Behind the Scenes: Studio Changes & Answering Your FAQs as a Full-time Artist
In this video, I take you on a tour of my art studio, showcasing the recent changes I've made to transform it a space that meets my current creative needs. From repurposing a wall once used for photography into an art book library to installing shelving for displaying current art projects, I'll walk you through the evolution of my creative sanctuary. Along the way, I address some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about my artistic journey, including how I generate income as an artist who doesn't sell physical art, insights into my filming setup, what I do with finished paintings, and my methods for storing stencils. Join me behind the scenes as I share practical tips and insights into the life of a full-time artist.
*Supplies & other goodies I talked about in this video: (Some of the links are affiliate links. If you use my link, I get a small commission, which will go toward my art supplies and to support this channel! I appreciate your support 🥰)
Original studio tour video: https://youtu.be/tq3y3qarmv0?si=9OKf6aSyfa-3ak6U
Preserving artwork video: https://youtu.be/_E0I0FjbnXw?si=GhvadywxZF2etBtL
Book wall:
ATORRI 6 Cube White Bookcase - also comes in wood tone and black: https://amzn.to/49wMomQ
Wallniture Denver White Modern Wall Mount Floating Shelves - https://amzn.to/4aibYNm
3-Tier Rolling Utility or Kitchen Cart - https://amzn.to/4cLzIeA
White Plastic Folding Table - https://amzn.to/3VJ7hru
Stencils Storage:
Skirt Hangers - Pack of 10 - https://amzn.to/3TOlWPw
BCW Sheet Music Sleeves - https://amzn.to/3U5BMqz
Filming setup - good for filming videos of things you are making:
Panasonic LUMIX G7 4K Digital Camera - https://amzn.to/43TbY43
Extra batteries for Lumix - https://amzn.to/3TJSyde
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone - https://amzn.to/3THAD77
Cable Adaptor for smartLav Microphone to camera - https://amzn.to/3Jci8Tb
NEEWER Ring Light 18inch Kit - https://amzn.to/3U1RUt1
24” Flapjack light (too big… 18” would be better) - https://amzn.to/3PQvcBt
18” Flapjack light - https://amzn.to/4cLnZNa
Heavy Duty Tripod Stand for Flapjack lights - https://amzn.to/4cMx2NC
Glide Gear tabletop tripod setup for overhead filming - https://amzn.to/3J60Siz
Blogging camera - good for talking head videos and vlogging:
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera for Content Creators - https://amzn.to/43TcdvZ
Hard Case for Sony ZV-1F - https://amzn.to/43Kbb5o
Vlogger Accessory Kit - https://amzn.to/3U5CRP9
Extra batteries for the camera - https://amzn.to/3vGZ90c
Wireless Remote Control Camera Shutter Release for Sony ZV-E10 - https://amzn.to/4aBq4tD
Wireless Lavalier Microphone (I love this wireless mic!)- https://amzn.to/4cDdMlT
Newest 62" Phone Tripod - this is light and easy to move around - I use it with my blogging camera and my phone - https://amzn.to/4cGftPl
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Thanks for sharing your creative world, it’s very interesting
I totally agree with your philosophy and way of thinking
I lost my friend few months ago and your videos help me a lot (I watch your videos only 6 months ago and I learned painting since 1 year !
I specially love the video “Unlocking Creativity : A journey with Dina Wakley’s Media Journal), “Monotoned Magic : Creating Abstract Layouts in Dina Wakley Media Journal” and “Creative Contrast : Watercolor vs Burlap Art Journaling” and the last one … too !!!!
you work hard and it’s very pleasant to learn with you.
Thanks for giving us your joy of life !
You are a very nice person !
I’m living in France, so… far away from you, but… I would like to come (perhaps) one day in US.
(Sorry for my english)
I wish all the best in your art and in your life !
Danièle
ps :I choose to write here my mail instead of on YouTube, because I told you a little part of my recent life …
So glad you enjoyed the tour and hung out with me today! I’m very sorry for your loss. I turned to art and photography when my mother passed away, and it was the only way I got through that hard time too. I get it. Thank you!! 🙂
I loved seeing your workspace. It is right up my alley. I do have a question though. One that is bothering me in my art room right now. How and maybe where do you store your art hauls from various places, like Sketchbox, etc. Your pens, and crayons and papers, stuff like that. This is one of my big stumbling blocks. Any thoughts about that? I just finished trying to declutter my room, but didn’t succeed! Anyway, that was a great video tour.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the workspace tour ❤️ And oh yes, this is such a real question. You are definitely not alone in this.
Honestly, I don’t store everything perfectly or permanently. I try to keep things loose and flexible. For art hauls like SketchBox, I usually let myself play with the supplies first and then I decide where they belong. Pens and crayons go into cups, jars, or small bins right on shelves where I can see them. Papers and substrates go into flat drawers or magazine holders so they don’t disappear on me. If I can’t see it, I forget it exists.
I also don’t keep everything forever. Some things live in a “try it” bin for a while and if I’m not reaching for them after some time, I let them go or move them out of the room. Decluttering is an ongoing thing for me, not a one and done. My room gets messy again and then I reset it when it starts to feel heavy instead of inspiring.
The biggest thing that helps me is grouping by how I use things, not by brand or where they came from. All paint pens together. All crayons together. All collage papers together. That way when I’m in the flow, I’m not hunting.
Be gentle with yourself. A creative room is meant to be lived in, not perfect. If it’s a little wild but you’re making art in it, you’re doing it right