I’ve recently had the pleasure of purchasing my first home and it’s definitely been an exciting time for my long time boyfriend Stan and I. Finding the right home for you in the price range you want is hard enough, let alone all the other things you have to do that go with it. One of the things that was a priority for me in our new home was to have a dedicated room that would be our office/my art studio. I was lucky enough to have that in our apartment we are moving from so there was no way I was giving that up in a house we own. Call me spoiled, but these things are important in my world. 🙂
All The Feels
Sometimes, moving from a previous art space you love to a new one can be a little emotional. In some ways, I will miss the room that has been my creative space for the last 5 years. A lot of discoveries were made and pieces created in that space that are some of my favourites. It’s where I decided to start this blog, really begin building my art business and where I have spent countless hours painting and honing my skills in coloured pencil. It was the first time since living in my parent’s home that I had a real separate dedicated art room. It has allowed me the freedom to explore, be messy, and be completely surrounded by things that inspire me.
I have always felt that different spaces have different creative vibes and energy to them. I sometimes think about the art I created at the desk in my bachelor suite style dorm room in college, and how living in a building with other students eager to learn and full of life really informed that. I also think about my first apartment I had by myself after college, and how I used whatever surface I had available (mostly the floor) to paint and draw on. When you are a creative person, there is an innate drive inside you to create. No matter what space you have available whether it’s a whole room or just your kitchen table, the important thing is that you find a way to keep creating.
The Pleasant Discoveries That Come With Change
I think as a general rule I like unpacking better than packing. Something about it feels like unwrapping Christmas presents to me. The great thing about having to pack up my studio is that I’m finding a lot of things that were tucked away and forgotten about. I’ve found extra supplies I forgot I had and even a few random other things for projects I had plans for but never followed through with. Moving is an excellent opportunity to not only take inventory of what you have but also to make some cuts to the team. (I’m sure Stan thinks I’m hoarding art supplies but I assure you if I was hoarding this place would look a lot more like the art store of my dreams 😛 …but I digress.)
Starting Fresh
Moving into a new art studio space is like starting with a blank canvas. The possibilities are endless. If you are moving into your first art space you have a chance to set it up in all the ways you may have envisioned. If it’s not your first, maybe you are setting things up in a way that improves upon your last space. This is a great time to put different art up on the walls or even just paint them your favourite colour. I like to have a collection of objects and art that inspires me on my walls. Decorating the space with things that help get you in “creative mode” is really motivating and helps you personalize it.
My new space…just waiting to be made awesome!
As you are unpacking all of your various books and art supplies, this is a prime opportunity to get better organized. For example, any extra supplies you may have found can be put in a dedicated drawer or box. You may want to invest in some new shelving that will allow you to house extra canvases or art books. Additionally, a cool and inexpensive rug may be a must to protect the floor if you tend to be a little messy when working with wet media. Perhaps since moving from your space you’ve realized that you don’t have enough storage and need to purchase more containers or a drawer unit. All of these things don’t need to happen at once, but this gives you an idea of potential things to consider. If you’re not sure where to start or what to do, Pinterest is a great place to search for artist studio photos. I have a board specifically dedicated to that on my page. You can see that here.
Change can be difficult and emotional at times but it can also be exciting. Moving into a new art space is like walking into a world of new possibilities. I for one, can’t wait to see what this new space will inspire me to create.
Stay tuned to this blog or follow me on social media for photos of my new studio once it’s all setup!
