Inside or Out?

I have always had my art studio at home. I am lucky that I have the space available and have my own area, with good light in my home. I love the fact that I am often in my studio in the morning, planning my day, with coffee in hand while in my pajamas. (Ok, I am being really honest here!) I love that I can run in the house and start dinner, while another layer of my abstract painting is drying. And I love that at the end of the day I can close the door of my studio and “leave the office” even though it’s only 20 steps from my house.

Think about all of the spaces in your house that you could use as an “art studio”. It may be a kitchen counter, a table, a bedroom desk, an old kids room or the picnic table outdoors. You may share a creative space with a family member, or you may even have an extra room in your house to have art studio of your own. Size isn’t really that important. Rather, you need a space that can hold your art supplies and be accessible to paint without too much set up.

Would you consider having your an art studio located outside of the house? I think there are both pros and cons. Space outside of your home isn't as convenient and often costs money. But if you are the person that needs to "leave the house and go to work" then an out-of-the-house studio is probably for you.

Don't forget that when renting a studio, you aren’t necessarily just gaining access to workspace, but also to connections to the wider art world that you may have never had otherwise. So many artists struggle with the seclusion of working alone. A studio with other artists can offer camaraderie and tons of social interaction. You just might be happier and produce better art! Also, having other artists around causes you to become more accountable to others. And it also might offer you access to artist’s workshops, seminars, courses, residencies, fellowships and opportunities to exhibit. Many artists believe their success might never had happened if they had restricted their studio space to their homes. 
 
So there is really no right or wrong answer. It completely depends on you. It depends on what you, as an artist, want for your art studio to be the best you can be.