Setting up your studio space

Your studio space directly effects your ability to produce art. These are some of the most important factors  that you should consider when designing and creating your art studio.

It is important to have a dedicated space to work that provides a place to safely store your art and supplies, has good lighting, and is free of distractions. The space should be attractive to you, but not so much so that the view continuously pulls you away from your art or its calm, peacefulness lulls you to sleep. It should be a space that provides the energy you need to create. Ensure that bathroom facilities are nearby and provide yourself with a hot pot, tea, coffee, snacks, or anything else that will satisfy your urge to "pause" work and exit your studio space. Sometimes a small trip to the kitchen, café, or store can result in lost production time. Just munch a few snacks and power through that problem area (always an issue)- you'll be glad you did.

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Special considerations will need to be taken for large work or a messy style of painting where you might be, say, throwing or splattering paint. In general, you don’t need a particularly large space and it should be one that is not too far removed from your normal daily activities. If you require the use of a large studio easel, keep in mind that the ceiling height will determine the base height of your painting. You will be able to use the entire size capacity of the easel, but the base level of your painting may be below the level of a chair and you'll have to work on it while seated on the floor or bent over. Keep in mind, though, that studio easels can be used in a vertical and horizontal position. If you are a particularly messy painter you can place cardboard on the floor or walls and tape it together to form a protective layer. Interlocking foam squares can also provide an easily removable layer and some added cushion, but can make rolling furniture more difficult.

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A mobile setup may be appropriate, but should not take a lengthy amount of time to set up. Having all of your studio equipment on caster wheels will allow you to position your studio for the best light, accommodate size or special project issues, or move your furniture to a different room entirely without having to unload all of your paints or tools. At least two of the wheels should lock in place to prevent movement while you are working, Small plein air or box easels help keep all your tools and paints in one place to make setup quick and easy.

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When working in oils, the paint can take a few days to dry. You’ll want to ensure that your work is kept in a space that keeps it safe from unwanted handling or accidental contact that could set you back or completely ruin your efforts. Shelving and storage bins can be modified to store your work effectively

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Good lighting is very important. Floor lamps or clip lights can provide good fill light, but natural light is best (and less expensive!) If you know that your work will be viewed in a specific type of light be sure to use this type of light while creating or viewing your work. For example, if your work is geared toward corporate business environments or retail it will most likely be viewed under fluorescent light which casts a blue hue.
 

​The most important element of your studio is that it should be a space where you really enjoy spending time, so start with that in mind and build out from there.  Happy creating!