Wit and Delight recently did a piece interviewing some inspirational creative ladies about their workspaces, and what those workspaces say about them. I really enjoyed getting a sneak peek into their worlds, so I thought I’d do my own.
I’m very lucky to have a semi-separate office space in my room. I did a full illustrated room tour last year if you’re more interested in that. Having that extra bit of space in London is a real luxury, and definitely helps me stay focused.
The majority of my “office” space is taken up by a desk which used to be a garden table. It’s more than big enough for me to fit everything I need on there, and then some, which means I’m in a constant internal battle not to let it become cluttered. All I really need is my laptop, iPad, journal and a few pens and pencils. But it also has my art books stacked in the corner, an extra notepad or two, and normally some kind of snack. Above my desk, there’s an assortment of postcards from travels and art galleries, including a few my mother felt were marginally disturbing when she came to visit. That includes a few pull outs from Printed Pages magazine and a new addition from Sonny Ross.
Aside from my desk, I’ve got a chair which was thrifted similarly to the garden desk, so it doesn’t really offer any support but it’s what I’ve got. Eventually one day I’d like to set up my desk in a much more ergonomic way, but until I have a proper space of my own my lower lumbar is going to continue to suffer. Something I’m sure I’ll pay for later in life. I try to make up for it with the occasional cushion though. I also have a little plant called Hector who I’ve managed to keep alive for almost a full year now – a personal record! On the opposite wall, I have a giant wall calendar from Kikki K, which covers the whole year, and my Kanban board. How I use my Kanban has changed slightly, but it’s still the tool I come back to when I have a lot of plates to juggle.
My office also has to function as a bit of a storage space playing host to my bike, clothes dryer and vacuum cleaner. There’s a full corner dedicated to cards and supplies for my store, which really should be sponsored by Muji storage boxes.
What does my workspace say about me?
While I’d love to be a minimalist and I fight off being a clutterer, I tend to live somewhere in between. My desk is tidy but I try to keep it close to my inspiration. But ultimately, I think my desk is that of a Hermit. It’s kept away from my own social space and is then a locked door away from anyone else 99% of the time. I’ve created a half wall with some shelves to truly make it feel like a safe nest where I can try out any and all ideas or just think in peace.
