A few people have said they would be interested to see more clearly what my studio looks like. I don't have a wide-angle lens, so I did this joiner for you:
When we moved into the house a little over 2 years ago, this was two poky, attic rooms.
We got a builder to knock out the central wall, then polished up the floorboards and put in a couple more velux windows to maximise the light. It was such a rare treat to be able design the space as I wanted.
I always have trouble with flat areas for mounting my work, so I designed a big, kitchen-style island in the centre. It works a treat but unfortunately it does tend to attract stuff...
My other problem has always been storage, for artwork, but also for large paper and card. There was a lot of wasted space in the eaves, so a joiner built me plans-chest drawers into the eaves behind my desk. Somehow I've still managed to fill them all, as well as my original A1 plans chest!
I am under no illusions about how lucky I am. If it's any consolation, I started my illustration career aged 22, living in a 10" square bed-sitting room, with my fellow illustrator boyfriend, upstairs in his parent's house. For nearly a year, we slept on a mattress on the floor, which we rested up against the wall during the day, so that the same room could serve as a studio for us both!
Even when we eventually got our own space, it's incredible to think that we had no computer, our only phone was a public call box in the street, and we received our faxed illustration briefs from publishers via the local newsagents!!
Anyone else got any horror studio stories past or present??
8 comments:
Ah, Lynne! memories, like the corners of my mind...la la la...Yes, driving 8 miles (and back again) to the local print shop to get roughs enlarged or reduced on their photocopier to fit the brief...sending faxes of illustrations on weird, shiny paper that was like a cross between hard loo roll and duplicating paper...Going inside one of those Grant Enlarger things - a huge black box, to re-size illustrations and type.
I'm sure their are many, many more ha ha!
Your studio is FANTASTIC! Mine is still a desk in my bedroom at 47 due to 'other' jobs for the past 25 years, oh well! Better late than never!
What a fabulous space! I'm trying not to be jealous!!!!
That place is sacred! WOW! The light is pure-You are SOOOOO LUCKY!
Oh thank you for posting more of your studio Lynne, you are a sweet heart! :o)
I LOOOOVE it so much! It is gorgeous, airy so much light. The white and light wood are one of my favorite combinations. It feels so homy. Beautiful space!
I could easily spend all day up there working, with some music on and my dog sleeping by my side. With some coffee/tea breaks too of course.. oh and lets not forget a good supply of chocolate to keep in the studio ;o)
Love your studio- boy, am I jealous! Thanks for showing this. You've got a lovely place to work.
I wouldn't be able to leave such a light, airy studio. It must feel like being in a bird´s nest.
A wonderful studio Lynne - I did have a loft office/workplace for a few years but have just lost it to our middle daughter. Now the three girls are getting older (and, of course, bigger) they each needed a bit more room.
I'm working on the dining room table until my outiside office arrives - hopefully in time for the summer.
Sorry to make you jealous. It is indeed lovely to have a space where you don{t have to make room for other things to happen, and can make mess! And yes, I do sometimes get hauled bodily downstairs!!
How do you concentrate Damian?? Writing is even more tricky with other people and activities around!
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