I thought the only way to escape the pressures that come with a conventional idea of success was to disappear completely. I seriously contemplated calling it a day, moving to the woods, and “nobly” becoming some reclusive artiste. The problem with that mindset is that I was still giving in to the voice of conventional success that I’d been denouncing. I was considering giving up my aspirations because I was scared of failing. I nearly convinced myself that the only way to feel free and confident in my work was to dismiss everyone else entirely.
Tavi Gevinson for Rookie, Editor’s Letter - February 2014: Escape












