“Why Is Your Desk So Neat?”

Like many of you, I find painting to be a great way to wind down after a busy day.

As someone who struggled with crippling anxiety for the entirety of their 20’s, I’ve learned that it is essential to actively fit some kind of mindful creativity into my day, which is why I am so happy to have discovered miniature painting.

I needed to make sure my setup was a place I actually wanted to spend time in, and in a separate area of the house from where I work during the day.

As a result, my hobby desk is almost the complete opposite to my work desk, and sitting there is almost like taking off my “professional Melissa” jacket and slipping into the real me at the end of the day.

I also love the juxtaposition of a cute, colourful desk and the horrific things I’m painting, in this instance Konrad Curz’s flayed skin cloak.

Whether you have a whole room or a tiny corner to dedicate to your hobby, it’s important to make it a space you actively want to spend time in that nurtures your happiness and creativity.

Let’s take a closer look at some of my favourite hobby desk things!

Desk
An inexpensive, simple plain white desk from Ikea was the perfect blank canvas for this corner.

Having a white base gives me mental room to think more creatively, which is also why my desk is relatively clutter free- clutter just stresses me out and stops me from thinking clearly.

My work desk is dark wood with lots of black accents, so I love that this desk is bright, white and airy!

Pinboard
I almost donated this a few years ago but I am so glad I kept it!

While the desk is quite white and stark, the pinboard lets me add colour to the space and is full of things I love.

The things on this board are always changing but it typically has Images of paintings from my favourite artists (in this case Dali and Degas), fairy lights, Warhammer art, colour swatches for future projects, painting inspiration and photos of -and little notes from- some of my favourite people.

It’s almost like a living breathing board of the things that make my heart happy, and I love seeing it every day.

The Ghost
T: Can I borrow your drybrush?
M: Sure, it’s in the Ghost.
T: The Ghost?

I’ve heard storing your brushes upright isn’t the best thing for them, but I need everything in quick and easy reach, especially if I’m doing something like wet blending and decide to change brushes in the middle of it. Which happens often.

This was a $5 Kmart mug from last Halloween that was the best impulse purchase I have ever made.


Cutting Mat
I could probably do with a bigger one now, but this was the mat I used when I was restricted to the tiny dining table in my old apartment.
This one is a lovely soft grey colour which I tend to prefer over the green ones as I just find it easier on the eye, although I wouldn’t say no to a light pink one down the track!


Paint Boxes
Weirdly I have paints stored in another room, but I keep the ones I’m using confined to two little boxes to keep them within easy reach and stop them from migrating across the desk.

Mug of Tea
Life is too short to not be using a mug that makes you happy. This little flower mug with adorable little leaf saucer just looks like something a fairy would use, and I’m obsessed.

A Note About Anxiety

Anxiety is something that affects almost everyone at some stage, to varying degrees of severity.

I’ve thankfully been well for a few years now, but I will never forget how crippling and life-altering it can be.

That being said, if you are struggling with any kind of anxiety, please reach out- I know it’s scary, but there is support out there and things truly do get better- I am living proof of that.

Whether it’s painting, reading, writing, take some time every day to do something that makes you happy, even if it’s just for ten minutes. Get some sun, eat some fruit, go at your own pace and be kind to yourself x