GeneralTutorials

Peeking into Other People’s Studios

I spent the weekend very happily trying to clean up the unbelievable disaster pit that is my studio space.  To be fair, my entire apartment is kind of a tornado-meets-laundry-meets-half-packed-suitcases kind of pit.  But after a crazy six weeks of traveling and making stuff at a more-insane-than-usual pace, it was time to dig out.  I'm mostly through the major heavy lifting at this point and trying to think through some storage choices.  After a year-and-a-half in this space, my workflow is not exactly how I originally planned it and so I might make some changes in how things are arranged.  Maybe.  Sort of like the "measure twice and cut once" rule, I have found that actually thinking through studio arrangement/storage before moving anything is a good idea.  While I mull things over (and yes, I will finally share a big photo tour of the studio space once things are settled), I thought I'd share some studio tours that piqued my interest.  I hope you'll enjoy a voyeuristic peek into these spaces too!

Roxanne Coble (aka by bun) put together the cutest video about her studio.  If you're a fan of Wes Anderson, I think you'll really dig the video:

If you've got a small space, I like this video that share how to turn a closet into fabulous crafty storage:

I thought that this next video had a lot of great content about thinking about how to organize your stuff and creating some inexpensive DIY storage:

If you want more studio peeking, there's a fun book called "Studio: Creative Spaces for Creative People" that you might enjoy!

Do you have a great art supply organizing tip you'd like to share?!  I'd love to know what it is!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer

Based outside of Boston, Julie Fei-Fan Balzer is a mixed-media artist who constructs vibrant compositions. Passionate about connecting with and inspiring other artists, she shares her expertise through in-person workshops, her online classroom www.balzerdesigns.com, and through monthly membership at www.MyArtPractice.com.

60 thoughts on “Peeking into Other People’s Studios

  • I bought a spinning octagonal organizer for my work table from the craft store. It has lots of compartments, drawers and hooks to help keep me organized. I keep it on n the center and can access it from anywhere at the table. Also, my organizing tip is label, label, label. Hunting for supplies is a time eater. Thanks for sharing these videos.

    Reply
  • I bought a spinning octagonal organizer for my work table from the craft store. It has lots of compartments, drawers and hooks to help keep me organized. I keep it on n the center and can access it from anywhere at the table. Also, my organizing tip is label, label, label. Hunting for supplies is a time eater. Thanks for sharing these videos.

    Reply
  • I bought a spinning octagonal organizer for my work table from the craft store. It has lots of compartments, drawers and hooks to help keep me organized. I keep it on n the center and can access it from anywhere at the table. Also, my organizing tip is label, label, label. Hunting for supplies is a time eater. Thanks for sharing these videos.

    Reply
  • I bought a spinning octagonal organizer for my work table from the craft store. It has lots of compartments, drawers and hooks to help keep me organized. I keep it on n the center and can access it from anywhere at the table. Also, my organizing tip is label, label, label. Hunting for supplies is a time eater. Thanks for sharing these videos.

    Reply
  • I bought a spinning octagonal organizer for my work table from the craft store. It has lots of compartments, drawers and hooks to help keep me organized. I keep it on n the center and can access it from anywhere at the table. Also, my organizing tip is label, label, label. Hunting for supplies is a time eater. Thanks for sharing these videos.

    Reply
  • I bought a spinning octagonal organizer for my work table from the craft store. It has lots of compartments, drawers and hooks to help keep me organized. I keep it on n the center and can access it from anywhere at the table. Also, my organizing tip is label, label, label. Hunting for supplies is a time eater. Thanks for sharing these videos.

    Reply
  • I use can goods cans covered with scrapbooking papers to store things like pencils, scissors/tools, anything that can be stored vertical at the back of my work tables…..it keeps the cans out of the landfill and uses up papers that otherwise might never be used. Cans range in size…even tuna cans for misc. trinkets. When cleaning up, I always leave a tiny bit of mess….I’ve found that if it is ‘too neat’ I do not want to mess it up again…. 😉

    Reply
  • I use can goods cans covered with scrapbooking papers to store things like pencils, scissors/tools, anything that can be stored vertical at the back of my work tables…..it keeps the cans out of the landfill and uses up papers that otherwise might never be used. Cans range in size…even tuna cans for misc. trinkets. When cleaning up, I always leave a tiny bit of mess….I’ve found that if it is ‘too neat’ I do not want to mess it up again…. 😉

