The information-related behaviour of emerging artists and designers - inspiration and guidance for new practitioners

Aug 25, 2026

Empirical research examines the information-related behaviour of emerging artists and designers, viewing them as both practicing artists and “new practitioners” with distinctive information needs. An online questionnaire informed by literature analysis captures qualitative and quantitative data from 78 practicing artists. Results show information practices broadly aligned with more established artists, combining reliance on the internet, social networks, printed tools, and libraries. Key drivers include cost factors and career advice, with inspiration from diverse, often serendipitous sources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages27

Reading Time1 h 8 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

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Design / methodology / approach

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City Research Online City St George’s, University of London Citation: Mason, H. & Robinson, L. (2011) . The information-related behaviour of emerging artists and designers Inspiration and guidance for new practitioners. Journal of Documentation, 67(1), pp. 159-180. doi: 10.1108/00220411111105498 This is the unspecified version of the paper. This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. To cite this item please consult the publisher's version. Permanent repository link: [https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/3114/](https://openaccess.city.ac.uk/id/eprint/3114/) Link to published version: [https://doi.org/10.1108/00220411111105498](https://doi.org/10.1108/00220411111105498) [Copyright and Reuse:](Copyright and Reuse: Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the author)[ Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the author](Copyright and Reuse: Copyright and Moral Rights remain with the author)([s](s)) and/or copyright holders. Copies of full items can be used for personal research or study, educational, or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, unless otherwise indicated, provided that the authors, title and full bibliographic details are credited, a hyperlink and/or URL is given for the original metadata page and the content is not changed in any way. For full details of reuse please refer to City Research Online policy. City Research Online: [http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/](http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/ publications@citystgeorges.ac.uk)[ ](http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/ publications@citystgeorges.ac.uk)[ publications@citystgeorges.ac.uk](http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/ publications@citystgeorges.ac.uk) The information‐related behaviour of emerging artists and designers: inspiration and guidance for new practitioners Helen Mason and Lyn Robinson Department of Information Science City University London [lyn@soi.city.ac.uk](lyn@soi.city.ac.uk) Abstract Purpose Reports an empirical study of the information‐related behaviour of emerging artists and designers. It adds to understanding of the information behaviour of the group both as practicing artists ( an ill‐ understood category of information users), and also as 'new practitioners' . Design / methodology / approach A literature analysis is used to guide creation on an online questionnaire, eliciting both qualitative and quantitative data. 78 practicing artists participated. Findings The group have generally the same information practices as more established artists. They place reliance on internet and social networks, while also using traditional printed tools and libraries. Browsing is important, but not a predominant means of accessing information. Inspiration is found from a very diverse and idiosyncratic set of sources, often by serendipitous means. Their status as emergent practitioners means that their information behaviour is governed by cost factors, and by a need for career advice. Research limitations The study group are a convenience sample, with access to Internet. Practical implications The results will provide guidance to academic and public librarians serving artist users, and to those providing career advice to them. It will also be valuable to those providing services to 'new practitioners'in any field. Originality / value This is one of very few papers reporting empirical studies of the information behaviour of artists, and has the largest sample size of any such study. It is one of a very few papers considering the information needs and behaviour of new practitioners. Type of paper Research paper Keywords information behaviour; artists; designers; browsing; serendipity; information encountering; internet; library use; social networking; communities of practice; new practitioners Introduction This paper reports a study of the information‐related behaviour of 'emerging artists' . This group of 'new practitioners' comprises those who have recently co

FAQs

What is the purpose of the study on emerging artists and designers?

The study investigates the information-related behaviour of emerging artists and designers, improving understanding of this group as new practitioners and practicing artists.

How was the research conducted and what data were collected?

A literature analysis informed an online questionnaire that collected both qualitative and quantitative data from 78 participating practicing artists.

What information sources and behaviours were most common among the participants?

Participants generally use internet and social networks, alongside traditional printed tools and libraries. Browsing matters, and inspiration often comes through diverse, idiosyncratic, sometimes serendipitous sources.

Aug 25, 2026

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