How to chose the right studio space for YOU
The decision to expand into your studio can be a big and exciting decision for any artist or creative. However, it can also be a daunting process to find the right studio for you and your work. We’ve put together some useful tips to guide you through the process.
The first step is to consider why you need or want a studio? Do you need more space? Are you trying to get away from disturbances that come with working from home? Are you looking for a space to collaborate and work with other creatives? There are many reasons why you find yourself looking for a studio, but whatever the reason the best thing to consider is what you want out of a studio.
1. Creative community:
Do you want a space which allows you to be part of a creative community? Renting a studio can be a great opportunity to meet other artists. Being part of a community of artists and creatives can open doors for collaboration and generally just be inspiring. Likewise being part of a community of creatives can make the normally your normally independent work feel less lonely, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals.
At Hotel Elephant our studio members become part of a creative community of artists and creatives working across our five studio locations, meaning there are plenty of people to meet and collaborate with just outside your studio door. We also run member events throughout the year to provide you with opportunities to meet and network with other creatives. Hotel Elephant offers a number of spaces for members to host events together at a discounted rate. In the past, we have hosted exhibitions, film nights, and performances to provide a few examples.
2. Studio Location
Studio location is another essential factor to consider when looking to rent a studio. You might want a studio close to home and therefore be looking for something within walking distance. You might also be looking for somewhere you can bring clients to so a location with good transport links and a central location might work better for you.
Hotel Elephant has five locations located across SE1 and SE17. All our locations are close to tube stations with central London being easily accessible making them great for you and your potential clients. Our studios are surrounded by the amenities of central London locations including London Bridge, Bermondsey, Elephant and Castle and Southwark.
3. Studio size and budget
Studio size and facilities can be really important for you to find the right studio. We’ve coupled this with affordability because they often go hand in hand. To decide what studio size you’re looking for you should consider how much space you’ll need to work. Digital artists or illustrators might only need a small studio space to accommodate them and their desk space. While painters or ceramicists for example may need bigger space to accommodate tools and equipment. Another consideration might be the size of your work. Do you work on large canvas’ or build large sculptures? A studio won’t be very useful if you can’t fit your work in it.
Finally, you should consider your budget. Smaller studio spaces will always be more affordable, if you have a tight budget then consider what you really need to store in your studio with you. We have a range of studio spaces which cover different budgets and offer different sizes so we’re confident we can find something to meet your needs.
4. Facilities
Another consideration to take into account when you're looking for a studio is the facilities you will need. Some artists will need particular facilities for their spaces. For example, painters may need natural light, sinks and access to water, or ceramicists may require ground floor access, washable floors or the infrastructure to put in a kiln. At Hotel Elephant we have high-speed wifi, 24-hour access and the ability for our members to use their studios for postal addresses. We also have a range of studios which off facilities for all types of creative activity. We also have a number of communal facilities for our members to host events or collaborate. We are always happy to discuss and advise the best space for your needs.