Space.
A veritable treasure for most of us. I used to dream (still do) of one day having my own studio workspace that was grand and spacious, able to house easels, desks, drawing tables, computers, etc. Let's face it, a decent space to work in is a luxury for many of us, especially if living in a large expensive urban environment like New York City. After getting married and getting ready for a baby, it became even more difficult for me to make a workspace that was functional, and yet provided a relaxed and inviting environment to work in. Even if all you have is a small corner of a small apartment, its possible to make a workspace that invites you to sit down and be productive. This little setup, although small has provided me with one of the best and most utilized workspaces I've had in a long while. Everything I essentially need is close at hand. Its a meager example compared to many others I have seen, but it works for me. I'm curious about your own workspaces. What sort of environment do you strive to create that promotes productivity?
posted by CamChes @ 6:45 PM
12 Comments:
cooolio. here's where i worketh. the dvd player is for music listening purposes only. i would never dream of watching anything while working.
www.nobodysearches.blogspot.com
you can also just click ma name and it's under my profile.
Nice. Thanks Drew. For some reason I find it very interesting to look at peoples workspaces, even though it is often just the same mix of drafting table, chair, and tabouret. Over the summer my wife and I travelled up to Stockbridge to view the New Yorker show at the Norman Rockwell Museum. His barn-sized studio on site thrilled me. Decorated with trinkets and collectibles from many of his world travels. Because of copyright concerns, they wouldn't let people take photographs..too bad. Beautiful spot though.
When it comes to work space, the most important thing for me, is natural light. For an entire year I sat in a small little room, with no natural light, and I would have to say that was the most un-productive Ive ever been. This year my rooms even smaller, but I have huge french windows, everyday I wake and feel able. I mean tools, pads, and electric lights can all be organised and placed in places, but in a dark little corner all its going to do is spice up an allready gloomy workspace.
Its all about the light.
Love the blog.
Thanks for sharing. If anyone is interested, here's a few studio setups by the folks at drawingboard.org (a terrific forum, by the way):
http://www.drawingboard.org/viewtopic.php?t=29533
I have a pretty good setup in the corner of my bedroom--large drawing table next to a bookshelf full of supplies. The drafting table can't face the window because the computer desk is in front of the window, but it gets natural light sideways.
But somehow the drawing table always seems to attract all my dirty clothes, and I end up sitting on my bed or couch with a lap desk to actually draw a lot of my cartoons. It almost feels like I'm napping, even though I'm working.
Chuck, before you make any kind of decision about cartooning programs, make sure yiou fully investigate the Center for Cartoon Studies located in White River Junction, Vermont. If you click the link to the right on the Blog page that says "Go CCS We're the Best", it will take you to the main site for CCS. It is a brand new school, entirely dedicated to the serious study of cartooning. If I were going to spend money on a cartooning program today, that is where I would spend it. Hands down.
Luke is right, you're basically screwed in terms of financial assistance (for now at least), but I think in terms of content, faculty, and strength of direction, this school is unique and very strong.
Great site!!!
Holy shit! I'm away from the computer for a few days and I miss out on a terrific discussion!
About my work space, I recently moved from New York City to a small town in Vermont. I have my own apartment with my tools spread all around - computers and laser printer, screen-printing set-up, and drawing table. The only problem is it's consistently messy and the apartment has basically no natural light. It's the best I can do right now.
And Chuck, talk to me (robyn@un-pop.com)! I attended SCAD, know a lot of SVA teachers and students, and work for CCS. I'd love to talk about cartooning programs.
It's true, CCS is currently unaccredited, though we're going through the process. One of the biggest hindrances to lacking accreditation is ability to grant student loans. That being said, CCS is only $14,000 a year. It is an intensive two-year program, you will leave this school with a broad base of knowledge and experience (which I've found, is much more important than a degree.) There are certain jobs that require a degree, but a lot less than you might think.
That being said, we plan to be able to grant degrees in the near future.
One thing to consider - SVA accepts CCS classes as transfer credit. Perhaps you could attend CCS for a year or two and transfer to SVA?
I know all about student debt. My 4 years at SCAD has put me debt till I'm forty (at least.) I don't see how I'd be worse off for taking out a private loan for two years for a much smaller amount.
Chuck, another thing to consider - We will be offering a one-year program next year. We also offer summer workshops and internships, which are great ways to get to know the area, the faculty, and the curriculum.
I honestly believe that CCS is absolutely the best cartooning program in North America. The students are just inundated with knowledge about sequential narrative, writing, drawing, production, design and comic history. I think our biggest asset is our teaching staff: James Sturm. James Kochalka, Tom Devlin, Steve Bissette, and many more. We have visiting faculty every week, and they are some of the best in the business: Chris Ware, Seth, Ivan Brunetti, Craig Thompson, Alison Bechdel, etc.
For more on CCS, go to Alec Longstreth's bog: http://alec-longstreth.com/blog/126/
Alec Longstreth and Aaron Renier gave an amazing lecture this week.
no one's mentioned anything about Sheridan in Oakville Ontario. if you know anything about that i'd like to learn. I hear they have an excellent Illustration Program, and i plan on going there. Anybody been?
Greetings,
Better late than never, but happy that I found this site.
We recently moved & I now have barely enough space on the desk for an 11x14 pad (it has to rest on top of the pc's keyboard). I have a great "nook", with lots of natural light in our living room. The atmosphere is on hold until I get the drawing table finished (yes, I'm making it). Paying the daughter's college tuition put a little dent in the budget.
cheers
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