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Artist's Creative Haven: Slumbering Felines and 9-Year-old Wacom Cintiq are essential elements in Derek Laufman's artistic retreat

Derek Laufman displays the imaginative hideaway that he retreats to, escaping the gloomy winter doldrums.

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3 min read
Derek Laufman reveals his artistic sanctuary, a haven that uplifts his spirits during the dismal...
Derek Laufman reveals his artistic sanctuary, a haven that uplifts his spirits during the dismal winter season.

Artist's Creative Haven: Slumbering Felines and 9-Year-old Wacom Cintiq are essential elements in Derek Laufman's artistic retreat

In my quest for the perfect creative haven, I stumbled upon my current studio above our two-car garage back in 2012. Ideal for escaping the chaotic family life with my two active boys, this space welcomed me with the promise of endless inspiration.

Kicking off my creative days at 9am, I start by sifting through emails and messages for roughly 30 minutes before diving headfirst into the world of drawing. Crafting two workstations within this sanctuary, I've managed to maintain a balance between digital and traditional art.

My primary digital workhorse is the trusty Wacom Cintiq 27 QHD tablet, boasting an impressive nine-year run of service. Flanked on the left, I've got a vertical 24-inch monitor showcasing reference images, while a 32-inch 4K monitor above showcases my work on an ergo arm, offering flexibility when switching between digital and traditional media modalities. Often, you can find YouTube videos playing while I work.

My vocal musings are captured by a Røde mic, the image is streamed via my Google Pixel 7 phone, and I've got a cozy reclining loveseat for reading moments or a nap. A large magnetic whiteboard on the left wall keeps my comic project concept art organized.

Next to the digital station, there's a drawing table with a collection of pens, pencils, brushes, and inks nearby. The area can get a bit messy but that's part of the creative process. Further to the right, you'll find another table housing my Bluetooth speakers, large-format scanner, and an art printer.

A massive wall calendar helps me stay aware of deadlines while two large bookshelves store my beloved graphic novels, comics, and art books. I've managed to fill every inch of this space, proud of my build-it-yourself creative sanctuary.

Optimizing Your Own Creative Studio

Keen to have a setup as inspiring as mine? Consider the best drawing tablets, artist monitors, and ergonomic chairs to ease back pain:

Drawing Tablets

  1. Wacom Intuos Pro - Ideal for professional artists, offering precision and a pen-to-paper feel [1][2].
  2. Wacom One 13 Touch - Great for those who prefer a screen display, with a touchscreen for intuitive gestures[1].
  3. Huion Kamvas Pro 13 - Offers a budget-friendly option with good performance and a stylus[2].
  4. Xencelabs Pen Tablet Bundle - Known for its precision and versatility, suitable for various artistic needs[2].

Artist Monitors

  • Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 - Features a stunning display suitable for detailed artwork, ideal for professionals[2].
  • BenQ PD2700U - Offers excellent color accuracy and adjustable ergonomics, making it comfortable for long use.
  • Epson SureColor P5070 - Known for its high color gamut and precise color management, ideal for graphic artists.

Ergonomic Chairs

  1. Herman Miller Embody Chair - Designed to reduce back pain with its supportive back and adjustable features.
  2. Steelcase Leap Chair - Offers a comfortable seating experience with adjustable lumbar support to prevent back strain.
  3. Ergohuman High-Back Executive Chair - Provides excellent support and comfort with its adjustable features and high backrest.

Setup Considerations

  • Ergonomic Desk - Ensure the workspace is at a comfortable height to avoid straining your neck and back.
  • Lighting - Proper lighting can reduce eye strain and improve overall comfort.
  • Break Reminders - Regular breaks can help prevent fatigue and maintain productivity.

By establishing a balanced, efficient, and comfortable setup, you too can create your ideal creative haven.

References:

[1] Digital Trends

[2] Tom's Guide

[3] The Spruce Crafts

  1. In this quest for an ideal creative haven, explore drawing tablets like the Wacom Intuos Pro and Huion Kamvas Pro 13 for precision, or the Wacom One 13 Touch for a screen display.
  2. For artists seeking a professional-grade monitor, consider the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24, BenQ PD2700U, or Epson SureColor P5070 for their outstanding display quality and color accuracy.
  3. To invest in your own ergonomic chair that reduces back pain, consider the Herman Miller Embody Chair, Steelcase Leap Chair, or Ergohuman High-Back Executive Chair.
  4. To optimize your workspace, consider an ergonomic desk, proper lighting, and break reminders to maintain productivity and overall comfort.
  5. To achieve the perfect balance of traditional and digital art, craft two workstations within your sanctuary as I did, with one for digital art and another for traditional media.
  6. My primary digital workhorse is the Wacom Cintiq 27 QHD tablet, a reliable choice boasting a nine-year run of service and a screen size suitable for detailed artwork.
  7. In addition to digital media, maintain your sketching and drawing skills by keeping a drawing table with a collection of pens, pencils, brushes, and inks nearby.
  8. Embrace the blend of creativity and lifestyle by incorporating elements of home-and-garden, such as a large magnetic whiteboard or bookshelves filled with your beloved graphic novels, comics, and art books.

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