Finding the time and space to create art in the midst of your busy life can be a challenge. That’s why one of the best ways to invest in yourself as an artist is to create a space in your home just for making art. With a special space to retreat to, you can step away from the distractions of everyday life and give yourself the opportunity to explore your creativity when inspiration strikes. Creating this space doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, and chances are you can easily convert an existing office, spare bedroom, or other space into your new art studio.
Create a Space to Get in the Right Frame of Mind
Before you design your space, think about the type of space that will inspire you to create art. Do you love being surrounded by bright colors, or do you prefer a quieter environment with just a few sketch ideas to get those creative juices flowing? Many artists find inspiration in nature, so you may want to choose a space in your home with plenty of windows or even a door that opens directly onto a patio to help you feel most comfortable creating art.
Be sure to also create a space that allows you to participate in the activities that help get you in a creative frame of mind. If you enjoy exploring creative writing or journaling, make sure to include a comfortable chair that you’ll enjoy writing in. If you like to listen to music as you paint, outfit your space with some speakers and a docking station for your phone.
If you plan to sell your art and make a living as an artist, remember to think like an entrepreneur, too. Many entrepreneurs are driven by psychological traits like love, confidence, and openness to experience. You can channel these traits in the development of your own art space. Create a space that allows you to explore your creativity and push the boundaries of your work while having a separate space for all of the business-related aspects of making your living. This probably means you’ll need to design the area so that you can have some privacy from the rest of your family. Locating the space in an out-of-the-way corner of the home, or even transforming a garden shed or the garage into your art studio can help give you the privacy that you need.
Get Rid of Clutter
It can be difficult to stay organized in a busy, cluttered space, so one of your first tasks will be to claim the space for your art and get rid of any existing clutter. If you’re converting an office space into your art studio, chances are you’ll be dealing with plenty of paper records. While you might not be able to throw those records out, some common green office tips can provide the answer. Start by investing in a quality scanner, then scan any documents that you still need to keep. You can retain these digital records and recycle the physical documents, saving space and eliminating unnecessary clutter.
If you do go this route, be sure to invest in a cloud data backup system of some sort. You don’t want to risk losing these digital files if your computer breaks, gets a virus, or is otherwise hacked or damaged. Many of these systems are available for affordable prices and run continuously in the background as you use your computer, offering you the peace of mind you’ll need when taking that final step of recycling or getting rid of those physical documents.
Get Organized
A clean, well-organized space will help you to focus better and will ensure that you can find the supplies that you need when inspiration strikes, no matter the medium you’re working in. No single organization approach will work for everyone, so think about the supplies that you need to organize and the space that you have available to you. You might prefer to have some of your most commonly used supplies available right on your desk, while other creatives might feel most inspired when the desk space is totally clear and clean.
Whatever organization approach you decide to take, think about the finished look you want your space to have. Organization doesn’t have to be ugly, after all. For instance, if you have large supplies like canvases and bulk rolls of paper, a storage locker could be a convenient option, but traditional metal lockers may look out of place in many spaces. Opting for a more modern wood locker offers the same organization practicality, while also fitting into the overall aesthetic that you want your space to have. Finding the right organization solutions can take some time, but don’t be afraid to get creative in planning and outfitting your space.
Focus on Your Decorating, Too
The way you decorate your home and your art space can also affect your creativity and inspiration. Whether you’re decorating your kid’s bedroom or looking to liven up your own studio space, some of the same decoration principles apply.
First, start by choosing art that inspires and moves you. This might be your own creations, or art by others that you admire. Try to find pieces that complement each other and that work with the decor scheme of the room, and keep in mind that there are many ways to effectively showcase art in your home. For example, you might curate a gallery wall to fill empty spaces and to make a big impression on guests. Meanwhile, hanging art in pairs can create a sense of harmony and can enhance the effect of each individual piece. Remember that minimization can have a big effect, too — if you want a piece to make a statement, hang it alone on an otherwise empty wall. It’s sure to command attention.
When you put time and effort into making your own artistic space in your home, you’ll be investing in your future as an artist. With a well-thought-out space to work in, you may even enjoy increased creativity and productivity as an artist. Good luck!