Building an art studio is a dream come true for many artists and it has been an amazing project. After many years hard saving, it finally became a reality and was finished in 2024. For me the ability to leave work out and not have to clear away is sheer luxury. However, setting up/ building an art studio involves more than just finding a room and filling it with art supplies. Here are some things to consider when building your new art studio. Hope this helps!
1. Location and Space
The location of your art studio is crucial. Consider a place that is easily accessible and has good natural light. Additionally, ensure that the space is large enough to accommodate your needs. Think about the size of your artwork, storage for supplies, and room for movement. I work on very large canvasses and stage flats (4’x8’) so need to be able to get them in easily (the sliding doors are very handy), have enough space to move around and work comfortably. Designing the roof so there was a handy beam to prop them up on works well. Having easy access to a loo was important to me so not to break the creative flow. The floor choice is pretty critical to a very messy artist. I chose a porcelain tile with epoxy grout to allow it to be cleaned with brick acid if needed!
2. Lighting
Proper lighting is vital in an art studio. Natural light is essential for artists as it provides the best illumination for working on projects but you should also invest in good artificial lighting. Energy-efficient lighting with LED lights have a longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs. Plan a mixture of adjustable task lamps and overhead lights that can help you work during evenings or on cloudy days. Consider the colour temperature of the lights, as it can affect how you perceive colours in your artwork. Personally I prefer warm white in my home but my work bench has daylight LED strip and is positioned under the skylight to make the most of natural light.
3. Ventilation
Ventilation is often overlooked but is essential, especially if you work with materials that emit fumes, such as oil paints or solvents. Ensure you have adequate ventilation to keep the air fresh and safe. I open the skylights and have the door open most days. A stay on the door is essential to stop it blowing shut! The skylights are operated by Velux solar openers with a fan when its very hot to keep the air circulating. This not only saves energy but also creates a healthier working environment. Incorporate indoor plants into your studio. Plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space but also improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. They seem to thrive! My next step will be to install an extraction unit to help maintain a healthy environment when soldering etc.
4. Furniture and Equipment Storage Solutions
You can never have enough storage with art materials! Invest in storage solutions that help you keep your supplies and tools in order. I had some kitchen units fitted and the shelves, drawers, and cabinets store paints, brushes, canvases, and other materials neatly. Most of the boxes in my cupboards are recycled boxes so labelling your storage to make it easier to find what you need.
Choose furniture and equipment that suit your working style. A sturdy easel, comfortable chairs, and worktables are essential. Most of my furniture has been recycled from offices and family.
6. Safety Measures
Safety should be a priority in your art studio. Ensure you have first aid supplies on hand and know how to use them. If you work with hazardous materials, make sure you have proper storage and disposal methods. A laboratory solvent cupboard is a useful addition. It’s ideal to keep your studio clean and free of clutter to prevent accidents- something I’m working on!
7. Inspiration and Ambiance
Your art studio should be a place that inspires you. Decorate it with artwork, posters, or anything that sparks your creativity. Consider playing music or having a small library of art books. The ambiance of your studio can significantly impact your productivity and creativity. Plan your Wi-Fi access carefully- I have an ethernet cable running from the house
8. Budget
Building an art studio is as expensive as a house extension, so it's essential to plan your budget and project manage carefully. List all the necessary items and their costs, and try to stick to your budget. Sometimes you have no choice. Another metre of foundations meant the project had to cut costs elsewhere. Having good communication with a good builder that reviewed the progress and costs on a weekly basis meant there were no nasty surprises. They were helpful in identifying savings in the project. So we reduced the spec to have sliding rather than bifold doors, not all the windows need open etc. My loo door and studio sink came off Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of the cost of new. Look for second-hand furniture or equipment to save money.
A new build gives you the opportunity to build in modern energy efficient technology. Solar panels on the roof combined with a thermostat controlled electric under floor heating has been a good combination. On sunny days I can run a fan without worrying about the cost of the power. In winter the solar is less efficient- generating just 5% of the power needed so having a thermostat timer and setting it for a comfortable 18 degrees for a couple of hours, and wearing a jumper or two helps keep the running costs down. Modern buildings have high amounts of insulation so it heats up quickly and stays warm. Some days the only heat source is me and my computer!
I hope this blog post helps you in setting up your new art studio. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask! 😊
