Did you go to art school/study arts?

Yes, I did a foundation and then a degree in printed textiles for fashion.

If so, what difficulties did you face upon graduation?

Having no money and no way of getting into the industry I was interested in. None of this has changed.

Did you ever consider dropping out?

Of what? life? I suppose I dropped out of the art world for awhile - I learnt to cook and became a chalet girl for 3 seasons in Austria, where I learnt to snowboard. But it wasn't creative.

Do you recommend the experience? If not, what are some viable alternatives that you can see?

Recommend what? Running away? If it's what you need at the time, but nobody can escape real life forever - you'll have to come back to it eventually.

And finally, what is your advice to young students/graduates who are anxious about their future in the arts?

Be anxious, very anxious. Don't expect it to fall into your laps - be prepared to put yourself out there all the time, be prepared for multiple rejections, and be prepared to work for nothing if you want to do what you love.