How artists can set up their workspace ergonomically – all the information and tips

Prolonged sitting, poor posture, or repeatedly reaching for items placed too high can all have a lasting negative impact on health and well-being. Especially during sedentary work, there are numerous traps that can lead to long-term health problems, such as frequent back issues.

However, if attention is paid to ergonomic working conditions in the workplace, studio, or office workspace, health problems can be prevented. This is possible with a few simple tricks and easy to implement in any desk workstation.

Ergonomic considerations for artists

The simple definition of ergonomics is the science of harmonizing the environment and your workspace for your comfort. Promoting ergonomics for artists is the absolute minimum, as it is essential for any profession. The need is even greater than for office workers, whose jobs involve a lot of physical movement. Many of these movements require craftspeople to move in various postures.

This could include modeling and correcting the nose in a portrait, or sitting down to play musical instrument

An artist can numerous professions . Guidelines from professional associations – such as the BGHM – are crucial for minimizing work-related injuries.

Here are some interesting tips from our research.

Artists and painters, like many other professionals, are prone to musculoskeletal disorders. These are often caused by repetitive, awkward, or static movements of your bones or fixed muscles. For example, sitting in an unusual posture, bending over to play an instrument, or stretching to paint the ceiling of a high-rise building can put stress on your muscles or bones.

With various ergonomic workspace and office designs for creative professions , you can easily manage your work.

What is meant by ergonomic office equipment?

Ergonomics should be a feature of every workplace. This not only improves work performance but also enhances productivity through well-being. Designing an ergonomic workplace prevents physical discomfort and enables more efficient work.

Ergonomics includes not only comfortable seating, but also the correct positioning of screens and gentle lighting.

Achieve more ergonomics quickly with these tips

It is not necessary to completely redesign the workspace, because with just a few tips you can achieve more ergonomics in any artistic workplace and thus ensure greater well-being and efficiency in creative activities.

Current research shows that you can generally follow these guidelines. However, for certain professions, you may want to discuss your symptoms with a doctor.

1. Put in the right light

Natural daylight saves energy and is easy on employees' eyes . Ideally, natural light sources should be used in such a way that they do not glare on screens or cast shadows on desks.

This makes working easier. Artificial light should only be used subtly and should not shine too brightly on the workstations.

Whether you're working on a computer or a drawing board, you need good ambient lighting for optimal results . Different types of light, such as warm yellow or natural white, can make a big difference to your work. Your eyes will be less strained and will stay healthy for longer.

Follow the highly effective 20-2-20 rule , which is best suited to protecting your eyes when looking at a computer screen as a digital artist. Ergonomics for digital artists encourages you to look away from your work every twenty minutes.

Where? You can look at any object that is at least six meters away from you. For how long? You need to look away from your screen for about twenty seconds.

What are the benefits? When you look away from your screen, your eyes are rested to focus on a distant object instead of close ones. Your eye muscles are relaxed and ready for another work session.

For an ergonomic setup as a digital artist, ensure your screen is positioned appropriately for your height. Your screen should be at least 20 inches from your eyes to avoid glare. Avoid looking down or up. Adjust the screen so your gaze reaches the top edge.

to reduce exposure to blue light – which can disrupt our healthy sleep.

2. Comfort keeps you healthy

Anyone who has to sit at a computer for hours wants to be comfortable. Adjustable office chairs that can be set to the individual needs of employees are ideal. This way, employees of all heights can adjust the chair to their body size and always have a comfortable seat.

It should also have padded armrests that allow the arms to rest at approximately 90 to 100 degrees. A movable backrest that allows for slight movements is perfect for relieving back strain from time to time.

3. Hand movements

Wrist movements : The worst thing an artist can do is move their wrist in awkward movements. It's important to understand your body and not resist natural movements. Most people are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome from constant typing or unusual wrist movements.

It is important to take frequent breaks, exercise your wrists and arms, and support your wrists as much as possible. The support should be firm enough to lift the weight of the instrument without putting too much strain on your wrists. It is best not to bend your wrists any further than their normal position.

Fingers: When craftspeople musical instruments or hold a particular pen or brush for painting, they hold them for extended periods. This prolonged pressure on a finger or thumb affects their nerves and muscles, leading to reduced blood flow in that area.

What can you do?

Exercise your fingers and hands frequently to maintain good ergonomics for artists. Use a pen or brush holder near your workspace. Frequent breaks will also relax your mind, allowing you to see the bigger picture.

4. The correct sitting posture

Posture , it's crucial to recognize the correct posture on a chair. Artists often tend to lean forward or backward, for example, when painting or playing guitar

The guidelines issued by the occupational health and safety authority clarify the best sitting posture. With your back straight, your hips should be perpendicular to your thighs. Similarly, your ankle joints must form a 90-degree angle between your foot and calf muscles.

Therefore, it's important to invest in a chair where you can adjust the seat height, armrests, headrest, and more. Consider an office chair that allows you to adjust your seat. Crossing your legs at the ankles is best avoided. You should rest your feet comfortably on the floor. They shouldn't dangle in the air or fall to the floor.

When using a table, your arms must form a perpendicular angle at the elbows. Ensure your forearms are resting when placed on a desk. Do not let your elbows dangle for extended periods. You can refer to the support for guidance.

5. Adjustable desk

Back problems often arise from prolonged, incorrect posture at work. A height-adjustable desk, such as the one from FlexiSpot , which can also be individually adjusted to the employee's height, prevents back problems and the associated absence from work.

6. Adjust the screen correctly

Workplace ergonomics often revolves around individual adjustments to meet the needs of artists. A computer monitor set too low frequently causes neck pain, which is why every creative professional working at a computer should have the option to adjust their monitor for comfortable use over extended periods.

Paying attention to the distance between your eyes and the screen can help prevent dry eyes. A distance of about 80 centimeters is recommended to allow you to look at the screen for several hours without discomfort. However, it's still a good idea to occasionally relax your eyes by looking into the distance .

7. Avoid working in a bent or hunched position

Considering the ergonomics for painters, you should keep your back straight so that the S-shape of your body retains its natural form. This prevents the vertebrae from being compressed.

Make sure the drawing board or carousel is at the correct height for your body size. A little too low or too high will require you to look up or down and crane your neck.

Such frequent movements will raise health concerns.

8. Frequent work breaks

Ergonomics for artists suggests that frequent work breaks are necessary.

Why? During a work break, your stressed muscles relax. Blood flow is diverted from the fingers that have been holding the brush for a long time. When you relax, the blood flow returns. As a result, these finger muscles rest.

Work breaks also refresh you mentally. Afterwards, return to work with renewed focus.

Let's summarize…

In summary, ergonomic aspects should be considered for your health in every profession. As a sculptor, painter, or digital artist, ensure you use your body wisely and in the healthiest way possible to achieve your goals. Use ergonomically designed tools and equipment to provide maximum relief and comfort for your body.