Since I went completely digital, my workspace has streamlined quite a bit. I don’t have a drawing table anymore, but  a desk with two monitors on top and a huge computer to the side. It’s still a quirky, creative space though. I have big orange bookshelves, green furniture and lots of sunlight. It’s my fave spot to be.

I’m up early, but don’t claim consciousness until much later. So in the mornings I catch up on emails and trade info. That takes a few hours and lots of hot tea. I try to walk two miles with my dog at the track as often as possible, although it’s been a very wet winter–yay Spring! Then I dive into whatever project is screaming loudest–whether that be writing or illustrating. When hubbie gets home, we have dinner and then I draw (with a mechanical pencil and sketchpad mostly) on the couch while we watch tv. That’s actually turned out to be a great time to create my coloring pages or work on new dummies. About once a week I have lunch with friends–that keeps me sane.

 What media do you use and which is your favorite?

I live mostly in Photoshop, although my more involved style requires Painter too. I have a Wacom tablet with touch sensitive mouse pen and dual monitors. It’s a pretty slick set-up.

List three of your most favorite things in your workspace and why they are meaningful.

I have a fantastic birdhouse hubbie bought for my birthday last year. And in a box, I keep a sculpture I did in kindergarten–the first real sign that I had skill. And my books–I’m surrounded by friends!

The hot tea thing is definitely a ritual. I buy loose tea from our local farmers market and make it in a coffee press–it’s good stuff and I drink it all day.

If I’m writing it has to be dead quiet to make up for being so loud inside my head! If I’m illustrating I often listen to audio books or watch hulu. It’s nice when I can do both within one day–mixes things up a bit.

There’s that tea thing again.

What keeps you focused while you’re working?

I have a hard time staying truly focused for more than four hours straight, so I allow myself breaks. Either a walk, a shower, even just washing my face and hands can help (especially in the summer). All of these things work wonders to get me back on track.

The blank page can be pretty daunting–especially when the vision in my head is EPIC! All I can do is start drawing and let it all slowly come together.

If you were forced to share your workspace but could share it with anyone of your choosing, who would it be?

Oh that’s easy–my husband. We actually used to share a loft space. Our desks were on opposite sides of the room, but we still emailed each other. We’re such geeks and get along better than any two humans have a right to.

I can’t say I stick to this, but the best advice is to always spend time creating things just for yourself. That’s where you experiment and grow, and often how you end up with your best portfolio pieces. Don’t only create for clients.