by Mayi Carles of Heartmade

Do you shove your supplies into a dusty corner? Do you pile your desk with crap, including yesterday’s meal? Do you throw away your receipts into that drawer you know looks like Bermuda’s Triangle? If so you might be creating the grounds to a real inspiration killer + as creatives we really can’t afford that.

Your creative space might not even be the dungeon I depicted below, but if it’s not making your heart sing, you’re still in deep trouble. Your workshop needs to be your sanctuary, where dreams get made + ideas get visualized + products get unraveled. And if your space is not doing just that, then you seriously need to rethink how you’re keeping your creative space.

But there’s no need to hit the panic button, I’m here to help. Today’s post is all about teaching you some simple + fun techniques to keep your spaces inspiring + empowering. And specially designed for creative types, this list includes some of my favorite tips for supporting + encouraging the right hemisphere of our brains as much as possible. Let’s begin!

1. Surround yourself with beautiful things. You are inspired by the things you have around you, so make sure to bring in lots of eye candy to your space – a beautiful art piece + a vintage object + a colorful wall + picture frames filled with pretty photographs + an inspirational board – these are all great ways to keep your space looking fabulous.

2. Keep it organized. Easier said than done, right? But there’s really no way around this one. You need to organize your space in a way that’s both appealing to your senses + practical. Appealing because a basket full of tangled threads kills all inspiration, while a color + shape coordinated thread cabinet is such a booster. And functional because you should easily be able to find everything you need in the quickest + most efficient way possible. For example if you are sewing a headband keep your needle + scissor at hand-grabbing distance. Whatever makes more sense for your creative process, that’s how you should organize your space.

3. Let there be light. No intent to offend darkness here, but don’t you think it’s a little depressing? Bring in some invigorating + clear natural daylight + when this runs out make space for plenty of white light bulbs, they will be your loyal companions + life-savers during those intricate projects + detailed masterpieces + long reading/writing sessions. Your straining eyes will be so thankful.

4. Get comfortable. Get yourself a nice comfortable chair that supports your back + accommodate it to the just the right height for your desk table. Keep the A/C at a soothing temperature or open the windows to let in a nice cool breeze. Wear supportive shoes + arrange your hair so that it doesn’t get in the way of things + get into comfortable clothes. And sure, if being in your pj’s all day does the trick then I say heck yeah, go for it!

5. Minimize distractions. Turn your cellphone off + shut your twitter + facebook windows + close the door + get the TV out + ask grandma to take care of the little ones. Do whatever you need to regain focus + minimize distractions + time wasters + procrastination catalyzers + productivity killers.

6. Remove unwanted clutter. Throw away anything that you find unappealing + bothersome + annoying. That ugly throw pillow that serves no purpose or your husband’s college poster you’re sick of seeing. If you are tired of it, take it out.

7. Keep it neat + clean. The best way I know to keep your studio looking impeccable + inviting is to clean up after every single project, no excuses. It’s like cleaning the dishes, if you leave it for later it will transform into a horrid task. I say, postpone present pleasure for future gain. You’ll be amazed by happiness that will consume you the next time you enter your craft room only to find it ready for action. It’s priceless.

8. Bring in some music. This might be my favorite inspiration fire-upper! There is nothing that uplifts the soul more than a jamming session to my favorite tunes. Make a couple a playlists for every occasion + mood + have your speakers always readily available to play some music.

9. Bring in some help. When you’re feeling overwhelmed + utterly uninspired + a little down, be prepared to take out your help kit. I know a cup of hot chocolate + an inspirational quote always does the trick for me. But what’s on your help kit? It can be a love song + a cup of hot chamomile tea + a post it note + your daughters Mother’s Day card + a book of poems. Whatever refreshes your spirit counts.

10. Store it nicely. The space of a creative is always bombarded with stuff. It seems we can never have too many supplies + books + tools + materials + more, so for us it’s key to keep everything properly stored, not only for organizational purposes but also for conservation ones. Humidity + dust + water are just some of the few menaces that can damage the life of our precious creative things. That’s why proper storage is fundamental. Think clear containers + cradles + cabinets + bulletin boards + folders + shelves – all properly labeled.

11. Stock up. Make sure to keep a well-stocked studio with plenty of supplies – pens + glue + scissors + needles + thread + paper + staples. It’s such a mood killer to be during the middle of a project + have to run to your local craft shop to get more or even worse having to order it online + wait days to get it. Talk about melting my fire. To prevent this from happening always keep at least 2 of your most used items in stock.

Now, with this list in hand, I invite you to take a look at your creative space again + evaluate it carefully. Is there anything that needs changing? Could you make small improvements that could really benefit your creative business? Take a look around + be the judge. Rethink anything that needs rethinking + rearrange anything that needs rearranging. A life of epic inspirations awaits you. Embrace it head on!

xo,

Mayi Carles

Mayi Carles is a Panamanian multi-passionate artist + avid eco-friendly designer + heart behind heartmade blog + creative coach. To connect with Mayi, follow her tweets at @mayicarles.

Image Credits:

2: via designspongeonline.com +  via aubreyroad.blogspot.com

3: via objectsinspace + via weardesignbureau

4: via everyeskimo