Art studios are very personal, and every artist has different requirements. Whether you create artwork to sell or just need a designated space to create art as a hobby, you need a comfortable, organized art studio that inspires your creative genius. It should be a spot where you can focus without continuous interruptions, work efficiently and display your artistic personality.
Here are 10 steps to creating a functional art studio space in your home, or maybe even in the backyard: Find a location, paint the walls, obtain furniture and technology, utilize windows and ventilation, add seating, add accessories, add storage and organization, master your cords, add lighting, personalize and add inspiration.
Step 1
Find a Location
If you see clients in your home, then a private space with ample seating is very important. However if you’re flying solo, your options can be more varied. You want to be comfortable and efficient, so it’s great if you already have a spare room that you can turn into an art studio, but don’t worry if you don’t. I know plenty of people who successfully create art full-time from their kitchen table, or in the corner of their family room. Anywhere in your home where you have extra space and a bit of privacy will work. Think about the space in your home that is already used the least by your family, and start there. For example: If your guest bedroom is only used on holidays once or twice per year, but an art studio would be used almost every day, consider changing the bed out for a futon or daybed and set up a small studio area on the opposite wall, maybe near a window. Or, add a sofa bed in the family room for the occasional guest, and you can turn that guest room into your own private art studio to use year round. Another idea is a backyard art studio made from a storage/garden building or shipping container (make sure you add windows). If you live in an apartment with no extra room and no backyard, take you easel out to the balcony or sketch at the kitchen table. It’s not about the size of the space, but how you utilize your space.
Step 2
Paint the Walls
Get creative with a bright color to keep you inspired and motivated, or a calming color if you prefer to be relaxed while you create your art. Or stick with the traditional office beige or grey as a backdrop so you can add beautiful artwork on the walls. I actually like the new “greige” because it functions as a blank canvas to add awesome, creative pieces. It’s your art studio, so it’s a personal choice.
Step 3
Obtain Furniture and Technology
You need functional zones depending on the activities you perform in your studio space like painting, sculpting, digital design, etc. Choose a desk, art table, and shelving with ample space for your computer, printer, art supplies, or whatever you need to have within reach. Do you need a desk with drawers? Do you only need an art table, standing easel, or wall easel? Maybe you need large dual monitors if you create digital art? Do you use an iPad or a drawing tablet such as a Huion?, Do you need a printer close by or can it be across the room? Do you work with clay and require a spot for your kiln? Do you need a rolling cart to hold painting supplies or camera equipment? Consider your workflow, and think about the layout of what items you need before you start shopping. Take measurements of your space ahead of time. The last thing you want is to have a beautiful art table or desk delivered that won’t fit in your designated studio space. Art studio furniture comes in all designs, shapes, and sizes so it can easily complement your home décor style whether traditional, transitional, contemporary, or modern. Also, you don’t have to buy new. Good quality easels, art tables, and desks hold up well for years, and you can always find deals at used furniture and supply stores and sometimes at garage sales.
Step 4
Utilize Windows and Ventilation
Just because you’re stuck at a desk, table, or easel for hours, doesn’t mean the view should be boring. Position your furnishings where you can gaze out a window when you glance up. If you’re a painter, you will need good ventilation, so there will likely be times you want the windows open or an exhaust fan to draw air out of a window.
Step 5
Add Seating
Invest in a great chair or art stool. Don’t skimp here. Trust me on this! You will spend hours sitting in your studio chair or easel stool. A comfortable, adjustable, ergonomically-correct, chair or stool is worth every single cent. Also, if you have extra space, you will not regret adding a chaise lounge, small sofa or a couple of chairs.
Step 6
Add Accessories
Select accessories that enhance the decor of your art studio. You’ll likely need a bulletin or magnetic board, shelves and containers for your art supplies, pencils, pens, markers, sketchpads, and paints, so go ahead and add items with your personal style. Hang some of your favorite artwork, or some inspirational quotes on the walls to keep yourself motivated.
Step 7
Add Storage and Organization
Staying organized is very important for artists. You don’t want to waste time looking for something when you’re in the middle of a job or project. Create a space for everything, and keep everything in its place. If you’re limited on space, add shelves on the walls to keep supplies off the desk or table while you’re working, and use vertical file folders to keep completed projects handy. Trays and baskets are also great for mail, notes, and other papers. Bookshelves and cube storage can be used for books, portfolios, and art supplies.
Step 8
Master your Cords
Make sure your equipment is close to outlets and easy to access if you need to unplug. Most cords can go behind the desk or table, or into a desk grommet so they’re not seen. However, if you desk is not on a wall, you can always encase cords on the desk in some type of cord cover, cord winder, tubing, or a wire organizer that’s attached to the desk and keep the cords off the floor.
Step 9
Add Lighting
It’s important that your art studio space has plenty of light to avoid eye strain, especially as you get older. Position the computer monitor so there’s no glare from a window or overhead light, and place a small lamp on the desk and/or a standing lamp next to your desk for task lighting. Place your art table or standing easel near a window so you’ll have some natural light, or mount overhead lights directly above your easel. You may vary your types of lighting including fluorescent tubes and bulbs, and spotlight halogens. Try to get the bulbs as close to white as possible to allow you to see what a painting will look like in a gallery setting.
Step 10
Personalize and Add Inspiration
This can be anything that inspires you, motivates you, or makes you happy. For example: A favorite framed portrait or piece of art, a clay sculpture made by your kids, a print of a beach house or mountain cabin that you aspire to own some day, or that framed college degree that you worked so hard to obtain. House plants are a nice addition to bring the outdoors and nature inside on those days when you have no time to go out. I enjoy listening to music while I create art, and I keep an essential oil diffuser in my studio. Rosemary, lemon, and cypress is a good blend for mental focus. Just don’t go overboard on this last step by adding too much clutter. You want a space that is streamlined, organized and inspiring at the same time in order to be your most efficient and productive.
I hope I didn’t forget anything. The main thing is it’s your creative space, so add what you need in order to be creative!