When it comes to setting the scene and getting the right optics and aesthetics in order for writers, a lot of meticulousness and intentionality comes into play. Personally, I always enjoy bringing a laptop (I use my six year old Lenovo IdeaPad 1), my iPod, and a paper notebook with a handful of pens and highlighters. These items are usually pivotal to my writing process, because I enjoy longhand and as a way to release stress and process feelings as well. These things can be brought with me to any coffee shop, any Barnes & Noble, or library.
I am always down for exploring new places to write and journal at, because I love the ambiance that books and bookshelves give me. But there is one thing I do enjoy, and that is looking at the personal libraries and writing rooms/studios of artists and writers.
I mean, just take a look at Jay McKay’s art studio. Absolutely beautiful!
On my birthday last year, I toured The Menil Collection, looking at the collections of photographs and art left behind and gifted to the Menils. I definitely decided that I wanted art all around me and to be constantly accessible to it. And to my surprise, as I was doing some usual research, I discovered this wonderful place: called The Writer’s Room in New York. Now, New York is a wonderful place that I believe is full of artistic and creative energy, and it adds one more reason why I’d like to visit that gorgeous state in the near future.
A creator’s space is highly important, and that’s definitely what I have been putting a lot of thought into as I mature and grow into a more creative person. I have several notebooks that I carry around, as the ease of access is wonderful at work compared to whipping out a laptop (which runs me the risk of getting fired.) So decorating these notebooks with stickers are a must for me, because they create a sense of connection to the object. I actually might have a sticker problem, because I put stickers on everything. Even the very laptop I am typing this article from…but I digress.
Another great thing I like to do si tour actual painter’s studios. There is one near downtown and it’s a caccoon of artists who work on and sell their art right there at their studio. I have never seen such beauty and calmness.
This article from the American Psychological Association reports that art has a significant impact on a person’s brain, especially when it comes to influencing them to make positive and empathetic decisions and changes. So when it comes to creating the perfect enovionment for a writer, expect the very same standards to be in play.
How do you decorate your writing area? Is it a room or a trip to the library? Comment below!
Shanedra Writes Too Much 