Discover the Ultimate Digital Artist Desk Tour for 2022!
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Setting up the Main Desk
- The Hexcal Studio Monitor Stand
- The M1 Ultra Mac Studio
- The BenQ Monitors
- The Ben Q ScreenBar Halo
- Design Strategy for the Desk
- The Grovemade Felt Desk Mat
- Additional Accessories on the Desk
- The Second Desk and the Flexisport Kanna Pro Standing Desk
- The Windows PC and Cintiq Pro Tablet
- The Sony Cameras and Atomos Recorders
- The Sennheiser MKH 416 Microphone
- The iPad Pro and Sketchboard Pro
- The Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard
- Conclusion
Setting Up the Perfect Studio: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
When it comes to creating an ideal studio setup, every artist knows the importance of having a well-organized and functional workspace. In this article, I will share with You my personal Journey of setting up my iPad Pro and Mac studio, tailored to meet the needs of an independent artist, YouTuber, educator, and Twitch streamer. We will focus on the key components of my studio desks and the thought process behind their arrangement, along with the accessories and equipment that make my workspace efficient and aesthetically appealing.
Setting up the Main Desk
The first step in creating a perfect studio is setting up the main desk, which serves as the central hub of productivity. For this purpose, I opted for a kitchen table from Rove Concepts with a beautiful white laminate finish. The extra six inches of depth compared to standard office desks provided me with ample space to work on various tasks. To enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the desk, I added the Hexcal Studio monitor stand as the centerpiece of my setup.
The Hexcal Studio Monitor Stand
The Hexcal Studio monitor stand is a game-changer in my studio setup. Its unique features, including a dimmable and temperature adjustable LED light strip, adjustable stainless steel legs, built-in power strip, Qi wireless charging surface, external data ports, and internal cable management space, make it an essential component for any artist looking for a professional and clutter-free workspace. Despite the challenging assembly process, the Hexcal Studio monitor stand is undoubtedly worth the effort.
The M1 Ultra Mac Studio
Sitting atop the monitor stand is my M1 Ultra Mac studio, which offers exceptional performance and versatility. With its extensive port selection and support for multiple 4K displays, the Mac studio allows me to handle resource-intensive tasks seamlessly. Whether I'm streaming on Twitch, screen recording, or editing videos with multiple camera feeds and software applications running simultaneously, the Mac studio handles it all effortlessly. Its power and performance make it an indispensable tool for my creative work.
The BenQ Monitors
To complement the Mac studio, I have two 32" 4K BenQ monitors on top of the main desk. Despite their imposing size, the large screen space they offer is invaluable for multitasking and enhancing my workflow. Additionally, I have the BenQ ScreenBar Halo on both monitors, providing me with adjustable lighting options to minimize eye strain during long working hours. The wireless puck that comes with the ScreenBar Halo allows me to control brightness and color temperature with ease.
Design Strategy for the Desk
When designing my desk layout, my primary goal was to minimize friction and optimize my workflow. I prefer a modular approach, ensuring that everything I need is within arm's reach, making it easy to switch between different tasks. To achieve this, I use a Grovemade felt desk mat to Create clear visual markers and designated spaces for my tools and accessories.
Additional Accessories on the Desk
Alongside my main workstation, I have strategically placed other accessories to enhance productivity and convenience. These include the Parkslope stand by Twelvesouth, which provides an ergonomic angle for my keyboard and trackpad, a graphics tablet for video editing and screen navigation, an IMac stand repurposed as a storage cabinet, and various walnut accessories from Grovemade, such as a pen holder and headphone stand.
The Second Desk and the Flexisport Kanna Pro Standing Desk
In addition to the main desk, I utilize a second desk, the Flexisport Kanna Pro standing desk. With its adjustable Height and large surface area, this desk serves as a versatile space for specific tasks. The desk is equipped with a felt desk mat from Grovemade, which not only provides a comfortable surface but also serves as a visual guide for arranging my devices and tools.
The Windows PC and Cintiq Pro Tablet
On the second desk, I house my Windows PC, connected to a Cintiq Pro 32-inch display tablet. This setup is ideal for tasks that require the processing power of a dedicated PC, such as working with Unreal Engine 5. I have upgraded the storage to a fast Samsung 980 Pro SSD to handle large projects efficiently. The Cintiq Pro tablet allows for precise drawing and illustration work.
The Sony Cameras and Atomos Recorders
To facilitate content creation and streaming, I have mounted Sony cameras and Atomos recorders on adjustable arms, providing me with flexibility and ease of use. This setup is perfect for shooting talking head videos, courses, tutorials, and video calls. Having these tools readily available ensures a professional and visually appealing background for collaborations and business meetings.
