An *honest* art studio tour (aka it's a messy desk in my living room)

I personally can't stand art studio tours where everything is super clean and perfect, so here's a realistic tour of my messy, unorganized, tiny art studio as it stands in 2022! I work from home as an art youtuber, so I've crafted my space to be as functional (and aesthetically pleasing) as possible.
My WFH desk setup as an art youtuber relies SUPER heavily on all the tech I have. My M1 Max Mac Studio and Studio Display are the focal points of the space. The aluminum bodies are softened by the organic accessories in the space, the bamboo desk, light wood desk shelf, plants, and the colorful gallery wall.
I really tried to go for a chill, cozy, artsy kinda vibe to the studio/art workspace, so let me know what you think!
✿ AN UNGODLY AMOUNT OF LINKS ✿ referral / affiliate links
DESK STUFF:
○ *Jarvis Fully L-Shaped Desk*: www.fully.com/standing-desks/...
○ *HAG Capisco chair*: www.fully.com/hag-capisco-cha...
○ *HAG Capisco foot ring*: www.fully.com/hag-stepup-foot...
○ *Bamboo Desk Organizer*: amzn.to/3CbJ4zN
○ *Grovemade Desk Shelf*: bit.ly/3fr5e8A
○ *Grovemade iPad Stand*: bit.ly/3BRjhfb
○ *Grovemade Keyboard Tray*: bit.ly/3BRjqzf
○ *Danish Scissor Lamp*: www.etsy.com/listing/75997640...
PAINTING STUFF:
○ Sienna Plein Air Easel/ Pochade Box: amzn.to/3UL6HH0
○ Peg & Awl Brush Organizer: www.etsy.com/listing/10266780...
○ Peg & Awl Pencil Holder: www.etsy.com/listing/15319291...
GALLERY WALL:
○ Jess Franks: www.jessfranksart.com
○ Leigh Ellexson: www.leighellexson.co
○ Audrey Estok: www.audreyestok.com
○ Tommy Kim: www.inprnt.com/gallery/tommyk...
○ Natalie Andrewson: www.natalieandrewson.com
○ Art With Em: www.etsy.com/shop/ArtWithEmShop
○ Em Niwa: www.inprnt.com/gallery/em-niwa/
○ Nicole Gustafsson (sorry i got her first name wrong!!): www.nimasprout.com
○ Widflower landscape print: www.inprnt.com/gallery/dadozi...
✨ RESOURCES & SOCIAL LINKS ✨
○ New Master's Art Academy* (this is how I'm learning art online, and is an affiliate link that helps support the channel): www.nma.art/?ref=137
○ The Artist KZbinr Workbook: www.kelseyrodriguez.com/store...
○ My online shop: www.kelseyrodriguez.com
○ Our community discord server: / discord
○ Support me by becoming a Discord Premium Member: / discord
○ Email: [e-mail]
💗 PHILANTHROPY & IMPORTANT STUFF 💗
○ Donate to the most effective charities: www.givingwhatwecan.org/donat...
✿ FILMING & CAMERA STUFF ✿ referral / affiliate links
○ Main Camera - Lumix GH6: amzn.to/3AL2YBn
○ Vlogging camera - Canon M50: amzn.to/3oxl1mQ
○ Software that helps me edit faster: getrecut.com/kelsey
☆ MUSIC ☆
All music courtesy of Epidemic Sound!
If you want to get royalty free music too, use my referral link to support me, at no extra cost to you: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
* Referral or affiliate links allow me to gain a small commission off of any purchases you make through the link, at no extra cost to you!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Forgot to mention this in the talking head clip but you can use code KELSEYR10 to get 10% off your Grovemade order! Thanks so much to Grovemade and Fully again for decking the studio out with all of this lovely gear

[@Blick_Art]

Artists have to carefully consider each piece of studio furniture! People who don't make art maybe have a hard time picturing the sheer number of hours an artist might spend in a chair at an easel or drawing board, but people who create for a living understand that a good chair is not a splurge, it's an investment. Thanks for the tour!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

oh absolutely, I couldn't agree more!!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

@@Abby_Doodle bc we're besties, obviously

[@josuemartinez9688]

@@Abby_Doodle what's the matter?

