Some people go to work in an office. Other people go to work in a store, or a restaurant, or a factory. But what about the creative professional? Where do they go to get their work done?
The Need for Space: The Artist’s Dilemma
In the popular imagination, an artist can work anywhere. The public sees plain air painters and films that show geniuses toiling away in rooftop garrets and think that represents the typical artists’ experience. Yet it turns out that the most productive working artists have dedicated studio spaces – areas where they can store their materials, work on projects, consider ideas, and more.
The artist’s studio can also be a social space. Here at the American Fabric Arts Building, we’ve found that many of our resident artists use their studio to meet with clients, show work to gallery owners and buyers’ representatives, and collaborate with colleagues.
The Benefits of Dedicated Studio Space: Increased Productivity, Better Work/Life Balance
Whether you’re an artist, maker, or crafter, the fact is that making a living requires a certain volume of output. Whether that means you sell one piece a year for $50,000 or a lot more pieces at lower price points, you’ve still got to do the work.
Having a dedicated place to work improves productivity. A recent CNBC report revealed that 58% of workers need a quiet area to concentrate and focus in order to do their best work. There’s no reason to believe that artists, makers, and crafters are any different. If you want to do more work, you need a place to do it.
The other reason to have a dedicated studio space is that it improves your work/life balance. If you’ve ever tried to figure out a difficult problem with a toddler underfoot, you know the challenges working from home can bring. Trying to work on a major piece, whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or project, means you’re not giving your attention to your family or pets. They’re aware of this, and it can cause resentment and other problems. Keeping work and family life separate can make everyone happier.
Additionally, taking time away from your work can improve the creative process. Distance creates perspective. Having your work in the studio gives you time to be away from the studio – gathering inspiration, recharging your batteries, developing new insights – all of which can dramatically impact your work.
Photo by KVON Photography
Choosing a Studio
If you’ve never rented studio space before, you’ll want to know what to look for. The first criterion is a convenient location. We’re in Bridgeport, CT, in the heart of a very active arts community. The second criterion is space. Your studio space needs will vary, depending on the type of work you do and the scale of your work. We have many options available, including shared studio options. Finally, everyone has a budget to work with. If you’re interested in learning more about studio space, including availability and pricing, drop us a line – we’d be happy to help answer your questions!