5 Tips for Creating Your In-Home Mini Art Studio
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When I made the leap to become a full-time artist in April 2020, the first thing on my list was to create an art studio. Having a dedicated workspace allowed me to leave my materials out which helped me to stick to painting each day. I didn’t want to completely set everything up and clean it up every time I wanted to create. The plan worked! I’ve slowly learned that the more “barriers” I can eliminate for myself, the more likely I am to follow through with and complete a goal. I wish I had done it much sooner when I was still working full-time.
If you’re an artist just starting or looking to build more regular practice, a dedicated space for your mini art studio may be just what you need! The best part of it all was I found most of the furniture pieces I already had in the house and they hold so much more meaning than if I bought all new items. I’ll share a few details as I write but let’s get to the good stuff!
Here are 5 tips for creating your very own mini art studio at home, as soon as today!
1. Find a Well-Lit Space
Good lighting is key for art making. Look for a corner or nook in your home that receives plenty of natural light or a spot in front of a window. If that's not feasible, invest in adjustable lamps to ensure consistent illumination throughout the day. In the early days, I used an old simple desk lamp and a small clip-on book light! As I became more consistent I purchased a couple of stands and spotlights to help on extra cloudy days or if I was painting late.
2. Repurpose Furniture and Items
You don’t need fancy equipment. Scout your home for unused furniture like tables or desks and repurpose them into your workspace. I used a small dining table I purchased years before for my very first apartment. The sentiment of that made it even more special to me. You can get creative with storage by using old shelves or bins to organize your paints, brushes, and other supplies. From that same apartment, I had a small TV stand that rolled in and out of the closet. Now I use it for supplies and it rolls easily out from under the table.
3. Organize Your Supplies
I like to start from a clean slate when I work on projects so keeping my space tidy and efficient is important for my productivity. Investing in simple storage solutions like bins, jars, or caddies can make categorizing and storing your art supplies easy and efficient. An organized space minimizes clutter and maximizes productivity. I use a lazy susan counter organizer my mother used to use in her kitchen to store various brushes, paint knives, markers, and more. Kind of like this one linked here. If you have a makeup organizer like this, that could work too! One of my favorite items I added was an art cart! Your mini art studio can become semi-mobile!
4. Personalize Your Space
Infuse your studio with elements that inspire you. Hang artwork, display quotes, or add plants to create a space that reflects your personality. Surround yourself with things that ignite your creativity and make your studio feel like your own. I like having art inspiration from other artists nearby. I also like writing out some of my affirmations so I have a constant reminder as I work.
5. Embrace Flexibility and Experimentation
Your studio should be adaptable to your needs. Experiment with different layouts, techniques, and materials. Embrace the freedom to try new things and let your studio evolve alongside your artistic journey. I like painting in nature sometimes so I ended added a portable easel to my art tools, similar to this one. It was a key part of my home art studio and I still use it.
Creating your in-home art studio is achievable no matter the size of the area you have. By optimizing your space, efficiently organizing your supplies, and infusing your personality, you can create a workspace that will help unleash your artistic potential!
Happy creating!