Inside the Artist’s Studio is Artful Living’s exclusive look into the innovative, intimate lifestyles of creatives. The studio is a place of curating, of inspiring, of creating. These distinctive spaces play an essential role in the artist’s process and are a direct reflection of the personality and attention to detail that go into each work of art.
Headshot by Nylon Saddle Photography
You might recognize the work of Minneapolis artist Allegra Lockstadt from our summer 2016 issue. Her incredible illustrations perfectly complemented our commemorative coverage of the late, great Prince. She has been making a living as a freelance illustrator, designer and interdisciplinary artist since her 2010 graduation from MCAD.
How would you describe your studio?
I work from home, so my studio is my desk, my bookshelf and my flat file. For me, where I work is bright, comfortable, quiet and mostly solitary. I like my workspace most when it is really late in the night or really early in the morning. It’s private and compact but welcoming to others.
How long have you been in this space?
For almost three years.
What are your studio must-haves?
A studio must-have is cleanliness: I need everything to be clean and organized in order to really focus on the work at hand. Mainly I focus on having a clean desk whenever possible, but, this need for cleanliness extends to other small tasks and things around the house: the dishes, having my bed made, recycling taken out, not having clutter, watering my plants and so forth. As soon as that is out of the way, I can really focus.
For me, my biggest must-haves are my desk lamp and tools; without them, I would be lost. I also love having my espresso machine in my home. I also love having plants and visible life near me — it’s really refreshing. And having my window open on a rainy day and hearing the rain is blissful. Additionally, I love taking breaks outside.
How does this space foster creativity?
I don’t really know if my space fosters creativity as much as it does stability, solitude, comfort, focus and security to ensure that I have a focus for continuing to make.
What’s the best part of having a studio in Minneapolis?
The cost of living in Minneapolis is pretty low for a big city, which is great for creatives. I love that the creative community here is pretty intimate — although I will say it takes awhile to break into.
