THE DOUBLE COSTS OF ART STUDIO RENTAL
Having a separate professional art studio can be one of the many dreams of an artist, however renting can be costly, and it’s not just rent that adds up. There are duplicated costs associated with having a studio outside the home. These costs are the things that you often pay for twice when balancing home life and studio life. Some of these double costs are obvious and unavoidable, and others are controllable with careful planning and awareness.
Rent & Utilities
Studio rental is the most obvious double cost. In addition to your apartment rent or mortgage payment, studios located outside of your home have a rental fee. Depending on your rental agreement, you may be responsible for additional utilities such as electricity or water.
Insurance
Some building spaces will make it a requirement to have insurance. If insurance is optional, it is still a really good idea to have it, especially if you have open studio events. If you are already paying for homeowners or renters insurance, adding business insurance to your art studio can add $500+ to your annual business expenses, but can save you in the long term if a claim is made against your business or studio space.
Internet
While being connected to the internet isn’t a necessity, it’s often nice to be connected to the world wide web whether it’s to search for inspiration, do some creative research, or just stream some music while you’re in the studio. But if you are paying for internet access at home and also the studio, you’re likely paying double.
Sometimes you can get internet for cheaper if you share the bill with a studio mate. You may also get it for free by using a hotspot from your phone.
Supplies
This isn’t always the case, but it happened to me. Over the years, I’ve had a handful of tools and materials duplicate. While this is controllable, double supplies can creep up on you. If you working at the studio and realize your Xacto knife was left at home, you may go out and buy a quick few-dollar replacement. Picture this over a span of a few years of having a studio. You may end up with a set of tools at home and a set of tools at the studio. This isn’t necessarily a bad strategy if you balance art-making both at your studio and at home, but careful daily planning can help eliminate needing to purchase tools and supplies in excess.
Additional Unplanned Costs
Once you move into a space, there may be additional costs you didn’t notice upfront that you may be liable for. A really great example would include light bulbs. I had to cover the costs if a bulb burnt out in my space in addition to the spotlights in the hallway. This meant I spend about $80, an unplanned cost, to keep my artwork and studio space lit.
Some art buildings, cooperatives, and art groups have fees to participate in open building events or studio tours. Usually, these costs help cover promotion, door greeters, printing maps, etc. Not only are you paying rent to be in the space, but you’re also paying to open your door to the public and the size and popularity of your studio location or building may increase these fees.
