Artist name: Tejae Floyde (pronounced tee-jay)
Location: Colorado
Website: Tejae’s Art
Blog: Tejae’s Art Blog
Flickr Group: Polymer Clay Today
Do you have a dedicated studio/artistic space? yes
Where is it located? My studio has always been in the basement, mainly because I can be messy and I don’t like cleaning up while I’m working on a project. 
We’ve recently moved and one of the selling points was the partially unfinished basement. The space was used as workshop before we moved in, and the shelf and peg board were already up.
Is it a large or small space? 15′ x 20′
What medium(s) do you work in? Polymer clay, paper arts, silver, mixed media, digital art.
Do you have a separate area for each? yes
What one phrase would you use to describe your studio? A work in progress.
What do you think is the best feature of your studio? It’s spacious, that’s the best feature. Second is the 2 windows that bring in natural light. When I look up through the window well I can see the tree tops and the sky which makes me smile.
What would you change if you could? The gray walls. Eventually I will lighten up the walls with a little paint.
Can you share any organizational tips? Group like things together and remember where you put them. (lol) I’m forever misplacing things but when I group similar things together, it’s easier for me to find them.
Arrange your tools by how you use them. The ones I use often are closest to me, if I rarely use it, it goes in a drawer or storage cabinet.
Best tip ever…SPLURGE, buy a big trash can or two. I have 3 and use them all. It annoys me to have to stop creating when I’m in my creative “zone” to empty the trash. I have 2 kitchen size trash cans (13 & 15 gallon) and 1 smaller one by my computer desk.
Describe the usual state of your work table? Piled up. When I’m working on a project, I’m inspired by seeing different options and experimenting. My table is usually full of “possibilities and inspiration” in the form of papers, textures, tools, stamps, inks, powders, magazines with about 8″x8″ clean workspace available for me to make something.
Does your work table face out into the room or toward the wall? My work tables face towards the wall, which works well for me because I’m easily distracted (ooo look something shiny).
What’s one drawback of your studio/artistic space? It’s chilly. My studio attire usually includes a flannel shirt, winter or summer.
Do you have any studio mascots (pets, mannequin whatever)? I have 2, a little muse clown and a little polymer dog.
Do you have an idea wall or inspiration board? yes. When I begin working on a project I usually make a “inspiration board” for each project. I make it on the computer in Word, basically copying inspiring images, color combinations and texture into the document. Then I print a color copy and keep it on my desk while I’m working on the project. I also have several places in my studio that inspire me. Seeing my stamps, or my colorful markers or pencils inspire me. Seeing my students hearts or fat books that I’ve participated in inspire me.
Do you listen to music in your studio? yes What kind? Contemporary christian music, eclectic music, easy listening and uplifting.
Do you display your own work in your studio? Yes. I started out as a fine art oil painter. Figure work and portraits were my favorites. I have a few of my earlier sketches, hearts and mixed media pieces.
Other artists’ work? Yes, I enjoy seeing the collaborative works and special art pieces made by my online friends.
What’s one quirk or unusual feature of your studio? Well, I’m not sure it qualifies as unusual but I do have a finished bathroom and bedroom. The bathroom comes in quite handy when paint brushes need to be washed out (or when nature calls).
Anything else you’d like to add? Libby, I’m so glad you started this feature. I love seeing into other artists studio’s. I’m so inspired by the beautiful, clean and spotless studios but I have to say the well worn, lived in studios with personality are my personal favorite. I hope other artists will send you photo’s to share soon. I’d love to see a few messy studios too! disclaimer: my studio is rarely as clean as the photo’s show.
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