Clearing the Clutter: How Tidying My Studio Shifted My Creative Energy

For a long time, my studio has been feeling more like a burden than a creative sanctuary. Every time I opened the door, I was met with piles of cardboard, leftover mailers, half-finished work, and a general sense of overwhelm. Instead of inspiring me, the space was beginning to drain me and this was evident in the fact I wasn't creating anything! I couldn’t find what I needed when I needed it, and even before I put brush to paper, I felt stressed. Creativity and clutter do not mix well, at least not for me.

Joining the Organised Artist Membership has been a turning point. Inside the community, I’ve found both encouragement and practical advice, especially from artist Anna Macdonald, who hosts the group. Her gentle yet firm reminders that a tidy space can unlock creative energy really landed with me. Having already undertaken a digital declutter (you can read about that here) I finally decided to stop putting it off and began the task of clearing the mountain of clutter which my studio had become.

It wasn’t easy. Sorting through old work, flattening cardboard, moving piles that had sat untouched for months, it took a lot of energy, and at times I felt completely drained. But with each bag carried out, each corner cleared, I felt the weight of the mess lifting. Slowly, the studio began to transform from a chaotic dumping ground into a light, airy space that I actually wanted to step into. It felt really GOOD!! And i saw it as a gift to my future self!

And the shift has been profound. Where before I felt blocked and frustrated, now I feel calm and open. Ideas are flowing more freely, and the simple act of walking into my studio feels like an invitation rather than a stressor. I’ve discovered that clearing physical clutter really does make room for creative energy to move again.

It’s not perfect, and I know it will be an ongoing practice to keep the clutter at bay, but the difference is undeniable. Tidying my studio was about so much more than just cleaning—it was about reclaiming my space, my energy, and my creativity.

Thank you to Anna and The Organised Artist Membership for motivating me to do this.

If you would like to find out more about the membership - Anna has an amazing offer at the moment with 30 days of the Organised Artist Membership FREE!!

If you like the sounds of that you can join using this link

It is the best money I have spent in a while - and I can highly recommend joining if you're feeling overwhelmed with clutter in any aspect of life!