[@Uniacoty]

Exactly, my current chair is not comfortable. I begin to get fatigued after just 1 hour of sitting on it. I was absolutely shocked to see how expensive decent chair are though so I'm just going to try to upgrade to an average office chair for now until I can save enough.

[@AdamDuffArt]

I’ve been seriously looking forward to this video - finally the scoop on your setup I love how you’ve brought these little elegant touches of tech (the apple stuff) into this very traditional fine art studio vibe with the plants and subtleties It really all integrates together very subtly and tastefully I’m definitely taking notes here

[@KelseyRodriguez]

You pretty much singlehandedly convinced me to get the Studio Display haha so the feeling is definitely mutual!

[@AdamDuffArt]

Nice! Well I don’t feel guilty for doing that - it’s worth every penny (as many pennies as that is)

[@hyaacinthus]

Hi Kelsey! I graduated in June from art school in which I obtained a BFA in painting and since then I’ve been feeling so lost on what to do to earn money as an artist. I found your videos last week and thanks to you I’m taking the initiative on launching my art career! Btw love the studio!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

That's so great to hear! As a recent graduate myself i know exactly what it's like to feel lost/alone/kinda adrift and unclear about your next steps. It's a scary time, but hopefully you'll be in a much better place even just a year from now

[@stephlumby5200]

I love this more casual, laidback chat style video. I feel like we get more of your personality :)

[@4amproductions1]

My Studios extremely organized that's because after every painting session I always take the time to clean up thoroughly and put every Supply back in its exact location. So just because somebody's showing a organized work area does not mean they are being dishonest. Some people much prefer working in an organized space it really speed you up and is much more inspiring than trying to work inside a mess

[@beeecolquitt3570]

The most relatable studio space ever! Such a vibe.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I do my best hehe, thanks for watching friendddd 💕

[@lumeiaart]

I can be a bit of a maniac when it comes to organizing things, but I do like "organized clutter" if that makes any sense! My favorite thing about your studio is definitely the overall warmth and coziness (is that a word?), makes you wanna sit down and get creative ☕✨

[@bedheadacademic]

That chair is amazing

[@NicArtistic]

Girl this is awesome!! I started following you when you had around 5,000 subscribers and you’ve grown so fast! You’ve been grinding and it has definitely been paying off. 👏 Congratulations on that 100k plaque! 🎉

[@addigfrance]

Wow it’s really cool that you linked everything including the wall art in your description. Just shows how much effort you put into these and I really appreciate it a lot❤

[@Colusei]

I love seeing other artists’ workspace! As someone who’s started KZbin recently I’m thinking a lot harder about the appearance of my workspace, I love how cozy yours looks! I’m definitely taking notes :)

[@GalletaCreates]

It's so nice to watch a real studio tour!! My studio is a part of my little bedroom, so even if I try my hardest to keep it perfect, it's impossible because I work there everyday and I always have paintings that I am working on! Also, I think the same about chairs, they so important and so underrated 👏

[@Naixteig]

I’m so excited!

[@ChantelleArts]

LOVE the art studio!! 😍 I wish I had more space for something like this

[@KlarehsArt]

Congratulations! That is so awesome! Your studio looks so cozy and comfortable. Nothing like a good nook. ☺ Slowly organizing a spot in my room to have a little artsy place as well!

[@untitled_paintings]

This was so interesting to watch! I just finished a small makeover of my own studio which, much like yours, is just a corner of my room, so this gave me some other lovely ideas on how I could improve it in the future! Thank you for sharing🥰

[@CryptoSaaga]

I really love your over all aura... And how you explain things... You have a tone in your voice that totally mesmerizes me..

[@s.melonita4454]

I crave your videos and aesthetic and realness and ugh, everything! You're so inspiring!

[@AtomLabX]

A desk setup that is similar to mine, and looks like a normal human being desk, instead of a crazy SaycoPath, I'm in love. Thank you for sharing this.

