Well here goes-my first Blog post. No doubt this will be an interesting experience!

Many artists discuss the importance of dedicated space no matter how small, portable or quirky. Everything from Kate Moores ,figurative Artist working from her car boot when working au plein air or American Artist Betty Franks working in a small space in her parents' home when visiting Croatia. I love sneaky peeks at how artists make spaces their own.

 I started painting in a corner of my dining room, moved into a more structured space in my conservatory and by the beginning of the first COVID lockdown I had just finished (with massive help from my hubby) my new garden art studio where I work today.

Recently, a new artist visited me during Central Fife Open Studios had loads of questions about creating a garden art space so hence my first topic.

I found we did a lot of thinking, talking and planning in advance of making the big decision to go ahead so perhaps our thinking might help others.

Also, can I say we did not get everything right.

To Do or Not to Do .....How to make up your Mind

1.Work with key members of the family-it is their space too and it will affect them.

2. Work on your overall concept. Studio only /Dual studio and shop/Studio/shop/Office Triple Function

Decide what you need the space for and be prepared to prioritise later according to the space /cost etc.

3.Will it be worth it? In terms of finances and effort? No matter the size your build will take planning, effort in building, moving in and sorting out the space. Research what is available at the price you want to pay whether ready-made or custom built. Do you have a short list of preferred suppliers?Really check around and look at reviews and costs.

Also consider if you need to have a return on your investment and if that is likely or over what period of time you would want to have this.

4.What ground do you have for your build? What size do you need? Do they match?

5.Check out the access from the street if you want to encourage visitors and also consider how the family /you will feel if you have to bring visitors through the main house.

6. Visualise your space and think if you can make it work for you and think of the additional costs of fitting out the internal space.

7.Manage your expectations--this is perhaps the hardest part especially if you get excited about the project.

8.Can you do all the project management yourself? Do you need other help?

What about our experience of making that decision?

A fellow maker's husband recently visited my studio and asked if I found having my workspace next to the house "intrusive". A great question!

Some folks will struggle with that -perhaps someone in the family or yourself. Everyone is different. I used to sell from the house for Children in Need in the early days and was used to visitors coming into the house so having a dedicated space next to the house was a wonderful thought.

On the financial front-at my early stage of selling my work I could not envisage making a return on my investment for a long, long time so when my husband decided to build me a custom-made cabin for my birthday (and probably every birthday in the future) I was delighted.

My hardest job was understanding the space available. The floor plan of an old decking area is hard to visualise with walls. Originally, I wanted a shop/

as well as a studio in equal parts but had to revise that later. I knew independent side access was perfect. I got excited and started thinking about the internal space /look even before the external work was started leaving most of that to my husband, who was a ready-made project manager and on site.

A pros and cons list is a simple tool and can help you decide to do or not to do.

My biggest question was what will happen if I don't do this?

Some answers..........................Home overrun with supplies /art, Restricted art growth, / No personal space to think, play, create

I had loads on my side, so I jumped at the chance!

There may be loads of other considerations to take on board, but these are the ones we concentrated on. Feel free to add your thoughts and experience.