An efficient work space is essential for my mental wellbeing and key to being productive. For some reason artists have the reputation for being wildly messy and disorganized, and although there are some characters in shared studio spaces that are best avoided, most successful art studios I visit are well-oiled, fine-tuned creative environments. Here are some of my top tips to get the most out of your studio.
1. Organize Art Supplies and Work
When inspiration strikes, wasting precious time looking for a paint brush or thinner is frustrating. This may sound very obvious but organizing art supplies and tools well is important for keeping them in optimum condition, quick-to-hand and will make the most of pokey art studios where space is limited.
Some ideas I’ve seen in art studios that I love:
- Work racks - depending on the type of work you make it’s important to store canvases, prints, ceramics etc in a secure way so they aren’t damaged by passing traffic, environmental elements such as heat and humidity, and general positioning so they don’t warp, bend or distort in any way.
- Supply carts on wheels allow you to move art supplies and equipment around the studio from workstation, to cleaning zone (especially if it's shared and outside of your studio), and to the storage area.
- Paint brush holders - although you can store brushes in jars and tubs, I really like the specialist holders that keep them safely stored within spacers so they retain their shape. It also makes them quick to find while you are working.
2. Declutter and Purge Old Artwork
Although some artists thrive in a cluttered environment, I am not one of them. Using a studio as a storage facility for old failed artworks makes the space stagnant, stuffy and limited. I program a seasonal clean out by throwing out the old to allow for new works to evolve in a clean and fresh environment. Mentally it also helps me to organize and refine my thoughts.
I know some artists also rent a storage facility to put old work, larger studio items or supplies that they use rarely. Their studio then only holds the essentials and cultivates a working space that is constantly evolving. Warhol often joked that everything he was ever given he would box, seal and dump in a warehouse. Upon his death people saw the extent of his hoarding – it was extreme. He left behind a varied collection of items including 600 cardboard boxes that he called ‘Time Capsules’, filled with used plane tickets, souvenirs, newspapers, airplane menus and grocery store fliers. These are now periodically on display at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.
3. Studio Visit Ready
At private views and events, I often get asked for impromptu art studio visits. Sometimes collectors and gallerists are only in town for a short visit. To maximize upon every potential opportunity, I make sure that my studio is always ready to receive visitors.
Ways to do this can include: having a portfolio of work accessible; a list of available work with prices, dimensions, materials used and short descriptions; a physical press pack with an artist CV, bio, statement and images which offer a reminder of your work; any publications on a bookshelf; and examples of printwork or physical work in a browsing display rack. You may also consider a seating area, a coat rack and coffee making facility. Usually the longer they feel comfortable staying, the better.
4. Priority Lists and Scheduling
This isn’t for everyone but I like to have a white board on my wall that lists my priorities to keep me focused while I’m working in my studio. This may be a reminder of key lines of interest, it may be an inspirational quote that I read that week or a list of things I need to do in the studio. Another thing I like is to have a physical calendar with any upcoming exhibitions and open studio events listed. These tools help me to refine my priorities and keep organized and on track for any shows so they don’t creep up on me.
5. Journaling and Ideas Zone
If you have space within your studio for a journaling and ideas zone away from your working area this can be a refreshing break from staring at your canvas to refine or sprawl thoughts. I like to have a space where there are notebooks, sketch books, pens and pencils for noting down ideas that come to me while I am working. This space could double up as an area for entertaining visitors in point 3.
What are your art studio hacks? Share in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you.
Very informative just the kind of inspiration I like, down to the artistic “nuts and bolts”
Hai estrapolato dalla mia mente tutto quello che vorrei fare ed avere in un mio atelier ma che non ho mai potuto fare. Fantastico, conserverò il link di questa pagina per sognare. Buon lavoro e complimenti 👍.