Let’s Talk About Studio Setups
Episode #304 | Art by Lee White
Ever wonder how your favorite illustrators design their workspaces? Jake Parker, Sam Cotterill, and Lee White take you into their studios, past, present, and future. Plus, discover the accessories they can’t live without!
SHOW LINKS
KEY TAKEAWAYS
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Invest in good chairs and healthy practices to keep your body happy and drawing-ready for years to come.
You don’t need the perfect space to create; only determination.
Make your creative space work for you. Whether you prioritize cleanliness or accessibility, intentionally elevate your studio experience by honoring your values for that space.
Designing a workspace doesn’t have to break the bank. The hardware store and Facebook Marketplace are your best friends.
SUMMARY
What makes the perfect studio? Depending on whom you ask, the answer could be natural light, storage space, multiple workstations, or separation from the rest of the house. For Sam, flexibility is essential. From creating 3D sets to photography and digital work, her needs are ever-evolving. Rolling hardware tables allow her to rearrange the layout to support her current stage of the process.
For Lee, accessibility and portability take priority. Enjoying working outside the house, he stores his supplies grab-n-go style, making it easy to transport his setup to a cafe or coffee shop.
Having moved many times, Jake has worked in dingy basements, spare rooms, and common areas of the house. While not always ideal, Jake proves that a lack of the perfect space is no match for determined creativity. While you can work towards your dream studio (Jake’s new attic space is currently being finished), modest accommodations are all you really need to bring your ideas to life.
If you’re designing (or redesigning) your studio, intentional choices can make it an area you love (without breaking the bank). Here are a few tips for creating a functional, beautiful space:
Choose your splurges. Electronics are worth buying new, while furnishings such as tables, chairs, tripods, and storage units can be purchased second-hand at a discount.
Optimize for inspiration. Do you get creative juice from favorite objects, books, or works from other illustrators? Display them in your studio to stay motivated. Do you think better with visual quiet? Create a clean, clutter-free environment.
Take care of yourself. Illustration is a physical job, and your most important tool is your body. Buy a proper chair and massage your arms and hands to prevent aches and pains.