Future proofing is sometimes easy to neglect. Case in point. A few years back, I graduated from creating my art in our enclosed patio. I wanted somewhere that was mine, I didn't have to pack up each time we had people coming over. I wanted to be able to leave a semi- finished artwork up on the easel without worrying that someone would see it in progress. I wanted to be able to leave my supplies out and not have to pack them away after each session. You can read more on my previous post here about how my art shed came about. At the time, we purchased a shed that was basically a space for me to create and be out of the way. When we purchased the shed, it was the perfect size. It fitted all my materials, a good size studio easel, a desk and even a dog bed for my little studio companion who has since passed. It was perfect and was well used. Fast forward a couple of years later and the dilemma began. I started running art classes and required more supplies and although the supplies expanded the art shed walls did not. Slowly, I was finding it more difficult to create in the space as the class inventory took over. Hindsight is a valuable tool. Quite possibly, if I knew the direction of my business was going to change, I would have looked at a bigger space and this would have future proofed the space. Obviously, we don’t always know what is around the corner, however, sometimes it can be wise to think about where you will be in two, three or five years down the track. Will what you are planning now, stack up in three to five years? There are so many ways we can future proof our businesses and life by asking a ourselves a few simple questions. These questions can range from, what if ….., how will….., why would……, if I….., you can fill in the blanks based on what area you are looking at. If I had asked myself, if I grow this business, will this be suitable? What if I take on more clients, how will it effect the space? I am sure you get the idea. Do you look at future proofing areas in your life or business? How do you assess where you are at now and where you want to be? Leave your comments below, we would love to see how you do it. Featured Photo: My little studio buddy
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I am an over packer. I am the one who has the 'just in case' or 'extra for someone else' type of person. I can't help myself, I do it wherever I go whenever I go. I am guilty of this misdemeanor when I go out to our monthly paint outs. I add a few extras for anyone that may have left something at home or a new person who wasn't sure what to bring. Suddenly, my backpack is filled with extra items, I don't use and generally no one else does either. So... last month I decided it was time to take the plunge and cull what wasn't required and scale down to a more manageable kit. I looked long and hard at what I really needed and set about setting up a new kit. Firstly, I changed from a large backpack to a sling bag. I now need to fit everything into it, leaving room for my purse, phone and keys. This is such a great grab and go kit. This is now what I carry:
Only last weekend, I headed out for our monthly paint out, with my chair slung over my shoulder, my sling bag filled with my kit and a coffee in hand, I was set for a joyous scaled down morning. Do you have a special kit for your en plein air excursions? Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments below. |
AuthorLee Cummins is a mixed media artist, workshop and art class facilitator. Archives
December 2024
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