For artists and creatives in all types of mediums, having a well-equipped and organized workshop is an absolute must. For those who don’t have their own dedicated workspace or just can’t afford one, needing to find other alternatives, such as making use of shared workspaces. Here are some helpful tips when hunting for a space to make into your workshop.
1. Build a shed
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Another alternative for creatives looking to have a workspace would be making use of a shed. By building out some simple shoe storage or room dividers that will go into the corner of your yard, you can easily turn this area into your own workshop space.
To maximize creativity while also staying organized, it’s recommended to get some rolling drawers or basket units, so all tools are simply stored away in one place. You can build a prefab shed online or purchase one at your local hardware store. Be sure to check out some space-saving corner units, which are great for maximizing space.
There are many options if you don’t want to do it yourself as well, as you’ll be able to find a variety of outdoor sheds at local retailers. The online option is also great for those who are working with a tight budget, as you can often find repurposed cabins made of wood that come without any flooring.
2. Use A Co-working Space
Despite the hectic and crowded nature of a co-working space, this is perhaps one of the best options for creatives who are low on cash. With a wide variety of locations available in most major cities, you can easily find a place to rent out at a monthly rate that allows you to work uninterrupted and be surrounded by like-minded individuals. At these locations, you’ll frequently find tables, power outlets, and other amenities such as printers and Wi-Fi.
Some may even have other perks such as copy/scan services or access to supplies such as printer paper or post-it notes. Many co-working spaces also sell passes which can be used for multiple visits if needed, so it’s always possible to pop in when necessary to get some extra work done.
3. Your Home Office Is Also An Option
For those who already have a dedicated workspace set up in their homes, this may be the easiest place you can go. Not only will everything be close at hand, but it’s also possible to save on costs by having all of your equipment at the ready when required instead of making trips back and forth between locations.
The fewer places you need to spend time at means more time can be spent working, which is what it ultimately boils down too in the end anyway. Setting up shop in your own backyard does not mean that you won’t get inspiration from the great outdoors. It may take some time to adjust, but everyone who works at home has their own way of coping with this dilemma.
4. Organization Is Key
No matter where you decide to set up your workshop, it’s important that everything is both well organized and easy to find when you need it. Having tools scattered about will slow you down and make your work take longer than necessary, which means less time for creative pursuits.
For those who choose to go the shed or co-working space route, simply having everything stored away in drawers or small containers such as baskets is best for keeping everything organized and compact. A label maker can also be a great thing to invest in if not only to help keep track of where things are located but also for labeling boxes before handing them off to others. It is very significant to keep everything in its place, as not only will this make your work easier, but it will also save you time over the long term.
5. Stay Focused
No matter where you pick to go, the next tip for making the most of your time is to stay focused on your projects. The biggest challenge creatives face each day is often just staying focused on what needs to get done.
This should be easy if you have everything ready at the ready but even then it’s possible for distractions to get in the way, which can lead to hours of lost time. It’s important that you keep your eye on what matters most, which means taking breaks every so often and enjoying life while still doing what makes you happy. You’ll find that once something gets completed, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and will want to take this momentum forward with other tasks as well until they are complete too.
6. Ask For Help From Friends And family
While staying focused is significant, sometimes it’s wise to ask for help from others when you find yourself struggling. There are a number of different things that can come into play here which will affect how well you work and the types of projects that need to be tackled.
Even if this is not your particular skill set, there are plenty of others who might be willing to lend a hand with these sorts of tasks at no cost. On the other hand, there are also expert services available online where people with certain skills such as writing or design may be willing to help you out for a few bucks. The more friends and family members you have, the easier it may be to complete larger tasks as well.
7. Enjoy Yourself
Lastly, it’s important that you enjoy yourself if you wish to keep your creative juices flowing. Being at work is not always fun and games, as there is often a great deal of pressure that comes into play as well. While money should never be your main motivation for doing something, there are also times when paying the bills can create stress if things aren’t going quite right.
For those who are just starting out or are simply testing this sort of lifestyle out before determining whether they want to continue pursuing it full time, this can be a significant challenge. It’s essential to pay yourself these sorts of things whenever you can to keep your motivation high and moving forward.
When hunting for a workshop space, there are many options available that can help make life easier when trying to balance both your personal projects and other daily obligations. Taking advantage of any one of the above-mentioned suggestions will provide creativity with an optimized workspace that can help motivate individuals to push their artistic limits.
