Natalie Malan - illustration & design
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Email
  • Custom 4
Menu
Skip to content
  • shop
  • Blog
    • Favorite Art Supplies
    • Watercolor
    • Free Printables
    • Cricut
    • Garden
    • DIY
    • Gouache
    • Sewing
  • Licensing
  • Free Printables!
  • about
    • tv
    • Workshops
    • contact

Author: Natalie

Art Studio Organization

3 / 2 / 215 / 10 / 21

It’s the start of a new year, and I find myself looking to reorganize EVERYTHING.  The art studio is no different, and today I want to share with you some great organizing tips for your studio or craft room.

 

How do I organize my art studio?

The best way to organize your art studio is to lay out all the tools you use currently and begin to assess your storage needs.  I personally change materials frequently, but am currently working the most with watercolors, gouache, acrylics, colored pencils, and neocolors.  

 

What should be included in an art studio?

I love to make colorful watercolor swatches of all my paints and write the names on the back.  I’ve been keeping them in this amazing drawer system that I’ve used for tons of different things in the two months I’ve had it.  The size of these drawers are perfect for pencils, markers, washi tape, watercolor tubes, glues, and more.  I love that they can stack securely to hold lots of supplies, and that I can easily rearrange them depending on my needs.  They also work beautifully for pantry or make up storage.  I even put all my wrapping supplies into it over the holidays to keep my tape, scissors, tags, pens and twine organized.  
 
 
Crayola Super Tips
 
In the pantry
 

 
Art Studio Design Board featured by Natalie Malan Surface Designer and Illustrator in Utah lights furniture sink organization
 

How much does it cost to build an art studio?

It really depends on your space, but I have another post coming with different art studio set ups I’ve had in the past – everything from inside a closet to a completely custom studio space that we are wrapping up building right now.  I’ve been slow and intentional with my decisions which has been a really good thing in the long run.  But honestly, it doesn’t take much to have a workspace.  A desk with a few drawers, and a comfy chair is what most artists I know use the most.

Best Camera Ceiling overhead mount tripod video
 

 

How do I organize my creative space?

If you have the space for it, I like to create areas for my different needs.  I do a lot of work in surface design, painting, crafting, and sewing so I took all those things into account.  When I was working from closet office #2 space was very tight and it was a temporary set up so I boxed up everything except for my painting and surface design tools and books, and put it into storage. 

This is the filming space we created along the back wall of my painting room.

 

That way, I had space for the things I knew I would be using the most.  I knew I’d need lots of small drawers so I had a desk custom built with shallow wide drawers, but I love having the option to move my supplies around on my desktop as well with the little drawers mentioned above.  

 

One of the things I love most about this drawer style is that they pull all the way out from their frames so I can take them from place to place depending on where I’m working.

 

The size of these drawers is perfect to store acrylics, gouache, pencils, watercolors, crayons, neocolors, crayola supertips (if you’ve been around here long you know those are my favorite kid markers), glues, etc.

 

Another bonus is the little lip on top of the drawers to keep things from sliding off the top.  The lip also helps the drawers stack securely so they aren’t sliding around when you’re opening them.

 
 
Best Overhead Camera Ceiling Mount Tripod

 

What is the best color for an art studio?

There are a lot of different options, but for my studio I chose Pure White by Sherwin Williams.  I had the chance to check it out at my friend Lizzyography’s photography studio and fell in love with it.  It’s the perfect white for me, not yellow, not pink, not blue.  Just white.  You can see it well here in my post on Camera mounts, and my ceiling is painted the same white as my walls.  Several years ago we discovered Sherwin Williams Emerald paint and I’ve never looked back.  It washes off well, and touches up without the dreaded sheen changes that you find with other paints.  A++ from me.  The coverage is superb as well.

 

How do I organize my art?

I like to use these archival boxes from Blick to keep my favorite original paintings safe.   They are museum quality, with metal corners on the sides (no adhesives), and a convenient drop front on the long end to carefully sort through work.
 

I also have several plastic snap top folders from the dollar store that I keep each project and reference in while I’m working on projects.  This keeps everything together and fairly safe from splatters and spills.  I like that they are clear and I can see what’s in them easily.  Obviously they aren’t the best quality, but you can’t beat the price of 4 for a dollar.
 
Want to see more progress shots of the studio in action?  Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook, and Pinterest!
Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Art Studio Lighting

1 / 23 / 211 / 23 / 21

In an art studio lighting is key, but finding the right lights can be tricky, as I’ve found out in this process. My favorite lights so far are linked in this post. Lots of trial and error over the last 18 years of freelancing has definitely made me aware of what works best.

Read More

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Cricut Joy Review – Everything you need to know

5 / 15 / 20

The new Cricut Joy is now in stores! And Online! I’ve added a few things to my “must have” order list for the Cricut Joy so I’m excited to share my favorites!!!

Read More

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

The BEST Window Box Planters How to

4 / 30 / 204 / 30 / 20
This post is a comprehensive guide to window boxes so you can pin it and refer back if you encounter any problems, and it will get you started on the most successful foot with your stunning planters!  And remember with a window box it’s always easier to start off right than to try and fix a problem later that you could have avoided.

Read More

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Cricut Joy Everything you need to know

4 / 17 / 204 / 18 / 20

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cricut. All opinions are 100% mine.

Why do I need a Cricut Joy if I already have a Cricut machine?

