Artist Tip # 3: Finding your Space
Finding the right space to allow yourself to create is one of the most important things, before even getting the supplies needed. But what is required of a space changes from person to person. Some people can create standing, some crouched on the floor, outside, inside, natural light or other. What’s important is to find what the best place is for you. Think of your ideal spot. If money was no issue what would your space have? Natural light? Running water? A high-end ventilation system? Room temperature, warm or cool? Now, strip everything down to the bare minimum. Find every conceivable excuse to take things away. No matter how silly. Now, what do you have left? Those are the things you should be looking for in a space.
My bare minimums are: a chair and a flat surface. Light is a given in most places. Temperature? Dress to your comfort level. My other requirements, but not bare minimums, are a way to charge my phone for music and a place to pour out used water. Neither of these are bare minimums because my phone is usually good for about 4-6 hours and I’ve already developed a system for dirty and clean water issue. Here is how I usually set-up my work area at home: http://fav.me/d5now6w and here it is at school: http://instagram.com/p/e2lyEfmPdg/
Less space, same needs fulfilled.
An artist’s space puts them in the mood to work and with time, working becomes an, almost, automatic response to being in your space. The ultimate artist space would be his or her own ‘studio’ but getting to that point will require time and money. As beginner artists, the most can do is to just find a space, free of unneeded clutter, that can be found and try to stay focused. In the beginning it’s best to not confine yourself with things you can easily do without and to be in a space where you’re less likely to be disturbed.
As you start to get comfortable in your own space, or spaces if you like moving around, you can then start to plan for the space you want. With time, working with what you can and things you know you can and will use will allow you to plan for an effective, working studio.