Last year I joined the wonderful Hive Artists Studios in Chelmsford, a small studio space just outside the city centre and conveniently close to my home. As we prepare for our annual exhibition in the city centre, I thought it would be a great time to revisit this post that I shared on Instagram a few months ago.

As an illustrator it’s important to have a space that can feel creative and exciting, but also with enough systems in place to get the work done. I’ve certainly found that renting a studio has improved the way I work by freeing up time for creative development, making portfolio work, and building more routines and structure into my working week. So read on for are five things I’ve learned about my creative practice thanks to my dedicated studio workspace.

My little corner of joy at Hive Artists Studios

1) MESS IS GOOD. The best creative exploration comes from the freedom to make a mess. Studio spaces let you focus more on the creative process and worry less about spilling ink on your carpets.

2) DOING = IDEAS. I used to wait for inspiration to strike before getting started but I think that was just a kind of procrastination. Now, I pick up materials and start scribbling or collaging and very quickly ideas start forming, often in unexpected ways.

3) GOTTA BE COMFY. My extra wide cross-legged chair means I can sit comfortably all day which helps me stay focused and creative. As an autistic person, my big chair is an accessibility requirement and one of the best things I have ever purchased.

4) ROUTINES HELP. Walking to the studio helps me clear my brain and get in the right frame of mind for making artwork. And walking home forces me to take a proper lunch break. This structure helps me stay focused as it breaks up my day in a consistent, reliable way.

5) COMMUNITY IS KEY. Hearing about my studio friends’ projects at our monthly meet up is always inspiring. We often share contacts, feedback or practical advice, too. Feeling part of something bigger than myself is good motivation to keep growing and improving my art.

A NOTE ON ACCESS
Not everyone can afford to rent a studio and often they have long waiting lists. Many towns and cities don’t have studios available at all. This is a problem. We must ensure that artists, illustrators and craftspeople can access affordable studio space, otherwise arts and culture will only ever be dominated by those with the most privilege.

I am so grateful to have my studio space and I am extra lucky that it is both affordable and close to my home. It took me a long time to justify the cost to myself but now I can’t imagine working any other way. It is small, humble and full of spiders, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Five things I learned about creativity from my studio space

Why I love using collage as an (autistic) illustrator