What is a Studio Practice for Writers? And what is a studio practice?

A studio practice for artists refers to the structured and often habitual way in which an artist approaches their creative work within a dedicated workspace. It encompasses the routines, materials, techniques, research methods, and conceptual frameworks that shape the artist’s creative output. A strong studio practice involves not just making art but also engaging in reflection, experimentation, skill development, and professional organization.

Key Elements of Studio Practice for Artists

1. Physical Space – A designated studio or workspace that supports the artist’s creative needs.
2. Materials & Tools – The specific media, tools, and resources used to produce work.
3. Creative Process – The methodologies an artist follows, including ideation, sketching, prototyping, and final execution.
4. Routine & Discipline – A schedule or workflow that ensures consistency and progress.
5. Research & Experimentation – Engaging with art history, theory, and contemporary practices, as well as exploring new materials or techniques.
6. Documentation – Keeping track of ideas, progress, and completed works through journals, sketchbooks, photography, or digital archives.
7. Critical Reflection – Self-evaluation, critique, and refinement of work over time.
8. Professional Development – Networking, exhibiting, marketing, and managing the business side of an artistic career.

In contemporary discussions, studio practice often extends beyond just physical making—it includes conceptual work, interdisciplinary approaches, and even digital or performance-based exploration. The term is also used in art education to describe how students develop their creative methodologies.

Images below: 2014 Exhibit at the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia, and me.