[Linkup to Sepia Scenes]
I think I've mentioned before that I have a 75-mile commute (each way) to my office -- which makes it difficult to just stop by the office for a while, to get in a couple hours' work or clean up a few odds and ends, or whatever. At the same time, I don't work very well at home -- I'm easily distracted and never accomplish much. (Are you able to work at home?) So a while ago, I decided to look for an office that was close to home.
I investigated a number of different possibilities, including what they call "co-working" spaces -- basically a big room where you grab a seat, plug in your laptop, and work surrounded by other people. This kind of "cafe membership" can cost up to $199 a month, and I didn't think I'd be that much better off than at home -- lots of distractions there.
I finally found the perfect place, a small (8 x 10 or so) office that I share with a few other people -- a real estate broker, a hydrogeologist, a filmmaker -- I have my individual office and then there's a small lobby space with coffee, a fridge, microwave, etc. I took it in January and so have been there four months at this point.
I love it. At first I began to just do work for my "real" job, but as things have evolved, I'm doing more and more of my "art" job there, too. I have all the frames I've picked up at garage sales there, I now have a mat cutter (an excellent purchase), a giant roll of brown craft paper, a box of bubble wrap, everything I need to turn out finished pictures. My framed photos are hanging on the walls.
I can't tell you how much I like having this space. In one way, I guess it's extravagant (though it costs only marginally more than a "cafe membership"), but I've come to love it so much, having a place of my own to get away to. It's also strengthened my identity as an artist/photographer -- yes, I work on my laptop, planning my classes there, but I also do a lot of photography work, and last quarter when we had to do a still life in my drawing class, I set it up there and was able to leave it up for the three weeks we worked on that project -- I couldn't have done it at home. A friend and I also spent one Sunday matting and framing all the pictures for my show that's currently going on -- again, would have been very hard to accomplish everything we did at home.
What do you have for a space? Do you have a home office where you can actually work or feel like an artist? I'm curious to know how it works for other people.
I investigated a number of different possibilities, including what they call "co-working" spaces -- basically a big room where you grab a seat, plug in your laptop, and work surrounded by other people. This kind of "cafe membership" can cost up to $199 a month, and I didn't think I'd be that much better off than at home -- lots of distractions there.
I finally found the perfect place, a small (8 x 10 or so) office that I share with a few other people -- a real estate broker, a hydrogeologist, a filmmaker -- I have my individual office and then there's a small lobby space with coffee, a fridge, microwave, etc. I took it in January and so have been there four months at this point.
I love it. At first I began to just do work for my "real" job, but as things have evolved, I'm doing more and more of my "art" job there, too. I have all the frames I've picked up at garage sales there, I now have a mat cutter (an excellent purchase), a giant roll of brown craft paper, a box of bubble wrap, everything I need to turn out finished pictures. My framed photos are hanging on the walls.
I can't tell you how much I like having this space. In one way, I guess it's extravagant (though it costs only marginally more than a "cafe membership"), but I've come to love it so much, having a place of my own to get away to. It's also strengthened my identity as an artist/photographer -- yes, I work on my laptop, planning my classes there, but I also do a lot of photography work, and last quarter when we had to do a still life in my drawing class, I set it up there and was able to leave it up for the three weeks we worked on that project -- I couldn't have done it at home. A friend and I also spent one Sunday matting and framing all the pictures for my show that's currently going on -- again, would have been very hard to accomplish everything we did at home.
What do you have for a space? Do you have a home office where you can actually work or feel like an artist? I'm curious to know how it works for other people.
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7 comments:
I love roses in sepia or b&w. I find it hard to find a "perfect" rose without any blemishes at all. But I think when done in b&w (or sepia) it just adds to the charm.
Ah, well that's where the magic of cloning helps. I cloned out a little ant on this rose :)
Very pretty photo, Elise!
I used to have an office in the house, but now its a storage room. Just as well. It is upstairs and I didn't like being separated from the doggies while I was "creating."
Now I have a little corner in the downstairs great room with a small vintage kitchen table serving as my computer table. When I need more room, I move over to the dining table. It's all good. :)
your sepia is stunning!
Sounds like you've found a perfect place Elise!
This is a wonderful photograph.
I love the sepia tones.
glad you have found a comfortable work spot that works well for you! i made an hour commute into the city for many years, then negotiated an opportunity to work from home which lasted 4 mos (until my employer announced it was selling to another corporation). now i use my 'home office' as my blog space and drawing space as well as guest bedroom. a little crowded, but it works. :)
Thanks very much, everyone --
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