Creating Your Own Art Studio

Does a lack of space keep you from being as creative as you would like to be? Many artists find themselves thwarted when they lack a dedicated area in which to work. Your art may be a side gig that generates supplemental income, a fun hobby or a way to practice self-care.

You owe it to yourself to transform part of your home or yard into a drawing, sculpting or painting studio. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Location

Ideally, your studio will be separate from the rest of the living space, either a spare room, garage or shed. Having a dedicated studio helps with focus and privacy. Setting aside space for a studio also makes a statement that you prioritize your creative pursuits.

Space

Think of the studio as a blank slate that you can fill as you desire. Your needs dictate the details. If you work with anything that may create a mess or spill onto the floor, strip off existing carpet and choose something more durable such as polished cement flooring.

Next, think of the walls. White walls will not cast their hue onto your artwork and can help illuminate all your surfaces. Use paint with a glossy or satin finish for easy cleanup.

Basics

Next, think of your comfort. You need a way to keep the space usable year-round. In a shed or garage, this may mean insulating the walls and ceiling, then bringing in a heater and cooler.

Working with some media can get messy, so it is best if you can clean your tools in the studio. Consider installing a sink complete with hot water, and call a water heater company in La Cañada Flintridge if you need to upgrade your current system. Make sure your studio has good ventilation. In some climates, you may need a dehumidifier to help oil paints and pottery dry.

Light

Natural light is best but direct sunlight can be harsh. It also tends to change tone throughout the day, with a cooler cast in the morning and a warmer hue in the afternoon. Large windows are great, but install light-filtering shades to soften and diffuse the rays. Tubular skylights — affordable and relatively simple to install — can flood the room with brightness.

Your room may have few windows and a skylight may be impractical; or you may find yourself working on your art at night. In that case, go for a mix of ambient and task lighting. You may prefer full-spectrum LED bulbs or those that mimic daylight; experiment to see which works best for your projects and helps prevent eye strain.

Work Space

Install only the equipment and furniture you need. Do you require a pottery wheel or other specialized tools? Find their home first and arrange the rest of the room around them.

Next, place a main work surface. You may want a large table, one that adjusts from sitting to standing, or one with a tiltable top. Perhaps you work on easels and only need a table large enough to hold your brushes, paints, pastels or pencils.

Storage

Proper storage space is crucial for several reasons. First, improper storage may damage the projects you have completed or those in process. Second, adequate storage helps you keep your studio tidy, which can reduce stress and increase productivity.

How you organize your studio depends on your personal creative process. Experiment with shelving and rollable caddies until you find a system that works for you. Make use of vertical space with pegboard and a magnetic rail or picture wire. For a combination of large areas and small niches, install a modular closet organizer along one wall.

Atmosphere

The most important thing you can find in your art studio is inspiration. Surround yourself with  whatever gets your creative juices flowing — the works of other artists, empty canvases and extra tubes of paints, photographs or motivating music.

Include all your senses and match items to your energy level. If painting relaxes you, include calming scents and relaxing nature sounds; if you are energized when you sketch, play upbeat music. Indoor plants are a must, both for their health benefits and aesthetic appeal.