Learn how commercial illustrator and educator Thom Sevalrud sparks creativity and keeps his in-home studio functional.
Where is your studio?
My studio is a spare bedroom at home. The convenience of working from a home-studio has always been the appeal. I can work any time and at a moment’s notice on something.
What is a must-have for your work space?
My studio is not huge, so I would say a must-have is good organizational systems like good shelves, files, and places for things to go. My space is often times just a mess, but when it is organized, it functions better. I have lots of books for inspiration and lots of paper floating around, so having places for those things helps. Good lighting and a decent chair are also important.
How have you made your space functional for your process?
I used to work with mostly traditional materials for many years. That process has evolved over time and I now work in a more hybrid way. While most of my ideation and sketch process is analogue, my art making is perhaps more digital now due to time constraints. I have two areas in my studio: an area for wet and traditional media and an area for me to sit and work at a computer.
Tell us a bit about your computer set up.
I work on a desktop iMac with a scanner and printer nearby. I also use an iPad periodically to draw or test out certain elements. I sometimes import those things into my work. I don’t use a Wacom tablet or anything like that.
What ‘decorates’ your space?
I have books in a large wall unit nearby, I have lots of knick-knacks and objects/toys around. I also have small art pieces I have picked up over the years that are very colourful and provide graphic inspiration. I have a small collection of Day of the Dead objects, and odd retro collectables like a Kraft Dinner telephone and an ‘Etch-a-Sketch’ and signage letterforms. Lots of things are also stashed away in closed bookshelves or closets because I don’t have space. I’ve been trying to declutter.
What do you do to set the mood for work?
My process is pretty simple. I need quiet for the ideation stage. Ideation comes sometimes from not being in my studio so I take a note book with me to jot down quick ideas on walks. I get lots of great ideas when I do my swim workouts. Then I sit at a table to draw things out in my studio. Everything is drawing on paper at this stage and I love the comfort of this. But once I have my ideas laid down with a composition I like, I need music for the actual painting or doing the final image. Music is a must.
What inspirational items is a must for your space?
Music is probably the number one inspirational thing that is a must. Art books are another.
What if anything would you change about your space? Any dream setups that you aspire to?
A bigger space would be a nice ideal. I think all artists are faced with this reality. Space to create with even more efficiency and perhaps more brave abandon. I like experiencing my work when I see it large. I would like to create large paintings and I need space for that. I also come from a print-making background. I would like more space for that type of work. We shall see if that dream becomes true!
View Thom’s illustration. Represented by i2i Art Inc.