Do you ever get to a point where you are doing all kinds of work, but because you are in the middle of so many things, it looks like you’re doing nothing? Yeah, that’s August. I have multiple knitting projects, multiple books, ongoing Art Journal time, and loooooots of work work to do, so things, on the outside, look like they are at a stand still. I am working I swear. If all goes to plan you guys are going to be sick of hearing about how productive I am real soon haha.

Like I said, lots of work in progress going on but not a lot finished. One bigg-ish thing that I did complete was a studio revamp. I always find that I enjoy the way that my place is setup, there’s only so much can do with limited floor space. But I do like switching it up now and again. Just changing the layout a little bit can really make a space feel fresh and brand new.

The space was feeling a little stale. I had had it in that layout for the past 5-6 years. I had cleaned it out, changed where the paint went, added a new art supply here and there, but nothing really dramatic. The space wouldn’t be where I would go first, the table would hold all of my “I’ll sort that out later” stuff, and it was a little messy. Seriously, I looked at the Before picture I took maybe 20 minutes after I cleared the space out and I was shocked. True story.

Then I found myself one afternoon listening to the Queer Eye audiobook, and we got to Bobby’s section. For those who do not watch the show, he is essentially our interior designers. He was talking about little spaces, and arranging things, and I swiveled my work chair to the right a bit and looked at the studio right beside me. YOU! You are what gets exercised next! And we agreed and it was decided lol.

I pondered it for a few days, sat staring at the space on my lunch break, moving furniture in my head. Then came the Friday when I pulled everything out of the whole space and played around with it.

I tried a lot of different scenarios. Some I liked in theory, but I knew wouldn’t be practical overall. I tried to listen to what I felt about sitting in the space in any layout. It turns out I don’t like being able to look into my kitchen all day. Don’t know why hahaha.

I finally ended up with a scenario that gives me more floor space. With my drafting table pulling double duty as my work desk, the other desk isn’t taking up any room. I am able to work in front of a window instead of near one (love!). My living space isn’t looking into a cluttered mess, but a clean and organized one. There isn’t as much stuff sitting on the floor. It’s lovely.

One of the biggest things that I actually considered part way through this, and I am glad that I did, was lighting. I have lots of natural light that comes into my space which is so nice. I found though, that anytime I used my drafting table or easel I was always blocking either the natural light or the overhead light. I was always in my own way. Now, with the way things are set up, I have a pile of natural light facing me so I can see what I am writing in my journal without ruining my neck. I also have a lot more places to put my easel so that my painting can get what light it needs.

I am loving working in this space again, and as soon as I get on top of my work work my plan is to be doing a lot more painting and creating in this space.

So that’s what I did in August. Sorry there’s not more projects happening here, but there will be lots more material to work with soon.