Build a DIY art studio without paying for space

STUDIO TIME

As an artist, you begin to need your own space. Your giant jar of paintbrushes, extra canvasses and countless paints, pencils, and programs start to pile up and suddenly the “do it wherever I can fit it” approach doesn’t cut it anymore.

This calls for your own art studio. And it can be easy to build your own and keep everything organized in it’s own special space.

Of course on Pinterest we all gawk over vast studios and wish we had the same. I dream of them all the time. In fact, you can look at the studios I gush about right here. But the reality of our wallets usually screams that we aren’t quite there yet.

My very first “studio” was confined to my bedroom when I lived at my parents’ house in college. It was cramped, but it was functional. I kept all of my smaller supplies in a dresser — paper, glitter, glue, paints, technique books, and more in neat piles in the drawers. I hung my clothes in the closet instead and used the top closet shelf for canvases and bigger supplies. I would use my floor as my workspace, spreading newspaper over the carpet to avoid paint stains. I could close the door and focus on my art for hours.

I’ve since upgraded to a desk in my apartment, and again upgraded to a half-room set aside in my new rental house in Michigan. As long as you can designate a specific space for yourself, you will never have to pay to rent out a space outside of your home, which can be costly and take funds out of your budget that could be better used in other areas of your business.

So how should you get started on your studio?

THE SPACE

First, designate your space. This is the most important step. Your space will determine the feng shui of your work area and hurt or help your workflow.

Ask yourself: Is there enough room here? Where will I store my supplies? What surface will I work on? Will I be easily bothered here? This last question is important because you’ll want to be able to focus. Obviously, you’ll be at home and you might live with other people. You wouldn’t want to build your art studio in the hallway where everyone will be walking. Try to pick somewhere with less traffic, like the garage or a bedroom. If you’ve got the resources and time, you could also build a she-shed: a little room the size of a garden shack in the backyard to be reserved for your craft time.

FURNITURE

Second, consider your furniture. This is an extension of designating your space in a way. My favorite pieces of furniture to include are a desk, especially with drawers, and close-by access to a shelving unit or a closet. The desk serves me best because I like to paint on a flat surface (I grew up painting on the floor, so hello, this is no surprise). If you like to paint with an easel, you’ll have more horizontal space in your studio, but maybe less storage space. I like to have a nearby closet or chest or a piece of furniture to protect my materials and store them out of sight. If you can’t fit the furniture you want in the space you’ve chosen, try to choose another space or get smaller furniture.

SUPPLIES

Next, you’ll want to organize your supplies. This will be different for every artist, depending on what medium you use. For some, all you’ll need is a place to set your tablet and pen. For others, you’ll need sixty drawers for ribbons, papers, stickers, colored pencils, and the like. If you need to, go out and buy a cheap storage box for these items. I’ve found that a fisherman’s tackle box is actually ideal for storing pencil sharpeners, erasers, or other tiny materials, and they’re pretty inexpensive to buy.

There are also special shelves for hanging paints if you don’t have a lot of horizontal storage room. Always build upward when you’re cramped! If you need to hang projects up to dry, I recommend nailing string up on the wall and using clothespins to pin up your artwork. It looks cute and it’s also super functional.

Eventually you’ll get the hang of your new art studio and rearrange based on what you use the most, putting those items in an easier-to-reach spot.

PERSONALIZE

The last step is personalization. Your home art studio might already feel personalized with all of your art junkie equipment laying around, but take the time to decorate. I always get more done when I can look up from my work, take in a deep breath and admire my relaxing atmosphere before plunging back into my project. Add a plant or hang up photos of your friends and family. It’ll help cultivate your Pinterest dream studio vibe.

Now you’ve got a low-cost (or cost-free!) art studio right in the comfort of your own home. No travel time to the studio, no paying another rental fee and minimal effort required. Having a designated space for your art and your creative business helps you stay organized, motivated, and helps you take yourself more seriously every time you step into it. Feel free to pat yourself on the back and get to work.