I’m not picky. When I told my real estate agents what I
wanted in my new apartment, nothing was too specific. City? I didn’t care, as long as I could get to work. Space? Small to large, I only needed
enough room for two people. View?
Brick wall or park, it didn’t matter. I only had one preference when it came to anything my significant other and I viewed. It had to have some
sort of space for my creativity.
I didn’t care where it was: A quiet alcove in the kitchen, a
larger than life extra closet in hallway and/or an extra bedroom; I had to have
somewhere for me. For as long as I can remember, I had to have my own personal
creative space. As a small child, my parents had an extra walk-in closet in
their bedroom that would become my drawing office. During my pre-teen years, my
father created a mini-studio where I’d live out my femcee stage. In college, I
had a special isolated space in my dorm or apartment where I could craft to my
heart’s desire. Now, I’ve moved into a space with a second and smaller room that is now
my current writing office.
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Before. |
Every woman should have her creative nook. However, you’ll
need more than just your crafting materials:
1)
You’ll
need inspiration. I’ve got Brianna McCarthy, Frida Kahlo artwork and
profiles of Junot Diaz and Langston Hughes. These people and images spark my
writing every time I look at them. What motivates you? Adorn your space with it
in frames, statues or whatever material reflects your stimulations.
My collage of inspiration. |
2)
Music,
music, music. Whether it’s an iPod dock, CD player or old-school boom box;
you need something that will give you a surround sound of your favorite tunes.
3)
Timepiece(s).
An outdated piece that will inspire your development. Have something in your
space that symbolized the innovation and progression of your trade. I have an
old and rusty blue typewriter in the corner of my space. A friend of mine, a
comic book artist, has her grandfather’s sketchbook on her desk. When you look
at it, let it remind you that many people made the strides across tribulations
so you could create freely.
4)
Shelves
and boxes. If you’re the extremely organized individual, grab some
interesting shelving from the container store, label, and categorize your
things. If you’re the avid reader, align your books in a way that’s easy to
find them: by color, topic or Dewey decimal.
Wood casing and chalkboard paint for the shelves. |
I didn't do it all alone. 10-year-old Justin did much laughing and entertaining while I painted shelves. Hmmph. |
The chalkboard bookshelves came out great! They're awesome for organizing by category. |
5)
Clean
slate. After every work session, try to put things back into their place.
Going back to your workspace should be a freeing experience. Your nook should
be free from clutter and madness; two things we have to deal with incessantly
on the outside.
6)
Silence.
Unless you’re playing music, try and minimize distractions. Keep the TV off,
the cellphone away and alert everyone that you live with that you need your
space and time alone.
Journals, reference and iPod dock; all in a reachable distance. |
7)
Your tools.
Plan to slowly purchase things that will make your office life easier. It’s
annoying to have to jump from place to place to complete your tasks. Artists,
collect the paintbrushes that will make your Picasso priceless. Businesswomen,
buy electronic devices that will make your work easier. Don’t make a mad dash
to Kinkos to print the presentation that you have to present in a few hours.
Writers, keep your tools in this one space. It’s the most annoying thing to
have to grab things you need to refer to/use, from all over the house.
8)
A
comfortable chair. THIS IS IMPORTANT. Sitting in something uncomforting for
several hours could lead to stress, painful back spasms and the avoidance of
your office. Invest, invest, invest.
9)
Peace of
mind. Make sure you leave your issues somewhere else, before you enter your
sacred space. Bring only the things you’ll need for crafting. Most importantly,
bring your solitude.
Left wall. |
Right wall. After. Fin. |
(This article was originally written for MadameNoire, sans my photos. You can peep my alternate version here.)
5 comments:
Love the office Riv!
I have to say that I am jealous...I want a creative nook! Ahh one day. It looks great!
Ironically, I am working a post about not having a space and wondering where to catch my moments of zen.
This is dope! I might steal the chalkboard desk idea.
I got so much life off of this post! Your office is so dope! Can't wait to have one of my own.
Love love love!!!! The chalk paint is my favorite part of the design! Everyone is need of a space that provides serenity that will allow you to free your mind.
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