{"id":2666,"date":"2010-01-06T13:41:25","date_gmt":"2010-01-06T11:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crazyleafdesign.com\/blog\/?p=2666"},"modified":"2011-10-21T15:25:15","modified_gmt":"2011-10-21T13:25:15","slug":"happy-office-happy-client-and-designer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crazyleafdesign.com\/blog\/happy-office-happy-client-and-designer\/","title":{"rendered":"Happy Office = Happy Client (and designer)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whilst this is written using my experience as a graphic designer it can really be applied to anyone working from a home office.\u00a0 A comfortable, stimulating work area is crucial to a good output.\u00a0 Here are a few tips to getting the best from your work at home space.<\/p>\n

Plants<\/h2>\n

\"Plants\"<\/p>\n

Adding plants not only adds colour and life but can help to counteract the electromagnetic fields omitted by your computer and any other electrical equipment you may have.\u00a0 These EMF\u2019s are linked to various health and wellbeing issues including stress and fatigue \u2013 not good when there\u2019s work to be done!\u00a0 I like spider plants and peace lilies as they\u2019re lovely and green, have lots of leaves and are very easy to look after!<\/p>\n

Lighting<\/h2>\n

\"Lighting\"<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, we can\u2019t always have the lovely natural light, especially if others are like me and work a lot at night so what lighting should we choose?\u00a0 Although we\u2019re all encouraged to use energy saving light bulbs I have to admit that in my work space I prefer normal, old fashioned bulbs, preference being the blue bulb.\u00a0 Designed for arts and craft areas I find it omits a bright light that seems less artificial than yellow standard bulbs.\u00a0 It might not seem like a lot but it makes a huge difference to my productivity.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

One area I\u2019d like to explore are light boxes rather than traditional lamps, these simulate natural sunlight and are apparently a healthier option.\u00a0 They look good and I\u2019d love to try one out.<\/p>\n

Air Quality<\/h2>\n

\"Air<\/p>\n

Again this is an area people don\u2019t always consider.\u00a0 Working in a rural setting our air quality is pretty good but even if you live in a city there are steps you can take to improve.\u00a0 Things like avoiding aerosols, cleaning chemicals (go natural, a whole other topic!) and again, introducing plants can all help towards creating a purer environment.\u00a0 I\u2019m sure there are people wondering what difference it makes to creativity and output \u2013 you\u2019ll just have to take my word for it that it really can help.<\/p>\n

I find that anytime over a couple of hours spend on the computer I start to feel a bit unwell.\u00a0 This is similar to motion sickness which some believe is caused by the static from the screen.\u00a0 To help combat this, I wipe the screen each morning with a damp microfiber cloth.\u00a0 Do this at the end of the day also to reduce the risk.<\/p>\n

Inspiration<\/h2>\n

\"Inspiration\"<\/p>\n

Pictures, books…whatever your chosen form of inspiration make sure it\u2019s displayed.\u00a0 If you have a collection of books don\u2019t let them collect dust in a corner, put them near your computer on a shelf for instant inspiration.<\/p>\n

Wall Colours<\/h2>\n

\"Wall<\/p>\n

Colours are very important, instilling different moods and emotion.\u00a0 In your work area you should use colour to your advantage.\u00a0 The biggest single block of colour in your office is most probably the wall space, so make sure it\u2019s not wasted.\u00a0\u00a0 Shades of white, yellow or blue can be good in the office, one colour alone of combinations of these.\u00a0 Colours to avoid are browns, greys and blacks which can cause a tiredness feeling which is not what we need from a work space!<\/p>\n

Distraction<\/h2>\n

\"Distraction\"<\/p>\n

Once, in a time management course I was advised to only have on my desk the project on which I was working.\u00a0 Personally, I find this pretty impossible as I tend to have personal bits, business bits, client bits and more around me!\u00a0 Having said that, I\u2019ve included it in this guide as I think its good advice for someone more organised than me!<\/p>\n

A Few Useful Links : <\/strong><\/p>\n