imagewerkx  STudios 

The Creative Sanctuary: My Journey to Owning a Studio

From the time I committed to becoming a successful commercial photographer,  I envisioned having a space solely dedicated to my creative pursuits. I had a small, makeshift, 8x6’ space outside my office and adjacent to the basement half bath.  While it was convenient, given its proximity to my computer and its editing capabilities, my being at home made me susceptible to distractions that impacted my ability to focus.  The space limited my lighting options - as everyone knows is critical to creating compelling product photography.  Compounding matters, the space didn’t lend itself to direct client work. I made it work for a time, but it was far from effective.

One of my projects required renting of studio space. The space was suitable.  The cost was also reasonable, but still cut into my slim profits.  The issue was that the elevator didn’t work forcing me to schlep my considerable gear up and down three flights of steps, the hall lights flickered when they weren’t off, and the whole environment gave off an eerily creepy feeling.  If I felt that way, I’m sure it must have been worse for the two female clients who hired me. 

That experience immediately led me to find my own space.  I’m told that I willed it into existence. I was fortunate to find office space in an under occupied office building just a mere 2-1/2 miles from my home. How convenient!  The second-floor office’s roughly 450 square feet was the perfect size: not too big, not too small. The monthly commitment was affordable as well. Then again, it’s never just the rent is it? Was it perfect?  No, however, the upsides greatly outweighed the downsides notably: the absence of natural light and average business-class ceiling height. Needless to say, I made the leap. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made other than starting ImageWerx of course!

The Freedom TO Focus

One of the most immediate advantages of having my own studio was the ability to focus. In the past, my creative sessions were always interrupted. Whether it was someone knocking at the door or the sound of the television in the background, I struggled to get into the "flow" state where creativity thrives. But in my studio, I found myself able to dive deep into projects for hours, uninterrupted. The solitude became my ally, allowing me to explore ideas more fully and complete projects faster and more efficiently.

A Space that Reflects Me

From the outset, I equipped the studio to be a flexible and functional space.  Almost every piece is on wheels:  C-stands, work table, desk, commercial storage shelves, tethering station, even the coffee table sourced from Facebook marketplace.  There’s something magical about working in a space that feels uniquely yours.  The walls are adorned with large prints that reflect the versatility of my work.  Visitors are suitably impressed. On my part, each trip to the studio brings a sense of joy and contentment.  It has become a space where inspiration meets action.

A Place to Experiment

The studio also gave me room to experiment. Before, I was hesitant to try new things as space was always a limitation. But in the studio, I could stretch out and try new techniques or work on larger-scale projects without worrying about disrupting my living space, or cluttering my basement. I wasn’t afraid to make a mess or leave works-in-progress strewn about in a less-than-organized state. The studio has become a playground for ideas and inspiration, where I could push my boundaries without constraint and develop new and exciting techniques to further my craft to the benefit of my clients.

Work-Life Balance

Perhaps the most important change was the separation of work and life. Having a dedicated space for creativity allowed me to mentally and physically separate my personal life from my work. When I’m at home, I can truly relax, knowing that my creative work was waiting for me at the studio. This balance improved my mental well-being and made my creative sessions more intentional and productive. The studio is my retreat, a place where I could escape the busyness of life and focus entirely on my art.

Owning a studio has been transformative. It has given me the space, focus, and freedom to grow creatively while fostering connections with others. It has become more than just a physical space—it’s a sanctuary for my ideas, a place where I can fully immerse myself in my work. And for any artist or creator, having that dedicated space can make all the difference in turning dreams into reality.