I can’t decide
The “old” studio
I can’t decide
I’m in a dilemma. I love my current studio mates, and my studio’s been great for the last year or so, but it’s suddenly become too small. I want to have a nice cutting table, more storage, a good printing setup, and I’d love to have a small show room area to decorate beautifully, but my current space is simply too small and dusty and full of spiders to manage these.
I’ve found a gorgeous space, but it’s far too big for just one person,and I’m not too keen to take on a whole mixed bag of studio mates. Should I take it and risk having all that rent to pay by myself if I can’t find the right person to share with?
The “new” studio
I’m feeling awfully confused and need an oracle to flip me a cosmic coin. Do any readers of this blog do freelance oracle coin-flipping?
Thea
Take it! I love my studio space and wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing it either. I do have to teach screen-printing workshops to help pay the rent though.
Lynne
is there parking nearby? that would be an advantage over your present place.
And your present studio is pretty easy to drive right past without noticing. I’m sure if people knew where you were, you’d get lots more business. And interruptions too, I suppose!
My family in Philly loved the teat towels and decals, by the way!
lynne
Looks lovely, Heather. If I were you I’d take it.
X
ibabe
Take it! It is so sunny, so full of light.
I agree with Thea, use it as your own studio and use a part to teach, prepare workshops, use as a little shop. Polivalent space.
Studio, shop and school.
The three S space.
Ibabe
Tracy
Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is? ~Frank Scully
Lara Brehm
I think the new place is perfect! It looks so big and neat and sunny! I wish I could get a studio like that right now! And there you will definitely have space for a showroom/shop to decorate, i think it can make you very happy! 🙂
By the way, i love your work, i discovered your blog not so long ago and i like you cutouts and patterns a lot!!! keep up the great work in the great new studio!!
(i started my own blog a few days ago, if you want to have a look at it… please feel free to do so!)
Flora
Oh take it 🙂 It looks lovely!
julochka
tho’ i love the ceiling in the “old” space, i think you should go for it…think of it as room to grow…your creativity, your business, your possibilities. i’m on a kick this week of ignoring the global economic crisis, so i say forge ahead boldly!
this is all easy for me to say when i’m seated right next to your gorgeous patchwork that’s dividing my old and new spaces. but i do think you should do it!
on that note, i’d better go order some of your ikea towels…
Dee Beale
The space and light look perfect, go for it…
Thando
I say take the space and share with one and only just one person, who really complemens your style, brand and personality. With the credit crunch, one needs to save any penny they can spare, so sharing the rent will help.
Heather Moore
ooh, you’re all saying what I’m saying to myself…
Cicada Studio
You had me sold on “spiders”! The new place looks so bright and airy- a perfect place for your plans. I believe it will all work out for you financially, too. Your bound to grow in a place like that!
Rene
The rent is something to think about. (I know I am one of those creative types firmly rooted on the cold hard ground!) So I really agree with Thando’s comment.
But usually growth in space will equal growth in productivity, inspiration and, hopefully, revenue. If you have room for a showroom, well then – the space might solve your problems for you!
Pina
Take it! ‘Jump, and net will appear’, I read some time ago.
Don’t be afraid to flip a coin yourself. 🙂
beatnik
Heather, it looks beautiful, you deserve it. Your work is NOT seasonal as you sell to lucky people all over the world and expanding your space will expand your mind, creativity and give you more freedom to express yourself. Plus, you have one hellova hot retro table for your showroom and you need to show it off!!!!!!!
Freshly Found
I think you should take it too! What a privilege to have plenty of space!
Chakra Pennywhistle
I would say to take it too! A new space could also bring new ideas and new freedom to perhaps do things that you have wanted to do for a long time.
The space looks very refreshing!
I just noticed my word verification for this post….. “water”. Maybe that is a sign! Creative energy flowing, out with the old, in with the new, etc. hee!
Brittany Noel
Both studios are great! I love the industrial feeling of the old one, but the openness and the white of the new one is just beautiful. If you need more space, then you should get the new one. Like Thea said, there are lots of other ways to help pay the rent if you can’t find the perfect studio mate.
Margarita
Hi,
If I was there I will take some space myself, at the moment I print from home, and sometimes can be very messy!!! The new space looks very nice and big, go for it, if you truly believe in what you do and work hard you will manage to pay it on your own.
A lot of positive energy from grey wet London!!!
Inklore
That new studio is a dream! Go for it 🙂
orange you lucky!
If I lived in Cape Town I would be the first in line to share your studio space:)
I think it will be great if you have it all to yourself, tho.
I say…DO IT!
andrea
Leap and the net will appear.
That quote was the closest thing to coin flipping I could think of at the moment! I say take the chance and see where it leads…..
Lina
Take it! It is a really really nice space and even if things come to the worse you can always find someone to share, but they won’t, so, take it! 🙂
cras4
I can see the spiral staircase in the back there, and I am jealous.
The Fab Miss B
Go for it! You’ll be so glad you did because of the increased productivity! (And the light- wowza!)
skermunkil
hey heather, i wanna know where it is, cause im looking for a studio space and might wana share, if you keen….but it depends where it is. i looks great though!!! even if you dont wana share you should still take it!!!
sophia malik
looks like a great space…i’m sure only good things will come out of going for it.
flowerpress
Looks like its unanimous! I think you have so many ideas and talents that you will make it work Heather. And it looks so nice!!!!!
Joyce
Take it. If you find yourself stuck in a rut (money wise), find a roomie. I’m sure if your neck of the woods, it wouldn’t be that hard.
Karin Grow
definitely take it! You can take you time finding another artist roomie, or you my end up using the whole thing.
Juddie
I’ll add my ‘yes!’ to all of the above ….
Good luck – hope it turns out well!
Anneke
What’s the worst that could happen? (That’s a question that helps me with decisions like that.) You take studio mates and can’t get along with them? Well, that seems fixable — I assume you can tell them it’s not a good fit and look for new ones, right?
margot tenenbaum
Hello
first i love your blog and your etsy shop, really nice and creative things. Even though i love the architectural details of the old place like the trusses, i would even think of not changing. The new place is wonderful I love how sunny and bright it is and think that when you are creative you would never have enough space, you always find something to fill any empty place.
Spin Spin
Hmm … maybe you could poach a current studio mate or two and take them with you? But either way, if you feel you need to grow and you can’t do it where you are, you’ve got the answer. Scary but exciting!
lindsey clare
it really does look very special! so i can see why it is luring you 🙂
Kim Gray
Hi Heather, I know this space well! It’s great! I used to shoot there all the time. Why not rent it out for photoshoots? So the whole space is yours, but photogs can hire a space for the day. Have a second imcome to keep your space running.
SuzyQ
I agree – take a chance. If, for some reason, it doesn’t work out, you can always go back. But where you are at the moment – you’ll keep feeling this way until you do something about it.
I love your blog!
Sue
Sidsel_._
Take it – and if you wish to share it with someone – be clear about what kind of person you wish to attract – and the person will come along without doubt. All the best.