phm studio spaces: Nice

Artist Name: Caitlin Holcomb of Nice
Website/Shop: nice.etsy.com
Blog: nice-etc.com
City: Chicago



Where in your home/apartment is your studio located?
The second bedroom of a 2 bedroom apartment I share with my boyfriend. I just got the room set up so these photos show the sort of bare bones (nothing on the walls and my fabric and things hadn't yet been unpacked).



What equipment/tools do you use?
My computer is my most favorite tool. From photoshop to the internet and so forth, it's a huge part of my work process. Drills and dremels have come in pretty handy..my sewing machine, though I have to say, I do a ton of hand sewing.



Do you have an inspiration board, and can you tell us what is inspiring you now?
Growing up I always seemed to have inspiration boards happening at some place in my bedroom, but lately I haven't been needing that. I tend to save random images to an inspiration folder on my computer, and magazines seem to still do the trick (though I never cut them up). I like to quickly skim through my inspiration sources so my brain doesn't become too saturated. The closest thing to an inspiration board in my work space right now is a huge piece of cardboard which I propped up like a science presentation board from middle school! We rent so I didn't want to put holes all over the walls, so I've been using it to pin up my vintage crochet trims and doilies that I use for my light shades. This has been a great help as it allows me to see them always and pick and choose as I go.

How do you create best (e.g. do you listen to music while you create and if so what?)
When I am working on projects for Nice, I have been doing a pretty ok job at making sure I wake up at a normal work day time, though it might still be true that my creativity and work ethic really shine in the evening! It's sort of a battle..haha. My most favorite artist to listen to while I work is Colleen (colleenplays.org), and this has been true for several years now! When I need something upbeat I listen to a lot of old bossa nova and various artists that have stayed in my favorites for some time. Music has always been a huge part of my life and I often tell my blog readers and Etsy customers that if they send in photos of their purchase I'll send them a mix cd in exchange!



List (3) of your favorite artists:
ohmerci.etsy.com - First, I have to say my mom. She has always encouraged my brother and I to be creative and she is a wonderful inspiration. Ever since I can remember she's been making beautiful things. She is also the kindest person I have ever known.
Henry_Darger - I never grow tired of Henry Darger and his work. I love his story.
urner Classic Movie channel - I have so many favorite artists, so I decided for my last link to instead include a favorite source of inspiration. I absolutly love the Turner Classic Movie channel. If I watch television, it's usually that. I am a huge fan of old movies.

If yours isn't, what would be your perfect studio?
I just moved into this apartment so I'm pretty thankful to have the space I do now. I'm pretty fortunate to have it. But a girl can dream...My dream studio would be in or near where I live, have tons of natural light, painted white wood floors, huge counter height tables, tons of storage, should probably be right off of some beach yet still close to a fabric and art/craft store and probably also near a nice bakery/cafe!



Thanks Caitlin!