    Reply
  • I use can goods cans covered with scrapbooking papers to store things like pencils, scissors/tools, anything that can be stored vertical at the back of my work tables…..it keeps the cans out of the landfill and uses up papers that otherwise might never be used. Cans range in size…even tuna cans for misc. trinkets. When cleaning up, I always leave a tiny bit of mess….I’ve found that if it is ‘too neat’ I do not want to mess it up again…. 😉

    Reply
  • I use can goods cans covered with scrapbooking papers to store things like pencils, scissors/tools, anything that can be stored vertical at the back of my work tables…..it keeps the cans out of the landfill and uses up papers that otherwise might never be used. Cans range in size…even tuna cans for misc. trinkets. When cleaning up, I always leave a tiny bit of mess….I’ve found that if it is ‘too neat’ I do not want to mess it up again…. 😉

    Reply
  • I use can goods cans covered with scrapbooking papers to store things like pencils, scissors/tools, anything that can be stored vertical at the back of my work tables…..it keeps the cans out of the landfill and uses up papers that otherwise might never be used. Cans range in size…even tuna cans for misc. trinkets. When cleaning up, I always leave a tiny bit of mess….I’ve found that if it is ‘too neat’ I do not want to mess it up again…. 😉

    Reply
  • I use can goods cans covered with scrapbooking papers to store things like pencils, scissors/tools, anything that can be stored vertical at the back of my work tables…..it keeps the cans out of the landfill and uses up papers that otherwise might never be used. Cans range in size…even tuna cans for misc. trinkets. When cleaning up, I always leave a tiny bit of mess….I’ve found that if it is ‘too neat’ I do not want to mess it up again…. 😉

    Reply
  • It has nothing to do with size or equipment or storage containers. It requires you clean up and put away every time you use studio. I do not do this and my place is a mess. It is always harder for short people as we need ladders to reach shelves as supplies expand. This also means you have to get out and put ladder up and down.

    Reply
  • It has nothing to do with size or equipment or storage containers. It requires you clean up and put away every time you use studio. I do not do this and my place is a mess. It is always harder for short people as we need ladders to reach shelves as supplies expand. This also means you have to get out and put ladder up and down.

    Reply
  • It has nothing to do with size or equipment or storage containers. It requires you clean up and put away every time you use studio. I do not do this and my place is a mess. It is always harder for short people as we need ladders to reach shelves as supplies expand. This also means you have to get out and put ladder up and down.

    Reply
  • It has nothing to do with size or equipment or storage containers. It requires you clean up and put away every time you use studio. I do not do this and my place is a mess. It is always harder for short people as we need ladders to reach shelves as supplies expand. This also means you have to get out and put ladder up and down.

    Reply
  • It has nothing to do with size or equipment or storage containers. It requires you clean up and put away every time you use studio. I do not do this and my place is a mess. It is always harder for short people as we need ladders to reach shelves as supplies expand. This also means you have to get out and put ladder up and down.

    Reply
  • It has nothing to do with size or equipment or storage containers. It requires you clean up and put away every time you use studio. I do not do this and my place is a mess. It is always harder for short people as we need ladders to reach shelves as supplies expand. This also means you have to get out and put ladder up and down.

    Reply
  • I’ve tried so many configurations in my art room, but there are 3 sets of door openings and one wall of low windows. Frustrating for sure,but one day I’ll figure it out. I’d move to my guest bedroom but can’t get my Martha Stewart cabinet out the door! Built it in the room. First world problems. Love these organized ladies.

    Reply
  • I’ve tried so many configurations in my art room, but there are 3 sets of door openings and one wall of low windows. Frustrating for sure,but one day I’ll figure it out. I’d move to my guest bedroom but can’t get my Martha Stewart cabinet out the door! Built it in the room. First world problems. Love these organized ladies.

    Reply
  • I’ve tried so many configurations in my art room, but there are 3 sets of door openings and one wall of low windows. Frustrating for sure,but one day I’ll figure it out. I’d move to my guest bedroom but can’t get my Martha Stewart cabinet out the door! Built it in the room. First world problems. Love these organized ladies.

    Reply
  • I’ve tried so many configurations in my art room, but there are 3 sets of door openings and one wall of low windows. Frustrating for sure,but one day I’ll figure it out. I’d move to my guest bedroom but can’t get my Martha Stewart cabinet out the door! Built it in the room. First world problems. Love these organized ladies.

