#workspace setup

So.... I'm currently waiting on feedback for the Big Thing I had to write for my thesis, and I have a very sobering activist post I'm planning for tomorrow, and it's just been a really rough couple of weeks in general. So I've decided to do something fun and frivolous and not terribly productive but that's the point.

I've seen other artists show off their studio spaces, and they're ALL way more cool and well-decorated and generally cleaner than mine. I know a lot of that is tidied up for social media, and I do love me some organization porn, but I thought it would be fun and worthwhile to show off my studio/home office/living room space in all its messy dumpster fire glory:

Things to note:

The kneeling chair. I have ADHD and a bad back, and this chair is kind of the best investment I've ever made for both of those things. I can stim by rocking while I work. It forces me to not hunch over. OR it makes me go full 'L from Death Note', depending on the hour of the day.

The cat carrier. Literally nowhere else to put it. My cats hate it.

The ukulele, amp and lurking electric guitar. Sometimes I get so frustrated with my work I need to jam it out angrily on some musical instrument. Usually the ukulele, because I don't have to plug it in. My neighbors are very understanding and I try to keep my rage-jamming to daylight working hours. I'm not a good musician, but I am a very enthusiastic one.

PeachyBbies slime. When I'm too tired to jam, or rock, I slime. It's actually really effective. I haven't used them in a while, though, because they have melted a bit in the sun and are all sticky. Need to spray 'em with some baking soda and water.

Giant Ass Waterbottle. Yes, it's a Stanley. I drain this thing multiple times a day. I'm never dehydrated and I spend roughly half the day in the bathroom. I've recently added a Manfred sticker to it. It's me and Manfred against academic bureaucracy.

The just-barely-in-view Lego box. It contains the set for Gandalf and the Balrog. It's adorable. I can't put it together, however, because I have a cat who literally seeks out objects I value in order to knock them down when he's upset. So it's just sitting there. Chilling. Vibing. A lost dream.

Eagle-eyed viewers might be asking, "Laura, why is there a painting of a clown on your wall?"

The answer is, that clown is my grandpa. As painted by my grandma.

Yes, he was a Real Actual Clown. My grandma was also a Real Actual Clown. Literally graduated from Real Actual Clown School. But she didn't do a self-portrait of her clownsona, which is a travesty. That would have been the CUTEST and WEIRDEST couple's portrait set.

Grampa Pickles here keeps an eye on me and makes sure I don't take anything too seriously.

I would also like to show off my keyboard:

In my humble opinion, when you are in a typing-intensive type of job and primarily work from home, a really nice thonky mechanical keyboard is actually a major productivity aid. Plus, it's rainbow and it lights up. Really top of the line tech.

I would also like to bring attention to my assistant who hangs out by the window while I work:

I was trying to take a nice portrait of him but he really wanted to boop the camera. He's saying hi!

Finally, a close-up of my Emotional Support Bottle:

He helps me get through the day. And stay hydrated.

5-Tier Desk File Organizer with Pen Holder

This organizer is a game changer for my cluttered desk! It holds files, papers, and pens all in one spot. So easy to keep everything tidy. Check the link for details!

Desk organizer with drawer and file holder for home office

Finally got my desk under control with this organizer! It has a drawer for small stuff, a pen holder, and a vertical file slot that keeps papers from falling over. Perfect for a tidy workspace. Check the link!

Mesh Desk Organizer with Double Tray and Sliding Drawer

Just picked up this mesh desk organizer and it's a game changer! Double tray, 5 upright sections, and a sliding drawer – perfect for keeping all my pens, gadgets, and sticky notes tidy. Totally worth the $25! Check the link!

Mesh desk organizer with 9 compartments and drawers

Finally got my desk together with this mesh organizer! It has 9 compartments and even a little drawer for small stuff. Super handy for pens, notebooks, and all my random supplies. Check the link if you need a quick fix for your workspace!