Studio Love - the reality check

This post is the first in the Great CarrieTown Studio Cleanup Series of 2012:
 
I spend a lot of my free time browsing photos of slick, well organized craft spaces. I have even devoted an entire Pinterest board to this obsession. I dream of being able to waltz into my well-lit immaculate space, sit down, listen to classical music and finally create that masterpiece the world has been waiting for.


The reality is a little more cluttered. I am very lucky to have a craft space. I converted half of my two car garage into a sunny space where I can create my artwork and jewelry and any other messy project I may want to attempt. This year I added a DVR, and it is usually stocked with classic commercial free films and favorite TV shows. I even have a dedicated speaker station so I can plug in my iPad and listen to podcasts.

It is a very creative space, but lately I have been re-evaluating storage. I tend to forget about things unless I can see them in front of my face, which means that everything is visible. Want proof, just check out these pics:

This is the jewelry station--the clutter means that I only have an area 6 x 12" to work in

The paper desk featuring Werthers Originals, the official old lady candy of CarrieTown

Paper desk from the back - there is some storage, but more paper comes out than goes in

The cutting and packaging counter - the cabinets below are filled with plates waiting to be broken into mosaics projects

The organization of CarrieTown is an ongoing project, but I thought I would start with the absolute messiest photos so the after pics would look more impressive.

As I continue, please feel free to add any constructive comments or suggestions of organization tips and tricks.

Etsy Treasury Showcase

My latest Etsy Treasury inspired by one of my favorite classic holiday films, The Thin Man,

New Year's with Nick & Nora

Must read book for designers

 PANTONE, The 20th Century in Color is a fantastic resource looking at the color trends of the 20th century. This book would be a fantastic resource for graphic designers, costume & lighting designers, or anyone who is inspired by color. Even non-designer types would enjoy the brief yet informative copy that accompanies all the photos and pictures, and believe me, there are tons of gorgeous pictures rendered in gorgeous color.

The pages are laid out like my new favorite website, Design Seeds, with a photo from the era and the corresponding PANTONE colors. Even if you aren't designing to a specific era, the color palettes alone will be inspiring to designers. I purchased this book for work, and can see sharing it with the theatrical costume, lighting and scenic designers I work with.