These times they are a changin'.  I've received numerous e-mails from artists over the past two months about relocating their studio space.  Overwhelmingly, the artists are moving their studios to their homes.  The economy has made it cost prohibitive for some artists to have a separate studio outside the home.  If it comes to paying the rent/mortgage or the studio I guess a roof over your head where you can eat/shower/sleep wins.

My studio has always been in my home, but my business (non-art) is also run out of my home so I've got working at home down to a science.  If you support yourself with your art and you're moving your studio to your home here are some things to consider to make the transition as painless as possible.

1.  Set regular studio time.  Having a structure will help you get in the studio on a regular basis.  It's very different than having to drive to the studio giving yourself the time and space to make a mental shift from the outside world to art.  Instead of the drive to the studio create a ritual that would symbolize going to the studio just like your drive was a ritual.  It was marking the home space from the studio space and giving you the room to make that internal shift...don't give up the transition time simply reinvent it.

2.  If you live with someone else and you weren't responsible for all the home tasks don't become responsible for them exclusively because you're the one who is home.  I found in the beginning that because I was home during the day that the grocery shopping, picking up the laundry, vet visits, and picking up library books were not my assignments.  Create good boundaries with your loved one and have them pretend that you are leaving the home.  Of course there will be exceptions and since you may have a bit more flexibility don't be a hard ass about what errands you will and won't do.   Your loved one needs to understand that you didn't become the maid/butler because you moved the studio to the house.

3.  Pretend the studio is still out of the house.  I say this because once you are living and working in the same space all boundaries of time get altered.  It's easy to walk in the studio at any time day or night much to the dismay of your loved one.  Ask yourself this question before abandoning your Significant Other for the studio..."If the studio were still outside the home would I be getting in the car and driving to the studio to do what I'm about to do".  The answer to that question will help keep peace and harmony in the home.

4.  If you are going to be showing art out of your home studio than make sure everyone in the home is aware so they can prepare themselves for the invasion/intrusion.  If you live alone then you're free to show at all hours of the day and night.  Remember, that you have to keep the place presentable...factor that in to your daily routine before you invite people to your home studio.

These are just some of the things to consider when transitioning your studio to your home.  If you have any other suggestions please pass them along.  Let's shorten the learning curve for everyone!