A STUDIO DOES NOT MAKE YOU AN ARTIST
- It is an ongoing significant financial commitment which means not investing in other areas of your practice.
- There are several studio organisations which offer affordable space. They are affordable because a) the studio provider has been going a long time and secured freeholds or long leases; OR b) the providers are taking advantage of short leases before developers move in and handing on the saving to artists.
- Affordable studios are usually run by people for the love of art. A NFASP report estimated they subsidise the visual arts in England by £16million every year, so don’t treat them like a dodgy landlord/rubbish removal service. Treat them like partners – we need them!
- It can take years to get a permanent studio (esp. in London) so sign up for a range of waiting lists even if you don’t know where you will be living in the future.
- Do some research and compare what different providers offer. Do you like the organisation? Do you like the people? Are there professional advantages to being with one organisation over another?
- What is NOT included in the rent? Find out about any additional charges and get a clear idea of running costs. Heating, lighting, water, business rates, internet, service charges… these may be extra or may be included in the rent.
- Studio providers usually charge an inclusive rent – one that covers everything (sometimes excluding utilities). The rent charged by a commercial provider is unlikely to be inclusive.
- READ THE LEASE/LICENSE. Every word. At least 3 times. Make sure that you understand all clauses and responsibilities. There may be limits on materials you may use, what access you have, insurance, subletting (don’t assume you can do this), giving notice, what happens in the event of rent non-payment. If you
agree anything verbally, add it to the lease agreement or confirm it in writing. - Don’t take on more than you can afford. It’s demotivating and depressing when you find you have to work the ‘other’ job for so many hours that you have no time or energy to visit the studio which it’s paying for.
- Check how much notice you will need to give before you can leave. Most studio providers offer one/two months’ notice, which is nice and flexible.
- Few artists use their spaces all day, every day. Consider sharing/time-sharing.
- Taking on a space that isn’t ideal, temporarily, can be a way into a studio building, and tenants often get first refusal on better spaces.
- Studio organisations may offer short-term vacancies long enough for you to complete a specific project or commission (i.e. 6 months).
- If you are ever offered a permanent studio, take the chance to occupy it! Ask your landlord about notice periods. Have in mind that you can give it up at any time. There might be other options (subletting) for when you travel or do not need it.
Be Safe
- Be security-conscious – it only takes one artist to be lax and everyone’s security is compromised. Shut and lock doors behind you and never label your keys.
- Use resin and stinky stuff outside – others don’t have to accept your health and safety choices.
- Always leave painting rags in a metal container – these can start fires and have been known to spontaneously combust – so never store in a wood or plastic bin.
Be Comfy
- Split the studio and install some type of storage/painting rack/shelving. This is well worth the investment: more space, more organised, prevents finished work from being accidentally damaged, and makes it easier to tidy up for visitors.
- DIY double-glazing: during winter, apply double-sided sticky tape/staple gun a taut layer of cling film or polythene in front of the window. This works so well!
- Suspending a polythene ceiling also helps with warmth.
- Invest in a dehumidifier – keep your studio dry AND warm.
- Stop up ALL draughts especially under studio doors – save on heating. This makes such a massive difference.
- Get a good hand cream, especially in winter – avoid getting cracked artists’ fingers. Wearing latex gloves when using turps/other substances can help too.
- Get a biscuit tin! Mice love studios.
- Please get headphones if you need to listen to loud music.
- Making art is a tough thing to choose to do in life; we don’t have to make it harder for each other.