A Pop Up Art Studio

Not everyone has the luxury of a spare room or designated space for hobbies. Our homes often have to accommodate multiple functions throughout the day.

With a few small changes you can organise a space – temporary or permanent to allow you to comfortably create and relax while you do it. A pop up studio is a great addition to nurturing your art practice. Gather your items and store them together for a quick set up when you are ready to make. All you need is a table top!

Preparing and setting it up a little space once means you are ready to go at any time that suits you. There is a nice example here from Ikea.

Comfort

It’s easy to get lost in an activity and then discover you have been holding the same position for too long. Neck and shoulder strain should be avoided!

Using an easel can limit that strain. Ideally a study easel – floor standing or table top – can allow you to adapt the level at which you find most comfortable to work. You want to have the art you are working on at eye level. If you are comfortable standing you can even work off the wall – attach your paper onto a wall or window.

Set a timer to remind yourself to take a break. If you don’t have an easel work at a tilt off a light board or prop your journal at an angle against your table. An easel is a great place to display an artwork when it’s not in use.

An adjustable light is helpful in your creative corner – especially in the darker months. Adding a daylight blue will reduce eye strain. A piece of oilcloth can cover any surface you wish to work on and protect it from any paint spills. Pegs, bulldog clips and clamps are great for attaching work to easels or holding things steady.

Inspiration

Enjoy your space – play music, a view outside, an open window to hear the birds, a little display of your artwork on a shelf. A jar of fresh flowers. A display of interesting objects to draw. Picture or photo books you like to flick through. A cork notice board to pin inspiring ideas to, a few postcards blue tac’d to the wall.

Storage

I use a tiered trolley on wheels for art materials I use regularly. I can roll it around wherever I want to work. Repurposing jars and old mugs helps me store different brushes and pencils. What bits are around your house that you could use? An old tin to hold scraps of paper you use for collage. There might be an underused cupboard waiting to be decluttered that could be a lovely new home for your art materials?

We’d love to see your pop up art studios, feel free to send us a photo to [email protected] so we can share the inspiration.