In the Studio with Ed Steckley

Article Transcript

My studio is where I spend most of my time when at home. It’s its own separate space in the house, so for me it’s very conducive to being creative, and, equally important, efficient, at work. There are very few distractions to cause procrastination, though there is a TV…. and Internet. And a couch. And video games. And windows to look out of… Uh oh.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is to keep artwork space away from business work space. In my studio, I spend the majority of my time at the smaller desk. Since most advertising is done digitally, and that accounts for roughly 75% of my income, that’s where the big Cintiq is. But also on this desk is where I do my watercoloring and some other traditional work. Paints, inks, pens, brushes, etc. are all within easy reach. When working traditionally, the Cintiq rolls away and can be used as a monitor for reference, music controls, whatever. The barber chair is nice and comfy, and is especially nice to have on days that drag on and on into the night.

The big wooden desk is where I do much my sketching and inking—sometime standing, sometimes in the tall drafting chair. This is also where I traditionally do invoices, emails, etc. The laptop and smaller Cintiq Companion serve two purposes—they’re used as monitors for reference, and, when I work on site at an ad agency, these fit nicely into a computer bag and double as my outside drawing setup.

One of the most important things here is the big glass magnetic dry erase board. This is what keeps me organized and on schedule. Every Sunday I jot down things I have to do that week, and throughout the week I have to physically stand up and cross off tasks as they get done. The simple act of doing this is somehow motivating for me to get on to the next task, be it a particular drawing, some sort of organizing, anything that’s work related.

There’s also lots of storage—flat files are a must, and closets are even better.

In the studio, I surround myself with things that inspire me and help me be creative. Lots of artwork, mostly by friends and people I admire. There’s very little of mine up—I really am not a fan of looking at my own work. Stuff of mine that is up is up for other reasons—be it an emotional connection to the subject, or simply to fill up an odd space on the wall.

Photo Breakdown

1. Sketching and Inking station. I like to be able to sketch big and get expressive, and sometimes standing is the only way to really get into it.
2. Artwork up that inspires me.
3. Sound bar. I’m a big music and podcast guy, so this is always on.
4. Storage. The red Craftsman toolbox is perfect for smaller drawings, and there’s also a set of full size flat files.
5. Full spectrum lighting, keeps the drowsies away.
6. Windows to stare longingly out of. Usually around 2:30 or 3 p.m.
7. Stand-up easel, which doubles as a display stand.

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