[@stratovolcano7813]

I'm so happy that you hit 100k!! You deserve it soso much. 💕💕

[@MarleneVega]

Ahh so many things I want to invest in now for my little studio 🥰🤞🏽

[@eduardavidalsilva5176]

congratulations girl!! is amazing to see you grow! loved the video as always. your voice is so comfy I love it

[@shmickcreations]

Yup! Looking forward to this 👌

[@renagasimova2240]

Thank you for sharing! just wanted to say that you are a truly inspiring and helpful artist! I remember subscribing to your channel when there were about 30k followers and wow! You deserve all that numbers and success! Good luck!

[@sarafeartist]

Lovely and inspiring studio, Kelsey, thank you for sharing your place with us! 😍

[@MariJadeWrites]

Beautiful set up and i like the vibe of your space 😊❤️

[@softandcosy]

love the plants !! and the lighting is so cosy

[@EllaBoadu]

So beautiful I love your workspace. So many plants and the books are inspiring

[@fearlesswild]

i just quit my job to do art full-time and your videos have been a great help love all the good info

[@MrsStrawberryChic]

Nice space. I would love to see more of your paintings.

[@vampireantihero]

your studio is lovely! I definitely vibe with the "visual clutter" idea; I have posters all over my storage cabinet and walls. thanks for the studio tour!

[@SazBerry]

As someone who strives for organisation but is at my core quite chaotic and maximalist, i really relate to and love this set up

[@zuzu_1]

Loving your space, it’s looks so cozy!! I’m currently creating a small art corner so this was perfect timing ☺️.

[@Jinji11]

So happy and grateful for your practice. Keep going. You got this:)

[@chloebrownart]

I loved looking around your space, it's really nice to see how others have set up their studios :) I could never display prints as you have on your wall, but I appreciate it in your space!

[@iMakeThat]

Woohoo! Can’t wait Kelsey! 🎉

[@iwannabeanartist9659]

me too ....I am super excited

[@kaleybales4309]

Hi Kelsey!! I found your videos a few weeks back and probably watch like 4 a day ha! I am currently planning starting a youtube channel in part because of you! What you said at the beginning hit home 🤣 I never know how other artists keep their things so organized, I've always been an aesthetic clutter person too! Looove all the plants too, v lovely. Thanks for making what you make ! 👍

[@splendidcyan]

I love how in depth you went with this!! Sooo inspired to reorganize my space LOL I clearly need more plants

[@KelseyRodriguez]

more plants is ALWAYS the answer

[@firnaza8435]

Hey kelsey, i love your video so much.. all of them.. You give me much inspiration and motivation, thank you so much.. Big love from indonesia ❤️❤️❤️

[@ibettegabriela]

Will need to look into that chair! 😍

[@floralheart]

Hi Kelsey, your studio is really very cosy, you don't need a large space to create good art, you have everything most artists dream of. I think that I need a chair like yours I constantly have back pain, maybe my old chair it's de cause or it's my 60th birthday coming around. :) Not sure but I think that's the chair I once saw in Geneva/Switzerland and asked the price, but I ran from the store after asking for the price. Have fun with your studio, it's beautiful.

[@mooglily]

Hi there! I’m new to this community & I’m not an illustrator, but I’m someone trying to pave their way as a creative on social media 💞 I really appreciate your approach to your channel & am very inspired!

[@troygoggans5495]

Congratulations on reaching the 100,000 milestone and I hope your viewership continues to increase.

[@amarin8600]

You had me at 'PLANTS' and congratulations on your KZbin plaque!!!!

[@arkanimation9833]

My art studio is a small corner in my living room. It’s not much but when I become an animator for a company that wants to give me plenty of money for my work I would like to upgrade my space like this.👏👏🔥🔥

[@super-poke-tuber4900]

Nice studio!!!

