Did you ever consider dropping out?

No, not really. I was in the zone and like I said, kind of scared of negotiating life without the art school network. When I did need to figure some life stuff out I did an exchange to the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, USA. I thought I was going to just hang and drink kegs from plastic cups but turns out it was one of the
best art schools in the States and people took themselves veeeeeery seriously.

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

I think you should study further if you're someone like me who needs a bit of guidance, at least initially, to explore and experiment. It doesn't necessarily need to be "art school" - you could study philosophy, economics or the cello. Whatever gets you going at that time in your life.

Art school is no guarantee and can even make you more confused! But I found it worthwhile for the interesting folk I met there who are now peers and colleagues. But if study is not for you I think travel is a really valuable learning experience. Go and
test your ability to communicate and understand in a country where you
don't speak the language. Take that feeling home with you and make something of it.

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

It is a scary world, but try not to get swept up in the trappings or the hooplah side of it all. There is no hurry and you may never produce the one work that says everything you want it to - it sounds cheesy but your whole art career is I think a work in progress and you can only keep experimenting, refining and challenging yourself.

If you are despairing because your parents keep saying "get a real job" or
the landlord is bugging you because rent is overdue again, figure out how to distract them!

Keep the hunger to make killer work always.