Co-working is a new pattern of working growing in popularity around the nation. It’s a social gathering of a group of people, who are working independently but share common interests and goals, to work in the same environment.
It’s much like having an office but you have the chance for variety and networking with others doing work in industries different from yours, which you wouldn’t find in an office environment. Co-working allows independent professionals and entrepreneurs the chance to come out of isolation and have that office environment they don’t have otherwise.
- A co-working environment can consist of a set group of people who’ve put it together or just a few people you know who want to work together in the same place for that day.
- You can co-work at coffee shops, restaurants, offices or anywhere you can imagine.
Working at home constantly, in a place where you live can become frustrating, boring, and sometimes debilitating to our work.
As artists, we can find ways to co-work, get out of the house and be productive and creative.
ARTISTS CAN BENEFIT FROM CO-WORKING
– Makes paperwork and internet time less stressful. Have to write that blogpost, catch up on sales reports, or need to work on some designs for your site? Getting outside of your normal environment can help you feel more productive and the more ‘painful’ sides of art business much less annoying to work on.
- Networking with other businesses and individuals. You may meet up with designers, web devs, coders, bloggers, writers or speakers. Chances to meet, collaborate or gain opportunities from working and connecting with people outside your industry can be beneficial to your art career.
- Variety of scenery. For artists, inspiration is essential and environment is everything! Having different surroundings to work in can help promote your creativity and ideas for work. Whether you are simply doing the internet/paperwork or creating art. You can find that getting outside of the studio can help. Collaborate with other artists to work together on projects on certain days. Make an event of it!
- Be more social. Some of us artists are a bit prone to reclusiveness. Let’s get ourselves out there and be a part of our community, help promote the arts in your area and make friends!
I wish I had a place like this to go to. The energy of being around other creative people creating is priceless. There HAS to be something like that in San Diego.
Off to find my space… thanks!
Yes, I believe the Encinitas Technology Center is like this. The owners are new Chamber members and they rock!
Years ago when I lived in Orlando I was a member of a huge warehouse/studio co op…it was wonderful, the sharing and comraderie….and we had great openings and auctions and a gallery…it was the most exciting time of my life as an artist…
I only wish something like that was in the area I live now