The Sennheiser MKH 416 Microphone
For high-quality audio recording, I rely on the Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone. Mounted on an Elgato low-profile microphone arm, it can be conveniently swiveled between both desks to capture clear and crisp audio during recordings. Its versatility and ease of use make it an invaluable asset in my studio.
The iPad Pro and Sketchboard Pro
As an artist, the iPad Pro is an essential tool for me. I use it extensively for drawing and creative tasks, often placing it inside the Sketchboard Pro for a comfortable drawing experience. The Sketchboard Pro can be positioned on top of another stand, allowing me to set up an easel-like arrangement for my monitors. This setup enables me to utilize both the iPad Pro and desktop monitors effectively.
The Logitech MX Mechanical Keyboard
To complement the Mac studio and other devices, I use the Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard. Its tactile feel and wireless capabilities make it a preferred choice for seamless switching between Mac, Windows PC, and iPad Pro. The keyboard's versatility extends to other devices as well, making it a valuable addition to my studio setup.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect studio for your creative endeavors involves careful planning and consideration of your specific needs. With the right combination of desks, accessories, and equipment, you can design a workspace that not only enhances your productivity but also reflects your personal style and aesthetic preferences. By following the step-by-step guide and incorporating the Mentioned components, you can create a functional and visually appealing studio setup that supports your artistic journey.
Highlights:
- The Hexcal Studio monitor stand is a game-changer, offering a clutter-free and professional workspace.
- The M1 Ultra Mac studio provides exceptional performance and versatility for multitasking.
- The BenQ monitors and the BenQ ScreenBar Halo enhance productivity and minimize eye strain.
- The Grovemade felt desk mat and additional accessories optimize workflow and organization.
- The Flexisport Kanna Pro standing desk and the Windows PC with Cintiq Pro tablet offer flexibility and powerful tools for specialized tasks.
- The Sony cameras and Atomos recorders ensure professional-quality content creation and streaming.
- The Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone captures clear and crisp audio for recordings.
- The iPad Pro and Sketchboard Pro provide a seamless drawing experience.
- The Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard offers wireless versatility across different devices.
FAQ:
Q: Is the Hexcal Studio monitor stand suitable for everyone?
A: The Hexcal Studio monitor stand offers unique features that may not be necessary for everyone. Its highly customizable design and premium build quality make it a perfect choice for artists and creators who value aesthetics and functionality.
Q: How many monitors do you have on your main desk?
A: I have two 32" 4K BenQ monitors on my main desk, providing me with a significant amount of screen space for multitasking and enhancing productivity.
Q: Can the BenQ ScreenBar Halo be adjusted to different lighting conditions?
A: Yes, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo comes with a wireless puck that allows you to change the brightness and color temperature without having to touch the physical light itself. This feature ensures optimal lighting conditions and minimizes eye strain during extended working hours.
Q: What is the purpose of the Grovemade felt desk mat?
A: The Grovemade felt desk mat not only acts as a comfortable surface but also allows for clear visual markers and organization of tools and accessories. It enhances workflow efficiency and provides a designated space for different tasks.
Q: What is the AdVantage of using a Flexisport Kanna Pro standing desk?
A: The Flexisport Kanna Pro standing desk allows for adjustable height and provides a versatile space for specific tasks. Its large surface area and ergonomic design offer comfort and flexibility, ensuring a productive working environment.
Q: How many cameras do you use for content creation and streaming?
A: I use multiple Sony cameras mounted on adjustable arms for content creation and streaming. This setup enables me to achieve various shooting angles and ensures professional-quality visuals for videos, courses, tutorials, and video calls.
Q: What microphone do you use for audio recording?
A: I rely on the Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone for high-quality audio recording. Its versatility, coupled with an Elgato low-profile microphone arm, allows for easy swiveling between different desks and ensures clear and crisp audio for recordings.
Q: How do you utilize the iPad Pro in your studio setup?
A: The iPad Pro serves as a versatile tool for drawing and creative tasks. It can be placed inside the Sketchboard Pro for a comfortable drawing experience and paired with additional stands for optimal use alongside desktop monitors. This setup offers flexibility and enhances productivity.
Q: What is the benefit of using the Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard?
A: The Logitech MX Mechanical keyboard provides a tactile typing experience and wireless capabilities, allowing for effortless switching between different devices, including Mac, Windows PC, and iPad Pro. Its versatility makes it an ideal keyboard for seamless workflow across various platforms.