As an artist trying to make a name for yourself or trying to work out the best way to sell art online or through the gallery system, the road is littered with obstacles, uncertainties and lots and lots of questions. If you find yourself to be an artist and you are nodding your head right now, there is a book that you should definitely consider buying.
The Artists' Yearbook 2010/11 is an invaluable guide to just about everything an artist needs to get by, and get ahead in the art world. All 544 pages of the thing are published by Thames & Hudson every couple of years to stay up to date and as current as possible.
The book functions both as your mascot; to encourage you through the tough days, and also a comprehensive reference book of contacts, suppliers and need to know information. The current volume features some introductory essays by artist Boo Ritson and photographer Sam Taylor-Wood. There are also some informative essays on private galleries, public museums and the role that the internet plays in the arts today.
If that wasn't enough to get you to buy the book there is then the reference section listing art material suppliers, art bookshops, conservators, consultants, founders, framers, insurers, packers and shippers, photography specialists, printers and publishers and studio spaces.
Beyond that there is information on prizes, grants and awards as well as art fairs and festivals. There are also listings relating to funding and commissions, and art related publications.
The publication is aimed at UK artists, which is great if you are working in the UK, but wouldn't it be great to see a book like this for every artistic hub in the world! Maybe such books exist...if they do and you'd like to recommend them, please leave a comment for other readers.
You can purchase
The Artists' Yearbook 2010/11 from most good book retailers at an extremely reasonable price. It's probably the best art resource book you'll buy this decade.