If you’re lucky enough to have a space you can devote to your art, you’re a fortunate soul.
Whether your studio is a corner of the family room, a section of your bedroom or a whole glorious room for your very own, make it a reflection of your experiences and personality.
It’s challenging to set up your space to maximize your efficiency and is also a place that allows you to cultivate creativity.
Everyone has different requirements and solutions for this dilemma, but there are a few things that you should consider regardless of your medium or personality.
Lighting Should Be Your Premier Concern
Windows and skylights can provide suitable lighting during the day, but what do you use to illuminate your studio on dark stormy days or during the evening?
Artificial lighting can include spotlights, overhead lights or a combination of the two. Different types of lights use different parts of the spectrum. Some lighting gives off a yellow tint while other light bulbs are cold and blue. There are also bulbs that purport to illuminate your space with lighting that mimics natural light.
You may need to experiment with different lighting setups and use different configurations for various projects. You should also try out the different types of bulbs to give your work area the illumination that works best for you.
Use Your Space Wisely
As you set up your studio, keep in mind the essentials of your work. How you optimally work, the typical supplies you use on a daily basis and what items need to be within reach are things you should consider. Develop storage for items used daily and things you only use occasionally. Making the most of your studio takes time and fine tuning to come up with a setup that works for you.
As you develop your relationship with your studio, you’ll find many ways to improve your layout and workspace to maximize your productivity. Don’t be afraid to change things around or make alterations to your space if it improves your effectiveness. The more comfortable you are in your studio, the more you’ll want to be there.
Make Your Studio A Multifunction Space
If your ideal is a workspace and gallery where potential collectors can see your work, make a dedicated area to display your finished pieces. Paint your studio a neutral color that won’t distract or conflict with your paintings.
If you’re more interested in a space where you can have group painting sessions or hold classes, plan on lightweight, moveable equipment and worktables you can set up for a variety of people and projects.
Make Your Studio All-Inclusive
You should design your space to accommodate your entire creative process. From design and layout to preparing your support, the actual creation of your pieces, framing, displaying and storing your work, you should create logical and efficient spaces for all phases of your work.
From beginning to end, you should consider everything you’ll do, even down to storage space for props and objects, a photography area to take pictures of work you want to submit to shows and space to pack and ship your paintings.
This may be more than your space can handle at the present, but considering how best to achieve this setup isn’t done in a day. Refine your plans as you get comfortable with your new and improved studio. You may be surprised at just how much you can fit into a relatively small space!
