I’ll start this once more with: every artist works in a different way. So what I might say here might not work for you – but if you’re someone who sometimes struggles to keep concentration and creativity going, maybe some of this might be useful for me. Because I know that for me it is. See, a creative workspace can make or break your artistic flow. Not even talking about skill, talent, practice – no, it’s Player 3 entering the match: your surroundings.

The Key Points

It can honestly make an amazing difference to prepare where you want to be creative in a way that suits your needs and feelings, to open up your creativity. Not everyone is in need of these steps, of course, but I often find that a lot of them also help me getting into the right mood. Sometimes, I want to do art, but my mind’s just not there yet. And prepping things can just be the trigger that was needed.

• Natural light boost mood and energy – it’s the best condition you can give yourself, if it’s possible. If not, a nice, bright light that simulates it is the best alternative. Trying to do art in the dark will also falsify a lot.
• Know, what works best for you – I, personally, need a very decluttered desk to draw on. As soon as there’s even the tiniest bit of distraction, it will distract me. However, I know a lot stat strife in organised chaos, which sparks ideas. So find the right balance for you!
• Be kind to your body, use ergonomic tools. Be that your chair, desk height, posture-friendly setups and aids to protect your wrist and fingers.
• I hate it when I am distracted, so I always try to set up in a way that reduces interruptions and keeps me in my zone.
• Give yourself everything you know you prosper with. Be that adding plants, inspiration boards, a pot of your favourite tea, music or soundscapes – or even aromas or textures.

This, of course, is only if your workplace is being inside. I always feel that being in nature by itself is a massive muse and usually takes care of everything at once (until it’s getting windy or something). But that being said, I always extended where I work to my artistic process. And super small changes can already make a huge difference in how often and how joyfully I can do art.

[Picture by Sarah Brown – thank you!]