How to Set Up Your Art Studio When Space is Limited
A living space is an outward sign of what is most meaningful to us. We have a space for cooking, a space for eating, a space for relaxing, and a space for sleeping. If art is going to be an important part of our life, we need to make space for that too. Not all houses are built equally, and limited space is very real for a lot of people, so what if there’s no room for art?
Make room
I can’t emphasize how crucial it is to have a space where the tools you need to create are already set up and ready to go. Our time is so full, that if we need to hunt down our supplies or set up an easel every time we go to paint, we’ll likely never do it. Before I had a dedicated space for art, I painted maybe a few times a year, but now that I have my own art corner I easily paint a few times a week.
You may think you do not have the space for a glorious art studio, but I challenge you to look again with humble eyes. You can make do with a small space. Check your shed, the garage, a corner of a room, or an unused guest room. We sacrifice for things that are meaningful to us, what are you willing to sacrifice?
It doesn’t have to be pretty.
Instagram is full of beautiful images. There are many artists out there with picturesque studios that your little heart may crave. We can be very happy for those artists while also accepting our humble studio, because I’m here to tell you that it’s okay if your studio is less than glam. It’s okay if your studio is messy, or cramped and it’s okay if it’s pretty too. The fact that you have space for art is an incredible blessing, and it will transform your artsy life.
Don’t wait for a perfect art studio, with perfect lighting, and perfect wall colors. Don’t let the pressure of what an art studio should look like deter you from actually starting a real studio. Start with a crappy art studio, and perfect it over time. You may be surprised where your simple space will lead you.
Cherish it
That being said, there are a few things that we can do to make our art studio better right away because we’re not just creating a space for art, we are creating an environment for art.
Think about what space encourages you to be creative. Do you thrive in a minimal environment? Does clutter make you feel right at home? What scents, colors, and/or objects help you focus and get motivated? You may not be able to increase the size of your space, but you CAN choose what that space looks like. Hang THE painting that inspired you to be an artist. Light a candle. Play jazy music. Place a vase of flowers on a nearby table--don’t be surprised if you end up painting these! Simple, easy gestures go a long way.
Set Boundaries
Once you have your art studio in place, you may need to encourage others to respect your space. Only you have the ability to set and keep boundaries. Your roommates will not likely not do this on their own. You do not need to be apologetic about your space. No one needs to touch your supplies or interrupt you when you are in your studio.
Tips to maintain boundaries:
Keep art supplies for kids in a separate place.
If someone interrupts your painting time with a request, kindly inform them you will address that when you are finished painting (all non-emergency concerns can wait after all). This may be the hardest one, but if you follow this consistently, over time you will see less interruptions.
If you have kids at home, set up a project for them to do while you are in your studio so that everyone is working at the same time.
If you have people in your life who’s love language is quality time, intentionally plan something with this person outside of your studio time, so that they will feel included in your day even if part of that day is spent away in the studio.
I hope you feel inspired and encouraged to start your studio. Once you have your space set up, send me a photo on Instagram and I’ll feature it in my story!