A collection of game-changing tricks I use in my own studio spaces to boost productivity, comfort, and sanity
- Remote-Controlled Outlets: My #1 Hack
This is my favorite studio hack that no one talks about. You can get a 5-pack of remote control outlet receivers on Amazon for around $40, and they usually come with two remotes. Here’s what you do: plug each receiver into an outlet, then plug a power bar into each one. When you enter your studio, just press one button and—bam—everything on that power bar turns on instantly.
In my 1,000 square foot studio, I have spotlights at different workstations because I need intense lighting for jewelry work. Rather than crawl under tables or feel around behind things for those annoying cord switches or lamp dials, I’ve set all my lights to “on” and just kill or activate the entire system with one remote click. When I leave, one click and every light is off. No more crawling under tables. No more reaching behind shelves. It’s the dream.
- Gluing Stations and the Magic of Scrap Tile
If you’re setting up a gluing station, skip the fancy silicone mats. Instead, head to a tile supplier or countertop fabricator and dig through their trash bin. Grab a few scrap tiles—big, polished ones work best. These are absolutely ideal for adhesives of all types: resin, epoxy, super glue, you name it.
Spill something? No problem. Take an X-Acto knife, extend the blade fully, and scrape the glue right off. It won’t damage the tile. X-Acto knives are cheap, so who cares if the blade gets gunked up? I’ve tried silicone mats, but they discolor with metal powders and stone dust, and being white, it’s hard to see if there’s uncured resin hiding on them.
Tiles, on the other hand, are durable, washable with harsh chemicals, and visibly clean. You’ll know if there’s glue. You won’t ruin your work. It’s a no-brainer.
- Mobile Benches and Heavy-Duty Storage Racks
Around the edges of my studio, I’ve got fixed benches about two feet deep. But in the center? Floating benches on heavy-duty casters. I can move them around whenever I need more space. It’s so much more flexible than trying to cram everything against the wall.
And for storage? Get those kitchen-style metal wire racks with wheels. I store heavy rocks on them—they’re rated for up to 2,000 lbs—and I’ve never even come close to maxing them out. The real genius is the wheels. You don’t need an aisle in front of every shelf. Just wheel them close together, and when you need access, roll them into an open space. Boom—wall space saved for more bench surfaces.
Stack them up to 8 feet high and you’ve optimized your vertical space too. In a rented studio where you pay by the square foot, every inch matters.
- Magnetic Toolbars > Pegboards (Sometimes)
People love pegboards, but personally, I find magnetic toolbars more efficient in many situations. You can tuck them under shelves or in little nooks, without dominating wall space. I use 12″ and 16″ magnetic bars to hold my screwdrivers and pliers in tight, convenient spots.
Do they magnetize your tools? Yes. That means metal filings will stick to your pliers. But your screwdrivers will also hold screws better, which is honestly a win in my book.
- Scatter Tools Like Candy
X-Acto knives. Sharpies. Paper towels. These are my holy trinity. I keep at least 24 X-Actos spread across the studio, and I’ve bought about 60 Sharpies just so I never have to look for one. I’ve got five paper towel rolls in five separate areas.
You don’t need industrial dispensers—just basic bars or holders. As for rags, I have hooks mounted all over under my workbenches, so wet rags can drip dry without rusting tools. Set it and forget it.
- Articulating Lights and Mounts: Pixar Lamp Style
Spotlights with adjustable armatures are a must. Think the Pixar lamp guy, but with a 3-foot span. I mount them on walls between stations so I can share them. Instead of installing 10 lights, I have a few that rotate wherever needed.
Even better? Cell phone holders fit into those same articulating brackets. Now I can film social media content from any angle—overhead, side view, bird’s-eye—all without moving a tripod. A good-quality armature costs $60–$80, and it’s worth every cent.
- Bluetooth Everything, Please
You’re going to be filming yourself for content. Just accept it. But when your phone’s stuck next to a stereo via aux cord, you won’t want to. Go Bluetooth. It frees up your phone for filming, and your sound setup won’t look like you stole it from your high school bedroom.
- You Need a Junk Table
Trust me. You need one. Just… a table for junk. For sorting. For those weird mystery tools someone gave you. For abandoned projects (we all have them). For the weird bits that show up in your bag after a supply run. This is your no-rules zone. It doesn’t have to be pretty. It just has to exist.
- Tools for the Never-Ending Setup
Setting up your studio is a never-ending process. You’ll constantly be adding hooks, brackets, lights, mounts, whatever. So have a pegboard or wall dedicated to tools—hammer, drill, wrenches, paint scrapers, pliers—and have them all easy to access.
I keep tiny drawer cubbies—like 2″ by 2″ containers—mounted on the wall for all the little Home Depot bits: screws, sticky pads, carabiners, S-hooks, you name it. I tape one example to the front and label the drawer with its size or type. Instant visual inventory.
- Raise Your Power Bars
If you’re putting your power bars under the workbench, please reconsider. Crawling under cold concrete benches to plug in a rotary tool isn’t the vibe. Put your power bars at or above bench height. You’ll thank me later.
- Workstations, Not Chaos Zones
Remember gym class in school? All those little stations—push-ups here, sit-ups there? Your studio should be the same.
I’ve set up mine so that lapidary flows from sawing to grinding to carving to polishing. Same with my metalsmithing area: forming to filing to soldering to buffing. It’s easy to teach others, easy to work with a friend, and you’re not climbing over each other. Every task has a space. Every space has a task.
- Go Open Shelf or Go Home
Closed cabinets = out of sight, out of mind. I prefer open shelving. It’s chaotic, sure, but I can see everything. When I’m grinding rock and metal, things get dusty anyway. Might as well make the dust work for me.
Same at home—I even removed the kitchen cupboard doors. Open shelves are life.
- Stay Cozy, Work Longer
Here’s what no one tells you: climate controls your motivation. You won’t work if you’re freezing. So add a space heater. Put down some anti-fatigue mats. Keep snacks in a mini-fridge. Make the studio your second home. The cozier it is, the longer you’ll want to stay. And the longer you stay, the more you make.
Want more posts like this? Keep an eye on the blog, or better yet—come visit the studio. You might just leave with a few hacks of your own.