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What You Ought To Know Before Renting an Art Studio

What You Ought To Know Before Renting an Art Studio

There comes a time when an artist needs to go beyond the confines of the home environment for a more convenient space and look for an art studio for rent.

Renting an art studio can be a difficult task.

For the most part, finding the right art studio for your work and practice could be more challenging.

You want a creative space that will be suitable for studio visits, but you also want an affordable studio space. 

What is an art studio rental cost? How big should an art studio be?

How do you find an art studio?

These and more questions might be popping into your mind right now.

In this piece, we are set to provide you with more insight on these features as well as every other thing you need to know about renting an art studio.

art studio for rent

Art Studio Rental Cost

guy on laptop in art studio

Art studio rental cost varies for different reasons.

A lot of factors come to play. Factors such as location, square foot size, availability, and inbuilt facilities determine how high-priced or low-priced commercial spaces would determine the rental fees. 

The first thing you may want to consider is your budget.

Are you working with a small budget or a deep pocket?

How much do you want to spend on the office space you are looking at? 

After you have determined the amount you can afford to pay, the next question should be what is the purpose of the studio?

What do you need the space for?

Do you want a private studio, shared studio, photography studio, or gallery space?

What kind of clients are you expecting to receive in your office space?

Are your services targeting small businesses, big corporations, low-income earners, or high net worth individuals?

Getting a clear perspective of your needs and intentions for the art studio you desire to rent would help you streamline the type of studio space you’d go for.

A fully equipped studio located at a major city center would cost much more than a corner office space in a suburb.

Now that we have established that art studio rental cost differs from city to city, it is safe to mention that average-sized office space could cost about $50 – $800 per day. 

How Big is an Art Studio?

woman in art studio looking at painting

There is no one-fits-all kind of measurement to determine how big an Art Studio should be.

It all depends on you as an artist, your skill sets, the size of the work space you need, and the kind of work you will be doing.

If you are a photographer and do much digital editing to create the background and visual effects, then you may not need much event space.

You can go for smaller office space because all you need is available space for photoshoots, computer work, and visual display.

If your job description requires working on a giant canvas, then you may consider renting a large studio with high ceilings.

A large creative space that can accommodate your equipment or power tools will be a perfect place to site your art studio.

There are two ways you may want to go about determining how big an art studio should be. 

  1. You can let the type of work you do determine the office size you should use.
  2. You can let the available office space you have determine the kind of artwork you should do.

However, from an expansive viewpoint, art studio sizes could range from 70 square feet to 810 square feet.

On average, the most common art studio sizes are found to range between 120 square feet and 150 square feet. 

How to Find an Art Studio

woman standing in art studio

Finding a great Art Studio Space could be hard work, but you’d reap the benefit of it if you find the right one.

The following steps could guide you to get the perfect space for your artwork, especially if it is your first time trying to get one.

1. Search for it – 

Once you have determined the office size you want and the area you want your studio located, you can start by making a personal search for it.

Drive or walk around the area you are looking to site your studio.

Locate “for sale” or “for rent” signs and call the phone numbers on display.

You must note that most of the signs would be old and the offers are no longer available, but reaching out could open new doors for you.

Your contact could provide you with great information about the neighborhood and other available spaces that might interest you.

2. Ask people around – 

Asking people around you for recommendations could be an easy and cost-effective way to find an Art Studio.

Talk to your work colleagues, friends, family, and neighbors.

Find out if they have available spaces in their garage or building.

If they don’t have a space for you, they may know someone that has.

Such deals often come cheaper and are more reliable.

3. Check community social media page – 

Many communities in the US have social media presence such as Facebook pages.

If your community has one, you can announce your inquiry on the page.

Type in something like, “I’m looking for a studio space”.

Watch out for the responses and take note of the recommendations.

You may be referred to available space or you may be led to an agent who would assist you to get an affordable studio space.

4. Contact a real estate agent – 

This approach could be a little bit expensive but it will be worth the trouble when you eventually get a professional studio.

Agents belong to associations that allow them access to professional real estate sites that you may not have permission to access.

So, they are usually equipped with updated information about available office spaces for rent and sale.

Their modes of operation may differ. In some cases, you may be required to fill out an application form or you may need to part with some initial fees.

But, always have it in mind that most agents are more interested in getting the deal sealed than protecting your interest.

However, a little investigation could help you identify the experienced and reliable ones that will give you mutually beneficial service.

How to Find an Art Studio Space for Rent in New York

female artist taking a break in art studio

Finding an art studio in a big city like New York does not come easy.

