Creative Chaos

About 10 years ago, I began studying the art of Feng Shui. Translated to literally mean "Earth-wind", Feng Shui utilizes the art of placement to obtain harmony in our living spaces and in our lives. By now I'm sure you've heard of Feng Shui, and if you have not- there is a ton of information all over the Internet.

When I first began studying this art, I spent a lot of my time making sure my home and my office adhered to every 'rule'. All the elements were represented, furniture was placed just right, etc, etc. I remember being teased relentlessly by my old neighbors for burying crystals in the apartment courtyards just to keep the energy flowing in the right directions. Are you wondering how in the world I found a man to marry me? Yeah. Me too. The good news is I haven't buried crystals in years, and I have relaxed on a few of the Feng Shui 'rules'. However, I am always thinking about placement, and how different objects cause me to feel.

Recently, I was checking out pictures of home studios from some of my fellow voice actors at VoiceOver Xtra. Many of these home studios are simply gorgeous, while others are strictly about efficiency.

For me, it was more interesting to see the actual space that had been created than it was to see the equipment used. I wonder what each person is thinking when certain pictures are hung, or why objects are placed where they are. Then, I decided why not share my own space?

What is funny about my studio is that it does not match the rest of my house, at all! My taste is very understated, very 'Southern Living' meets a taste of Italy (if you can picture that). My studio? Not so much. I decided from day one that I wanted a space filled with creative chaos. I wanted bright colors (mainly shades of blue, for success, creativity, and career), and I wanted to be surrounded with encouragement. I knew my studio would be the one room in the house I spent the most time, and I wanted to be comfortable. I also knew there would be days of frustration, and I wanted to be able to look around and instantly be reminded of success.

With these things in mind, I decided to cover nearly every inch of the room with pictures. Favorite drawings in frames, photos, autographs, cartoon posters, and more! I added rugs , plants, and an overstuffed chair to give the room a lounge vibe. My actual recording room has a blue shag rug and a shelf covered in polka dotted fabric. I put beanie babies and action figures of characters I have voiced all around. Honestly? It's hideous! And I love it completely.

My favorite object in my studio is a wooden cross that hangs just to my left. On it is painted a quote from Emma Bombeck.

"When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'."

I'm curious, what were the motivations behind your space? Feel free to leave a comment!

As a side note, in the morning I will be flying to a new space for a few days. I'm headed with my mother for a girls trip to Costa Rica. If I get any good macaw, sloth, or monkey pictures- I'll be sure to post them here!