Setting Up a Studio

Any time you are setting up a space for creative use, there are certain considerations to take into account. Setting up an art studio is one of our favorite things to, so here are a few things we've passed on to our artists over the years.

Ventilation
The number one thing to consider when setting up your studio is Safety First, and for most artists working with solvents, paints, stains, or varnishes, this means good ventilation. Windows are wonderful, but make sure you have a way of circulating air out of the space, for example, with an exhaust fan. This will keep you healthy and wanting to work more -- as well as ensuring that you can keep those long hours in the studio productive.

Lighting
We need to see to work, right? Well, in the studio, it comes down to even more than that. The type of lighting you have in your studio can greatly impact the creative work you do. We highly recommend using full spectrum bulbs in your light fixtures. This will make sure that the colors you see are accurate. Colored lighting, like tungsten bulbs and fluorescent lighting, have colored tints to them, and can skew the colors you are working with in a piece. Natural light is great, but make sure your electric lights help support your creative endeavors as well.

Workspace
Next, consider what kind of support you need to work on. If you're a painter, perhaps you need easels. Drawing, illustration, and other small detail work will need a sturdy tabletop or studio desk. Make SURE that whatever you are working on doesn't wobble or shift while you work. Another tip: set your workspace to a comfortable height for your preferred work style. If you like to stand while you work, look for tabletops that can be raised to standing height, or easels that can easily be adjusted to accommodate your working style.

Storage
Nothing is more precious in the studio than space, especially when you are on a budget (which, of course, most of us are). Vertical storage units are great for tools, materials, and other necessary items, and we absolutely love the hanging file storage for two dimensional pieces. It saves space AND protects your work over the long haul. Also consider shelving storage to keep your space clear of clutter, particularly if you're working on larger pieces.

No Food Zone
One suggestion we always make to artists is to make sure your studio space is not adjoining an area where food is made. The likelihood of contaminating your food with chemicals is much higher. On the same thought, we also suggest a No Food Zone policy in your studio for the very same reason: contamination. Keep yourself healthy with a healthy environment, and watch the creative juices flow!