    Reply
  • I’ve tried so many configurations in my art room, but there are 3 sets of door openings and one wall of low windows. Frustrating for sure,but one day I’ll figure it out. I’d move to my guest bedroom but can’t get my Martha Stewart cabinet out the door! Built it in the room. First world problems. Love these organized ladies.

    Reply
  • I’ve tried so many configurations in my art room, but there are 3 sets of door openings and one wall of low windows. Frustrating for sure,but one day I’ll figure it out. I’d move to my guest bedroom but can’t get my Martha Stewart cabinet out the door! Built it in the room. First world problems. Love these organized ladies.

    Reply
  • I’m finally happy with my art room configuration but my storage closet is a nightmare! So this blog post was super helpful!

    Reply
  • I’m finally happy with my art room configuration but my storage closet is a nightmare! So this blog post was super helpful!

    Reply
  • I’m finally happy with my art room configuration but my storage closet is a nightmare! So this blog post was super helpful!

    Reply
  • I’m finally happy with my art room configuration but my storage closet is a nightmare! So this blog post was super helpful!

    Reply
  • I’m finally happy with my art room configuration but my storage closet is a nightmare! So this blog post was super helpful!

    Reply
  • I’m finally happy with my art room configuration but my storage closet is a nightmare! So this blog post was super helpful!

    Reply
  • Great set of videos! I’ve been pinning ideas for years. My space is really small so I am constantly thinking of better solutions. The videos you posted have me thinking again. I don’t know about anyone else, but I can never seem to reorganize in one go. One step then another.

    Reply
  • Great set of videos! I’ve been pinning ideas for years. My space is really small so I am constantly thinking of better solutions. The videos you posted have me thinking again. I don’t know about anyone else, but I can never seem to reorganize in one go. One step then another.

    Reply
  • Great set of videos! I’ve been pinning ideas for years. My space is really small so I am constantly thinking of better solutions. The videos you posted have me thinking again. I don’t know about anyone else, but I can never seem to reorganize in one go. One step then another.

    Reply
  • Great set of videos! I’ve been pinning ideas for years. My space is really small so I am constantly thinking of better solutions. The videos you posted have me thinking again. I don’t know about anyone else, but I can never seem to reorganize in one go. One step then another.

    Reply
  • Great set of videos! I’ve been pinning ideas for years. My space is really small so I am constantly thinking of better solutions. The videos you posted have me thinking again. I don’t know about anyone else, but I can never seem to reorganize in one go. One step then another.

    Reply
  • Great set of videos! I’ve been pinning ideas for years. My space is really small so I am constantly thinking of better solutions. The videos you posted have me thinking again. I don’t know about anyone else, but I can never seem to reorganize in one go. One step then another.

    Reply
  • Loved the videos. Thanks so much. Living outside of the country I was unfortunately unable to see the one from HGTV. Loved the ideas!! Thanks so much!!

    Reply
  • Loved the videos. Thanks so much. Living outside of the country I was unfortunately unable to see the one from HGTV. Loved the ideas!! Thanks so much!!

    Reply
  • Loved the videos. Thanks so much. Living outside of the country I was unfortunately unable to see the one from HGTV. Loved the ideas!! Thanks so much!!

    Reply
  • Loved the videos. Thanks so much. Living outside of the country I was unfortunately unable to see the one from HGTV. Loved the ideas!! Thanks so much!!

    Reply
  • Loved the videos. Thanks so much. Living outside of the country I was unfortunately unable to see the one from HGTV. Loved the ideas!! Thanks so much!!

    Reply
  • Loved the videos. Thanks so much. Living outside of the country I was unfortunately unable to see the one from HGTV. Loved the ideas!! Thanks so much!!

    Reply
  • A few of my favorite ways to store my art stuff: Reusing food containers like the big red plastic Folger’s coffee containers; mayonnaise and peanut butter jars. These are great for brushes, pens, and markers. If you put them inside a box, you can also store them horizontally (for the markers!) I have vintage sewing machine desk-drawers to store some of my craft acrylic paints, and for my ephemera, I like to use plastic baskets from walmart — i like the papers to be out in the open with no covers on the containers, so I can easily flip through them at will. For things that are sort of more “long term storage” I like clear plastic bins — emphasis on “clear” — so that Im less likely to forget about what’s in there and more likely to use it, since I can see it.

