With the crazy hustle and bustle of life it can be difficult to find creativity within the four walls that you call home. With so many distractions you may feel as though you are unable to sit down and find the time to create. Urban sketching is a great way to get away from it all, but sometimes there is a need to break away from the sketchbook and sit down and work on something of larger scale or more serious and in depth. This is exactly why creating an in-home art studio is a great solution when looking for a place that will spark creativity and give you an area of peace to work in. This area in no means has to impress anyone, it just has to be somewhere that removes you from distraction and lets you do what you love.
Here are our top 5 things to take into consideration when turning a room into an in home art studio:
Is there enough work surface?
Whatever you like to work on whether is an easel, a table, or the floor, make sure that there is enough space to create your work, move around your studio, and store your supplies. Depending on the way you like to work will determine the size of an area you need. Some artists work in small corners while others need a large open room. It’s all about personal preference just make sure that you have the room you need.
Is there a reasonable amount of storage space?
You most certainly do not have to be organized, however, you do need some type of storage space. Craft stores often sell storage containers and plastic bins but these are usually very overpriced. So trying an unconventional approach could save you a lot of money, for example, instead of buying a new expensive paint holding mechanism or shelf, try using an old bookcase or shelf. Just remember that these storage items have to fit within your creation space so don’t go too big. This article will show you some unique storage concepts that may spark different storage ideas for your studio: Storage Hacks
Is there good lighting?
Lighting is crucial when creating any type of artwork. The best way to guarantee good lighting is to focus on natural light. Look for a studio space that has large windows that will let light in during all hours of the day. Natural light equals natural colors and is most similar to lighting that you may see in a gallery. Avoid a room lit by incandescent lights, which give everything a yellow tone. The work you create will not look the same under gallery or natural lighting as it will under incandescent lights.
Is there good ventilation?
This is most important for oil painters or any artist who may be using products where fumes or dust get into the air. It is important to have proper ventilation so you do not become ill from harmful debris. Also ventilation is good for any type of artist because fresh air helps in the process of creation. So no matter what medium you use a well ventilated area is recommended.
Is there running water?
Having running water in your studio or nearby makes things much easier. It will make cleanup faster, and if projects involve water such as, painting, paper mache, or pottery, you can have quick access to this resource. You can also implement a proper drain collecting system, different from the collectors in your kitchen or bathroom sink, so no gunk from your project goes down the drain. Having a separate art sink will also help avoid dirtying the other sinks in your home.
Although these are great tips you may ask what to do if you do not have a spare room in your home to dedicate to art creation. Not to fear, even if you do not have a room to dedicate to art there are still other routes you can take to make a creation space of your own. Here are two idea of how to turn space already within your living areas into mini in home art studios.
Closet Art Studio
Find a place to store your clothes other than the closet, for example totes under the bed. Now use the closet to store all of your creation materials and add in a pull out or fold down table. Now your art studio is behind one small door and can be opened up and used when you wish to create and hidden away when you are finished. You can check out how others created these types of studios by looking on pinterest.com.
Corner Art Studio
If you do not have a room or closet for free to use there is another option which is to create a corner studio. This form of in home art studio just involves you turning the corner of a room into your studio by adding a drop cloth. You will also need a foldable table or easel and a portable art supplies cart or bin for easy setup and take down. If you decide to make this corner a more permanent work space you can use the storage techniques from above. However having an area that allows you to move can be interesting because then your studio can go around the house to wherever your creative notions take you.
Conclusion
Building an in-home art studio is a great way to increase your resources to create. Whether small or large, cluttered or organized, an in home studio gives you the power to create whenever you please. It is important to know that you really can create anywhere you wish but having your own personal space will help you get in the zone and really hone in on what you wish to make.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/25/art-studio_n_5676343.html
http://www.livesimplybyannie.com/organizing-the-art-studio/
http://emptyeasel.com/2008/09/11/advice-on-setting-up-a-home-studio/