• From: Crestline, CA
  • Registered: 2004-11-03
  • Posts: 205

Topic: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

I recently overhauled my home office and reorganized my workspace. I built a long worktable out of a countertop and two saw horses, added new shelves, and purchased a literature organizer to keep my different prints and papers somewhat organized. 

Last night I was listening to some good music (Coralie Clement) cleaning up type (a failed letterpress experiment) and then sat down to sketch and realized that for the first time in a long time, I was VERY comfortable in my workspace. A little organization really gave me the freedom to be creative - now I don't have to spend an hour cleaning in order to find all the supplies I need. I'm slowly but surely adding prints and other bits of inspiration to the walls so that I have an *environment* instead of just an office, and it's really starting to become a refuge for me.

So tell me about your workspace! Is it a room, or a desk, or a corner of your couch that you like to sit and draw in? (I use all three, by the way. My whole apartment is in the thrall of half-finished paintings and sticky sketchbooks). Pictures are a bonus!

my worktable

Brianna Privett
Work: utopian.net
Life: brianna.org
Fun: Illustration Friday

brianna's Website

Quote Post 1

  • Lisa
  • Banned
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  • From: Colorado
  • Registered: 2004-11-29
  • Posts: 2

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

Okay... I will jump in here.

I feel kind of shy because my workspace really isn't much. I tend to land wherever I can but I do have my own little corner of our living room. My husband built a large desk/ table for me. Here I can sit to work on the computer, draw, paint... whatever tickles my fancy. I love this spot since there are 6 large, north facing, windows, right beside me that allow me to see the world and offer great light. I can also be right here with all of the little ones and I guess that has a flip side as well, lol. But I suppose I am comfortable here. As you said, it is my *environment* rather than an office. It is a goof place, for me, although it does become a bit cramped when I am working on a project and spread out so I suppose could use a little organization myself. =)

Lisa's Website

Quote Post 2

  • From: San Francisco, CA
  • Registered: 2004-11-30
  • Posts: 21

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

Ooh I love this topic :)

Well, I live in San Francisco, where space is tight! But I've managed to carve out quite the little work area in my home and I too am VERY comfortable. I love it so much and am soo thankful I get to work for myself out of my home. (My kitty loves it too!)

Recently I had gotten a few new pieces of furniture, and was about to get rid of this old bedside table (with 4 drawers). I really had no room for it so it was on the way out the door.. but .. around the same time I'd pulled out a bunch of painting and sewing supplies - and when I went to put them away I saw that I could really use those drawers! So now it's become an extention of my cozy little office space, even though it's somewhat out of place... the idea of having 4 more drawers where I can put crafty/creative tools is lovely to me!

Here's some pics: (Flickr is a great tool for this project)
Workspace Photo 1 of 2

Workspace Photo 2 of 2

Looking forward to seeing more here!

p.s. Great job on the site Brianna!! Any chance you can darken up this orangish color on white?  It's a tad faint. :)

Last edited by willotoons (2004-11-30 14:29:32)

willotoons's Website

Quote Post 3

  • From: Melbourne, Australia
  • Registered: 2004-11-28
  • Posts: 16

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

My workspace from the eye of a digital camera and some photoshop trickery.
Usually between a state of extreme. Really neat...or really messy. Depends on deadlines...the required level of procrastination and or tax time.
Usually there is a cat in there muscling her way into sitting on my lightbox (strangely always when it's on...) or walking all over my desk to get to the paint and ink water (apparently a source of nutrition in cat world).
My computer scanner printer combination is behind me as i took the photo.

d.

http://www.f1-comics.com/gallery/studio.jpg

Last edited by douglasbot (2004-11-30 14:39:09)

www.skullduggery.com.au

douglasbot's Website

Quote Post 4

  • From: Camano Island, WA
  • Registered: 2004-11-29
  • Posts: 19

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

After I started taking over the entire house with my workspace, my husband, my mom and I all went to work on a garden shed in our backyard.  It had no windows, a concrete floor and bare bones walls.  After a new roof, new windows, insulation and some remnant carpeting, I now have a place to house all my shipping supplies and mass art supplies.  If my computer were out there, my family wouldn't see me at all! Here's the studio:
http://www.shano-studio.com/shanostudio … 73x203.jpg

Last edited by shano-studio (2004-11-30 15:03:25)

webpage:
Blog:

shano-studio's Website

Quote Post 5

  • From: Crestline, CA
  • Registered: 2004-11-03
  • Posts: 205

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

This is beautiful stuff!

Willotoons, I agree that the color needs darkening - I'll fix it this evening. I was noticing it's a bit hard to see - and I'm on a Windows laptop at the moment, I bet it's even lighter on my Mac.

Your Flickr annotations are PERFECT!! And I am just drooling over that powerbook. I have a very nice G4 desktop with a very nice Apple Studio monitor, but I have been having Powerbook lust for the last three months - got used to toting my work laptop around all the time.

