The art studio and its significance as a place of creative creation

An art studio often offers a glimpse into an artist's emotional world. Studios are places where traces of creative processes, working methods, breakthroughs, and even mistakes are recorded on walls, floors, windows, and doors. They stand as silent witnesses to the artist's journey of discovery and creation on the path to the finished artwork .

The studios tell a story of creative development as well as of the setbacks that have occurred over the years in the refinement of a craft or style. A studio can be a very personal space full of emotion, offering valuable insights to both artists and visitors.

The art studio as an incubator for social progress

Numerous studies suggest that intensive contact with art and artistic creation at any age promotes physical and mental well-being (see Internet source #1 ). Giving individuals time, space, and materials for creative expression can reduce stress, improve memory, and strengthen social connections.

In an era where creative thinking is highly valued, society undoubtedly benefits from investment in the arts and arts education. Places where the environment facilitates and fosters creativity tend to experience higher levels of civic engagement, social stability, and economic prosperity.

Creative spaces have always been created have significantly contributed to supporting artistic creation

The art studio in theoretical consideration

When we enter an art studio, we gain insights into the working methods and knowledge that artists employ in their creative process. Art historians assume that a work of art, and likewise the artist, does not simply emerge from nothing.

Art and artists are based on comprehensive knowledge practices and specific spatial knowledge. The key to this is the art studio.

Although each studio space is unique to the artist and their project, it is often used as a space where artists can reflect, exhibit, research, store, and create art. Having their own studio is a way for artists to maintain their individual production and creative process and is crucial for stabilizing and participating in professional discourse as well as for developing an artistic identity (see references #1-3 ).

In the studio, artists have the opportunity to develop their creative ideas and experiments by finding attention and transformation in a space for artistic reflection and elaboration. Here, artworks of aesthetic quality emerge through experimental action that opens up new fields of experience and allows familiar scenes and objects to appear in a new light (see literature references #4-6 ).

The studio serves as a place where artists' ideas are concretized and constitutes an artistic laboratory . According to the American philosopher John Dewey, experimentation is of great importance not only in the scientific laboratory but also in artistic creation (see reference #7 ).

The contemporary studio unites imagination, knowledge, and artistic creation in a space that connects privacy, material production, knowledge, and learning. It is a place of civilized pursuit of knowledge

Studios and art spaces: then and now

These days, art is produced both on laptops and in paint-splattered lofts. Nevertheless, the studio retains its unique aura as the ultimate place of creation.

As shown in paintings such as Courbet's allegorical self-portrait of 1855 or in the mid-century photographs of modernist luminaries by Vogue art director Alexander Liberman , the studio is a place where experience is transformed into gold through the struggle of a genius – both metaphorically and literally (see Internet source #2 ).

From workshops (bottega) in the Middle Ages to studioless

In past centuries, most artists worked in workshops, where they were trained by master craftsmen, or in the scriptoria of monasteries. The low status of artisan artists in the Middle Ages began to change as they adopted the scholarly standards set by their aristocratic patrons.

The bottega became the studiolo , a place of scholarly refinement, more suited to quiet contemplation than to noise and craftsmanship. Successful artists like Tintoretto could afford both a bottega and a studiolo, allowing for a spatial separation of research and production.

This development went hand in hand with the increasing division of labor, which was accelerated by the rise of capitalism. Leonardo da Vinci rejected the Bottega principle and emphasized that an artist's studio should be small in order to discipline the mind (see Internet source #2 ).

The studio becomes the central place of the artist's identity

17th-century Dutch painting, the studio became the central place of the artist's identity, as seen in the work of Rembrandt and Vermeer , who captured their working environment in self-portraits.

In the 18th century, however, schools offered an alternative to the traditional workshop. Félix Duban significantly shaped the École des Beaux-Arts Mackintosh's school in Glasgow and the Weimar Bauhaus – an approach that redefined both artistic and industrial production.

The glazed wall was also the hallmark of the factory, a double coding ( explicitly expressed Dessau Bauhaus by Gropius William Morris's attempt to recalibrate the forms of artistic and industrial production.

Plein air painting – an escape into nature

Morris's program led to some painters fleeing the studio for the great outdoors. This occurred at a time when paints were now industrially manufactured and thus readily available. The Impressionists later revealed that even nature was being industrialized, but they continued the tradition of plein air painting, which was now seen more as a bourgeois pastime than as agricultural work.

This developmental arc culminated in Anselm Kiefer's large outdoor studio near Nîmes.

In his short story "The Real Thing," the American author Henry James a studio where light plays a crucial role , lending the space a particular character. The studio is portrayed as a place for artists, a fact explicitly emphasized by its north-facing window.

Reconciling life and artistic creation in one place

At the same time, industrial urbanization is merging city and countryside, opening up new possibilities for plein air painting in artistic suburbs. While academies are professionalizing the discipline, Morris sought to overcome institutional and spatial fragmentation. Nevertheless, the unity of life and art often remains the preserve of the wealthy.