[@tiaraanderson]

I feel like an L shaped desk would be so much more comfortable ✨ nice plants btw 🌱🌱

[@KelseyRodriguez]

It really is! feels like a nice cozy corner and helps maximize the use of the space for sure 💕

[@bazutaartstudio]

so happy to see I am not the only one with a lot of stuff on their desk lol. I think you've done a great job making a tiny work space functional. Oh, and I hear you about Apple computers and just lasting forever. I am still using a 27" from like 2012, mind you she's a little slow now but still going strong :) that chair looks very interesting. I sure can't afford one right now but the thought of a chair to help with my almost constant lower back pain!! Thanks for sharing your space.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

my first apple computer was a 2013 Macbook Air and it lasted seven full years with no issues at all, except a quick battery replacement in 2019. If I hadn't started this channel and needed a stronger machine for video editing I'd 100% still have it! and omg yessssss the chair is definitely a splurge but the difference is incredible.

[@annadreamsart9756]

Clutter- the description of my desk workspace and house.

[@SunFlower-ll1zh]

hi where is the mike you are using from?☺

[@Lilstarnerd]

YAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

Wow that company send you everything. Omg😱i love oil paint s from pebeo. I just started as a self tought painter and drawer O.

[@husainyard]

May I know what paint did you use for the wall? Love the warm & cozy look.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

no idea! i live in an apartment so my landlord did it

[@Edgecumbeart]

aint nobody that can tidy my mess of a studio... lol... there is too much and i like clutter... i like having paintings scattered over my desk... it makes me happy.. :-) I tried to tidy a little for my studio tour, but only so people could actually see some stuff. I'm getting more plants in mine... but i moved most of them to the lounge room a few months ago and have not replaced them. I had crystals on my desk, but the 3 year old pinched them... hid them... and to this day i can't find them.. lol thanks for the tour :-)

[@brydenvargas9863]

I'm kinda the same way with drawers, my art supplies are kinda just thrown in there, lol. The only exception being my jewelry making drawer, because that one has to be organized on some level for me to find anything. xD

[@galtenoble]

Love the space! I also love furniture that's lasts, but I don't have the money for them yet. ^^; can I ask what watercolor set you're using in this video? I've been getting back into watercolor and I really love the convenience of a watercolor set with just a bunch of watercolor pigments right there all next to each other, but the one I own now is like a beginner/children's set. I'd love to find some higher quality watercolors with a similar set up

[@KelseyRodriguez]

It's a custom set i've been putting together over time! I got this empty palette off of Amazon and have been filling it up bit by bit ever since: amzn.to/3Rdo9AF

[@erniecelindsey8418]

I have that Valleyfair key chain from years ago! 🙂 Did you get that visiting or living in MN? Love watching your videos, they are calming and inspiring at the same time.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

living there! I grew up in MN before moving to AL and then moving back to MN for college

[@chiekohoki]

The last book I "read" was mistborn, though I just listened to the audiobook! Any reading I do recently is just related to school stuff lol

[@AlchemyOfChrist]

Who would you recommend to reproduce your art as a Printable product? Thx in Advance... your 30 ways video popped up in my recommendation. 🥰

[@debrastrayer8600]

Thanks! I will now stop beating myself up over my "endless stuff" studio space/living room! Long live "bits & bobs! I'd send you a picture but it just looks like a mess.

[@RistonDutu]

Hai kelsey... you art is good👍👍

[@momoquiz]

Hi, could you say, how have you done your thumbnail? It's amazing. In what program. I hope it's not a Photoshop because we don't aline.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

lol yeah it was photoshop, two photos mashed together and some text

[@planwithSC]

Wish my life allowed a dedicated work space..Ipad, laptop, mic..all lives in laptop bag and floats. I setup where I can when I can..

[@rebeccasartcorner]

I love how realistic looking it is! How do you attach the prints to the wall? I am struggling with mine. Since I have a concrete wall I can't just pin them to the wall and tape doesn't want to work with my wallpaper🙄

[@KelseyRodriguez]

a ridiculous amount of washi tape lol

[@rebeccasartcorner]

@@KelseyRodriguez haha😅👍

[@inkandcaffeine]

One of the things keeping me from filming (other than my insecurity of putting my art online lol) is that we're moving soon so i have no particular space to do art, i know thats a lame excuse but i love the consistency of other channels in their videos & i feel like i wont be able to cultivate that until i have a consistent space 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I'm pretty sure I've moved like five times since I started my channel so I wouldn't let that stop you from starting!!

