5 Art Studio Must Haves

The artist studio is a space that must be both functional and aesthetic. I love to work in my studio surrounded by mementos that inspire me and trinkets that motivate me. After having a university studio as a printmaking TA, I moved into an elementary art teacher desk in a dual classroom space, and then settled down to be a working mom at home with an in home studio space I have compiled quick list of studio must haves to help you start or improve your artist practice. What are components of my art studio that help with my artistic practice?

1. Sturdy surface to work on

Depending on your space and the medium you’re working with your choice of surface to work on may vary. When I was in University I had a long plastic table with an overhead shelf and linoleum flooring. The desk space was spacious as it was a longer table meant to seat 6 and when I didn’t need the surface I used the floor. In my art classroom I had numerous countertops, student tables, my own desk and supply tables to work on depending on the class project.

As I work from home now, a sturdy wooden desk has been my go-to surface to work on for printmaking. I used to use an adjustable draft table, but that is now used by my children who do their homework alongside me in the studio. I do prefer to have a separate desk for my computer. My digital projects and computer take up a lot of space and instead of having to constantly clear up this area, I have two separate desks.

2. Ample lighting whether natural or artificial

The ability to view your work with natural light is a privilege. I am so honored to have had a window in my art classroom. It was glorious to let in the sunlight to brighten the room and my students’ spirits while we worked creatively. It has been wonderful having an additional room in our home for my art studio. There is one little window in the corner and it overlooks the street. I can lazily watch the breeze move through our tree and the occasional neighbor walking past on their way to the park.

I know most people may not have an extra room in their home to dedicate to their art space. Lamps and overhead lighting are perfect tools to add to your space. Although I do have a window beside my printmaking desk, I also have a canvas lamp on the table. There is an extra floor lamp next to my draft table as it is further from the window and helps to brighten up that dark corner. I also have a small table lamp on my computer desk. Multiple options give me enough light to brighten up the whole space. Also the option to highlight a specific working space during the day or late at night.

3. Storage solutions big and small

One of my greatest conundrums after moving from a small studio at my university to a large two room classroom and then back down to a bedroom sized studio, was figuring out how to display and store all of my art supplies. To be honest, the amount of available storage grew as my art practice grew. I started with my small drawers to hold my papers, completed portraits and art prints.

Most of my supplies were in the closet, but as my needs grew . As an artist but also as a mom co-sharing my space, I converted our old baby armoire into an art armoire to add more storage. I had to adjust my storage space within the armoire by adding a small shelf inside. This armoire houses my general art supplies. I have a matching shelf beside my draft table where I keep the kids homeschooling work. Adding a small wooden desk drawer with small shelves to our draft table has been so helpful to sort little trinkets. I have a specific armoire that houses all of my printmaking supplies. So when I’m ready to print, I can easily transition into art mode and take out my supplies.

4. Comfy seating for yourself and visitors

As a neurodivergent artist I need multiple types of seating within my studio space to accommodate my sensory processing. I like to have a sturdy adjustable stool for my printmaking desk to help me focus. When I need a break between carving sessions, I like to walk over to my accent chairs and lounge. Sometimes, I need to sit cross-legged and so we have the blue soft chair without armrests. When Im feeling the need to be more compressed and secured I lounge in the orange chair with tall armrests and a blanket.

I have two extra lounge chairs for when we have our whole family of four hanging out in the studio together. More often than not it is me and the kids working together after school and we have plenty of room for us all. In addition to these spaces, I have a lovely thrifted piano bench that the kids use at the draft table. While they work on their homework they can sit together on the piano bench and I turn my wooden stool around to face and work with them. The variation of seating allows for sensory support during our moments of focused work and occasions of relaxed contemplation.

5. Air circulation for a fresh vibe

This may feel like a strange and unexpected item to add to a studio space. I have found with the different art mediums come so many art fumes and smells. Making sure you have at least one option for good ventilation and air circulation is so important. I already have a window that I open when the weather is cooler and it brings in the most wonderful breeze while I work. When opening my window is not an option I have the ceiling fan and an air purifier. This air filter has been so helpful in keeping the air clean for me and my family, including our little cat Wybie. When you’re in the zone and working you don’t always realize the amount of fumes you’re inhaling from your art space. Adding an air purifier to your office is the perfect addition to create a more comfortable and functional space.

No matter what you decide to add to create your studio, remember that it is your space. Your space should mirror you. There is a ton of content showing you how to make the “right” studio. Just remember the right way to organize your studio is up to you. I hope my list was helpful as you navigate your space and create an art studio environment you enjoy. If you are still looking for more ideas you can tour my studio in my other post.