A few years ago, our spa decided it no longer wanted to work, so we bit the bullet and got rid of it.  We were left with a cement slab and a spa fence, a perfect size for a small shed. 
Soon the shed was filled with art supplies, an easel, desk and makeshift lights.  Prior to this I would create my art in our patio, on our kitchen table and out in the garden.  
Really, you can create in any space, yes, it is a pain to have to load and unload your supplies each time you want to create.  Whether you ahve dedicated space, makeshift space, big space, little space you can create with whatever space you have available.
Soon after I set up my little art shed, I had a commission to do and the canvas was much larger than I had worked on before.  The art shed, which was only a few weeks old was too small!  So, I moved my easel and supplies back into the patio and worked on the commission.  My point being, no place will be 100% perfect so use what you have and create where and when you can.  Enjoy the process. 

At first, I just didn't get why you would have an art journal or sketchbook.  I thought what a waste of time, why not create directly onto your paper or canvas etc.  Then........ I did a sketchbook course and that completely changed my thinking.  
I now have a few sketchbooks on the go, some I made during my Creative Circle program earlier this year.  I also ahve a couple of sketchbooks in different orientations and spiral bound and hard bound. These books have been invaluable to me and my artwork. 
I use them for experimentation of colours, mark making, new supplies and ideas.  If I happen to do a course, I use a sketchbook to document my learnings.  If an idea comes to me, I put it into my sketch book. One of my favourite things to do in creating art is to colour mix so I use it to swatch colours and experiment with different palettes. 
Recently, I was working on a piece and knew it needed something, there was a little something that was missing.  I flicked through a couple of sketchbooks and voila, there was my answer with one of my mark making experiments.  It is just what was needed to bring the piece to life.   
Of course, when you are out and about a small sketchbook, a couple of pencils and even a small watercolour set is a great way to capture a moment in time. 

I started off painting on small canvas squares and art panels for a year or two.  I then moved on to boards.  I love using the boards particularly for some of my abstract work.  You can scratch into the panels without fear of damaging a canvas.  You can throw ink at it, spray water over it, sand it back and be rough on it.  Boards are great but they have their limitations too, such as framing and weight. 

I move between boards, paper and canvas.  When I am starting a piece, I think about the end result and that will determine the substrate.  Each has their own unique benefits.  I love working on paper, it is easy to use, affordable, easy to frame and easy to store. You can't be as heavy handed on paper, but it does have many benefits. The artwork pictured; Hidden Gem I used mixed media paper.

I enjoy working on canvas and tend to find I use a canvas once I have completed a few paper pieces in the same colours or style. I feel freer to go about the piece having already played with the mediums, colours and mark making. 

When planning your next artwork, think about what mediums you will be using, do you need to sand back, scratch in, will you use lots of water or ink?  These questions will help you determine the paper type, canvas or boards.