020: Organizing Creative Spaces - Part Two
Topics Discussed and Key Points
•What drove each of us to a major overhaul of our space
•What are our organizing obsessions
•How we organize specific categories of supplies
In this two-part episode, Roben-Marie and Sandi discuss organizing your creative space and art supplies, going from general advice down to specific tips and tricks.
Roben-Marie discusses how she categorizes her papers. She prefers organizing by size and color in dresser drawers. When on-the-go, she puts papers in envelopes so that she can easily reach for the ones she needs at any given time.
Sandi then talks about using a cart for her work. She sets with acrylics on the first row; paper towels, baby wipes, and artist’s tape on the second row; and specialty items that she doesn’t use often like colored pencils and oil pastels on the third row. Sandi pulls the cart up right beside her chair, and it provides ample and convenient storage space for her as she works. When she’s done, she can push the cart back into a corner with ease.
Next, Roben-Marie shares the benefits of her art table, which has drawers on either end. She houses extension cords in these drawers for her heat tool, box lights, and sewing machines. By running the cords underneath her table, she can “plug and play” these tools quickly and easily, all while saving space at the same time. Along with this, she has two drawer cubbies containing glue sticks, brushes, and pencils, among other things. She pulls these drawers out and puts them on her art table whenever she needs certain supplies.
Sandi discusses using file folder organizers where she stores watercolor papers by brand. She also admits her addiction to Rifle Paper notebooks and pads.
Finally, our hosts talk about the most important thing they learned from redoing their workspaces and what they’ve come to understand about themselves as artists.
“It’s worth spending a modest amount of time and money to make your studio beautiful, not only because it can clear up your mind, but also because that clarity leads to greater inspiration and confidence in yourself as an artist.”
For Roben-Marie, she says that her art changed because she started to create differently and more often as a result of cleaning out and organizing her room. It’s worth spending a modest amount of time and money to make your studio beautiful, not only because it can clear up your mind, but also because that clarity leads to greater inspiration and confidence in yourself as an artist.
Sandi recalls her earlier quote, “Our rooms reflect the artist we used to be.” The beauty that results from cleaning our room “reminds us of who we truly are as creatives.” Give weight to the moments you’re organizing your workspace. After all, it’s part of the process of maturing as an artist.
Mentioned in this episode:
Clementine Paper, Inc.
Rifle Paper Company
Glassine Envelopes:
•11x14 Envelope
•8x10 Envelope
•5x7 Envelope
Pin to save for later!
Subscribe & Review in iTunes
Are you subscribed to the Creative Get Real podcast? If not, Sandi and I want to encourage you to sign up. It is super simple and you won't miss an episode! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
We love to hear from our listeners and truly appreciate it when you share the love. We want as many artists and makers out there to benefit from our real life conversations. Would you consider giving us a review on iTunes? Those reviews help other people find our podcast and and we enjoy reading them, of course!! Thanks so much!