CREATING YOUR OWN WORKSPACE

WHAT IS YOUR 'STUFF'

The first step is to look at what you are doing at that workspace & what stuff you need around you to make it functional. Of course we could keep all this 'stuff' in cabinets and feel very #minimalist but I know my truth. My truth is that I will not put this stuff away every day after I use it. So my best advice is to look at what is on your desk after a busy day. Take away the coffee cups (yes, plural) and rubbish and that is your stuff.

Note that I have two desks. This is my creative desk, the other desk is for packaging and keeping parcels etc but since I do most of my work here I thought this would be the best example.
My Stuff is...
- MacBook Pro + Mouse
- Headphones
- Ink + Brushes
- Multiple Memory Cards / Hard Drives
- Planners/Diaries of the moment
- Pens, Pencils and other writing equipment
- All of my business receipts
Not so Instagram worthy right?

YOU NEED PLACES FOR THAT STUFF

You need to organise this stuff as much as you can. Look at the things that are smaller but their are lots of. Like receipts, cards, stationery, pens. Collect these into piles then find a storage solution to fit. This is where being a girl and having 50 candles/vases comes into play. Finish a candle? That is your pen holder (or brush in my case). Have a vase? That is your new receipt vase, less pretty than flowers but will save your butt come tax time. Have a ring plate? Memory cards are pretty much the same size.

USE HIEGHT TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

I love to add height to my workspace so that I can see everything. When everything is on the same level it can be hard to see everything when sitting. I create levels by stacking some of my favourite books, favourite packaging (Mecca I am looking at you) & by using some wire fencing for a Pin board of sorts. This way you can pin up important notes so that they are at your eye level or put important memory cards away from where ink could (would) be split.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH #INSPO

This is where the vertical organising really comes into play. Stacking your favourite books on your desk makes it more likely for you to pick them up when you're having [insert profession here] block. It is like having the Facebook tab on your browser, but a lot more useful. I also love to switch up my board a lot, either with my work or things I have seen in magazines. They normally are not literal but for some reason I am drawn to them. This also is a point you can bring colour in if you like, or keep it monochromatic if you feel that way.

FIND WHAT ORGANISATIONAL SYSTEMS WORK BEST FOR YOU

This may take a little while but eventually you will find which ways of organising really suit your personality and your business. I love a physical daily planner for all my small jobs throughout the day as well as a diary for date details and a wall calendar for big scheme organising.

ps. MiGoals is giving readers 15% off with the code Jasmine17 at checkout until Nov 30.

ADD LIFE & ART

This saves the workspace in my opinion. I can be super messy as long as I add life back in with flowers/plants/art. To be honest Plants & Art are probably a better bet if you aren't going to Flower Lovers every week like I am, but whatever floats your boat. I have been able to keep Monstera, Fiddle Leaf & my Bird of Paradise alive for over a year so I feel like they must be very easy to manage. Art can add so much warmth and personality to the space but hey I might be a touch bias.

This is my first of many posts I have planned based around working for yourself & working from home. If there are any topics though that you really want me to cover that I haven't already in the Becoming Jasmine series. Let me know in the comments below!

jasmine x

Interiorsjasmine dowling13 November 20167 Comments