15 Minute Creative Workspace: Easy Setup, Big Impact
In our blog post “20 ways to Jumpstart your Creativity” I suggested that you create a dedicated workspace where your art supplies are always available and ready to use…this makes it easier to jump in and spend15 minutes a day practicing your craft.
Spending just 15 minutes a day doing something creative can have a surprisingly big impact on your skills and mental health. Here are some key benefits:
Builds a Consistent Habit
Short, regular sessions are easier to maintain, helping you create a sustainable creative practice over time.Reduces Overwhelm
Committing to just 15 minutes feels manageable, which lowers resistance and makes it easier to begin.Boosts Mental Health
Creative time can be calming, grounding, and restorative…an easy daily reset for your mind.Ignites Momentum
A small start often leads to longer sessions. Once you're in the flow, you may naturally want to keep going.Improves Skills Over Time
Regular practice…even in short bursts…adds up. You'll see real growth in your craft.Keeps Creativity Top of Mind
Daily engagement keeps your ideas fresh and your creative energy alive.Makes Space for Joy
A short creative break is a way to reconnect with what you love, even on the busiest days.This list was created for Made on 23rd with AI
Now that we know how powerful 15 minutes of daily creativity can be, let’s create a workspace that makes it easy…and inviting…to show up!
I decided to take my own advice and set up a creative space in my studio dedicated to watercolor practice. You can use these ideas for just about any creative activity you want!
Work Surface and Chair
Find a flat work surface, a comfortable chair, and place them in a well lit area.
I cleaned off a space behind my desk where I can easily turn my chair around to face the table. Then I started collecting items for watercolors. I created this space about a year ago and I’m here to tell you…I still love it!
Protect your work surface with a mat or plastic table cloth. You don’t want to worry about splashes or spilled paint.
Storage
Next find a peg board or cork board and add it to your space. This will create vertical storage to hold extra tools, tape, and a place to pin inspiration images.
Gather unique storage containers for markers, brushes, scissors, and pencils. I used several white mugs that were gathering dust in our kitchen cupboard.
I also thrifted a utensil holder and used it to hold watercolor pencils and brushes…
…and I used a cutting board to anchor the storage vessels.
You may want to add a color wheel, paint palettes, fabric swatches, or inspirational quotes to your cork board.
Find a box or basket to hold instruction books or photos.
Creative Elements
Add interesting elements to your workspace that enhance your experience. These items will depend on what medium you are working with.
For watercolors, I chose a small white bowl to hold water and wood chopstick holders to rest my brushes. Use your imagination here and think outside the box! Your space should be unique to you and your craft!
If you don’t find what you need at home…treat yourself to a thrift store outing! It does not have to be perfect to get started! It can be a work in progress.
I’ve added a few items during the past year…including a beautiful handmade ceramic palette and water vessel that I found on Etsy.
So…it’s time to set up YOUR materials, silence your phone, and see what happens when you give yourself time to make something…just for you. Your creative self is worth showing up for!
Let me know if you have a favorite creative space! I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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