[@fuckthechiemennnayygidamn]

Yayyy

[@artfully_marlee446]

I have Vicks at my desk too! 😅❤

[@KelseyRodriguez]

i have terrible allergies and it's a necessity lol, right next to my generic zyrtec

[@lifeismusicparnadonkers]

My room / art space looks messy too. My dad says i can have the attic for my painting. I still live whit my parents. In all fairness my parents attic is not big. The biggest attic i have ever seen is my aunts. She has a big attic. Its perfect for painting. But i don,t think she lets me use it cause she has also allot of stuff up there.

[@JAPAN4K]

Wonderful video my friend. I'm your fan＋👍🔔

[@glenndpagaduan7612]

Subscribed and watching..

[@planwithSC]

Etsy is great for cute and custom items

[@LourdesEsmeralda]

If my studio is messy I can’t work! I have to clean every single time, for me is better when everything is in its place. We cannot say everyone has a messy art studio cuz truth os not everyone is messy

[@lumen8039]

When you opened your drawers, I felt seen 😅

[@onionpainter]

👍👍👍

[@fuzzydragons]

I never buy that the studios we usually see as being that clean all the time and still be for a working artist, they are just too damn clean lol

[@Humboyz]

love the computer, hate de monitor ;)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

lmao fair it's not for everyone

[@soriyad2178]

I love vining plants as well. Unfortunately, i found that most I like are toxic to cats so I have to keep them out of my household. your studio is gorgeous and the messiness makes it looks more lived in than the perfect organized ones.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

my cat has never really been the plant munching type! generally as long as you can keep the plants out of their reach you're good to go

[@RaphaelAvant]

I think an art studio should be a little messy because it looks more like a personal studio. When something is too clean it doesn't seem like an art studio.

[@MonicaMolinar]

Oh yeah, I keep forgetting to ask…. What software do you use for editing your videos? I like how you do the split screen in your podcast with Al, and on the video I watched earlier, how you shared your screen on one side while you talked on the other, showing your May 2022 income. Please point me in a good direction so that I can learn how to do that. I’m stuck! By the way, I remember an earlier video (May 2021)where you had something like 570 subscribers and mentioned wanting to achieve a full-time income of +60K/year within 2-3 years. It looks like you’ve made it! HUZZAH! CONGRATS!

[@KelseyRodriguez]

so the trick to that can really be done in any editing software-- you just trim the video clips so they only fill one half of the screen and stack them on top of each other. I edit in Final Cut Pro, and get most of my editing assets from Creative Market (paper background and paper rips that mark the split screen), Motion FX, Creator FX, TropicColor, and Blindusk! I got my paper rip transitions from Cinepacks!

[@MonicaMolinar]

@@KelseyRodriguez Thank you for describing that process. There’s probably a tutorial somewhere here on KZbin to show me how to trim and stack video clips, and incorporate editing assets like your paper rip… oh my! There are so many things to learn! I am not married to the paper rip so I can wait to incorporate assets like that, but the trimming and stacking trick will be incredibly useful for some of my planned future content. Is it possible to trim & stack two previously recorded videos, or does this trick need to be done “live”? For example, if I wanted to film a close-up of me doing something, and also film myself talking, could I do both of those separately, then trim & stack them together during the editing process? I guess it *must* be possible, right? How long has it taken you to learn these skills? Just since you decided to become a KZbinr, or did you have experience from school or previous work? Some days, I feel overwhelmed by “all the things” but I know that with practice comes improved productivity, so I keep trying to gain more knowledge and improve my skills. :-)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

@@MonicaMolinar oh yeah i mean i do everything in post, that's why it's in the editing process

[@MonicaMolinar]

@@KelseyRodriguez Ahhhh… YAY! That’s better than worrying about perfecting the present, isn’t it? :-) Whew. I feel less panicked and overwhelmed already. I’m currently rewatching your guest appearance on Founders & Creators, from way back when you had something like 8K subscribers and were expecting to hit 10K fairly quickly. Does it seem a bit surreal to you now, to be where you are? Or rather, because you strategized well from the very beginning, do you feel like this is the rate of growth and success that you set yourself up for is simply all going according to plan? Either way, I enjoy watching your development and cheer your new heights. :-)

[@KelseyRodriguez]

yeah it's basically all going according to plan, just much faster than I anticipated haha! Definitely a trip for sure, the sudden growth can be very anxiety inducing in the moment

[@planwithSC]

Your discord is boss!