One piece of equipment we have in common is the Wacom 6x8 tablet. Yum.

Douglasbot, your space is exactly the comfy, colorful kind of space I want my office to become. I especially like the posters and the shelves of what appear to be magazines or comics.

Keep 'em coming, guys!

Brianna Privett
Work: utopian.net
Life: brianna.org
Fun: Illustration Friday

brianna's Website

Quote Post 6

  • From: Crestline, CA
  • Registered: 2004-11-03
  • Posts: 205

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

Ack! The Shano Studio is like a little dream hideaway!

Brianna Privett
Work: utopian.net
Life: brianna.org
Fun: Illustration Friday

brianna's Website

Quote Post 7

  • From: San Francisco, CA
  • Registered: 2004-11-30
  • Posts: 21

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

Douglasbot!! That's great... I'm Willobot! Coined by coworkers at the last firm I was at, it's now my powerbook's login, my wireless network, etc :)

Your workspace is great - we should do another thread of "What's on your bookshelves?" :) I did that a couple years back - but I need to do it again. Looks like you have mags or comics? I have tried to not save toooo many magazines as I could certainly horde quite a bit! But I do have a good stack of HOW and Giant Robot's.

I wanna see inside that shano-studio!! How cool!

Last edited by willotoons (2004-11-30 15:31:11)

willotoons's Website

Quote Post 8

  • From: San Francisco, CA
  • Registered: 2004-11-30
  • Posts: 21

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

oh! Douglasbot - you & I emailed awhile back! I just checked out your site... good to see you again :)

willotoons's Website

Quote Post 9

  • From: Melbourne, Australia
  • Registered: 2004-11-28
  • Posts: 16

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

AH!! Willobot!! Hey...how are you. Long time no speak. Good to see you again. Great studio space...so CLEAN!!

I'm glad to see you have a studio monkey...i think it's imperative every studio have one. Mine actually looks like he's falling out the window in that photo.You can just see his hand.

And yep you got it in one Brianna. Shelves and shelves and shelves of comics, books, cd's, books, comics...comics...and cd's...and books...and....

Last edited by douglasbot (2004-11-30 16:07:53)

www.skullduggery.com.au

douglasbot's Website

Quote Post 10

  • From: Portland, OR
  • Registered: 2004-11-28
  • Posts: 18

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

My office/studio is a little space off my bedroom.  I don't know what the room was originally meant to be.  It's so small.  It has been (at various times) a sitting room, a sewing room, a junk room, and now my office.  I laid out a floorplan, complete with a window seat with drawers underneath, a built-in desk and cabinets.  I had special long and deep drawers built that would contain my scanners.  I have two flat panel LCD monitors, an Epson printer, and a Wacom tablet...all within easy reach of my chair-on-wheels.  It is comfortable and cozy.  I love it.

violetismycolor's Website

Quote Post 11

  • Registered: 2004-11-03
  • Posts: 407

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

You can see my studio at: http://www.penelopeillustration.com/mee … otour.html

The computer is not visible, but I am talking to you right now on a white eMac. It's noisy. The only thing added since I took those pictures is a new office chair (thank god). I got one that doesn't hurt my back. Yippee!

I have essentially taken over the dining room because it gets the most light in my house. I really like it, although I wish I could spill paint on the floor guilt-free.

penelope
http://www.penelopeillustration.com
http://www.illustrationfriday.com

penelope's Website

Quote Post 12

  • From: Camano Island, WA
  • Registered: 2004-11-29
  • Posts: 19

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

Thanks Brianna!  :)  I have to admit that it is very cold until that heater starts cranking for at least 15 minutes.  And  oh Willowtoons . . .  it's not so good inside.  With the heat press and the TONS of shipping supplies, added shelves, and not to mention art stuff that is waiting for me (ahem . . . abandoned) it is practically overflowing.  But, here are some pics BEFORE I completely overwhelmed my poor little studio:

http://www.shano-studio.com/studioinside1.jpg
http://www.shano-studio.com/studioinside2.jpg
http://www.shano-studio.com/studioinside3.jpg

It does not have a monkey.  I knew I was missing something!

Last edited by shano-studio (2004-12-01 14:52:12)

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Quote Post 13

  • From: Camano Island, WA
  • Registered: 2004-11-29
  • Posts: 19

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

By the way, Willo.  Your work space flash is mighty cool.  I envy you clever girls (and guys!)  I can't even seem to get the html right to post a picture here!  Duh.

webpage:
Blog:

shano-studio's Website

Quote Post 14

  • From: Crestline, CA
  • Registered: 2004-11-03
  • Posts: 205

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

I think this thread is completely responsible for all the colorful crap I bought at Pier1 today for my studioffice. Including the candles.

