The Anthology’s Workspace column takes us inside the creative spaces of some very creative people.
She’s a television personality, producer and blogger and I’ve known Erin Shaw for years (and her sister even longer because Vancouver is the biggest small town in the world!). But I’d never actually worked with Erin until I was a host on Timmy’s Telethon and she was my producer (thanks again!).
Since she’s always creeping other people’s spaces in her peep-worthy column over at Vancouver Is Awesome, I thought it would be fitting to creep her workspace. Accompanied by photos by Art3fact, Erin takes us through her surprisingly tidy space in her own words.
1. When you look at my desk, it’s pretty organized. When my space is clear, my mind is clear and I’m able to work. I try and my workspace pretty clear and tidy, except for a few key things that inspire me.
2. Pictures of family and friends, a reminder of the important stuff.
3. My Bay teacup – I drink probably about three pots of tea a day if I’m working from home. It’s a great procrastination strategy to always be getting up and making tea. You should try it sometime! I actually bought this cup for my boyfriend for his stocking this year, but he doesn’t get to use it much.
4. The Selby is in Your Place – Great inspiration for my Vancouver is Awesome column “The Pop-In Series.” I tend to be a minimalist in my workspace (and home) by default, and it’s a good reminder that people co-exist with beautiful creative and messy explosions all around them. I would love to have some messy explosions and this book reminds me that productive workspaces aren’t always made up of 90 degree angles and clutter-free surfaces.
5. My notebook. All my notebooks need to be lined because I can’t stand not writing straightly (again — an aversion to messiness). This one is by Leuchtturm1917 and I got it because of the colour. I can never find a black book in the bottom of my bag. It’s always handy to have a smart-looking notebook at meetings…sometimes even more than a smart tablet!
6. My clockradio. I listen to CBC most of the day while I work. I’ve had this clockradio since I was 8, and it was the first place where I got to choose the station. This thing helped me discover the romance of the airwaves…and the idea that through this technology that hasn’t changed much, you can reach an audience. I still love radio and the shared experience that it offers.
7. My pinboard. All the paper that lands on my desk goes up here. Post-its, reminders, cards, stamps, lotto, gift cards, and notes all go up off the desk and onto this board. It saves my sanity.
8. The ledge holds all the nicknacks that I love, but don’t want on my work surface. The mini elephant is from my Grandma who got it probably in the 1960s. I keep it there because it reminds me of my time in Thailand in 2011 when I volunteered with an Asian elephants rescue centre. It’s a good reminder to slow down, and remember that we’re small pieces of the puzzle.
9. Panasonic headphones. I need those for editing video mostly, but they are also really helpful when I can’t concentrate. If I find the right music, I can tune everything else out.
[Photos by Art3fact]
P.S. Get a peek at Erin’s latest projects here. And if you’re in Canada you can catch her guest hosting The Rush March 25-28.
P.P.S. Creep the creative spaces of some very creative people, like Erica Lam of The Style Spy, Niki Blasina of A Haute Mess, and Anya Georgijevic of I’m the It Girl in The Anthology’s Workspace column.
