What's On My Desk: My Creative Workspace

Our desks and workspaces are statements about us, and it's been said that if you really want to get to know someone, simply take a look at his or her desk.

I am now about to give you a little peek at where I spend most of my time - my creative workspace. This is the place where I produce all my artworks, designs, crafts, and of course, Squidoo lenses.

If you are interested in learning more about me, please do read on. I will be happy to take you through the stuff on my desk and around my work area.

All images are copyright 2010 Cynthia Arre except where indicated otherwise.

The entrance to our little home office. Please do come in!

Some of my art and design reference books, a small Andy Warhol figurine, a photo of my husband, hand-sewn birds on a twig (made by a friend), and part of my wish and inspiration boards -- among other knick-knacks.

I've worked for more than 15 years in the field of design so I have amassed a collection of graphic design books (this is only part of the collection, I have an entire bookshelf of art books and materials on the other side of the room). If you are looking into a career in graphic design, some of my favorite books are below. These feature works by my graphic design heroes Stefan Sagmeister, Neville Brody, Paula Scher, and Milton Glaser.

Andy Warhol is among my biggest influences so I keep a tiny sitting figure of him on my shelf to remind me of the quality of design I should always strive for.

This is pretty much how my actual desktop looks like on a good day but usually it is riddled with post-it notes, pens, and a notebook for keeping track of ideas. A mug of coffee or green tea is always a consistent bystander too. My computer monitor is guarded by three angelic Momiji Dolls and oh, can you spot our curious little tabby in the photo?

By now you've probably noticed that I keep a lot of inspiration boards, also known as mood boards, wish boards or vision boards. I got into the habit of making them so that I will be constantly surrounded by inspiration, whether for the realm of design or life. This particular board contains cute postcards friends have sent me and cards with artwork that stimulate my senses. The hand-sewn owl is another gift from the same friend who gave me the hand-sewn lovebirds in the other photo.

Now it's easier than ever to create your own wish board. Take your pick from the selection of charming ribbon boards below then insert photos or postcards that provide you with creative stimuli.

If you don't have the time or resources to make an actual tactile inspiration board, follow the directions below on how to make one that doesn't require the use of scissors, pushpins, and glue.

My husband and I love to travel, both locally and abroad, so we've collected a quantity of souvenirs. I didn't want them to languish sadly in storage so I arranged them into collages. The collage on the left contains the ticket stubs of Broadway musicals and museum tours from our honeymoon and the other one is a collection of interesting flyers and pamphlets we picked up from all over. The collages are flanked by Garfield collectibles my parents gave me (yes I was a fan) when I was a teen.

As you have seen I have personalized each corner of my space in this tiny home office in a way that will inspire me to come up with work I can be proud of. So far, well I like to think that it's working...

It's also a fact that how one fixes his/her workspace defines the person that he/she is. The following are links to articles that can help determine someone's personality through how his desk is arranged.

• What Your Workspace Says About You
• What Does Your Workspace Say About You?
• What Your Desk Says About You
• What Does Your Desk Say About You? (A Quiz)
• Clean or messy: What your desk says about you

I would love to know what's on your desk, and I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of mine.