The Importance of a *Pretty* Workspace
One thing stands out amongst all the others for being a happy and productive worker: the right space. Sure, I got an email and a logo first, but as you can see from my actual list below, No. 3 on my list** when I launched Falco Creative Media was “figure out an office space.”
Where in the world does one find an office space for an upstart, one-person business? First I considered turning one of our TINY apartment closets (that couldn’t even fit all of our coats) into an office. I was sure Pinterest would have a cute suggestion for this. Then I ran across an ad on Craigslist: an office space available in the Northrup King Building (since I wasn’t from Minneapolis, I had no clue what that meant).
I emailed immediately and set a time to go look at the space the next day. I went in with beyond low expectations. I knew nothing about Minneapolis, let alone the art district. I expected a sketchy place with murder chalk outlines. Boy was I wrong.
The Northrup King Building is incredible. The NKB is home to over 200 tenants including 190 artists and creative-types as well as various small business and nonprofit organizations. I knew immediately this is what Falco Creative Media needed to take off. Within a week I was a tenant.
This is the studio I worked in...
For the first month, even without a computer, I would come to the office every day with an iPad, notebook and a few pens. Having an office to work out of regularly helped my productivity skyrocket — having something I could make my own was critical.
Yes, I love Marilyn and Audrey...
This week I said goodbye to the NKB. The space served Falco Creative Media so well for the past 9 months: this is where I signed on 6 of my current clients and where I produced multiple videos that have reached nearly 4k views.
My husband and I are expecting our first child in a few weeks (ahhh!). So I have officially moved into a home office in our new house. Besides the nursery, my office is at the top of the priority list. I made sure that my husband knows the importance of a practical (yet pretty!) workspace. When you spend a majority of your week in an office like I do, it’s important to create a space that enhances inspiration and productivity.
So if you are looking to create an office of your own, here are the things that I find to be essential to the perfect workspace:
1) Proper Lighting — You need to find a happy median between too bright and too dark. Fluorescent lighting is the worst, IMO. So this is where lamps come in handy!
2) Organization — Nothing adds to a stressful workday like a cluttered office. Keeping your space organized has a serious impact on your productivity and will save you major headaches down the road. Digging through drawers and unsorted paperwork is the last thing you want to do! So, I found an old bookshelf and have already bought multiple baskets to give order to the chaos.
3) A comfortable chair — This has been critical since I am pregnant … But pregnant or not, never underestimate the importance of a good chair.
4) A good computer — No explanation necessary but I am a loyal Mac user.
5) A functional desk — I found a medium-sized one on sale for $70 at Hobby Lobby. You don't need to break the bank on a desk. My office is actually on the smaller side, so I don’t need some bulky thing but also realize that small is not always functional. I prefer white desks, and not just because all the creative entrepreneurs on Pinterest have white desks. …
6) Décor — In those moments of frustration or mind block, a fun piece of art can help change your perspective and reignite the creative process. Let your personality shine! I chose grey paint for the walls and plan to do very bright artwork. I, personally, need a bit of color in my space.
Don’t overlook the value of all this: a pleasant workplace is directly related to job satisfaction. According to a survey by the American Society of Interior Designers, people who liked their workplaces were 31% more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. Even if you don't have an office to yourself, go buy a cute little succulent or piece of art to put on your desk. You deserve it. I will be sure to post pictures when my office is complete!
** Within a week of Falco Creative Media coming into fruition, I had my “business plan”….
- set up email
- get logo
- figure out an office space
- start on website
- finish website
- buy camera
- desk chair
- buy computer
- get editing software
- do a facebook page
- update social media
- get business cards