Guest author Valerie East is a freelance writer specializing in space management.
As an artist, you must already know how difficult it is to sit down and let your creative juices flow to create exceptional masterpieces. In the past, affordable studio places were rented by artists so they had a separate workplace from home. However, as the availability of these studios began to decline, artists had to find ways to create a private and comfortable space where they could work on their art without getting distracted. You have various space options, such as a reasonably sized storage space unit, an unused garage or even an old glass greenhouse, that you can easily transform into your own private artist nook.
Benefits Of Transforming Unused Spaces Into An Artist’s Nook
You can always look for unusual spaces that offer privacy and sufficient working space needed in an artist’s nook. Two common spaces are garages and storage units, and they are preferred working spaces for artists due to these benefits –
Cheaper Costs – Renting a storage space or utilizing an unused garage will help you save up on costs compared to renting art studios or a loft.
Tax Deductible Options – If creating art is your livelihood, you may be qualified for a tax break for storage rent expenses.
Privacy – You will enjoy the peace and quiet of a solitary working space which is the best setting for an artist.
Security And Accessibility – Your art pieces will always be safe and secure from damage, vandalism or theft, and you will also have a convenient place to store your precious work.
Source Of Inspiration – You will find plenty of artistic output in an area where there are various types of people, places and situations around you.
Important Features Your Working Space Needs
There are certain features that are important to an artist’s working space, to help artists work comfortably better.
Sufficient Lighting
Lighting is always an important feature in an art working space and since a garage, storage space and a greenhouse can lack the right amount of lighting you will need, you will have to buy full spectrum lighting. This type of lighting mimics natural light which is imperative, so you can see textures and colors properly without straining your eyes too much.
A Fully Equipped Working Station
Whatever your art medium may be, you will definitely need a fully equipped working station or space inside your nook. You must have a titled drafting table, a large table and all your art supplies. When you have all your art equipment and supplies, you avoid having to make unnecessary purchases and errands to various art supplies shops. When you do not have the things you need, you will easily become distracted.
An Organizational System
Have you ever experienced rummaging through your art supplies just for a single paintbrush or a tube of paint? You lose time and become distracted in the process of locating what you need. Depending on the art medium you are using, you will need plenty of shelving, drawer space, storage boxes and even cabinets. When you have an organizational system, your artist nook will be clean and tidy for better concentration and focus. Moreover, you will find it easier to monitor your supplies and avoid wasting time locating items you need.
Inspirational Decoration
Your artist nook should also inspire you, aside from being functional and organized as you work. You can hang pictures that give you a creative boost on the walls, or you can display certain art pieces around you at eye level. If you love to work with soothing music, you can always have a music system at hand. Your working space must always be an area of creative inspiration, rich in colors and textures that are beneficial to every artist.
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Guest author Valerie East is a freelance writer specializing in space management. She offers tips on how to utilize various unused spaces such as garages and storage spaces into a useful working space for work and for hobbies. Click here to learn more about these useful and affordable spaces.
Featured image by Mae Chevrette and images in the Flickr Gallery above used under the Creative Commons license. Click on the images above to go to the original on Flickr.com. Please go to my Artist Studios Gallery on Flickr for complete credit information on these photos.
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