Every artist needs a quiet place to work without distractions or interruptions. My first “studio” was a small table in the kitchen! Whether in home or out, a studio area should have a table and supplies.

In Austin, TX, where I live, I have two studios, a smaller one for photography and business office and the other at home, for most of the actual creation of the art and illustration. A freelance illustrator must have good organizational skills. This is an example of how my illustration studio is organized:

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This downtown studio is used to take photo references. Illustrators use photos to help them draw better, more realistic features and styles. Click on the map below for a printer-friendly map.

1. Drawing area:
   
   (A) Drawing tables: It's well lit, and most of the supplies I might need are close by. This downtown studio is used as a business office
   
   (B) on the wall I throw in a few personal pictures of articles, friends, inspirational quotes, and a calendar I can plainly so I can remember appointments and deadlines
   
   (C) a light table for tracing,
   
   (D) a phone and fax (the computer is in another room.)
   
   
2. Reference area:
   Research and Reference are very important to illustration. Much is done in libraries or on the computer, but it's vital for speed to keep references within your grasp. Most of the time, the table is filled with whatever reference I've collected for current projects.
   
   (A)A big file cabinet loaded with business papers, contracts, and reference files,
   
   (B) a table with a cutting area
   
   (C) a special area for current project references and drawings,
   
   (D) an In/Out box for everyday business,
   
   (E) a copier comes in handy in reducing/enlarging art at a moments notice, it can be worth every penny you spend on it.