Throughout history, artists have grappled with diverse working environments. In the past, only a few artists could afford a house with a studio in a desirable suburb, while others had to work in neglected urban areas. Famous artists' colonies like Montmartre and Chelsea emerged as alternative creative hubs. Although often characterized by poverty, such places also fostered a strong sense of community and provided a space for political activism.

The transition from traditional workshops to avant-garde studios led to a redesign of urban space by artists like Andy Warhol , who drew inspiration from poorer areas. The development of these creative spaces also reflected societal changes and repeatedly produced unexpected results.

Post-studio state today: Return to the Bottega system & co-working spaces

Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons have joined Warhol in his return to the Bottega system. They have discarded all traces of Morris and instead imitated the less romantic industrial processes of capitalism.

Today, a post-studio state , in which a jet-setting precariat of art producers lugs their laptops back and forth between London, Lisbon, and Berlin. If they can afford it, their workspaces are located in subdivided warehouses on the outskirts of cities, while in “revitalized” centers, where everyone aspires to the status of “creativity , co-working spaces like Second Home serve as unconventional role models.

Setting up your own art studio or creative space

The transition from a home studio to a professional art studio is a common dream for artists. Once you've outgrown the guest room or garden shed, setting up a professional studio is the next logical step.

However, before a lease agreement for a space is signed or a conversion of an existing property (e.g. former factory premises or halls) is initiated, there are many aspects to consider.

Often, spaces or entire buildings become available when artists relocate or close their studios. Since a successful setup can significantly contribute to artistic success, existing properties be chosen carefully.

In some cases, a complete renovation (sometimes including remodeling) makes sense to optimally adapt the existing premises to your own individual needs. Reliable service providers for this can be found in every major city (e.g., Welsch Bausanierung at https://welsch-bausanierung.de/dienstleistung/komplettsanierung/ for Ulm and the surrounding area).

The question of costs

Costs play a crucial role in determining whether an artist can afford a studio. Like any individual or business, artists must factor in building expenses – including rent (or loan payments if purchasing), utilities, and fees for insurance, internet connection, phone contract, etc. – into their profit calculations.

It's important to approach this decision like any other business venture. You need to determine what's financially feasible (relative to your income) and the value of having your own space. The space doesn't necessarily have to be specifically designed for artists, but it usually makes the work considerably easier. If needed and if you have the necessary funds, you can also undertake (or have undertaken) renovations and refurbishments, as mentioned above.

Sculptors and potters require expensive equipment and access to outdoor areas. Painters also need to check whether they can use oil paints and flammable materials like turpentine. If you're setting up shop in an industrial park, you should consider how other businesses will react to the smell of fresh paint in the hallways.

Prices for land are usually calculated per square meter, which allows for easy cost comparison.

What you should pay attention to

Basic amenities include features like internet access and standard utilities. Next, you should inquire about opening hours (some may offer 24-hour access), security , and parking facilities .

Equally important is the availability of sanitary facilities , sinks , access to outdoor areas , and the insurance requirements of the property being used.

Another important point is lighting . Painters should avoid rooms without windows, as these offer no natural light. Professional art studios usually take this into account and ensure good lighting regardless of the room size.

The studio should also easily accessible – so don't choose a location that's too far away. It's often tempting for artists to work from home because the spare room is closer.

In a rental agreement, a short-term lease generally a good idea.

Should you join an existing studio?

Existing professional studios are dedicated buildings designed or furnished for artists. It may be possible to rent individual studios in a shared building, which offer all the necessary amenities, such as good natural light for painting, sinks, and specialized equipment.

The great advantage of joining an existing studio is that many considerations have already been made and all services may be included in a single fee. All that's needed is to sign the contract and then you can begin your creative work.

However, this convenience might come at a higher price. It's possible to start with a smaller or shared space and gradually move to larger premises depending on success.

An important aspect when deciding to work in an established professional studio is easy access to other artists . Creative work can often be solitary, so being able to exchange ideas with colleagues in shared kitchens or at events offers a significant advantage.

When entering such a studio, one should also keep an eye on the other artists. For practical reasons, ceramicists, glass artists, potters, and sculptors often share their studio spaces and can thus use the necessary equipment and the associated costs together.

Setting up your own studio space

If you have found a suitable space or would like to establish an artists' colony, there are some important things to clarify before you finally take the plunge.

Do you possess the necessary skills and experience?

It is crucial to have already worked in a shared workspace and even managed it in order to understand all the responsibilities.

Many professional studios have a studio manager who handles organizational tasks such as rent payments, building regulations, insurance, and marketing, allowing the artists to focus entirely on their art. It's understandable why many studios choose to employ a manager .

Is there financial support available?

At the local, state, and federal levels, considerable sums of money circulate to support artists. Specific funding is provided for particular media, themes, geographic regions, and artists.

Some of this funding often goes unused because suitable artists don't apply. A good starting point is the National Endowment for the Arts, which awarded almost $230 million in 2023.

