Page 14 - The Decorative Painter Spring 2017

Business Corner
Email: erika@erikajoanne.com Website: www.erikajoanne.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ ErikaJoanneArt
by Erika Joanne
When I started painting years ago, my creative space was limited to a small cupboard and the kitchen table. My husband and I lived in a two-bedroom, single- wide mobile home. This was where I began my journey in painting and surprisingly, I created many projects in my little kitchen. I remember scrubbing paint off the table regularly and wash- ing brushes in the kitchen sink. It was my make- shift painting area where the seeds of painting had sprouted inside me. Looking back, I realize that although my space was less than ideal, I did have a space to create and explore my art.
Skipping ahead to the present, my husband and I have since moved to a larger home. Over the years my creative space has been in different areas around the house depending on the needs of our family. I am now settled into a room on the main floor with an adjoining bathroom. Between the walls of this room all my artsy goodies can be stored, with the exception of some items stored
in the garage (a few extra goodies, you could say). Although my creative space needs some interior design improvement and patching, and is far from perfect, I gladly claim it as my own: a thinking spot, a place that holds me together, that special place where I can drift off into “paintland” and work on new creations.
When you have an area dedicated as your creative space, it’s nice to be able to enhance and improve upon it. Organize all your needful things and have a place for everything. With my schedule keeping me as busy as a bee, it’s important that I keep myself as organized as possible. Even though
I still have a few things I’d like to improve upon in my space, I do have a few ideas up my sleeve I could share with you that have worked for me.
YOUR CREATIVE SPACE
If it’s possible in your home to have a room just for you, make sure it has a locking door—a place where you can leave your not-quite-done projects undisturbed. Your nice scissors, tools, brushes, and paint can be kept away from others who might not appreciate their value. (If you know what I mean.) If you’re not sure there is a space for you in your home, look closer; there might be an opportunity you haven’t thought of. For me, in order to form a larger room there was a wall that needed to go. Do you have a covered porch or even a shed that could be converted? I’ve seen art studios in basements, attics, over the garage, in the garage, and even in a closet.
DESIGNING THE SPACE
Once you have an area you can call your own, break down the room into various stations. Each station should have a purpose. For instance, I have my painting table in the center of the room, a mail- ing area next to the window, a supply wall behind my painting table, a computer station, storage areas, etc. It would also make sense to have your needed supplies for each station nearby. Whether your space is small or large, make use of all the nooks and crannies available to you. Maximize the possibilities, like adding extra shelving, cupboards, over the door organizers, lockers, counter tops, and etc.
REPURPOSING FURNITURE
Do you have an extra dresser that you could take advantage of? I have a tall one I use for my computer station where I can stand and type,
so I’m not always sitting while doing work. The drawers are handy for holding needed supplies and I have a nice squishy mat to stand on so my feet are comfy. Consider having a small sofa in your creative space. I don’t have room for one, but would love it if I did! I would definitely have a magazine rack nearby filled with my favorite The Decorative Painter magazines! Have an old kitchen table you don’t need? Consider about using it as a large painting table in your creative space. It could be used for teaching a class or just having friends over to paint. Although nice, matching cupboards and beautiful furniture is wonderful, you don’t need those things to create. If you’re on a budget, use what is available around you and make it work.
ORGANIZE AND CLEANUP REGULARLY
My last piece of advice is to do your best in cleaning up after each project. The old adage of
“a place for everything and everything in its place” can actually help you when your time is limited. Taking a moment to organize and de-clutter can actually save you time! Fifteen minutes of clean- up can make such a difference. Now, are all my drawers nice and neat? No. However, I can find my supplies in a pinch and continue creating while the inspiration is hot.
View a video tour of Erika Joanne’s studio.
To use the QR code to view Erika Joanne’s video, you must have a smartphone equipped with a camera and a QR code reader/scanner applica- tion feature. If you don’t have a QR application, visit your phone’s app store and download a QR code reader/scanner app.
12 The Decorative Painter • SPRING 2017
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