#2 Letter from the Atelier
Hi there,
In today’s letter, I want to share how I designed a studio that truly works for me, and help you reflect on how to build yours.
Whether you have a whole room to dedicate to your art practice or just a tiny corner in your apartment, creating a space that supports your creativity makes a huge difference.
Now, let’s begin.
✦ First: Choosing the space
You don’t need a dedicated room to create great art.
If that’s your case, try to find a corner with natural light ( even a small one ) and enough room for a desk and some storage.
But if you do have a whole room to yourself, that’s amazing!
Just know it’s not mandatory to be productive. I’ve worked in all kinds of setups, including (big mistake)… my bedroom.
Spoiler alert: painting with oils next to your bed is a guaranteed headache.
✦ Minimalist or expressive
Before diving in, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on your space. We all have different environments that help us feel more focused and productive.
Do you thrive in a clean, uncluttered space where you can concentrate and feel calm?
Or do you feel most inspired when you're surrounded by the things you love: art books, photos, textures, colors, plants?
There’s no one-size-fits-all.
I personally fall into the second category:
I love being fully immersed in my world while I paint. But maybe your ideal space is more minimal and functional.
Either way, what matters most is that it reflects YOU.
✦ Light: what your art really needs
Now that you have a better idea of what you need in a workspace, let’s talk about what your art needs: light.
Please, learn from my mistake 😅
I once set up my art studio in a room with almost zero natural light.
It was cozy… but completely unworkable.
Lighting is crucial. If possible, place your desk or easel near a window.
I personally placed mine close to a window but not directly underneath it so my easel gets beautiful soft light, but without harsh reflections when I’m filming. That way, both my painting area and my desk are on the window side, which makes everything easier.
It’s a real time-saver and a huge comfort not to have to set up artificial lights every time I want to draw or record. It removes a bit of friction and sometimes that’s what makes the difference between actually creating or putting it off.
Your eyes will thank you and if you share your art online, so will your content.
And if natural light isn’t an option, invest in a good daylight lamp.
It’s 100% worth it.
✦ Define your zones
Once your space is chosen, think about how you’ll use it.
Even in a small studio, it helps to define different zones with clear purposes. Here’s how I’ve split mine:
Painting zone:
This is where I keep my easel, a rolling cart with all my paints and brushes, and the essentials to get to work.
I also have a tripod for my tablet so I can always have my reference images nearby.
One tip from my physical therapist: place your reference image on your dominant side (for example, on the left if you're left-handed). It’s more ergonomic and helps reduce strain: your body will thank you!
That’s also why I keep my IKEA cart on my left side: everything I need is within reach and aligned with how I naturally move when I paint.
Computer zone:Yes, art comes with admin! I use this area for planning, emails, digital drawing on my tablet, and filming content.
I chose a large desk so I can also sketch here.
My best tip for this zone: if you want to film yourself drawing, invest in a canvas lamp with a phone holder. (you an find the like in my " studio" page) It’s been one of my best purchases: I just clip my phone in, and I’m ready to record. Again, less friction = more creating.
Storage zone:
Shelves and drawers for everything: sketchbooks, unfinished pieces, finished works, and art supplies. I use IKEA storage and it really helps me keep things tidy and accessible.
I have a large IKEA unit for all my paper, and ongoing work.
Near my computer desk, I have a second set of drawers, with each one organized by need:
– One drawer for my sketchbooks and daily drawing tools
– One for supplies I don’t use as often but want nearby
– One for admin stuff (papers, invoices, etc.)
– One for tech gear (chargers, SD cards, cables…)
✦ What kind of studio would work for YOU?
Think about:
- How much space you really need
- What helps you focus vs. what distracts you
- The kind of work you do: do you need room to film? To store large canvases?
- How important comfort and inspiration are for your practice
The perfect studio doesn’t mean expensive furniture or a Pinterest-worthy setup. It means a space where you feel safe to create, on good days and bad.
If you’d like a closer look at how I set up my own space, I just posted a realistic studio tour on YouTube: you can watch it here 🎥
(Spoiler: it’s far from perfect, but it works so well for me.)
And that’s it for this week!
Do you have a creative space at home? What’s your biggest struggle with it?
Feel free to hit reply: I read and respond to every message 🖤
See you next Friday ✨
Laurine