by Matthew Russell - Posted 7 months ago
Welcome back, my CryptoComics Compatriots, to a journey of transformation and enlightenment. This is Part 2 of the series where I take you through the Ergonomic and Feng Shui of setting up your new Office/Art Studio with a minimalist touch in order to keep you focused on what matters, making comics.
As you can see, this is Part 2, so if you haven’t read Ergo Office and Art Studio Masterplan Part 1: Setting it all up, I highly recommend checking it out first. It covers the basics such as deciding exactly what you will use your office for and other requirements such as height and other needs.
Today we will be covering some simple topics such as setting up the idea workspace, storage, and digital art set-up. Enjoy.
Now that we've assessed your needs and considered your unique height and body measurements, it's time to roll up those sleeves (metaphorically, again) and delve into the art of creating your perfect ergonomic art studio. In this chapter, we'll blend the simplicity of minimalism with the harmonious principles of Feng Shui to transform your creative haven.
Minimalism teaches us that less is more, but Feng Shui adds the wisdom that the placement of your creative space matters. Let's find that sweet spot:
Easel Options: When choosing an easel, prioritize adjustable models that can accommodate both your height and your canvas size. This flexibility not only reduces physical strain but also enhances your artistic range.
Tabletop or Standing Setup: Minimalism celebrates functional furniture. Consider whether a standing or tabletop setup suits your artistic style and space constraints. Both can be ergonomic when tailored to your needs.
Personally, I purchased a standing desk legs off of eBay (cheapest route) and built the table top myself from old lumber that my dad had lying around. If this isn’t an option for you, you can always head to home depot and pick up a beautiful countertop made from butcher block that you will need to stain yourself. This will not only inspire you, but truly impress anyone that steps into your space.
In the minimalist-Feng Shui fusion, we prioritize quality over quantity and mindful selection of materials:
Comfortable Brushes and Tools: Invest in high-quality brushes and tools that feel comfortable in your hands. Minimalism means fewer, but better tools that serve your creative vision effortlessly.
High-Quality Paints and Canvases: Feng Shui emphasizes the energy of materials. Choose paints and canvases that resonate with your artistic intent. Quality materials not only improve your work but also contribute to a harmonious workspace.
Minimalism is all about decluttering, and Feng Shui advocates for energy flow. Organize your art supplies with these principles in mind:
Art Supply Storage Solutions: Opt for minimalist storage units that keep your materials organized and easily accessible. Avoid cluttered shelves; instead, embrace clean, open spaces.
Keeping Materials Within Easy Reach: Arrange your materials so that your most frequently used tools and colors are within arm's reach. This minimizes disruptions to your creative flow and encourages efficient work.
This also goes doubly for your office set up. If you use an office phone and are constantly working while on it, I recommend placing it on the non-dominant hand side. For myself, I keep it on the left side so that it is out of the way and when I need to hold it while working, my right hand is still free.
This is simply 1 example. I want you to look at everything that you need on a daily basis and organize it into times needed, closest to you are the things you need every few hours, further away are the things you use regularly but less often, and last but not least are the things you only use occasionally.
Declutter Your Mess: Don’t become sentimental with art supplies. Declutter everything. I have the 1 year rule with my clothes as well as art supplies. If I have not used that item in 1 year, I will find it a new home. Sometimes that means throwing it out, sometimes it gets donated to a second hand store. Don’t be stingy. Let someone else become inspired by a new item.
Feng Shui places a high value on air quality and safety. Here's how to integrate these principles into your studio:
Ventilation Systems for Art Studios: Ensure your art studio has proper ventilation to eliminate fumes from paints and solvents. Fresh air supports both your physical well-being and the flow of positive energy.
Safety Gear and Precautions: Invest in safety gear like gloves and masks. Not only does this protect your health, but it also aligns with Feng Shui principles of creating a safe and nurturing environment.
In this fusion of minimalist simplicity and Feng Shui harmony, your art studio will become a sanctuary for your creativity, where your unique measurements and preferences are fully embraced. Remember, the art of creating an ergonomic art studio is not about following strict rules but finding the balance that resonates with your artistic spirit. With your space thoughtfully designed, you're now ready to unleash your creative prowess while basking in the comfort of a space that's truly yours. Stay tuned for Part IV, where we'll tackle the equally essential realm of your ergonomic office.
In the modern era, the world of art has gone digital, and so must your ergonomic art studio. Incorporating digital art stands for tablets like the iPad Pro or Wacom tablet is a savvy move that merges minimalism with technological prowess. Here's how to do it right:
Choosing the Right Tablet Stand: Minimalism applauds multifunctionality. Look for tablet stands that offer adjustable angles and heights. This adaptability ensures you can work comfortably whether you're sitting or standing, reducing strain on your neck and shoulders.
Since I primarily use the 12.9 iPad Pro, I found this amazing iPad stand from Eletiuo. Although I am providing you with the link, we are in no way affiliated with Amazon and will not receive any compensation if you click the link.
Cable Management: Minimalism despises clutter. Tame those pesky cables by investing in cable organizers or integrated cable management systems for your tablet setup. This not only looks sleek but also reduces distractions during your creative process.
Customizing Your Digital Space: Feng Shui is all about energy flow, even in the digital realm. Position your tablet stand so that it complements the flow of your studio. Ensure it's easily accessible and aligns with the overall aesthetic of your space.
Ergonomic Accessories: Don't forget about ergonomic accessories like stylus pens and keyboard attachments for your tablet. These additions can enhance your digital art experience and keep your workspace clutter-free.
I also use the Aoiktye keyboard for ProCreate that I keep on my desk, stored right under the tablet stand. It’s functional and a time saver but I also tend to forget that I have it most times. I need to start incorporating this more into my workflow by moving it out from under the stand (out of sight, out of mind).
By seamlessly integrating digital art stands into your studio, you embrace the minimalist principle of efficiency while harnessing the potential of technology. Your art studio becomes a dynamic space where traditional and digital mediums coexist harmoniously, providing you with limitless creative possibilities. Now, as we move forward into Part III, we'll tackle the equally important realm of your ergonomic office setup.
