for the past several years since we've moved here to NC I've had to do work here at a studio I set up in our home. It was fine for a while but it feels to me that as time passed I seemed to be less productive. I'm not as inspired and or motivated. It takes longer for me to get things done/finished.

My question for the artists out there- Do you function better in a studio setting where other artist are present like in a multi artist studio/building, or do you preffer to be alone in your private facility? I feel like being around other creative people might give me the boost I need

I'm looking into renting a studio here in the art district of downtown Winston Salem NC. I'm just wondering if there is another thing I can/should be looking at that I can do to make things work at the home studio before I jump into a downtown studio.

I used to work from home, and it definitely is hard to get motivated, plus the lack of human contact seemed to drive me a little insane.

You run a serious risk of being around some self important ass when you put yourself with a group of artists. It's almost guaranteed.

Myself, my art stuff is just a hobby from my day job. I have an unused "three season" room turned into a year round studio/toy storage that I share as a workspace with my wife. I find just having a designated place where everything is neatly (sorta) arranged helps with the motivation. Plus I can pick my own music and play it as loud as I want.

...after re-reading your post, it sounds like you will have your own space in a shared building. That doesn't sound to bad really, I've often considered it since our downtown has a lot of super cheap office space, some of it with somewhat trendy surroundings. What always keeps me away from it though, it's sorta like a gym membership. Much easier to just run around my neighborhood & do push-up etc at home than go two miles away to the gym... Maybe you could try it for a year or so?

It was an old office building built in the 50's so yup we get separate spaces. The area is frequented by collage age crowds and has a modern trendy vibe to it. Nice variation of Artist shops, studios, galleries, quaint little cafes and pubs/restaurants. They also close off the district for art festivals several times a year. I've only been there a couple of times and I really like the area already.




you hit it right on the head with the human contact thing.

I like to work my self alone, since kid i always hate when someone is watching over my shoulder seeing what i do. it kinda takes me out of myself. love working alonemost of the times, but certainly sometimes its pretty fun to work in a few projects along other guys. what i mean is that i love to be a team player when it about that. but for my stuff, i love just to be alone , and just the sound and noise that i produce myself, external noise not made by me makes me anxious.

probably the thing would be different if i had to work in the same studio next to artists i really admire. maybe my grinch mode switch wont be turned on

sayin that i think I would love to have a private studio in a bigger building surrounded by other artists. as long as im able to control who a nd when anyone got in my space.

GO FOR IT. Sounds like fun

Home studio all the way . . . rent free and the commute's a breeze!

Home, I get so much more done not talking to people

Sometimes just having a place to go can make all the difference.

I suck at working at home, been doing it for a few years and finally getting a studio space in january, mines not in a trendy bit of town, quite the opposite but it is in an amazing old Mill on the outskirts of Manchester city centre. the space is being built for me and 3 other friends but in the same building there are about 6 other artists, music producers, graffiti kids and even a club. I can't really wait to be in an environment where I can be inspired by other artists and hang out with good people all day, I'm yet to know if I'll be more productive but I think I will be.

Sounds idyllic. Unless the 'artists' are all loud talentless self-obsessed wankers . . . in which case it would be less idyllic!

There's always a flipside and always expect the unexpected!

I believe everyone works best under different conditions.



^^^ THIS is the main reason why I like to work alone. I hate being interrupted while working. I get into a pretty zen-like state when I work on artsy stuff and hate having my focus broken.
Personally I like working past 1am while everyone in the house is asleep. I set up my workstuffs on the coffee table, turn on the TV (true crime shows from the late 90's/early 2000's alllll night) and listen to it like a radio while I work.

Meanwhile at the community college I go to, we've got little old ladies who are taking Ceramics for the 7th semester because they love working in a studio setting, learning from other people, and getting inspiration from the young 'uns.

Not sure if you use Instagram or not, but you can often find "monthly challenges" for art there for a little motivation/inspiration boost. Back in May I entered a sculpting contest, it was pretty fun. Didn't win anything but it got me working again after an art block.

I work at home and paint everyday. If I had to drive somewhere Id be way less productive. Being too lazy to drive to a studio would definitely happen to me.
Working at home lets me work in whatever increments of time that Id like, and whenever inspiration strikes. It also helps that my art is all over my house so Im constantly seeing it from different perspectives.

It's interesting to read all o you guys thought process on this. I think I'm more in need of the human contact part of things more than anything. I actually thrive in competitive environments (not that I'm looking to compete with anyone or anything). There's a general rule in the studio building where when someone is in their studio that there is a do not disturb policy. There are lots of common areas where fellow artist can hangout and chat if they want to. Also I just found out that "well mannered pets" are allowed. We're meeting with the landlord this Sat to see the space.

Do keep the comments coming, it really helps, thanks