Why do I need a Cricut Joy if I already have a Cricut machine?
*mat free cutting
*loooong cuts up to 20′ repeated cut capability
*portability
*Cricut’s smallest cutting machine ever
*innovative new card mat
*writable smudge free vinyl

PRODUCTS FEATURED » Cricut Joy → https://shrsl.com/25b8b
NM Cricut Products → https://shrsl.com/26gj7
NM Cricut Posts → https://nataliemalan.com/cricut/
——————————-
→ Get inspired with a free mini garland when you join our mailing list here: http://www.nataliemalan.com/join
——————————-
FOLLOW ME » INSTAGRAM
→https://www.instagram.com/nataliemala…
——————————-
FACEBOOK → https://www.facebook.com/nataliemalan…
——————————-
Thanks so much for watching! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE!

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Free Floral Coloring Pages

4 / 12 / 204 / 21 / 20

Free Floral Coloring Pages

I hope you enjoy coloring or painting these free floral coloring pages!  Be sure to download all three PDF files, and feel free to tag me on IG @NatalieMalanStudio so I can see and repost! 

I know finding fun and new activities at this time has been hard so I hope this helps brighten your day.  Be sure to check out my post on watercolor painting feathers while you’re here!  It also has a free download which is fun to color.

Free Floral Coloring Pages

 

NatalieMalan-Coloring Pages-Personal-Use-Only1
NatalieMalan-Coloring Pages-Personal-Use-Only2
NatalieMalan-Coloring Pages-Personal-Use-Only3

Free Floral Coloring Pages

Download the Free Floral Coloring Pages

Join our mailing list to download the Free Floral Coloring Pages and receive occasional email updates on sales, workshops, new product releases and phone wallpapers.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

How to use htv iron on vinyl on a Backpack DIY

4 / 6 / 204 / 6 / 20

Using a Cricut to customize backpacks is addicting!   The Cricut heat transfer iron on is magical to “weed” – I love seeing the images come to life.  If you’re looking for a fun way to make a backpack DIY be sure to keep reading.

Read More

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Watercolor Feathers- How to paint them

2 / 24 / 202 / 24 / 20

How to Paint Feathers in watercolor!  Have you been wanting to try this hot new trend?  I know I have and I’m excited to write up this tutorial for you, so you can give it a try too!  Be sure to follow me HERE on Pinterest, and pin your favorite images below so you can find this tutorial again later!

Read More

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Natalie Malan for Cricut – Vinyl, Iron On, and Paper Round Up

2 / 21 / 202 / 21 / 20

Here’s a quick Natalie Malan for Cricut Blog post round up!  There are so many talented crafters making gorgeous projects with these lines; so I wanted to make sure they were easy for you to find.  Be sure to pin the images below, and visit the links to see all their great tips and ideas!  

Natalie Malan for Cricut - Vinyl, Iron On, and Paper

Photo Credit: pineapplepaperco.com

DIY Unicorn & Mermaid Shirt - Cricut Patterned Vinyl - Pineapple Paper Co.

Photo Credit: www.thatswhatchesaid.net

How to Layer Vinyl – The Easy Way

Photo Credit: karleyhall.com

How To Use Iron-On/ Heat Transfer Vinyl on Shirts

Photo Credit: pineapplepaperco.com

DIY Halloween Greeting Cards - Handmade Cards

Photo Credit: pineapplepaperco.com

DIY Christmas Cards - Cricut Explore Air 2 Projects

Photo Credit: seelindsay.com

Paper Wreath for Christmas with the Cricut Explore Air 2

Photo Credit: www.everydayjenny.com

MONOGRAMMED SHIRTS WITH CRICUT PATTERNED IRON-ON

Photo Credit: overthebigmoon.com

Little Girl's T-Shirt Ideas using Natalie Malan Patterned Iron On

Photo Credit: www.theidearoom.net

How to Layer Vinyl Cricut and Natalie Malan Products

Photo Credit: www.artsyfartsymama.com

DIY Book Nerd Shirt with Cricut Patterned Iron-On

Photo Credit: thediymommy.com

DIY Laptop, Phone & Notebook Stickers with Cricut

Photo Credit: thediymommy.com

DIY Paper Flower Valentine's Day Wreath with Cricut | The DIY Mommy

Photo Credit: thediymommy.com

How I Went from New Mom to Full Time Blogger & a Dreamer Rainbow T-Shirt DIY!

Photo Credit: heyletsmakestuff.com

Using Cricut Patterned Iron On

Photo Credit: www.thatswhatchesaid.net

How to Personalize a Yoga Mat

Photo Credit: www.thatswhatchesaid.net

DIY Journal – Wild Rose Bundle

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Art Studio Makeover Plans and Inspiration

2 / 17 / 202 / 21 / 20

Art Studio Makeover Plans and Inspiration

Designing a workable and attractive Art Studio has been at the top of my list this past year, and I’m happy to say we’re finally nearing the home stretch.  Organization and functionality is at the top of my list.  In my work as a professional designer, I use a lot of different supplies, and keeping them close at hand makes my work flow faster and more reliable.  And also more profitable.  I was raised by a professional organizer who always taught me that losing time looking for things comes at a cost.  

Read More

Leave a comment
Share
  • Pin it
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print

Posts navigation

1 2 3 … 9 10 Next Page

Natalie Malan for Cricut

Subscribe

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

MY AMAZON LISTS

© Natalie Malan 2020. All rights reserved.
Angie Makes Feminine WordPress Themes
watercolor art supplies paint paper

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 

We keep emails to a minimum and hate spam!

You have Successfully Subscribed!