Make your space & Get more time


My space in progress...
A question that I seem to get over and over again from people is:

How do you have the time?

I consider time to be the ultimate luxury. You can't get it back, it's a marker of freedom and joy for me to do what I love and to be with the ones I love. This is how I do it based on having a full time, demanding job, family obligations, being a step mother to a middle schooler, and nurturing relationships in my blended family (Asian, French and African American). There's certainly many other ways, but staying open and creative is the beginning.

To me, it all starts with carving out my own space.  This use to be a nook in my room, shared office with my boyfriend (now husband) and now, my art studio in my garden.

So why your own space?

It's...
  1. A place to replenish, call your own, escape from the craziness of the day
  2. A place to be yourself free with your thoughts, habits and desires
  3. A place for stillness to organize your life, and do more of the things you love

Build it (or find an existing space)

 Here's how I did it over the past few months and most recently in my garden.

  • Pick a space: In my case, I made a trip to the trusty Tuff Shed showroom, picked out some simple specs for my 8"x10" studio and a day and a half later, the shell was built in my garden. It's all about creating comfortable boundaries that you can work around that is personal to you. It doesn't have to be expensive, but you do have to love it.
  • Get your friends and family to help (or maybe share with them your idea): Feel stuck? Not sure where or how to create your own space? Solicit your trusted friends or family members for some ideas. You may have some strong ideas but you'd be surprised by the different perspectives you can get.  My husband and father-in-law helped me with finishing my studio, shelving systems and organization based on understanding where studs where, best angles to place my shelves (so I don't hit my head), sky light placements and the list goes on.
Make a relaxing atmosphere to focus

Now how do you fill your space with a sense of calm, wonder and inspiration? It's going to vary for everyone, so give yourself permission to go wild creatively!

You may be living with roommates, have a small space, or share a space with your husband/wife/brother/sister...whatever, you can still create something amazing..

Here's 3 things to keep in mind:

  1. Music: Jeremy Passion - Lemonade I stumbled onto Bay Area native,  Jeremy from my Amazon Hawaiian playlist. It's awesome and just chill. Select your own tunes from Motown to Foo Fighters. Don't limit yourself. 
  2. Paint and Color: Ralph Lauren Metallic Paint . Go out of the lines, do the unconventional. I was going to paint a huge, colorful, floral mural but opted for a sophisticated hue of glimmering gold and black.  I wanted to bring some nature from the outside in.
  3. Be a Kid: Remember when you sat for hours coloring in coloring books as a kid? Why not color as an adult? Relax, get lost in color...heck color outside the line (my forte). For a FREE colorsheet to get your started (for those with a sweet tooth), sign up for my newsletter here.



Surround yourself with stuff you love

  • Rip up some magazines: Colors, nature, fashion and travel are ways for me to find inspiration. To create something meaningful, I decided to surround myself with colors that give me energy.  Colors and shapes that will spark some kind of idea for my projects.  So tear some magazines and tape/pin/tack/staple them on the wall so you can see it and spark your imagination.
  • Get stuff organized: I love Muji's acrylic cases.  They organized all my Mr. Sketch, Sharpies and other wonderful pens. My husband also introduced me to Bullet Journal, a simple, fun and systematic way of journalling. Organize your way and get your place in order.
  • Books: Stack or prop books so you can see them and they're accessible.  They also add some visual interest to your space. I had to buy the book It's a Small World (Includes the CD) after it brought back so many childhood memories with my family visiting LA's Disneyland. Not to mention it has beautiful illustrations inspired by the ride. Another book that helps me hone my sketching skills is Urban Water Color Sketching, Here you'll find some of the most freestyle rich examples of sketching.