QUICK READ: Setting Up My 'First' Studio

One of my dreams before was to have my own library—a room where all my published books are in. However, as I better get a view of how my artistic goals are with both my writing and drawing, I now want a space where both worlds meet.

There is a living room space outside my bedroom, which my parents easily call my office since most of my writing and some of my paintings have been done there. Sometimes, I change places too, for a change of view, especially when looking for new stimuli.

Coming home from a long vacation from the beach, I decided to fix the area outside my room. It had always been a messy place, with books here and there, some things I have taken out from the shelves and forgetting to return, boxes, a lot of boxes, and random decorations.

When I thought I wanted to take my art seriously, I better get some cleaning done and make this space ‘my own’. Technically, it is mine, but I wanted it to be more organized. Sure, it would probably go messy again in the future, but at least, this is a good start to the journey.

So, first things first, I bought an easel. Not just for the looks, but really for use. I hadn’t tried using it yet, but I know how easier and better the paintings will be when they are upright. I had always drawn with my canvas or paper lying on the table, which ruins the perspective of the initial sketch, up to the finished artwork.

I have used highchairs and windows as an alternative for easels before, so my best friend said why not buy a proper easel now? ‘Like the real artists.’ She would laugh.

And I would say, ‘Hey, you’re right. Makes this feel truer.’ Of course, this is by no means the standard to true artists, as this is just our silly thoughts. Anyone can be real and true artists even without easels.

That aside, the one I bought was a DIY, build it yourself easel… which was obvious because parts were easier to ship than the whole, built thing. I enjoyed building it too, as it was really rewarding and worth it by the time it was done.

I put up some of my framed artworks on the walls, some canvases on one shelf and some on the floor. I arranged the brushes in a cup—I plan to buy a jar, though—oil paints and acrylics in boxes, some colored pens, oil pastels and other art materials in both the shelf and the basket..

There is a separate basket for old artworks, pieces that I drew, art prints from other artists who inspire me, and those drawn by my friends. I keep them as inspirations, and as reminders that I am doing this now with better and bigger purposes.

I also set up this studio as a reminder that I have a goal now.

This space also serves as my mini library, with books from local authors, international ones, and those by me.

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This are all the books I've written. Some have multiple copies of the same book, and some have two versions (paperback and hardbound) but most of the titles here have one copy left. Aries, Virgo, and Gemini, are anthology books published under my own publishing company: GOLDEN ARTISAN PUBLISHING.

This is a sample of my book, with the cover illustration made by one of the artists who inspired me to pursue my art seriously. She's also one of the few artists I look up to most, and I have bought some of her art prints before too.