FINDING & LEASING AN ART STUDIO
Artists create in a variety of spaces. Sometimes an external studio space is needed to be able to produce work. Learn tips to help you on your journey to an art studio by determining your needs, considering additional elements, finding a space, and completing the leasing process.
DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS
PURPOSE
Before setting out to tour studio spaces, determine the type and purpose of the studio. The space can be used for exhibiting and selling work, for making art, or both. Sometimes the purpose and what you plan to do in the space affect the location options available, especially if a larger warehouse is needed.
SPACE & LOCATION
There are many space-specific and location considerations to determine:
The physical size of the space
Windows, ventilation, or lighting
If the space is an artist-focused building or a more industrial space
Utilities including heating, air-conditioning, internet, etc.
Building amenities like the size or location of elevators, or access to water
RENT & COSTS
Set a range of what you are willing to spend on a studio before you begin touring respective spaces and stick to the budget. This will help when deciding amongst spaces by narrowing your possibilities and sticking to the financial plan. Be aware that utilities or other costs may be associated with the space, and you will need to factor in additional costs like insurance.
This article talks about THE DOUBLE COSTS OF ART STUDIO RENTAL and is a great place to start when budgeting for future studios.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
NOISE & NEIGHBORS
Your neighbors can make or break your creative environment and ambiance and an important consideration when finding an art studio. In addition to learning your noise tolerance from others, consider your own noise output when selecting the best space especially if you use loud tools or processes to make your work. Strong chemicals and smells may also be bothersome to you or your neighbors.
I have had a variety of interesting neighbors in studio spaces which have impacted my creativity and comfort in my rented space. I’ve had a martial arts association move in behind my studio, a Pilates and yoga workout fitness center above me, a DJ down the hall, and a man who lived inside the building who watched a lot of loud football. I've had a building neighbor who illegally smoked in the building, and someone who streamed hours of Seinfeld without headphones in a shared space. All of these impacted my ability to focus on making my work.
SHARED SPACES
One way you might secure a studio space is to share a studio with a fellow creative. This is a good strategy to reduce studio costs and can allow you to work in a space or building you may not be able to afford to rent individually. While you may choose to rent a space and sublease half the space to a fellow creative (or vice versa), have an open conversation with your prospective artist roommate about what is allowed to happen in the space. Think about how you navigate various mediums and residues from art materials, visitors, noise levels, and work habits. While it may make sense financially, it may not work out artistically if you have different purposes for the space and needs as a creative.
FINDING SPACE
KNOWN ART BUILDINGS
There are plenty of buildings in artist districts that are popular buildings the public visits for art events, studio visits, and art crawls. These buildings will often have a website with open leasing details and availabilities. If full, you may need to request to be put on a waiting list for a space. The rental costs of these spaces tend to be higher and it is likely you may need to share a space due to the desirability of these spaces.
OTHER BUILDINGS
There are usually a number of less-popular arts buildings near known art spaces. Less popular buildings tend to have lower rents. Turn to Craig’s List and search under the commercial and warehouse section for areas to rent. You can also search for studio space under the Artists section too. These buildings oftentimes don’t have a website or public leasing information online. Oftentimes the contact information is on a sign on the outside of the building if there is space available.
WORD OF MOUTH
Keep your eyes and ears open to all possibilities, and ask other local artists where they have their studios located. Visiting artist studios during open studio events and art crawls will also show you different options and possibilities. Some art studio buildings open up spaces first to those who are already renting in the building. A close creative colleague might be able to mention a space that isn’t publically known to be available.
As you begin visiting studio spaces, there are a number of questions to ask to make sure you have found the right space to lease. Here are 40 QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE RENTING ART SPACE.
LEASING YOUR STUDIO
SIGNING THE LEASE
When you are ready to sign your lease, have your leasing company walk you through the lease contract itself to let you know if any important stipulations. To name a few, some leases require you to have insurance for your space, charge extra for an air conditioner, or prohibit overnight parking. Make sure you understand the details and terms before you sign.
When signing, if you own your own business entity such as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) then sign your lease as your company. Always make sure you get a copy of the lease for your records with their signature on the lease as well.
If the leasing company is making any of this process difficult, it’s a good sign that they might not be the best leasing company to rent from.
AFTER YOU SIGN THE LEASE
After signing the lease, but before moving in, take pictures of the studio. Document everything in the space both empty and after you have settled in. There are a number of reasons why photo documentation is important.
Rental Negotiation: I improved a previous studio space (which was allowed) and took before and after pictures. When I was given a rent increase a year later, I was able to use these images to help negotiate a reduced rent price when I was renewing.
Security Deposit Refund: Photos are also good if you need to prove you did not cause physical damage if you were denied your security deposit back once you move out.
Insurance Claim: If you need to make an insurance claim where the space or your property is damaged, photos are an important way to prove the extent of damage and the value of items needing replacement.
Do you have any tips about finding and leasing an art studio? Comment below to share your tips with fellow creatives.
