Tracey Emin’s It’s What I’d Like to Be (1998) is a delicate lithograph on heavy wove paper.

Honest and playful, this early piece is reflective of the raw, expressive energy that defines her work. A remarkable draughtsman, these drawings are central to her most intimate creations, where she conveys both emotional vulnerability and lighthearted wit that captures the complexities of the human experience. 

The baby deer carries layers of symbolism; representing innocence, gentleness, and luck. In many cultures, deer are seen as omens of guidance and protection. Here, Emin subtly transforms the animal into a symbolic self-portrait - presenting herself as her own guardian spirit in this delicate yet powerful lithograph.