In Germany, numerous institutions, including the federal government, state governments, and foundations, support cultural and artistic projects through various funding programs . Creative professionals can apply for these grants to realize their artistic endeavors.

These project grants can take various forms. Recipients can be individuals, groups, or institutions, and the creative scope is often limited by the funding institution's objectives. The German Federal Cultural Foundation focuses on supporting innovative programs and projects in an international context, as well as on cultural exchange.

Federal Cultural Foundation also selects projects for funding twice a year in its cross-disciplinary and open-application project funding program.

Besides them, there are many other funding institutions at both national and European levels that specifically support artists.

Tips for founders and self-employed individuals in the cultural and creative industries are also offered by both the BMWK funding and financing advice service and the guide “Anything but an entrepreneur?” from the Federal Government’s Cultural and Creative Industries Initiative .

In addition to federal programs, you should also look for funding opportunities at the state level. For my state of Bavaria, for example, you can find helpful information on programs, application procedures, and requirements on the information page for artist funding provided by the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and Art .

Learn about the diverse funding and grant opportunities and the application process. There are both generous grants and special funding programs for specific groups of artists. However, the majority of the funds go to projects that bring art into the community.

By incorporating workshops into your schedule, you could receive financial support for your professional art studio. After familiarizing yourself with the national and state-specific processes, you should also explore local funding opportunities

Is there a possibility of a financial sponsorship?

Operating studios is undoubtedly expensive. But there can be commercial solutions to the difficult question of financing. Local businesses, for example, might be willing to provide funding or equipment in exchange for some advertising. This could take the form of a presence on the studio's website, marketing efforts, or exhibitions.

Many people love the arts and want to be involved in the art world.

Integrate exhibition space / gallery

A major advantage of a professional art studio is that it can operate without the intermediary step of a gallery and establish a direct channel to its buyers.

Up to 50% of art sales are made through galleries. open studio events or individual studio visits can also generate significant revenue.

If you are part of a professional group studio , you should consider setting up a permanent exhibition space for the works of all the artists.

Here are a few points to consider for greater success:

• Ensure that all works are available for sale.
• Offer a variety of price levels.
• Start with small prints or ceramics under 100 euros and gradually increase to larger paintings, ceramics or sculptures with correspondingly higher prices.
• Maintain regular opening hours and ensure that staff are present during these times (artists can take turns).
• Change the exhibited works regularly and plan special opening events.
• Agree on payment terms. This can include payment by invoice or, nowadays, numerous digital payment providers (online or via smartphone app). If you accept electronic payments, you will need to set up a studio bank account or a PayPal account to which the money will be transferred before being paid out to the artist.

Final words

Once your art studio is set up, you shouldn't hesitate to start your creative work immediately. Consider how you want to envision yourself in this space. Nothing is more frustrating for an artist than feeling that the space they work in restricts their creativity rather than fostering it.

Remember the words of Pablo Picasso :

There are painters who turn the sun into a yellow spot, and there are others who, with their art and intelligence, turn a yellow spot into a sun

Does your space offer you this freedom for artistic growth?

You might find inspiration in our two articles on the topic:

• Art Fusion in Coworking Spaces: 5 Inspiring Examples of Creative Work Environments
• Setting up your own studio – artists reveal their creative space pro tips

Sources and references:

Literature:

1. Bain, A. (2005): Constructing an Artistic Identity Work, employment and society , pp. 25-46
2. Bain, A. (2004): Female Artistic Identity in Place: the Studio. Social and Cultural Geography , pp. 171-193
3. Buren, D. (2007): In The Studio (Dublin Gallery, 2007 pp. 104-106) A conversation between Buren and Jens Hoffman, Christina Kennedy and Georgina Jackson
4. Jacob, MJ (2010): Foreword In Jacob, MJ and Grabner, M eds. 2010 The Studio Reader: On the Space of Artists , Chicago University of Chicago Press
5. O'Doherty, B. (2007): Studio and the cube on the relationship between where art is made and where art is displayed, Princeton Architectural Press
6. Wainright, L. (2010): Foreword In Jacob MJ and Grabner M eds 2010 The Studio Reader: On the Space of Artists, Chicago University of Chicago Press
7. Dewey, J. (1934): Art as experience, New York Penguin Group

Internet:

1. Samantha Frew on Architizer : Art House: The Inspiring Architecture of Art Studios , https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/art-house-the-architecture-of-art-studios/
2. Tom Wilkinson in The Architectural Review : Typology: Artist Studio, https://www.architectural-review.com/essays/typology-artist-studio
3. MAC ART Galleries : How to set up your fine art studio , https://macfineart.com/how-to-set-up-your-fine-art-studio/
4. ART WEB Blog: How to Set Up a Professional Art Studio , https://blog.artweb.com/how-to/set-up-a-professional-art-studio/
5. Federal Cultural Foundation : Funding , https://www.kulturstiftung-des-bundes.de/de/foerderung.html