This article originally appeared on the SongwriterLink blog.
As a songwriter, it's important to have a dedicated place where you can do exactly that – write songs! But if you're just starting out, you may not have the funds you need to get your dream Steinway piano just yet. Not to worry, though! Here are five tips for creating an amazing songwriting space that won't leave your wallet singing the blues.
1. Make room for lots of seating
Image via Kelly and Co. Design
As a songwriter, you have people coming into your space all the time. Whether it be collaborators, producers, or eager friends, there's always going to be a need for seating. If you're short on seats, hop down to your local thrift store! There are typically plenty of chairs, and all you have to do is spruce them up with a fresh coat of paint or new padding. You can do it – I believe in you!
2. Have your instruments easily accessible
Image via mydomaine.com
Any musician knows that creativity can strike at any time. Be prepared by having your instruments accessible. You don't want an awesome song idea to pop in your head, but you lose it because you took too long looking for where you put your guitar. I'd recommend instrument wall hangers, which you can get for relatively cheap online. All you do is screw them into the wall, and voila! Not only do you now have cool wall art, but you also have immediate access to your instruments at all hours of the day (or night, most likely).
[How to Set Up Your Recording Studio for Creativity]
3. Keep a clean, bare writing surface
Image via designspiration.net
Seems pretty self-explanatory, but you need space to write in order to write. Creativity will flow so much more easily if you're not concerned with pages falling everywhere because you’re writing on your lap. IKEA has a very cool lap desk that works perfectly for writing anywhere. I put mine right beside my piano so that I have easy access to both my instrument and my writing material. And when I'm done, I can fold it away so that it's out of sight!
4. Have warm lighting
Image via cotedetexas.blogspot.ca
In college, I always bought my own lighting for my dorm because I think fluorescent lighting sucks. It takes the life out of you and makes you feel like you're in a penitentiary! So, for your creative space especially, be sure to bring in a few nice lamps to bring warmth to the space.
[8 Ways to Make Your Practice Space Your Happy Place]
5. Shelve your books
Image via apartmenttherapy.com
Very similar to having your instruments accessible, it's important to have your books accessible. Maybe you need inspiration from your favorite novel, or some guidance from a rhyming dictionary. Having your books within reach will promote productive creativity!
Have any other tips to add? Let us know in the comments below!
Mackenzie Peters is a musician, songwriter, and intern for songwriting collaboration website SongwriterLink.