Brianna Privett
Work: utopian.net
Life: brianna.org
Fun: Illustration Friday

brianna's Website

Quote Post 15

  • keri
  • Member
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  • Registered: 2004-12-01
  • Posts: 1

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

I just moved in Oct and am still in somewhat of a chaotic place, but my workspace at the moment is a bookshelf with laptop and tablet upon it.  Not that I've used the tablet or drawn anything in ages.
That's part of why I enjoy Illustration Friday!  Gets me drawing!

Keri

Quote Post 16

  • From: Camano Island, WA
  • Registered: 2004-11-29
  • Posts: 19

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

I LOVE Pier One colorful crap!!! Now I'm envious.

webpage:
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shano-studio's Website

Quote Post 17

18 Reply by wee

  • wee
  • Member
  • Offline
  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2004-11-29
  • Posts: 131

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

This is such an amazing topic. I love "peeping" inside other people's work studios. Endlessly fascinating. My space is really a spare bedroom, but loaded to the rafters with all my stuff. I try to maintain some semblance of order, but generrally fail at that miserably. Right now for instance, it looks like I was hosting a drunk and disorderly convention of Douglasbot's rampaging Yeti. Next time I clean it up, I'll post some pix!

Last edited by wee (2004-12-04 09:16:13)

melanie
illustrator, chocolate fiend and thoroughly dog friendly being!
http://melaniefordwilson.com

wee's Website

Quote Post 18

  • Registered: 2004-12-03
  • Posts: 6

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

My special space is in a spare bedroom as well.

I have a big table set up with a nice lamp, a glass bucket full of black pens, a cobalt glass chock full of pointy pencils, and a little dish with all of my kneeded rubber erasers. My pastel boxes are stacked up and there's a nice Philip Gray print leaning against the wall.

I won't go into details about the mess littered across the drawing surface :)

The rest of the room is tidy, with a rickety book shelf stuffed with all the children's books I've accumulated over the years, all my cds and my stereo.

There's even a Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the corner.

JiNGLES's Website

Quote Post 19

  • From: San Francisco, CA
  • Registered: 2004-11-30
  • Posts: 21

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

I finally figured out I have to hit "Subscribe to this topic" to get email notification :)

Anyway - very cool Shano on the "pre-chaos" photos :) Doug had commented how clean my workspace is - but believe you me, it'ss not that clean all the time. The messes aren't that attractive though so I thought I'd straighten up a little before sharing it! :)

Also Shano - that Flash thing was all Flickr's doing - it's a pretty cool photo site the way it uses Flash for so many things - makess it very user friendly/intuitive!

Ok - off to the craft store! :)

willotoons's Website

Quote Post 20

  • Registered: 2004-11-30
  • Posts: 5

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

I still working on getting my official workspace, for now I use my kitchen table which is for now comfortable to me since I have good lighting and a comfy chair. Once my basement is finished, I plan on setting up a space filled with light and color that will allow my creativity to flow freely.

jupiter_nine's Website

Quote Post 21

  • From: Camano Island, WA
  • Registered: 2004-11-29
  • Posts: 19

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

So Willo, what and where is Flickr?  I googled it and only found photo sharing.  It seems as though you're the Flash person to ask, oh Miss Flash Goddess!  (I saw the Flash Goddess interview through your site.  Cool!)

~Shano

webpage:
Blog:

shano-studio's Website

Quote Post 22

  • From: Tampere, Finland
  • Registered: 2004-11-29
  • Posts: 25

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

I live in one-room flat, so my studio apartment is my studio.. My bedroom is my livingroom, my livingroom is my dancehall etc. So my workspace is the whole appartment really.

Most of the time I do my work at school (I study at the Tampere Polytechnic School of Art and Media) or sometimes at the office where I'm as freelancer.

I do dream about actual workroom with everything I need, but let's face it, I'm graphic designer and that means that my things are everywhere, like they always have been.

I don't have any recent pictures of my studio, so I try to get pictures as soon as I remember to get some patteries to my camera.

keep them by letting them go
my Illustration Friday set at flickr

jamma's Website

Quote Post 23

  • From: Brisbane Australia
  • Registered: 2004-11-28
  • Posts: 59

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

Shano, Flickr is a photo sharing website.

Going quietly crazy
Fat Lil Wytch

Lil_Wytch's Website

Quote Post 24

  • Registered: 2004-12-06
  • Posts: 7

Re: Workspace & environment - how do you like to create?

Hey, thanks for the inspiration to finally take some snaps of my studio to put on my web site!  This is a great idea, I love seeing and hearing about everyone's "space".  Here's my about me page with the new images added:

http://www.jennybharris.com/about/aboutjenny.htm

And yes, it is pink.

Cheers!

Last edited by Jennybee (2004-12-07 05:55:39)

http://jennybee.typepad.com/

Jennybee's Website

Quote Post 25