Not every artist wants to do admin work in their studio. In fact, for many of us, mixing paperwork with paintbrushes is the fastest way to fall out of love with the art itself. That’s why I’ve learned to separate the two—and along the way, I’ve discovered some surprisingly great places to tackle my to-do list. Think of this as a working artist’s guide to getting your admin done… elsewhere.
Trains and Boats: Mobile Workstations with Views
One of my all-time favorite spots to knock out admin work is the ferry. Specifically, the walk-on ferry in BC, which costs less than 20 bucks and gives you a solid hour and a half of transit each way. Now, sure, it’s technically a little indulgent—but if you treat it like a mini writing retreat, it’s worth every cent.
Back in the day, there was this sweet spot mid-ocean where cell phones would lose service entirely. Even if I boarded the ferry unmotivated, at some point I was forced to read, write, or edit without the distraction of the internet. Sometimes I’d handwrite articles just to embrace the offline moment.
But beyond productivity, I just love the movement of it—the view, the rhythm, the headspace. You might even spend time at the beach near the terminal or ride the bus there to avoid parking fees. It all adds up to something that feels like a creative journey rather than a chore. And while I haven’t done it on a train yet, I imagine it’s got a similar vibe.
Most ferries offer quiet zones or tucked-away corners where all you need is a clipboard and some paper. There’s a strange comfort in the solitude you find on board—surrounded by people, but mentally elsewhere.
Airports: Surprisingly Chill, Surprisingly Functional
Airports are underrated as working spots. Even if you’re not flying, many stay open during the day with amenities that make them perfect for admin sessions. You’ll find outlets, free Wi-Fi, comfy seating areas, and no judgment if you camp out for a few hours. Everyone’s just killing time anyway.
Put on some noise-cancelling headphones, grab a drink (overpriced, yes, but convenient), and enjoy the ambient bustle of people in motion. There’s something motivating about being around travelers without being one. You’re not overstaying your welcome—you’re just vibing.
Hookah Lounges: Low-Key, Dimly Lit, and Weirdly Productive
This one’s niche, but if you’re cool with secondhand tobacco smoke—or want to hit the hookah yourself—hookah lounges can be a surprisingly solid admin zone. These places are literally made for chilling. People play board games, snack, sip drinks, and sit on cozy couches for hours.
The lighting may be dim, but the vibe is just right for a relaxed work session. Go during the day when they’re less busy, and it’s quiet enough to get sh*t done. It’s not for everyone, but it works.
The Border Crossing: Where Admin Meets Logistics
I live close to the Canada–US border, which means picking up parcels in the States is a regular thing—especially when I can save hundreds of dollars by doing it myself. When you’re a small business, your time is cheaper than your shipping.
Now, sitting in the border lineup isn’t glamorous, but it’s perfect for admin work. I always bring something to scribble on, and if I’m feeling fancy, I hotspot my phone and pull out the laptop. Yes, yes, no one recommends phone use while driving—but when you’re rolling at one kilometre an hour in a lineup that takes 30–60 minutes, it’s just how it goes. You’re not the only one doing it, trust me.
Boat Yards & Wineries: Views Worth the Extra Glass
This one feels like a bit of a cheat because you’ll want to sip as much as you type—but boat yards and wineries can be fantastic low-key admin hubs. They almost always come with restaurants or tasting rooms, which means you can justify your stay by ordering a glass of wine or a plate of oysters.
The atmosphere is typically upper-class cozy: think wood terraces, calm servers, and an unspoken understanding that guests are meant to linger. As long as you’re ordering something, no one cares if you’re quietly tapping away at your laptop. Add in views of ocean harbors or rolling vineyard hills, and suddenly your admin session feels less like drudgery and more like an indulgent creative retreat.
Hotel Lounges: Sophistication on Tap
Now, if you’re picturing a roadside Super 8 lobby with sticky carpet, let me stop you right there. I’m talking about the lounges of four- and five-star hotels—the kind where a night’s stay will run you $300 to $500, but the lounge itself is completely open to the public.
Yes, the drinks are overpriced (get ready for a $30 sandwich or a pot of tea that costs more than dinner elsewhere). But what you’re paying for is the vibe. Picture this: a fireplace surrounded by couches and armchairs, low lighting, live piano or soft jazz, and professionals who are civil, cordial, and not trying to scream answers to trivia night questions over your laptop. Attentive servers top up your glass, and a concierge might literally ask if you need extra pillows for comfort.
It’s polished, it’s quiet, and you’ll feel like your admin work is part of something important. In Vancouver, Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge is my top pick, but honestly, a quick Google Maps search of “lounge” will surface plenty of gems—many open until midnight or later.
Classic Cafes: With a Twist
Cafes are the obvious choice, but let me say this: timing is everything.
You want to go early. As in, “they just unlocked the doors” early. Around 6 or 7 a.m., it’s quiet. The staff is still doing prep. Anyone else there is likely a business traveler or a remote worker, not someone catching up with friends over oat milk lattes.
That early morning vibe is golden. You’ll have Wi-Fi, a hot drink in your hand, and the kind of focused energy that doesn’t happen at home when you’re Doomscrolling under your blanket. You can stay a few hours—just leave a good tip or order a second coffee. Decaf counts.
Parks and Beaches: The Working Picnic
Outdoor work is hit or miss, depending on the weather, the crowd, and your tolerance for wind blowing your paperwork away. But when it works, it really works.
Personally, I’ll grab a hot chocolate early in the morning, then hit the dog park by the river—even in the winter. There’s something peaceful about a rainy park, a cozy car, and a parade of happy dogs running past your window.
I don’t even leave my vehicle. I bring a cozy comforter (you know the kind—Walmart special, the one that’s been floating around your house for years), park in the lot, recline my seat, and maybe crack the window for a breeze. Feet on the dash, drink in hand, clipboard in lap. It’s bliss.
You’ve got a park like this near you. Don’t pretend you don’t. It’s not the bro park with volleyball and flexing dudes. It’s the quiet one. Go find it.
In Vancouver, I personally love Iona Beach or the Fraser River Park down in Marpole.
Why Not Just Do It at the Studio?
Because I want to love my studio. I want it to stay a sacred, creative space. Not a place where I do taxes.
Yes, I have a great office—with mood lighting, a TV, Alexa playing chill music, and a bed for when I need to zone out. It’s totally separate from my studio room. That separation is the whole point. I don’t bring the annoying admin work into the art space. Ever.
Even with my cozy office, I still sometimes leave to work elsewhere. Because I run multiple businesses, and every one of them has a never-ending to-do list. Sometimes, if I go to the shop, I get pulled in every direction—questions from staff, customers at the counter, projects begging for attention.
It’s better for my focus—and my sanity—to bang out admin work at a cafe at 7 a.m. Or on a ferry. Or in a parked car next to a dog park. Anywhere but the studio.
Because that’s where the art lives.