An artist's studio should be a creative haven. That’s why organizing the room in a way most conducive to your workflow is so important. While there's an array of methods that can help you put things in order, there are also several economical ways to transform your studio into the studio of your dreams.
Before you start tidying up, it's helpful to analyze your artistic practice within the context of your creative space. Ask yourself key questions:
· How can I make my process smoother?
· Where do I spend the most time working?
· Is there anything in the room that I wish was different?
This can mean other things depending on the medium or mediums you work in and the size of your studio. However, whether you're a painter, sculptor, or graphic designer, there are a few universal ways to improve your workroom.
Label Everything
A great way to streamline your workflow is to label your supplies. Adding names to your storage will help you navigate an extensive collection with practiced ease. Plus, when it's time for cleanup, you can avoid the hassle of searching for the appropriate container.
Separate and Create Defined Areas for Equipment
Once you've amassed an enviable collection of pencils, markers, and paint brushes, it's essential to give them a home. By organizing your supplies into separate containers, you will save yourself time and energy in finding precisely what you need. To hold your utensils, you can even repurpose everyday household items such as vases or mason jars. Almost any cup will work as long as it is sturdy enough not to tip over.
Or, if you need a solution that will keep your desk and shelf space free, you can stash your supplies in drawers. Flat files are ideal for artists who work with a lot of paper, as they come in an array of sizes to accommodate even large-scale materials. On the other hand, if you prefer to have your toolbox on wheels, you can arrange your utensils in a rolling cart. This way, you can stay organized on the go.
Create an Inventory and Give Yourself Permission to Purge
Sometimes we feel like we must hold on to every part of our art journey. It can be hard to let go of things, especially artwork and art supplies. By all means, hold on to things you love, but if it doesn’t inspire you or get you excited about creating, maybe it’s time to part ways.
Prioritize End-of-Day Cleaning
Organizing your studio is just half of the battle. Once you've arranged everything the way you like it, it's up to you to maintain it. This is probably the hardest one of them all. That’s why cleaning up after every creative session is so important. Even if it feels like a hassle at the moment, commit 10 minutes to organization. You'll thank yourself for preparing the studio for your next artistic project.
A Positive Place to Create
Whether you're looking to build a body of work, experiment and push yourself further or work alongside creative people, we have space for you. Complete our form to learn more about renting space at AmFab today!