The Artist's Studio
Episode 40: The natural habitat of the artist
Whether a wonderful, purpose built edifice, or a corner of their sitting room, it is a space to work and needs respect! Today Laura and Peter talk about the places they have called their studio over the years and discuss some of the things that are important about about a creative workspace.
Creative space is an essential for all artists, whether that’s the end of the kitchen table, a garden shed or rented studio. In this episode Peter and Laura look back at their own studios over the years and consider what’s needed to make a creative space work well, however large or small.
The Useful Stuff
1. Most artists start with a working space in their home. It’s fine to improvise a space, even a temporary one, but always treat it with respect. Your creative space is important and the more seriously you take it, the more likely your family are to follow suit and allow you to work in peace.
2. Improvising with rolled up carpets and carefully placed mirrors is fine, but always consider safety in any studio area, especially a home studio. Ventilation is essential, plus a safe place for dangerous tools and materials. Remember family pets as well as children when planning your workspace; both the dangers to them and their danger to your work!
3. Lighting is key and thanks to new technology, there are powerful and affordable lighting solutions available. Laura lights her studio with daylight LEDs designed for lighting warehouses and uses a builder’s site light for close up work. Just be aware that LEDs do dim over time and need to be replaced occasionally.
4. Sharing a studio space can be very cost effective if you can’t work at home. Make sure there are very clear ground rules in writing before you begin sharing any space, whether that’s a co-share in a studio or your independent space within a studio complex.
5. Check your insurance covers your studio and equipment. You may need extra insurance. All studios need to be lockable and secure, but this is especially important outside the home and where other people have access to the space.
6. Tidy or not? Laura and Peter aren’t the sort to tell you to tidy your space, but it is worth planning things like storage and a clear work area. Whatever you have, make sure you can work clean and in comfort with some adequate heating and comfortable seating. You’ll be much more productive in a functional space.
The Takeaway
No matter how small and humble your creative space, take it seriously and make it a safe and productive haven for your work.
