Studio Space

by Arnie Fenner

John Jude Palencar suggested that we post pictures of our studio spaces and, what the hell, here are Cathy's and mine. Originally we had used one of the bedrooms in our house, but eventually needed more room and moved to the basement. Every so often we talk about renting an office or loft, but we've never been able to justify the added monthly expense (at least so far). There's something to be said for separating work from home; then again, we've always worked 9-5 jobs (until Cathy and Hallmark parted company last year; I'm still art director for Andrews McMeel) so the thought of another studio to drive to isn't all that attractive.

My space on the left, Cathy's on the right. Hanging on the wall in between is a men's magazine original painting by James Bama.

Above is Cathy's IMac. To the left is a printer/scanner.

Some of the toys sitting above Cathy's computer.

I couldn't bear to part with the hi-res AGFA scanner we'd bought years ago—and which still works like a champ—so we have it hooked up to a G4 to the right of Cathy's IMac. We use the bulletin board to ineffectually keep track of things.

I, uhh, sorta like Mike Mignola's Hellboy. Obscured behind is a poster promoting Jim Gurney's first Dinotopia book.

This is my workspace. G5, laser printer and fax to the right. On the easel is something of a mess of an unfinished acrylic and gouache painting that I work on every blue moon when I'm bored.

Some volumes of Illustrators that I have on the bookshelf. I've got them from the 1950s up to the most recent book. The sculpture of Dave Stevens' Rocketeer is by Kent Melton.

There are several tables, a couch, and a couple of bowing bookshelves in the studio as well. It's sort of astonishing to consider the amount of stuff you accumulate over the years, some for research but much just for fun and inspiration.