End of Year πŸ”΄ Small Works Challenge 2024

The Studio That Changed Everything

I still remember the day I got the keys to my first art studio like it was yesterday. I was just a college student, and near my house, there was this old school building that was renting out classrooms to artists for next to nothing. My friend and I scraped together what little money we had and rented one of those rooms. It was big and empty, with high ceilings, its own water faucet, and massive windows along one wall that flooded the room with light. That place was pure magic.

It was in that studio that I first believed I could really be an artist. It was the first time I felt like I was growing into the person I dreamed of becoming.

The Evolution of Studio Spaces

Fast forward about 30 years, and I’ve worked in all kinds of spaces. From tiny kitchen tables to large industrial warehouses, basement corners to beautifully lit lofts, I’ve seen it all. Some studios felt like a dream come true, while others were far from glamorous. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: great art doesn’t depend on a great space.

Yes, sometimes we get lucky, and we find ourselves in big, beautiful spaces that feel like they were made just for us. But more often than not, we make art in less-than-perfect conditions—spaces that might seem insignificant, cramped, or temporary. The size or the location of the studio doesn’t matter. What truly matters is what comes out of that space.

Don’t Let Your Space Define You

I know how easy it is to fall into the comparison trap, especially with social media. You see other artists sharing their perfectly curated studios, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re missing out if your studio doesn’t look like that. But I’m here to tell you, don’t get discouraged if your studio isn’t Instagram-worthy.

Who cares about how it looks? What’s important is what you create inside those four walls, no matter how big or small they are. Some of the most remarkable art has come from the humblest spaces. Don’t let the size of your studio or its appearance define how you see yourself as an artist. You are more than the square footage you occupy. Your creativity knows no boundaries, and your work has limitless potential, regardless of where it’s made.

Let’s Get to Work

So, whether you’re working from a bright, open studio or the corner of your kitchen table, just keep creating. The magic happens when you make the most of the space you have. Your studio is just a tool—it’s your creative mind that does the heavy lifting. Let’s get to work, right where we are, and continue creating the art the world needs to see.

Need support navigating your art career? Join the Art NXT Level Coaching program and get the guidance and tools you need to grow as an artist. Whether it's help with building your brand, finding your voice, or marketing your work, we're here to help. Visit The Artist Next Level to learn more and join today!

Thanks for reading,

Sergio Gomez, MFA
Artist | Curator | Author | Art Biz Coach 

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