a nose around my studio

the lovely folk over at nook&cranny asked if they could interview me about my work space and i was more than happy to oblige

Where is this work space that you call home? 

I share the ‘spare room’ at my parent’s house with my partner luke. We moved here roughly two years ago (after living in Bournemouth for a good few years) with a mission to save money to move to London!
Our workspace is pretty tiny, squished between big bookcases filled with many, many books and records, and a sofa bed (good luck trying to fold that out)!
Luckily, we have a separate bedroom otherwise we literally wouldn’t be able to move.

What makes this space a perfect working environment for you? 
I actually really like working in a smallish space, it forces me to be tidy and more organized … I HAVE to tidy up when I make a mess, instead of just moving over to a part of the room that is tidy! Ha!
I also love that our studio’s at the front of the house with big windows, making it really bright with natural light. (also means I can easily spy on any passers by)
Another massive bonus is that I share the space; I’d be lonely otherwise!

What object in your workspace could you not live without? Why?
Most definitely pencils and paper … Bristol board, 2H, HB and 2B pencils to be precise. And, of course, my precious imac.
Also, I love having flowers (or, when they inevitably die, a pot plant) on my desk. It’s a nice contrast to staring at a computer screen.

Explain to us a typical day in your work space...
I am a big procrastinator and if I’m not careful I can all too easily waste away a whole day doing absolutely nothing of any significance! So I’m very strict on myself when it comes to structuring the day.
Basically, I schedule in two hour time slots throughout the day where I solely focus on my work. No distractions allowed! After every two hours I break for 1 hour to do anything and everything that is totally non-work related.
I’ve found working like this really encourages me to use my time effectively and allows me to feel content at the end of the day with what I have achieved … it also means that my breaks are totally guilt free!
And now, I’m going to let you in on a little secret …Most days I’m sat at my desk A LOT. Which really doesn’t help my back. So in order to loosen up and get the blood pumping, and generally an excuse to be silly, every half an hour we get up from our chairs and … (I warn you this may sound rather insane) … we run around the house like we’re mad!! Round and round and up and down! If you’re ever experiencing a creative block, this is the way to fix it!
Oh, I forgot to mention my day also revolves around making endless cups of green tea and tending to my cat’s every need, haha!

If there was a fire in the building, what would be the 3 items/objects that you would instantly grab? 

Luckily for me, pretty much all of my sentimental belongings are in storage boxes at my sister’s house! I’d most likely grab my imac. How ferocious are the flames? 
I may only have chance to save my external hard drive!
And my two cats as they’d most likely sleep through it.

Any tips on maintaining a work space and how to ensure a productive day in the studio?
Keep it tidy! Make lists (and stick to them) Take regular breaks, exercise, get out and away from your work regularly to keep your eyes fresh. Have fun.

phew ... that was long! hope you enjoyed reading my interview! head on over to nook&cranny's blog for more features and interviews with their other creatives 

(or visit the shop itself if you're in liverpool!)

i love having a nose around people's places and spaces, what's your work space like? do you have any weird and wonderful tips on keeping focussed and motivated? 

share your links in the comment box, i'd love to take a peep x

...also don't forget i'm having a big sale in my shop at the moment, to make space for some new products! take a look at all the bargains