what progress I’ve made.
Many thanks for putting the book together. It was a big help.
Now I’m at a point where I can go back to making work and have been doing so for a few years. I now do it full time. I’ve taken things more seriously as I set up a studio recently and also enrolled in an MFA program to keep me focused on my productivity and input. My goal now is not about making a living or getting fame from my work, it’s only about making work and have it recognized.
A few years ago, I bought this book, Navigating The Art World. I didnt read it at the time but ran across it this weekend and just finished it. It was wonderful. While some things did not apply to me as an older artist with an income in place, so many things were just basic common sense that I needed to read.
I made a list of “to-dos”, some which were already in progress and others to begin.
I look forward to going back to the book again a year from now and see what progress I’ve made.
Many thanks for putting the book together. It was a big help.
May 12, 2021
For such a short book it covered a lot of ground. Great for artists who are getting started and trying to familiar themselves with the art world without getting overwhelmed. It was interesting to see things from the gallerists’ POV and it contained a bunch of answers to questions I’ve always wanted to ask other artists as a new artist myself.
June 7, 2021
It’s a relatively small book but it is worth the read. It’s a really good avenue to start thinking about an emerging artists practise and includes information on how to market yourself as an artist. This is stuff you aren’t taught in art school or at least undergrad study and it’s a book well worth reading. I’ll be reading it again and again in the future as I currently own this book.
October 22, 2022
It’s totally for artists, not for all creators.
It’s for painters, sculptors, somehow related to videomakers. The book gives advices about relationships with galleries, buyers and sponsors. So don’t waste your time if you’re a TikToker 😅
Well, it’s also pretty much about self confidence and a product you created to show to world
It’s for painters, sculptors, somehow related to videomakers. The book gives advices about relationships with galleries, buyers and sponsors. So don’t waste your time if you’re a TikToker 😅
Well, it’s also pretty much about self confidence and a product you created to show to world
June 20, 2024
Modern advice for contemporary artists trying to navigate the art world. Its short and succinct and really tries to cover all bases. Where does one show their art? What type of platform do they want to cultivate? A great resource I would recommend to any other artist confused about how to build their career and find solutions to the business side of art.
January 1, 2021
A very relavant and succinct little book about establishing yourself as an artist. I really appreciated the perspective of a gallery that understands the changing landscape of selling in the age of social media.
January 31, 2023
This is a very encouraging book with practical advice from established artists and art professionals. It's great to read straight through and also to open up randomly if you ever need an anecdotal reminder to the how and why we do what we do as artists.
November 13, 2023
As an artist, this really opened my mind to some ideas about making. I really love how it's made by the contribution of multiple people, offering multiple perspectives. Because it's hard to say there's one right way to do anything regarding art.
January 12, 2025
Specific and simple to follow advice on starting and developing an art career. This has given me useful tips and tasks of where to begin and manage myself as a business, whilst staying authentic and honest in my practice. Definitely recommend!
February 7, 2022
An encouraging read for anyone dealing with doubt or frustration in their art career. Equal parts practical advice and friendly reassurance
June 29, 2022
A helpful guide with immersive views into the gallery world, also uplifting and inspirational. Helped me a lot!
August 13, 2025
Such a helpful book for creatives! Would 100% recommend as an emerging artist myself💜
January 20, 2024
"Navigating the Art World" is like having a friendly mentor by your side as you embark on your artistic journey.
What I love about this guide is its emphasis on the real-world intersection of art and business. It not only celebrates creativity but also gives you practical steps to bring a business-savvy mindset into your artistic endeavors.
The author speaks directly to the challenges we, as emerging artists, often face. The book doesn't just throw advice at you; it's like a conversation with a friend who genuinely wants to help you succeed. It's filled with actionable tips to help you organize your thoughts and approach your art with newfound confidence.
What I love about this guide is its emphasis on the real-world intersection of art and business. It not only celebrates creativity but also gives you practical steps to bring a business-savvy mindset into your artistic endeavors.
The author speaks directly to the challenges we, as emerging artists, often face. The book doesn't just throw advice at you; it's like a conversation with a friend who genuinely wants to help you succeed. It's filled with actionable tips to help you organize your thoughts and approach your art with newfound confidence.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews