In My Studio

29 Wednesday Oct 2014

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Everyday Design

Tags

art, coworking, design, freelancers, interior design, office, organization, small business, studio, wework, workspace

A person’s workspace is where they should have the freedom to be creative and let their ideas run wild. I am very organized and cannot work in chaos so my studio has an area for everything. My desk is always clean of clutter and I try to dress it up a bit with cool accessories and plants to brighten up the space. My other work station is where I do all of my paper cutting and shipping. It’s also where my paper and current orders are held, along with the things I need to wrap up an order, etc. I incorporated lots of things I love in this area to make it more fun and interesting.

I have two bookshelves that house tons of books. They are all organized by theme/subject. I filled with the walls with artwork my husband and I have done, plus other prints and art we love. I think its important to be surrounded by art everywhere I am in the house so you will find it in every room.

Then there is the little lounge area where my dogs love to hang out and keep me company all day, as Jenny is demonstrating in the photo. The last space is the closet, which I have reorganized about 5 times since we have been in the house. I keep my shipping materials, order supplies, and everything else my husband and I have kept over the years in this space. I even fit a treadmill in there!

Overall, my studio is a peaceful place to work, but everywhere you look there is tons of inspiration, from books to artwork and beyond. I have created a space that appeals me to me in lots of ways, from the navy wall color to the wood furniture, and has enough workable space so that is never an issue. Even the way the light pours in from the outside is really beautiful, keeping it sunny and bright, which in turn keeps me going all day.

I think the most important aspect of a workspace is that it fits you like a glove.

So if you are stumbling over the layout of furniture or don’t have the necessary items to keep everything in its place, then you will constantly be distracted and not as productive as you should be. Make sure everything is in arms reach and has its own place so you can get more done.

Not everyone has a home office or studio to work from. In cases like this, you would consider renting out a space or doing work in another location like a coffee shop or library. Its definitely not the same as having your own personal area to so what you please, but it’s better than nothing.

Wework is a co-working company that provides cool and inspiring spaces for creatives to work and connect with other freelancers and entrepreneurs. Plus, they offer other benefits for being a member. Its a great way for small businesses and designers to network and surely can help them succeed in the field. They have locations all over the world so check them out if you could use this service.

I hope a little peek into my studio has inspired you to create a workspace that you love. If you use the tips I shared, I am sure you will be productive in no time!

The Art of Organizing

11 Wednesday Apr 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art & Design, Crafty Ideas, The Home

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art, crafts, creative space, decorating, design, interior, office, organization, organize creative space, space, studio

Everyone needs a space where they can let their creativity flow without disruption. Whether you’re an artist or not, spending time in a creative corner is healthy for the soul. It’s a place where you not only get quiet time, but space from the rest of the world. Who wouldn’t want that?

I wanted to share some tips on getting your creative corner organized and ready to inspire. Hopefully, you can find the time to escape the real world and get going on some masterpieces.

Everything Has Its Place
Giving supplies and materials a place of their own is key to an organized work space. You should know where everything is at all times, so you can just reach for something when you need it. You can do this in a fun and creative way.

Instead of using traditional methods, let your style be the inspiration. For example, I love vintage things, so I use old crates and boxes to keep supplies. Not only do they create a cohesive look, they represent who I am and the things I love. So, I’m organizing and showcasing my materials at the same time.

At an Arms Reach
The stuff you need most should be close at hand. It gets annoying to have to walk across a room to get something when it can be closer. If there isn’t enough room or storage within the area, create it yourself.

If you have a desk without drawers, stack cubes underneath or on the side to hold items that are large. For tinier items, take the same idea but think smaller. Stack shoe boxes or containers on top of your desk like shelves. Design them any way you like. Also, use drawers to their fullest potential and store items you need at close range.

Instead of hiding rolls of wrapping paper, try putting them in a small bin or basket. Find something that will add to your space, so you’re showcasing the paper instead of hiding it. This will add more texture and color to the area and inspire you to buy more cool wrapping paper.

Surround Yourself with Smiles
Always surround yourself with things you love. This is very important. You want your creative corner to be a space where you can relax and be happy. I display lots of little trinkets that make me smile, so when I look at them, I’m comfortable and calm. Everywhere I look, they’re looking back at me.

Find items you simply adore and give them a new home. Working and creating magic with them by your side will make all the difference.

Create Pictures
Everything on your desk should look as if it was meant to be there, not accidentally thrown there because you couldn’t find a place for it. Think of your space as a film made up of pictures. If it helps to use a viewfinder or a camera, go ahead.

Create scenes with the objects that surround you. Set up small displays and allow them to come to life. This act alone will inspire you to create more. In fact, think of this as an exercise to help you view things in a different light. With little versions from your imagination, your work space will shine as much as your artwork does.

Let the Light Source Lead the Way
Make sure the light by your desk is not too bright. You want enough glow to see details but not necessarily the whole room. Imagine you’re on a stage and the spotlight is on you — only the light is the glow of the sun and not fluorescent. This will keep you relaxed so your ideas can flow easier.

If you take these tips and see them through, I promise you can have an amazing art space in no time. Remember to think out of the box and do what makes you happy. There is nothing like working in a space that is organized, fun and clean. Not thinking twice about finding something saves time, patience and lots of aggravation. Relax, smile and get to work!