Creating a small home art studio can be a great way to have a dedicated space for your creative pursuits. Whether you’re a professional artist or just someone who enjoys painting as a hobby, having your own art studio can make your creative process easier, more organized, and more enjoyable. Here are some steps to help you create a small art studio in your home.
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Step 1: Choose a Space for Your Home Art Studio
The first step in creating a home art studio is to choose a space in your home where you can set up your studio. You may have a spare room to dedicate to your art studio, or you may need to carve out a space in a larger room. Regardless of the size of the space, it’s important that you choose a dedicated area for your studio.
Many people start at the kitchen table, or in my case, using a corner of the living room. If you have the space to dedicate an entire room, garage, or backyard shed to your art, great. But, if not, work with whatever you have. The most important thing is that it’s somewhere you go consistently. Your brain will start associating this space with creativity and that’s exactly what you want.
Step 2: Gather the Right Tools and Supplies
Once you’ve chosen the space for your home art studio, it’s time to gather the right tools and supplies. You will need whatever materials that you use for your specific type of art. If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about buying everything you think you might need. Get the basics you need to get started and you’ll learn as you go what else to add to your collection. You’ll be surprised at how little you do need to start.
Another reason not to overbuy, aside from the expense, is that your creative journey may take you on some surprising detours you didn’t anticipate. I started out weaving, then tried watercolour, and decided to try acrylic painting on a whim. I’ve never looked back!
Don’t feel like you have to purchase the best quality either. When you’re starting out, get the best you can afford, but don’t get hung up on it. The most important thing to focus on is creating, not waiting until you can afford the highest quality materials. There will be time as you develop to invest in good quality tools and supplies that will help you create better art and will also last longer. You’ll probably find that at least some of your favourite tools are the cheapest ones anyway.
Step 3: Organize Your Space
Organizing your home art studio is key to making the most of your space. Consider using shelving and drawers to store your supplies, and invest in some good-quality storage containers. I made the most of my living room space by using an IKEA storage system with solid cabinet doors and double the amount of shelving inside. I’m able to house all of my art and packing supplies, canvasses, and office items, such as a printer and scanner. When not in use, it’s all hidden behind closed doors.
You may also want to invest in standalone pieces like a rolling cart (I use this one) or a good-quality easel, which will make it easier to paint larger canvases in tight spaces. Take a look at my post How to Set Up an Inexpensive Portable Home Studio for more organization ideas.
Step 4: Make Your Studio Inspiring
Your home art studio should be a place that inspires you to create. Consider hanging some of your favourite art pieces on the walls, or display any other objects that inspire you. You may also want to add some plants or flowers to your studio to help create a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
I love using my art supplies as inspiration by putting them on display in fun containers I find at the Dollar Store or thrifting. Bonus, putting art supplies on display also doubles as an organizational solution. Another way to make your home art studio as inspiring as possible is to print out inspirational quotes or creative affirmations and place them where you’re sure to see them.
Step 5: Personalize Your Studio
Finally, personalize your home art studio to make it feel like your own. You may want to add some colourful curtains or rugs, or even add some of your own personal artwork to the walls. Conversely, if neutral colours and a zen vibe suit you incorporate that into your space. The key is to make your home art studio feel like a space that belongs to you, where you can create and be inspired.
Even though my studio space is part of our family’s living space I’ve personalized it by adding floating shelves where I keep my most recently completed paintings. I have a hand-carved wooden bowl on my drafting table that keeps not only art odds and ends contained but also houses small glass art animals made by my daughters.
In conclusion, creating a small art studio in your home is a great way to have a dedicated space for your creative pursuits. By choosing the right space, gathering the right tools and supplies, organizing your space, making it inspiring, and personalizing it, you can create a studio that will be a source of inspiration and joy for years to come.
Happy Creating!
For more studio inspiration, check out:
