(6 minute read)

Today, we're diving into a subject that's close to my heart and likely resonates with many of you:

the battle between the clean workspace and the chaotic studio.

Whether you're an artist, a writer, a designer, or just someone trying to make sense of your personal space, finding the right balance can be a tricky yet rewarding endeavor.

The Sparkling Order

First, let's take a look at the allure of a clean and tidy workspace. The aesthetically pleasing sight of a well-organized studio is something many of us strive for. Here's why:

1. Improved Focus:
   When everything is in its place, your mind is free to concentrate on creativity and innovation.
   
   
2. Increased Efficiency:
   No more time wasted searching for that elusive paintbrush or missing file. Everything is at your fingertips, just where you left it.
   
   
3. Enhanced Creativity:
   For some, an organized space can be a blank canvas that allows ideas to flow freely.
   
   
4. Health and Professionalism:
   A clean workspace creates a safer, healthier environment and presents a professional image if you ever have visitors to your studio.

Sounds good, doesn't it? 

But before we get carried away with the joys of tidiness, let's turn our attention to the other side of the spectrum.

The Creative Chaos

Now, let's dive into the often-misunderstood beauty of a chaotic workspace. That cluttered desk or overflowing paint shelf might not be a sign of disarray but a wellspring of inspiration:

1. Stimulates Creativity:
   Chaos can be a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and unexpected connections.
   
   
2. Reflects Personal Expression:
   Your messy workspace might be a vibrant display of your unique artistic voice.
   
   
3. Comfort and Authenticity:
   A lived-in, chaotic environment might feel more like "home" and nurture your creative soul.
   
   
4. Inspiration from Serendipity:
   Ever found an old sketch that sparked a new masterpiece? Chaos has its way of surprising us with forgotten gems.

Striking the Balance

Now, you might be wondering where I stand in this organized chaos. Well, I find myself somewhere in the middle. 

My studio might appear crammed to some, with tools and resources covering the perimeter of the entire room. But to me, the crucial spaces where I create are always ready to go, and the perimeter of "stuff" represents my tools and resources, always at the ready.

Changes I’ve made over the years in my home studio

When I first set up my workspace in this room in my house, it didn’t look anything like it does today.

Above: My studio space before I took art seriously.

Even though I enjoyed making art at the time, I wasn’t taking it as seriously.

I had my computer desk setup and a space in the room for sitting or reading.

I was thinking that maybe my kids or wife would come sit from time to time. Nope.

Then I started creating more away from the computer and started getting annoyed that I always had to set up and take down anything project I started.

I would work at my desk or the kitchen table but my projects were always in the way and never getting finished.

I decided I needed a dedicated space.

I went onto Craigslist, found a desk, gave it a fresh coat of paint, and set out to make a new work space. The desk gave me so much space to store materials along the back and in the drawers. 

I could now leave projects up for as long as I needed AND keep more of my nicknacks and artwork out as inspiration.

Next, I decided to add some pegboards to my space. I put one above my computer desk and one next to my art desk. The pegboard gave me even more vertical space to hang and store things. 

Most recently, I added a new shelf. This small shelf gave me a new place to store some of my smaller canvases and materials while still keeping them in view and at the ready. 

Above: My studio space today!

What’s next?

I’ve been thinking about taking down the pegboard next to my art desk and maybe installing some sort of french cleats so I can have another space to hang works or paint. We’ll see.

Want a tour of my studio? I’d be happy to show you around over a video chat and answer any questions you have about my process, work, whatever. Reply to let me know if you are interested in a studio tour.

Your Challenge

So, what's the right balance for you? It's a deeply personal and ever-evolving question.

I challenge you to take a moment and reflect on your workspace:

• What inspires you?
• What hinders your flow?
• How do you feel in your space, and how would you like to feel?
• What changes, big or small, can you make to get closer to that ideal workspace?

Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. What's crucial is that your workspace supports your creativity, productivity, and well-being.

I encourage you to spend some time this month understanding what type of space serves you best. 

Experiment with adding or removing elements, organizing a little more, or letting things fall naturally. Note how these changes make you feel and how they impact your work.

Whether you lean towards sparkling order or embrace the creative chaos, or even if you're like me, striking a balance between the two, the key is to find what fuels your creative fire.

As always, thank you for being a part of the Crawdad Crew!

Feel free to share your insights, experiences, or pictures of your workspace with me.

Let's learn from each other and continue to inspire creativity in all its beautiful forms.

Keep creating,
Crawdad
@hatefulcrawdad

P.S. Feel free to hit reply and let me know how you're getting on with the challenge or if you have any questions or thoughts about your creative space. I'm here for you, and I'd love to hear from you!