But, if you are a NY-based artist, or you are planning to relocate to the city, here are some guidelines that could help you find a great workspace.

Studio Membership 

Studio membership is one of the best ways young artists kick-start their careers in a busy and high-density city such as New York.

Memberships usually comprise fine artists, designers, and a host of other visual artists.

They are united by a common goal – to expand their professional reach through mutual support.

With very low commitments such as monthly fees, members can enjoy some benefits including getting studio shares, studio spaces, or event spaces as the case may be.

A little web search can bring out a list of memberships that you can contact and join.

Do a little research on each organization before joining.

Residencies

Residencies function much similarly to studio membership.

However, they are application-based and sometimes are free to join.

Residencies offer a great opportunity to young or mid-career artists.

This set of creative artists just needs a little time and space to find their bearing in the profession.

With little financial commitment, you enjoy the privileges of a resident.

Directories and Listings

Keep your eyes on various websites, directories, and listings.

Go on Craigslist and look at the housing section and see if something interesting may come up.

Check through bulletins in coffee shops, flyers in art stores, and postings on telephone poles.

You may get a lead to a cheap and affordable private studio space in New York City.

How to Find an Art Studio Space for Rent in Los Angeles

female artist painting in studio

Similar to finding studio spaces in NYC, you can apply the same approach to finding an art studio space for rent in Los Angeles.

However, your engagements in the Southern California city which is notably the Center for the film and television industry would require more tact.

Let’s look at the processes you should follow.

Talk to your colleagues – 

Let’s say you are new in town or you have been living in the city, but now you want to upgrade.

You want an office space that will grant easy access to your corporate clients or any client.

Talk to your colleagues as well as your neighbors, family, and friends.

If they have vacant spaces in their buildings, fine.

You can rent from them.

If they don’t, ask for recommendations.

That way, you can reduce the chances of dealing with folks who would end up wasting your time.

Move around the neighborhood – 

Sometimes, you can achieve the best results when you search for yourself.

Take a walk around the neighborhood or drive around in your car.

Talk to building superintendents.

You can start with supers in your building and others in your neighborhood.

One of the best ways to get useful information from them is by offering them coffee.

Doing this would help you build a strong bond with them and if something comes up you’d be the first person they’ll inform.

Leverage social media – 

Social media offers amazing opportunities for connections and mutual support.

You can put up your search on any of your social media handles or groups you belong to.

Mention to your audience that you are looking for a studio space in Los Angeles.

You’d be amazed by the responses and offers for assistance.

Don’t Limit yourself – 

Expand your search by looking up offers on Craig’s List.

Get in touch with arts organizations.

Review flyers on art buildings, stores, schools, coffee shops, and related places. 

Agents – 

Get in touch with real estate agents.

Make sure you are talking to experienced and reputable agents who would not only assist in finding the studio space but also help with the evaluation of the rental space. 

If need be, contact certified real estate professionals.

What Furniture Do You Need in an Art Studio? 

female artist at workplace in art studio

Whether you are a young artist looking to rent a studio space for the first time, or you are an experienced artist, you’ll need these pieces of furniture.

While the list is not exhaustive, here is the furniture you’d need in an art studio. 

  • Art Tables and Desks
  • Rolling and Utility Carts
  • Drafting Tables
  • Taborets
  • Room Dividers
  • Print Racks
  • Drying Racks
  • Art Storage Cabinets
  • Photography Studio Lighting and Equipment
  • Artist Chairs and Stools
  • You can get furniture for your art studio here.

What Art Supplies do you need in an Art Studio? 

wooden easel with painting supplies
  • Studio Easel
  • Paper towels or rags
  • Good Daylight Lamp.
  • ViewFinder or View Catcher
  • Palette and paint scraper
  • Sketchbook and pencils
  • Artist Tools
  • Black Apron
  • Canvas or panels
  • Books
  • Turpentine and painting medium for oils only

Here is a list of all the art supplies you need.

Final Thoughts

Keep in mind the guidelines we just discoursed while looking to rent an art studio.

However, after you have found a suitable place for your work, do your best to review your contract with a real estate attorney.

Go through the papers with them, and be sure you understood the terms and conditions before signing.

Art Studio FAQ

How much does it cost to rent an art studio space?

It can differ from city to city, but what I find is that it’s about $50 – $800 per day depending if it’s a shared studio, private, and the size of it.

How do I get cheap studio space?

The cheapest way is to use a garage, if you have access to one. If not you can try and search on Craigslist or work for someone who owns one.

What is a studio artist?

It’s an artist where there primary workspace is a workroom specifically designed or built to complete their projects.