Artist remarks compiled by Erin Barach, Development Associate

After what can only be described as the strangest year in Make Studio’s history, we’re looking forward to soon easing back into in-person operations this spring. In the meantime, we’re celebrating a special time for us every year, our annual anniversary extravaganza. This year we’re turning things up to 11!

Recent times have proven more than ever that variety, in the right doses, is the spice of life, so instead of one party we’re hosting a week of festivities online, including this three-part blog series 11 Ways to Make an Art Studio! We asked our artists what were the essential, and somewhat quirky, ingredients that make a fabulous art studio, well, fabulous.

Part One: Artistic Exploration & Fulfillment

1. Creative Inspiration

Many of our artists said that for an art studio to be successful, the participating artists need plenty of inspiration. As Gary puts it, “like sharing my childhood nostalgia with you.” Gary creates interesting re-imaginings of familiar animation characters. He is especially fond of Disney and “old school” Nickelodeon characters.

Inspiration can come in the form of small gestures, like sharing updates about your pets in an online studio session, or from a fellow artist. Aimee says of her studiomates, “we ricochet off one another and inspire one another. Dasha modelled for me and loved it. She’s always willing to help me out.”

2. Being Eccentric and Silly

Aimee also said how important it is to loosen up and “be all over the place to get that vibe. You wanna create more and come up with new ideas and just jump off the walls, because you’re so happy.” In response Dasha said slyly, “sure that’s not the 7/11 coffee, Aimee?”

3. Constructive Criticism

Bess astutely added that constructive criticism is essential to making a great art studio. Bess enjoys costume and set design, Japanese anime, and gothic and magical themes, which predominate in her artwork. 

“(I like) suggestions – but being nice about it – open ended challenges that push you in a good way, not in a bad way. (These suggestions) make me feel more confidant.”

Which leads to …

4. Acceptance

Gemma told us how important it was to her that an art studio allows people to express how they feel and develop self-acceptance. She enjoys exploring how she can expand on her initial ideas for artwork, working in all sorts of media, while working in a studio setting with other artists. “Feeling welcome even if you’re different – it’s helped me a lot.”

Stay tuned for the next installment of 11 Ways to Make an Art Studio!