Meat and Potatoes

Are you more of a meat and potatoes kind of person?  Just cut to the chase type of gal?  Well then, today’s for you.  Today is recap day.

I suppose if your studio is already in tip top condition the way you like it, then the first rule of thumb is simple for you:

Don’t forget to put it back where you got it from.  This may sound easy for most of you but when I’m working, I keep pulling out so much stuff that before I know it, I’m left with this little space on my desk to work around in.   So this one is for me.

Square Clear Containers

I like to use clear containers so I can tell right away what I’m looking for. 

Also, in my glass holders for my pens and pencils, I keep my eraser guard.  I always know where it’s at and since it is so thin, it’s protected from getting all bent out of shape.  I also like, square containers because they’re easier to stack and butt up against.

 

Use lots of photos and file them by subject matter.   This tip came from Kathy G., acrylic painter, and also from Robin S., general contractor.  Robin says although they aren’t artists (but I think they are) they deal with many clients and have to keep the clients and their projects sorted, identified, and ready to go.

Rolling drawers or bins for ready access.  Take your bin (anything you love) that you can store supplies on,or in, and you can add your own wheels if it doesn’t already come with castors.

            Here’s how:   

                        Use two boards, cardboard, or chipboard cut or shape of bin bottom

                        Glue one board to the underside of bin and one to the inside of bin,

                        You can use a book for weight until the glue dries, then

                        Secure the new base by drilling two holes through both of the boards

                                    And through the bottom of the bin

                        Secure base by inserting two nuts and bolts, nuts on the outside

                        Mount castors on the outside of firmly attached  board only

                     

You can also use castors on a wooden platform to utilize under the bed  low storage for easy access.  Use 2 or 3 platforms accessible from different sides of the bed for easy pull out.  Use lids to protect items from dust.

 

If you don’t need your computer for your type of work, consider keeping computer work in an office separate from your studio.

Step away from your work and evaluate it at different light settings.

Wire basket with wheels for rolled paper

Learn to discern what is worthy of keeping.

The rule:  Keep Close-What I need someday   -   Closer – tomorrow    -    Closest – today

Waste paper baskets and laundry baskets are good bins for storing paper rolls.

 My tip for today:

And, as always, love your space.  If clear doesn’t work for you, then by all means pick something that goes with your décor.    Start small.  A few simple adjustments at a time can make a big difference in day to day efficiency.

Quote:

"Every man is said to have his peculiar ambitions."

 -Abraham Lincoln-

Meet me back here Monday, where we will continue on our slow steps to reorganizing our studios.

And, don't forget to share.