    Reply
  • A few of my favorite ways to store my art stuff: Reusing food containers like the big red plastic Folger’s coffee containers; mayonnaise and peanut butter jars. These are great for brushes, pens, and markers. If you put them inside a box, you can also store them horizontally (for the markers!) I have vintage sewing machine desk-drawers to store some of my craft acrylic paints, and for my ephemera, I like to use plastic baskets from walmart — i like the papers to be out in the open with no covers on the containers, so I can easily flip through them at will. For things that are sort of more “long term storage” I like clear plastic bins — emphasis on “clear” — so that Im less likely to forget about what’s in there and more likely to use it, since I can see it.

    Reply
  • A few of my favorite ways to store my art stuff: Reusing food containers like the big red plastic Folger’s coffee containers; mayonnaise and peanut butter jars. These are great for brushes, pens, and markers. If you put them inside a box, you can also store them horizontally (for the markers!) I have vintage sewing machine desk-drawers to store some of my craft acrylic paints, and for my ephemera, I like to use plastic baskets from walmart — i like the papers to be out in the open with no covers on the containers, so I can easily flip through them at will. For things that are sort of more “long term storage” I like clear plastic bins — emphasis on “clear” — so that Im less likely to forget about what’s in there and more likely to use it, since I can see it.

    Reply
  • A few of my favorite ways to store my art stuff: Reusing food containers like the big red plastic Folger’s coffee containers; mayonnaise and peanut butter jars. These are great for brushes, pens, and markers. If you put them inside a box, you can also store them horizontally (for the markers!) I have vintage sewing machine desk-drawers to store some of my craft acrylic paints, and for my ephemera, I like to use plastic baskets from walmart — i like the papers to be out in the open with no covers on the containers, so I can easily flip through them at will. For things that are sort of more “long term storage” I like clear plastic bins — emphasis on “clear” — so that Im less likely to forget about what’s in there and more likely to use it, since I can see it.

    Reply
  • A few of my favorite ways to store my art stuff: Reusing food containers like the big red plastic Folger’s coffee containers; mayonnaise and peanut butter jars. These are great for brushes, pens, and markers. If you put them inside a box, you can also store them horizontally (for the markers!) I have vintage sewing machine desk-drawers to store some of my craft acrylic paints, and for my ephemera, I like to use plastic baskets from walmart — i like the papers to be out in the open with no covers on the containers, so I can easily flip through them at will. For things that are sort of more “long term storage” I like clear plastic bins — emphasis on “clear” — so that Im less likely to forget about what’s in there and more likely to use it, since I can see it.

    Reply
  • A few of my favorite ways to store my art stuff: Reusing food containers like the big red plastic Folger’s coffee containers; mayonnaise and peanut butter jars. These are great for brushes, pens, and markers. If you put them inside a box, you can also store them horizontally (for the markers!) I have vintage sewing machine desk-drawers to store some of my craft acrylic paints, and for my ephemera, I like to use plastic baskets from walmart — i like the papers to be out in the open with no covers on the containers, so I can easily flip through them at will. For things that are sort of more “long term storage” I like clear plastic bins — emphasis on “clear” — so that Im less likely to forget about what’s in there and more likely to use it, since I can see it.

    Reply
  • I make use of the backs of doors, but I don’t know about putting PVC on the walls…
    I have been working on a system to organize my paint brushes aside from the top of my work space. I have been playing with this for a while. Perhaps a future post.
    Enjoyed these organizational videos.

    Reply
  • I make use of the backs of doors, but I don’t know about putting PVC on the walls…
    I have been working on a system to organize my paint brushes aside from the top of my work space. I have been playing with this for a while. Perhaps a future post.
    Enjoyed these organizational videos.

    Reply
  • I make use of the backs of doors, but I don’t know about putting PVC on the walls…
    I have been working on a system to organize my paint brushes aside from the top of my work space. I have been playing with this for a while. Perhaps a future post.
    Enjoyed these organizational videos.

    Reply
  • I make use of the backs of doors, but I don’t know about putting PVC on the walls…
    I have been working on a system to organize my paint brushes aside from the top of my work space. I have been playing with this for a while. Perhaps a future post.
    Enjoyed these organizational videos.

    Reply
  • I make use of the backs of doors, but I don’t know about putting PVC on the walls…
    I have been working on a system to organize my paint brushes aside from the top of my work space. I have been playing with this for a while. Perhaps a future post.
    Enjoyed these organizational videos.

    Reply
  • I make use of the backs of doors, but I don’t know about putting PVC on the walls…
    I have been working on a system to organize my paint brushes aside from the top of my work space. I have been playing with this for a while. Perhaps a future post.
    Enjoyed these organizational videos.

    Reply

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