Oh, studio life…  It’s kind of the thing that most artists dream of, fight for, and aspire to create.  In our imaginations, it’s a place of pure passion where you can put your head down and work (and where, of course, everything you touch will turn to gold).

 

While much of that is true (minus the gold, sorry…) there are some serious pros and cons to working from a studio.   So, lets get into it!

 

I moved into my studio about a year ago – after working from home for the past 4 years.  We’ve moved around a lot, but in every home (except one) I had a dedicated space (spare room) to create.  My requirements have always been good light, dedicated space, and a door.

When I moved into my studio at the White Whale Studios & Gallery (great name, right?) I had no idea the impact working from a space would have on my art career, but it has been tremendous.

 

Why I love working out of an art studio.

1. Community – working amongst a tribe of creative people has some amazing plus sides.  Gallery openings, parties, chatting in the halls, sharing wine after hours…  All good and wonderful things.

2. Inspiration – and we all need a little extra inspo.  Right?  It comes easily when you’re in your creative headspace.

3. Feedback  – when you work with other insightful creatives good advice is going to come your way.  It’s inevitable.

4. Second workspace – no dishes, no laundry to fold, no kitchen to get lost in…. just you & your creativity.

5. Clients and buyers think you’re legit.  I hate that this is true, but it totally is.

6. …And along with that, you take yourself just a little more seriously as an artist.

Investing in your self and your business will only benefit you and your art.

 

 

But, how do you know it when you’re ready for a studio?   Here are some things to think about before signing the lease.

 

– First, in order to thrive in a studio, you have to think about your art as work (as much as any artist can really do that) and treat yourself like a professional.

– How public are you?  Do you want your creative process (and the crazy mess that often comes with it) exposed to visitors?

– $$ – whether you sign a monthly or yearly lease, or your buy your space, you’re committing to that dollar amount for a while.

– People.  Do you work and create well with and around others?   People can be weird, emotional, exciting, inspiring, thoughtful, thoughtless… Sometimes that community is amazing, but other times it’s nice to work in peace.  How do you work best?

– Leaving the house to create feels very futile some days.  Sometimes you spend more time driving than being creatively “productive” and sometimes it feels like what your work could have been accomplished from the comfort of your kitchen table.  Really think about that.  Are you willing to commit to the commute, hassle, and disruption of physically getting to the studio each day?

 

 

At the end of the day, do what is best for you and go where your creativity thrives the most.

If you do work out of a studio, talk to us!  What do you love (or hate) about it?  Is it as awesome as you always imagined?

 

 

PS. If you live in Greenville, SC, my studio is going to be available in August as I will be moving to a new space downstairs!  Check it out: White Whale Studios  and come join me in studio life!!

 

Photography b myself & Paige French