Once again, our listeners have come through with answers to our Facebook query about ideas for storage, worktops, unusual tools, and other studio tips to make our spaces and processes more efficient and yes neater and more organized. Even those of us who happily work in messy conditions like to be able to locate our supplies and to use our available space in the best ways. Today we’ll talk about some of the tips people gave us for improving their studio spaces and working methods and add a few of our own.

The enthusiasm shown for this topic shows that artists have very practical concerns in organizing their studios and also that many of us are happy with and proud of the solutions we’ve found. Favorite tips included storage solutions, finding efficient use of space, and unique tools and studio equipment. In all of these, a resourceful, inventive attitude seems to serve us well.

Many artists repurpose and recycle items in interesting ways, from kitchen items to packing supplies to small items like toothbrushes and icepicks. They seek out studio furniture and storage units from sources like hardware stores, used furniture stores, and fixtures from store close-out sales, or they build their own. Palettes can be made from metal trays, glass tabletops, granite countertop scraps, and even ice cube trays. Devices meant for hanging curtains, and organizing shoes and toiletries, and clear, stackable plastic boxes are good storage solutions. Pegboard is useful for hanging tools, paint tubes, and paintings in progress.

This is just a small selection of the ideas that artists submitted. Almost any studio contains some smart solution for making the best use of space or furthering a process from painting to cleaning, Necessity is the mother of invention, and in many cases these solutions are things that you can’t even buy or are superior to ones that you can.

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