Artist on a Budget - A very basic Studio

A studio for me is the place where you create your art. 
I would like to make a distinction between 'studio' and 'workplace' by saying that a studio is where you can leave your work more or less permanently, while you may have to clean away everything from a workplace (such as the dinner table). Every artist has a workplace, but not everyone has a studio. Both result in you being creative, but there are some advantages to having a dedicated space for your art (also see my blog "Making space for art"). 

I find that having a studio raises the importance of your art. It makes it a permanent part of your life. And there is a good chance that your studio will even become a place of refuge from the stress and distractions of daily life.

The good news is - it is not difficult to turn a small space into a studio space. I have previously done this with part of my closet...

Here is what I would say are the basic necessities for a traditional artist's studio:

• Good lighting - possibly the most important thing. Light (daylight and from a nice bright lamp) should come from your left if you are right-handed (and vice versa).
• A stable, even working surface - a cork pin board has been one of the best and cheapest ones I've had!
• A chair - make sure you can sit and work comfortably (your elbows should be at desk height)
• Tool storage - boxes for paper, mugs or jars for pens - get creative! There are tons of ideas on the internet of how to make this with little money.
• Art storage - traditional artwork should be stored flat, away from (sun) light, dry and sealed if possible. To start, you can put blank pieces of copy paper between the drawings/paintings and stack them in a box.
• Access to water - to wash your brushes and hands. Nothing more annoying than having to open several doors when you are covered in charcoal head to toe... You do not need to have a sink in your studio, but next door would be great.
• A space for your laptop, tablet, phone or print-outs with your reference pictures. This should ideally be in front of you or next to the light source (left if you are right-handed and vice versa).
• Inspirational decoration - prints of paintings you admire, motivational quotes, a small souvenir from somewhere that inspired you. Decorate your studio however you like it and however you find inspiring.

So when are you going to roll up your sleeves and turn that closet into your first studio? Or do you already have a studio and would like to add something I forgot? Let me know in the comments!
I would also love to see your art space if you are willing to share it!

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Nadin