The Creative Habitat

Like different varieties of trees, we all have unique habitat needs. Discovering your ideal habitat for creative growth and if you want to create your best work, you need to deepen your awareness of how a habitat can help or hinder your success. Life is too busy, difficult and overwhelming to not try and devise a place where we can feel more alive.

It is vital to make sure that your space is something that helps your creativity to nourish and grow. As a photographer, author and teacher, I need a space like this. When I moved into my studio, I took time to think about the design. Then I slowly brought in artifacts, photographs and objects that reminded me of who I am and who I want to become. When I stepped into my studio, I felt like I was stepping into the life that I wanted to lead.

One way that I tried to make my office more creative was by bringing in four different desks. This may sound like overkill, but you can’t imagine how much it helped. I had one desk devoted to writing, another desk for computer work (Photoshop, email, etc.), a third for photography gear and the fourth was an old wooden desk used only for journaling, thinking, and reading books.

 On that fourth desk, computers, tablets and phones were not allowed. That desk was old school/analog all the way and became my most sacred space: it’s where I would go when I needed to concentrate or just clear my head. The other desks were where I got work done, but the wood desk is where I tended to my creative soul. As for the rest of the space, it was filled with inspiring photographs, books and other objects and artifacts that made my creative juices come alive. Stepping into my workspace made all of my senses come alive; it was the whole habitat that helped me to thrive.

Whatever your interest, job or craft, having a habitat that gets the creative juices flowing is key. Below legendary surf board shaper Al Merrick is in his element. One of the things that makes the space work for him is the photograph of John Wayne on the back wall. 

For fine art photographer Keith Carter (below), it's about having a darkroom that reflects his personality and that is covered with photographs from friends.

If you don’t have a dedicated studio or workshop, that’s ok. There are other ways to define and create your own personal space for growth. This might as simple as selecting a coffee shop that inspires you to open your mind. Or maybe you could duct tape off a corner of your garage and dedicate it to making art. Designing a creative habitat takes effort, but creativity rarely shows up when it is forced. The trick is to find a space that blends the idea of work and play. You have to build the habitat with that in mind.

To quote Fran?ois Chateaubriand, “A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labour and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation.” Ideally, you want to create a space that allows you let go of worry and fear so that you can play and tinker with ideas.

If your space needs some help, make a change today to make it more of a habitat that inspires and nourishes who you want to become.

Cheers!
Chris O.