Searching for interesting and inspiring things is one of my main daily tasks, it's essentially what my blog is about. Not sticking to one subject has possibly not done the growth of my blog any favours but from the start I've always maintained Buckets & Spades is a place where I would simply share things I like (and my own personal style mixed in). Turns out I like quite a whole bunch of stuff and sharing it with you guys is where the main buzz comes from.
As I'm putting more time into the blog I've started to think more about how I can turn my workspace in to a more enjoyable place to be. This leads me to workspace inspiration and once again I've gone Pin crazy. My space is pretty limited, spending time on sites like Freunde von Freunden Workspaces and The Selby makes me long for huge rooms which can be filled with all sorts of collected goods; but my situation couldn't be further from the truth. Money is another issue, checking secret sales sites like HushHush have started to become a mild obsession. As I mentioned in my previous post, For The Home, I tend to look for inspiration in real living spaces rather than a catalogue. For instance OneHundredSixtyEight is a constant source of inspiration, especially for something living in a small flat. Over the next few weeks I'll hopefully
For most running a blog is a hobby but I'm interested to hear how you guys balance blogging with day-to-day jobs? I'd love to hear if you have a dedicated workspace or even if you're doing it from the comport of your sofa. Enjoy your weekend.
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I agree that blogging is a great creative outlet. That, combined with the community of friends I've made is one of the reasons I can't quit mine.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had an office space! I blog from the ole sofa.
Great post Mat.
ReplyDeleteI'm really trying to balance my job and blogging, and it's really difficult. My work can be really draining and I often don't have the energy to blog. Which is a shame as blogging energises and makes me generally smile! You seem to be doing a great job, especially with your a no.1 in the up and coming Men's Fashion blog on Bloglovin. I think some tips are in order from you, as you're doing a stella job!
Phill
www.lifeandlemons.co.uk
Lovely work spaces, it makes me crave to redo my workshop studio! On the other day, just before I leave for Germany, even though I am grateful for my studio but I realise that it needs to be more of the place of inspiration. I need to make it alive, creating a mood board AND regularly change it- I've made one and it has stayed the same for years or in better words, I neglected it!
ReplyDeleteFor me, balancing between my business work and blogging is rather rubbish. Mum said that I spent too much reading blogs and blogging but on some times, I neglect my blog and focus on my commissions too much. Maybe I could make a rough timetable so that balance will be more balanced you know.
I've always wanted my own desk, proper one, just for my laptop and notebook when I blog or write but I don't have a room anywhere, so usually I blog in my studio or sofa if my cats weren't taking it over. Fingers crossed a new blog desk when I get to move in my own place in the future.
Definitely agreed! Unfortunately for me, uni work has to take priority so sometimes my blogging drops off when I get busy in that area of life. I don't have a dedicated space at all, just the PC in the living room haha.
ReplyDeleteOut of all interior designing inspiration, pictures of workspaces are my favorite! I think it's probably an illusion of productivity. Your blog is so fun! (I also love the way you take pictures!)
ReplyDeleteJessica | Vixenelle ☾
I am happy to hear you are spending more time on your blog! Its a thrilling thing to be able to do more of what you love.
ReplyDeleteI am lucky that my graphic design job is a benefit to blogging but its still tough to balance everything. I set aside time to blog, answer emails ,etc. and make sure that its while my kids are sleeping so I don't always seem on the computer. Its definately an investment of time to grow your blog but the good thing is, if you love it, its worth it. Good luck to you!
Aaahh, the blog. It's an obsession, isn't it? I think your blog has a very clear language and aesthetic - it's a great space!
ReplyDeleteI'm working so much on the computer I definitely have a dedicated workspace... I don't think it needs to be expensive. We got our desks from Ikea and lucked out on great swivel office chairs when people dissolved their house.
These workspaces are all so wonderful and make me wish I had a spare room to use as an office!
ReplyDeleteI love the space with the long white shelves above - it looks so inspiring and a great place to blog from!
ReplyDeleteI've found that blogging working full time is not so easy. Sometimes the last thing I want is to spend all day in front of a computer and then spend all evening in front of one. Though I love it so it's not really a chore and I try and spend an hour or so everyday just catching up with blogs and often read/write in front of the TV or in bed.
Couldn't agree with you more! Blogging is a great creative outlet and I love connecting with other like-minded people I've discovered through this amazing network. I too want to devote more time to my blog and have so many ideas for it. It's been a busy summer but I'm planning to make more time for it in the fall.