[@MonicaMolinar]

I have a couple of questions regarding your microphone. Is it giant and in the way simply because that’s the style of mic that you prefer? I know that there are LOTS of KZbinrs and Podcasters (even on ‘regular’ TV sometimes), who use ginormous contraptions like that. If that’s your thing, I get it - everyone has their own tastes and preferences - it’s simply not *my* style. I’d like to find something that provides fantastic sound quality, without being something I - or my viewers - are forced to look at when in use, if that makes any sense. Do you have any suggestions? I still watch your videos, of course, because of the content you provide. I can do without having to look at that mic monstrosity though, to be honest. I’d much rather gaze at the plants and artwork and watch you say all the stuff you talk about. With today’s technology, surely there’s a small option?

[@KelseyRodriguez]

Lmao yeah I feel you! The reality is just that the audio quality is WAY better if the mic is as close to your mouth as possible regardless of the microphone used and requires far less audio engineering in post. Before this i used a shotgun (on-camera) mic which has the benefit of not being in the shot, but at the expense of better audio quality because it's farther away from you

[@MonicaMolinar]

@@KelseyRodriguez Thanks for the info. I will need to figure out what will best meet my needs. Eventually, there will be some music coming from me too. I will need something to do multiple jobs well and, like you, I do not enjoy buying things over and over again. By the way, I’m glad that you’re happy with your Apple Studio! That’s the machine I desire, and went with an iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPad Pro instead, due to a smaller budget at the time. I look forward to building up my equipment! :-)

[@peckz.]

hi

[@chelmattson]

You remind me of Bella Ramsey

[@planwithSC]

yuck a track pad! I have a 5 button wireless mouse with side trackball! I couldn’t function without it!

[@thelastpencilstudio]

I hope you are taking ventilation into consideration, oil painting especially has fumes associated with it even for odorless mineral spirits that are bad for your health. If you start getting a sense that your skin is crawling you should probably open the window.

[@KelseyRodriguez]

I have two air filters and a large screen door right next to the space and only use non toxic solvents and mediums :)

[@drwonga13]

OMG I accidentally hit dislike! I thought this was a great video and thanks for showing a real working space! Now I don’t feel as bad about my lackluster space!

[@shroomy350]

Apple is the epitome of requiring their customers to buy things over and over again

[@KelseyRodriguez]

idk my last apple computer was a 2013 Macbook Air that lasted for seven years, I'd be surprised if this machine lasted under five. Just my two cents though!

[@RapiDEraZeR]

4:30 Lol, enjoy that Mac as long as it lasts. Apple doesn't want you to not buy things over and over again.

[@tmerk4292]

Nah, Apple has superior engineering. A brand new Mac could last more than a decade depending on what you're using it for.

[@RapiDEraZeR]

@@tmerk4292 Apple is good at selling people products. But being able to have control over what goes into your build and how much you pay for it, that Apple can't give you. I have always built my own PC's and never got disappointed. The odd parts that go bad over the years, can be replaced easily. I'm not big into Apple vs. Android. People should buy what they want. But when she said she doesn't want to buy stuff over and over again, then why buy products from a manufacturer, that for the longest time refused their customers to repair their devices themselves (e.g at small shops). Apple wants you to spend money where possible.

[@bedouralrashidi]

Please , can you add Arabic language in your videos🥲

[@nickandcochon4091]

This is going to come off as mean but I think having a whole segment about all the expensive furniture that has been sent to you for free is a lot less relatable then another artist keeping their room clean long enough to shot a video. I'm not mad brands want to support you but its a jarring segment to have given the opening.