You know those videos on YouTube that show “minimalist,” desk setups, or workstations, with a grand total of four items perfectly spaced. Each item is new, perfect, trending, and guaranteed to trigger a cascade of new buying? Ya, I figured you did. They are rampant. “My ultimate minimalist setup,” or my “dream desk setup.” I find these rather odd. But that’s me. (Same for the perverse world of EDC.)
I find them odd because they aren’t about the desk setup. These films are about YOU buying what THE FILMMAKER gets paid for YOU buying. I also think they are odd because of all the creative people I know, the high-level ones anyway, NOBODY has a desk like that. Same for art studios. I know a few art studios that are organized, but never to THAT degree. Why? Because the artist is actually USING the studio. And art is messy. We learn that in grade school. I’ve still got glue in my hair, and yes, I ate as much of it as possible. So filling.
A few that stand out to me were the Francis Bacon studio. Good grief, look at that place. How about Peter Beard at work? (This is a great article by the way.) I am in NO WAY putting myself remotely near the level of either of these folks but after seeing one too many thumbnails for the modern “creative” desktop I couldn’t stand it anymore. I suddenly wondered, “What does my studio look like,” and why does it matter?” Truth is, it doesn’t but I thought maybe someone might find this interesting.
I’m fortunate. I have a job that keeps me more than busy. And I guess I have a second job if you throw in AG23. And my outside work life is just as active. Probably why I’m sitting here dog tired at the moment. Alas, no complaints. But the point is I don’t have time to pretend, nor do I want to. I just want to work, to make and to experience a life of positive, interesting endeavor. My current life requires what you see here. Yes, I put these items in order so you might be able to determine what is what. Normally, it’s in a big pile. No, I’m not joking.
What’s my point? Doesn’t matter. Whatever your desk is it is. I’m not selling you on my lifestyle or my style, just cracking a door and letting a little light in. The key is to create a space that allows for exertion. Creative, focused exertion. I think the same could be said for my car or your car. It’s just metal and plastic, it’s where you go that’s important. So if your desk isn’t “perfect,” it’s okay.
Comments 18
True. A desk or office should be functional for the one using it and a place you feel comfortable in. Like you things you use should be there within reach and not tucked in a closet. Mine is messy too, a little too much has been relegated to the floor lately, books don’t fit in the library anymore. But my car has to be clean, zero mess. To each his own way.
Your chair though seems like a back breaker!
Author
MC, T
This chair is pure death. I stand most of the time…
Ok, this is now my all-time favorite Shifter post. Because I’m grateful. My work area is a disaster. I’m a failed Virgo. Must have been born under an icy, cold, dark comet. I crave order and simplicity, but Loki sends in his clutter gremlins. I do need to move the needle – a lot of my clutter and disorganization stems from some laziness. We don’t do ourselves any favors lying to ourselves, right? But seeing this reminds me that workshops are places for work. I have camera bodies, negatives, lenses, audio gear, lighting, etc. in a modestly sized apartment. There’s no way my desk is ever going to be a single laptop with one orange LaCie hard drive off to the side, no wires in sight. I’d love for it to be as organized and work-conducive (made that term up) a space as yours – I can get there.
Author
Scott,
I actually have space here. Having said that, my wife’s studio is at least 2x mine. She wins.
My work desk was always a mess, but I did buy into the whole standing desk thing the last five years of my work life and loved it. Now it sits mostly idle in my office/pantry where the walls are covered with my prints, cheaply displayed. Since retiring my desk is my ikea chair and my ipad.
Author
Chuck,
Retired…man does that sound good. Enjoy it.
This relieves my guilt about not plugging in my shelf!
Author
Matt,
Let’s be guilt free until we can come up with something really terrible to do.
Love this Dan! Makes me feel better about my desk situation. I was always jealous of those minimalist folks…and always thought there is no way a photographer’s desk can be that clean! This is re-assuring, especially since we had our baby 8 months ago my desk has been a complete mess! Thanks for sharing.
Author
Michael,
Ya, I think there is the crowd that WANTS us to think they are that minimal. I do, however, know one very, very famous person who does have a desk like that. An entire room actually, but he also owns like ten houses.
I have 2 of those super low desks… you know the Japanese style ones where you have to sit on the floor and they are NOT comfortable at all. I also can’t remember the last time I saw the surface because of the ever expanding pile of pens, pencils, charcoal, ink, brushes paper, pads. I have an obsession for buying art pens, ink, and pencils when I don’t even need them. ( if you are in the market for a nice pencil btw, might I recommend the Faber-Castell 9000 series)
Author
Kurt,
You sound like a few other peeps I know. Pens, pencils, paper. Ahhhhhh, no. I have the same issue.
Hi! First post! I work in architecture in London (UK) and aspire to be a more well rounded and expansive creative. I have come here after watching a couple of Daniel’s interviews. Really grateful for the invaluable insights into the world of photography and with a real focus on what’s important… Anyway, I think I have watched too many of those ‘minimalist desk setups’ videos 😉
Author
Lorenzo,
Me too. It’s like a train wreck. I can’t not look. But never going to happen in my desk world.
Nice looks like my space, stuff everywhere, but it all has a purpos and supports my work 😉
Author
Jakob,
Useful messy….
I love this post, Dan! I’m aspiring to have 3+ desks as well … I have so much stuff it’s impossible to be a minimalist in this lifetime. 🙂
Author
Sarah,
A constant battle. you should see my office now. FILLED with AG23 packaging.