ReplyDeleteLove that poster in the first photo!
http://www.melindadiorio.com
And yes I am balancing it with a day job!! Which is hard! I'm always super impressed when I see a female blogger that works full time, runs a successful blog, and is a mom! Just balancing those first two things is tough!
ReplyDeleteWell I've always enjoyed the content here though it's just a tad all over the place. but even then it really isn't. I enjoy the diverse content. It all generally has the same feel though since it is coming from just one person, you. Really enjoy your pinterest. Funny not to long ago I didn't want an account there and now I have one. Just trying to get as much exposure as I can on social media networks.
ReplyDeleteThe rooms here are killer. They all have such cool chairs. I still can't seem to find myself one. Been tempted to make one out of leather maybe and paint it a cool color. But leather is just to expensive.
Come to think of it, how about some latigo leather and suede leather lace chord for NGco? Those will be neat I bet.
Luckily I have my own work room. It's a decent size bedroom, no bed or anything like that though. Just a big table and dresser to the side where I do all my pattern cutting. I also have a sewing machine cabinet and a machine along with it in there. It gets the job done. Definitely not as cool as these. And definitely not any room to put cool knick knacks up since finished sample shoes need a place to go too. Another downside is that the lighting is pretty bad in there. We're talking natural light too. Forget taking photos in there, everything just becomes way to blue and bright.
All that is besides the point though. I'm definitely glad I have a place to work because I wouldn't be where I am today or have anywhere near the amount of product I made if it wasn't for a designated work area.
It's interesting, finding that blogging / real life balance. I think it's got a lot to do with priorities. As I think you are much more of a real blogger than I am, but that aside.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you are putting more time into your blog. It's much more of a daily read for me now because I think the things you like / mixed with your own style are really awesome (sorry for the lack of comments, tho).
Those cartoon network figurines are really, really cool.
I'm pretty rubbish at finding a balance but I think it's because whenever I draft things up I always end up deleting them when perhaps they probably would make a good post afterall - I'm just too fussy I think. My cameras on the blink too which makes me want to blog less although you are a perfect example of how to produce good content when your own images are not used all the time, you honor others interesting finds which adds something nice to the mix.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of getting a mac desktop but I'm in two minds. I've never used a mac really but hear they are fantastic for creatives, although am I just jumping on the band wagon here?
Also forgot to say that light switch is my cuppa tea!
ReplyDeletewouldn't we all want a cute little work space just for blogging! at the moment i'm on the hubs desk, as mine is full of stuff, mostly though I blog on the sofa...
ReplyDeleteI go through phases of blogging daily then find like today I haven't blogged for 4 days, it just depends if I have anything to say! My blog is just like my on line diary as I always kept diary's when I was younger and wanted to start again, I find keeping a log better because of the interaction with others. I've made a bunch of friends all over the world that I write to and I love that, letters in the mail are one of my most favourite things :)
I like that you're not sticking to just one subject yet everything you post is true to your style. It's great reading and finding beautiful and creative things through your blog and I admire your eye for good design.
ReplyDeleteEveryone's living their life out on the net nowadays and I applaud people who manage to maintain an awesome blog along with their real life responsibilities. I'm a terrible blogger myself and can barely manage to put out a post a week. It takes a bit of planning, getting the photos right and then trying to write something not rubbish to go along with those. I try to keep my "real" life separate from my blogging though... the vastness and publicness of the net unsettles me.
Mat, I agree wholeheartedly. I love all these pictures and would love to make my workspace more inspiring. Definitely a project for me.
ReplyDeleteWe have the same work space taste. :)
ReplyDeleteI have yet to figure out how to balance everything. I have a teeny, tiny work area in the corner of our bedroom but more times than not I blog from our bed (sporting unflattering pajamas and unkempt hair).
What I wouldn't give for one room to turn into an eclectic office!
nice subject to discuss ahaks~! yup blogging started as a hobby but nw slowly becomes a serious one which got paid for posting!so it turns out to be so INCREDIBLY AWESOME..haha although juggling btween the REAL Job and this 'secret' job is quite messy but who cares! as u said do something that we love rite, keep on inspiring Matt!! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the print and you look gorgeous!Keep up a good work! <3
ReplyDeletehttp://www.2016bagoutlet.com