I work in a shed in southern Missouri, my nearest neighbours are cows and a freakishly large and oddly friendly armadillo. Originally this shed was meant for something like gardening equipment and storage tubs, but with some insulation, drywall, and electricity it has become my creative sanctuary. I have been working here since early 2021 after I left art school, and it is still holding up strong.
The best thing about building a studio from scratch is that I can design my space however I want. I added a wrap-around desk so that I can easily switch between projects. I also added plenty of shelving over the top of it for storing books and sketch-pads.
My work day usually starts around 11am. I’m a bit of a night owl so after dinner I will usually be up until 1am. Night is my favourite time to work as there are far less distractions – unless coyotes are nearby with their yipping. I always have something playing while I work. For music, I enjoy film scores, particularly those by Joe Hisaishi, John Williams, and Howard Shore. I also like to listen to audiobooks and paranormal podcasts.
Three art workspaces in one
My studio space is split into three sections. The middle is where I have my easel and is where I do my traditional illustration work, primarily for children’s books. I like to dabble in everything, so I have paints, graphite, colour pencils, charcoal, etc.
I am always experimenting and trying new techniques, since I’m never satisfied doing one thing for too long. A control panel from an F4U Corsair (my favourite plane) holding up way too many sketchbooks.
To the left is where I have my model-making setup. Building models and dioramas from scratch is a big hobby of mine, and serves as a creative outlet that isn’t tied to the stress of deadlines and income. Sometimes I make small models as reference for my illustration work if I need something specific. It is a great deal of fun and I enjoy the challenge.
To the right of my easel is my digital setup. I do most of my digital work on an iPad Pro using Procreate, usually for touching up my illustrations or adding colour. I also use GIMP for touching up my illustrations. I stopped using Photoshop a few years ago (see Creative Bloq's guide to the best Photoshop alternatives).
I also have my Epson V600 scanner (an absolute trooper) and a MacBook. I prefer working traditionally over digitally, so don’t use these very often.
Further down the table, you can find my jigsaw puzzle space. My studio has been my favourite spot for the last five years. I am planning to relocate in the near future, so it will be sad to leave it behind, but I will always remember it as the place where my career began.
Many things in my studio came from flea markets. I have an antique Coca-Cola bottle holder for storing supplies.
I love collecting and using antique art supplies. I regularly use a mechanical pencil from 1877. I also have a traveller’s inkwell from the 1900s, and a pencil case and ruler from around the same time period (below).
I am a big aviation history enthusiast, particularly when it comes to airships. I love to collect ephemera from the early days of flight. I grew up around airplanes so I have always had a fascination with anything that can fly.
Another hobby of mine is building miniatures from scratch. I love the challenge of building something new and trying out new techniques. I think it’s important to have a creative outlet besides my professional work.
Get the gear
Inspired? See below for items to kit out your own art studio. Also see our guides to the best drawing tablets and the best easels.
This article originally appeared in ImagineFX. Subscribe to ImagineFX to never miss an issue. Print and digital subscriptions are available.
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