Nathan Paul Gibbs...Surf Artist, Enviro-Soldier, and Earth's Minister of Propaganda

A couple of years ago I was sharing studio space in San Clemente at a co-op gallery and work space. It was good to be around other creative people. But I found myself chatting more than painting. Also I had to drive about 25 minutes from my house to get there. So after about a year I left and worked in my garage (aka Man Cave). 

Later I started to get an itch to have some space. With the birth of my little girl my garage started to get cluttered with non "art inspiring" items like strollers, toys and other baby stuff. It was getting cramped. 

About a year ago my wife lost her job as a teacher and we were forced to make some tough financial decisions. It was then I was getting ready to pay for studio space where I thought I could be most productive. However I had to scrap that idea and stay in the garage. I decided to make the best of it. I built hanging shelves and and organized. It freed up a lot of space that was cluttered. Since then, I have made some of my best, most thoughtful and intricate work ever. 

***I do have a storage unit that holds many of my pieces that are not currently being exhibited. 

10. Food and Drink. As much as I want to say I don't need to eat and drink when working on art, I do. My entire stock of food, and beverages (even adult) can be found at home. Otherwise I am packing a lunch, dinner, or drinks to the studio.

9. Music/Internet. In a studio sure you can listen to music. But unless you are alone, it needs to be with earphones. In my garage I can ramp up the Fela Kuti or other tunes without worry of other artists, or neighboring businesses. Also I have wireless internet at home which allows for research for the art, which you may or may not get at a studio.

8. I own it. As of now, I own and not rent my condo. So I can basically change, paint, modify, break, destruct, or chill at will. There is not any "open hours" or landlord who tells me what I can or can not do to the walls or space.

7. Clean up. Now depending on your situation you may have to, or want to clean or organize your studio whenever you leave in case you have a client pop by and peek in the window. Since mine is in my garage, there are no windows. In fact most of my showings for clients are by appointment. No quick clean up or worry when someone drops by a public studio. This also tags on with number 4 above.

6. All of my materials, tools, and supplies are there. When I used to go to the studio in San Clemente, I would have to pack up much of what I wanted to bring since I worked on art at home and there. I would then have to bring it home so I could use it if I got the urge to create. Also I couldn't take any of my wood working power tools into that studio. All frames, wood bowls, found object sculptures would need to be done in my garage anyway. Big hassle.

5. Privacy. While sometimes it can be beneficial to be around other creative people, as I said earlier in this post, to me I was very distracted. I can work 4-5 hour stretches at home with little or no interruption.

4. Production. With regards to number 5, I feel I can produce a lot more when I am at home. I now average about 3 pieces a month. Whereas before I was lucky to finish 1.

3. It is close to home. When I used to have to drive to my studio I would waste almost an hour in the car. When it is in my garage, well when I am inspired, I am right there. Not to mention late night sessions don't require me to then drive home, or sleep in the studio. 

2. Inspiration. Almost all of my art comes from either life experiences, travels, or seeing something. My garage is full of that. My 10 surfboards, wetsuits, unfinished projects, travel items, souveniers, pictures, mountain bikes, camping equipment, collections of magazines and just about everything else in my life that wont fit in my house. All of these I draw memories and inspiration from that would not generally be in a studio.

1. Cost. As an artist, financials should be the deciding factor. After all the other things are considered, does it out weigh the cost? How much art do you have to sell in order to make a profit above your cost of the studio? Do you have to pay electric? Gas? Internet? Phone? Building fees? Deposit? When the garage is your studio much of the extras are already included. A studio could cost you anywhere from $500 per month to $2000+ per month depending on size and where it is located. Now you may say that you can sell art out of the studio, but you also have to consider if it is zoned commercial. Otherwise the wrong city inspector could fine you for doing business out of the studio if it is not zoned. On the cheap side you could pay $6000 per year or upwards of $24,000 per year or more after utilities etc. That is quite a bit of art for the average artist. Obviously this doesn't apply to you if you are a popular artist who makes a lot of money. Then cost isn't a factor. But if you do art over 40 years and pay a studio that is $5000 per year (cheaper side) could be invested and turn into a lot. 

Here is an example of what you could make from the age of 25 until "retirement" (not that artists really retire) at the age of 65.

According to a Roth IRA calculator this is what you would earn: