Whether you work with the paints or the protractors, every artist, architect, engineer, and draftsperson needs a place just for them where they can get things done, and for many, that place is a studio. Exactly where that studio can be or how far you travel to get to it often varies widely among artists depending on what each one chooses to do, but even if you go great lengths to plant a building or find the perfect place to paint, it doesn't mean studio equipment should be equally as hard to find. On the contrary, if you're thinking of adding or updating a studio of some kind in your home or office, we have exactly what you need to get started right here!
Drafting Tables
Every artist needs a good surface to work on. Sometimes its a sidewalk or the side of a building, or even on old fashioned
office desk configurations or tables, but that approach doesn't work for everyone. Many artists, especially architects and engineers need a smooth, stable, often adjustable surface for them to get the job done right. For them, nothing is better than professional drafting tables and craft stations for their studio. These high tech tables are fabulous for all artists as they can be angled up or down so as to not distort the image they are working on. Additionally, this great feature also alleviates back pain, lifting artists back into their comfortable task chairs instead of forcing them to lean over a desk. Some tables even come with sliding drawers to hold drafting accessories and side shelves that can support books or computer screens. If you're an architect that works with multiple schematics and needs to view how everything will fit together, quality light tables like the Mayline Ranger Steel Drafting Table and tables with glass surfaces that can be lighted underneath allow you to see through many overlapping images at once.
Mobile Carts
Anyone who knows an artist or has ever even taken a class in art knows how insanely expensive art supplies can be, and that supplies can get everywhere. Fortunately though, there are devices that can hold all these supplies, where ever you want them to, and they don't cost nearly as much all those paints and boxes of expensive artist markers. Sometimes
contemporary office tables can't support everything. For everything else, welcome to the world of mobile carts: the artist's greatest assistant! If you're in need of a place where you can keep all your artsy stuff at arm's reach, that can also be rolled into a closet when not in use, mobile carts are the things for you. These babies come with built-in pockets, shelves, and even cup holders for your much needed coffee - I mean, paint water cups - and various sizes mean they can potentially hold just about everything you need. For draftspersons, affordable utility carts like the Mayline Eastwinds High Wire Cart can be everything from
file trucks to printer stands, while roll file carts (great for both artists and draftspeople) can hold rolled-up sketches, schematics, and blueprints neatly in one place. Any of these great devices will be happy to go the distance, not just for you, but for the sake of keeping your studio clean and organized!
Shelving
Whether you use if for holding paint boxes, art books, sculptures, drafting equipment, hard hats, or even old artwork, there's no question about it: artists need a lot of storage space. The problem with needing a lot of storage space though is that sometimes, we don't always have enough space for storage space. If your studio is tight on square footage and you find yourself stacking things in corners, choosing shelving is a choice you'll never regret. Setting up shelving solutions along walls and in closets is a fabulous way to maximize the storage capacity of a room without actually having to knock out a wall to expand it. Additionally, if you'd rather not get up out of breathable mesh back chairs to go grab things from your shelves, there are plenty of mobile shelving configurations that can be rolled around a room, sort of like a big utility cart! Good shelving can come in the form of sturdy welded wire constructions or in the form of stylish wall cabinets or even
executive style bookcases, but either one will get the job done with ease!
Cabinets and Additional Storage
Believe it or not, most art teachers don't recommend tossing finished art pieces even if the artist doesn't like them. Keeping old work is important for many reasons, from curing a lack of inspiration to backing up copies of blueprints if you're an architect or engineer. Still, finding a place to keep all this artwork where it wont get frayed or destroyed can be a difficult task, but you don't have to toss your masterpieces for the sake of keeping a clean studio anymore. Say hello to the plan file and flat file cabinets, one of the best furniture options a creative person can make! Plan file and flat files are wonderful ways to keep artwork flattened out and safe from the world outside, while roll files keep pieces safely rolled up until their next use. Either of these can be stored against walls or in large closets and usually come with multiple drawers and often additional shelves for storage. For the rest of your studio supplies, stylish storage cabinets and
lateral file cabinets are much easier on the eyes. Available both
wood and metal storage cabinets can neatly store everything from boxes, to paints, utensils, accessories, and anything else you might need space for.
Stools and Chairs
One thing no artist or draftsperson should ever overlook is the importance of a good chair. Just like office workers, artists and draftspeople typically spend a great deal of time leaning over desks and tables to get bring their masterpieces to life. Unfortunately, this can bring on a lot of health problems as leaning over desks can cause a great deal of back pain. That's why we've saved the best for last! We know craftspeople often get up out of their chairs to move around their work as they complete it, which is what makes drafting stools such a great option for them. Adjustable
stools without backs and especially those with backs are great for artists because they are maneuverable, supportive, and durable, and popular modern stools are available in tons of materials, from vinyl, urethane, and leather stools to fabric stools and even mesh! However, artists that are more stationary tend to need a little more support while they work, which is why we recommend other options. Chairs, particularly ergonomic office chairs, are well known throughout the office furniture world for their incredible comfort and versatility, making them wonderful options for artists with back pain.
Here at the Office Anything Blog we love to keep our readers up to date with the hottest furniture and seating solutions on the market. In our new series 'Style Alert' we're doing just that. Today we'll share with you 6 of the hottest modern mesh chairs on the market from brands like Global, Cherryman, and SitSell. These high fashion chairs are packed with ergonomic features and style to spare. Enjoy!
The Cherryman Eon chair is now available in a super cool gray on white color combo that's hard to beat. This multi functional mesh back office chair with a modern look is a true bargain buy at just $294.00. The 415W model Eon chair features 6-way adjustable arms, a polished base, and an advanced synchro tilt mechanism with a 2" seat slider.
Up next is the SitWell Ovation series O-35-L-CT-OC model chair. This executive style mesh back office chair with polished fixed arms and a matching 5 star base is nothing short of impressive. Even at first glance the Ovation chair will wow you with its elevated back and fashionable fabric seat. This elite mesh chair is also available on SitWell's new quick ship program to help you get comfortable in a hurry!
Big and tall shoppers will definitely want to take the OFM Stratus chair for a spin. It's fashionable, comfortable, and heavy duty. The 257 model Stratus chair is ready for 24 hour applications. This popular office chair boasts a thick padded seat, polished 5 star base, adjustable arms, and so much more. With the ability to support users up to 350 pounds, it's the total package.
The iDesk seating collection is packed full of cool mesh back office chairs. The most cutting edge option from the collection is the Curva chair. The CUR105 model Curva high back office chair blends mesh seating surfaces with a leather headrest to create one of the most fashion-forward ergonomic chairs on the market. The brushed titanium finished frame, loop arms, and offset pivot mechanism work in harmony to keep users comfortable and up to date with the hottest trends of 2017.
Last but not least, feast your eyes on the Creedence chair from Woodstock. Inspired by one of the best rock bands of all times, the Creedence chair has big shoes to fill. Give it a sit test and you won't be disappointed, we assure you. This weight sensing office chair with a ventilated mesh back minimizes the ergonomic learning curve with an array of user friendly attributes. The Creedence chair is ready, willing, and able to tackle the demands of your intensive work day. At just $329.00, it's one of the most best ergonomic chairs on the market at this consumer friendly price point. The Creedence is available in 4 cool color combinations including the gray and black two-tone option pictured here.
