0018: On Maximising the utility of a tiny studio.

Row 5, Column B : of my 8x8 foot standing shelf

Black and white version of the main character of a picturebook i illustrated.

I live and work on the 9th floor.

On the 8th floor some major renovation was going on for the most part of the day. My plan had been to gather some notes and dig for insights, maybe do some writing. But I wasn’t able to overcome the constant drilling.

I was about to take my work out to a cafe, when i decided instead to tidy up.

I focused on 4 file boxes and a physical inbox (or tray) that sat on the bottom right of my 8x8 foot book shelf. 10% of the entire shelf.

Here’s the inventory of the now organized containers.

Filebox 1: Paperwork (Boring)

Filebox 2: Classical Picturebooks for inspiration. (Richard Scarry, Goodnight Moon, Tiger Came to Tea, Archie)

Filebox 3: Comics and Illustrated Middle grade books for inspiration (The Bad Guys, Cat Kid, Bumble and Snug, Doodle Adventures)

Filebox 4: Contemporary Picture books for inspiration (Jeffers, Chatterton, Hunt, Gauld, Mantel, Field, Klaassen)

Here’s How the ‘inbox is organised

Tier 1: Grides Yellow Pads, Lined Yellow Pads, Post It Notes (for drawing thumbnails)

Tier 2: Cheap Printer paper, Filefolders

Tier 3: Sticker paper primed with Gesso, And some lined writing paper that is not yellow

The remainder of the shelf is a 3 inches of space, I have 2 sachets of coffee in case the nespresso runs out, 2 Coffee bags in case the teabags run out and 2 sachets of protein powder (Radiant Brown Rice and Signature Chocolate)

And next to all that, the overused ‘book of bees’ that shares this space for convenience rather than design.

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Instructions on using this shelf

Because it’s low to the ground, this shelf is hard to reach even by means of squatting or sitting, don’t bother, that will only create a mess. Unless you need a file folder or one of the assorted paper types just ignore the shelf altogether.

Or if you have time to spare and your spirit of adventure is aroused, better on a rainy day with a hot beverage and a full stomach (use the emergency supplies if needed) - Unfold the day bed from the adjoining shelf (5a), and lie on your side or your tummy.

By lying on your side, you will be to read all the titles on the spine without the need for an awkward tilt of the head.

And a quick roll to your tummy will transform you into your 7 year old imaginative self, create as that 7 year old.

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If I ever were so fortunate to speak before a crowd of aspiring author illustrators, or curious readers, and one of them was brave enough to ask…

Or maybe someone would ask in a letter…

Sir may I ask, … where do you get your ideas?

I will tell them of the file boxes and the shelves and the daybed.

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