We don’t all have the luxury of a big, beautiful studio filled with natural light and endless shelves of art supplies, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a creative space of our own. Even the smallest corner, when set up with love and care, can become a special place where you and your creativity feels at home.

Why Having a Dedicated Space Matters...

Nothing dampens the creative spark faster than having to clear away your paints every time you finish a session...or realising that the dining table you’re working on is now needed for dinner. I spent years doing just that, pushing my paints and brushes to one end of the table so we could eat, or everyone ending up balancing plates on their knees in front of the TV instead, not ideal for digestion or family conversation!

Eventually, I realised that even a small, permanent space makes all the difference. When you have somewhere that’s yours, where materials are ready and waiting, you’re much more likely to sit down and create, even if you only have 20 minutes to spare...it’s all about removing those barriers between you and your art practice.

Make Your Space Practical...

Your creative corner doesn’t need to be big or fancy... all you really need is:

A flat surface – a small table or sturdy desk, one you don’t mind getting a few paint marks on.
Good light – natural light if possible, but a daylight bulb works wonders.
A comfy chair – you’ll be spending time here, so make sure it supports you well.
Home good storage solutions - keeping everything organised and in easy reach

Keep your essential supplies to hand...brushes, pencils, paints, sketchbooks, so that you’re not hunting for them every time inspiration strikes. There are so many clever, space-saving storage ideas out there (Pinterest is great for this) ...and not everything has to come from an expensive art store either. Kitchen organisers, drawer inserts, or recycled jars can all make brilliant storage solutions.

Make Your Space Beautiful...Make it Yours...

This is your creative space, so let it reflect you...add things that make you happy and inspired:

A pinboard for favourite images, colour swatches, or inspiring quotes.
A scented candle or diffuser to create lovely smells while you work.
Music that you enjoy if it helps you get into the flow and blocks out distractions from other areas

By engaging your senses and surrounding yourself with things you love, you’ll create an environment that feels welcoming, and you’ll be more inclined to go and use it on a regular basis. Whats not to love about that!

Here’s a sneak peak into my studio set up…

The Magic of Leaving Your Art Visible

When your artwork is left out, sitting on an easel or propped on a table, you get to see it with fresh eyes each time you walk past during the day. This really helps you notice areas that might need adjustment, and it can quite often give you a warm little glow as well, when you realise just how well it’s coming together.

Leaving your work out also means you can jump straight back in, even for a short burst. You don’t need a whole afternoon, sometimes just 20 minutes of creative play can help you make progress, and give you that lovely feeling we get when creating art.

Don’t Worry if You Haven’t got a Permanent Spot...

These are available from Ikea for £29. Multiple colours available.

If you really don’t have room to dedicate a permanent corner to your art, don’t worry, think about how you can make it easy to set up quickly instead… A portable art trolley or a storage box with your essentials can really help, something you can pull out and pack away in minutes. Even keeping a small sketchbook and a few pens beside your chair in the evenings means you can be creative whenever the moment takes you, or when an idea pops into your head (especially when there’s nothing worth watching on TV!)

It’s All About Intention...

Creating a space of your own isn’t about size or perfection...it’s about intention. It’s about carving out a little pocket of your home that says, this is where I make art. A space that inspires you, nurtures you, and reminds you that creativity is only a few steps away. So have a look around, find that little nook that could become your studio space. Make it personal, make it practical, and above all...make it yours.

Sharing Ideas...

If you’ve already set up your own art corner or studio...no matter how big or small...I’d love to see where you create. Art is all about sharing and connection, perhaps your ideas can inspire others

Tag me on Facebook or Instagram @Jowatsonartist and use the hashtag #MyCreativeCorner so we can all get inspired by each other’s setups
Or if you don’t do social media, but would still like to share your space, drop me an email at jowatsonartist@gmail.com with a photo and a few words about it, and I’ll perhaps include a few examples in my next newsletter.

Useful Places to Find Clever Storage Ideas

• Pinterest – a treasure trove of inspiration for small studio setups and DIY storage hacks.

• IKEA – affordable furniture and modular storage solutions that work beautifully for creative spaces.

• Hobbycraft – great for art and craft storage boxes, trolleys, and organisers.

• The Range – good budget-friendly options for shelving, tables, and containers.

• Amazon – the go to place for most things these days, if you prefer to shop online

• Local DIY stores - think outside the box!

Creating Your Own Art Space