Creating art is a complex process that requires a mixture of conceptual thinking, strategic planning and construction. Artists spend a great deal of time working out a design in their head before it ever reaches the construction phase. So sharing studio space with other artists can present challenges. For instance, it is basic human nature to want to chat when around others. Unfortunately, chatting and conceptualization do not mix well. Also, most artists prefer not to share their work until it is completed as they journey thru the concept in stages. Working in studio with others creates an environment where people are watching each phase of the conceptualization. The surrounding artists may feel free to ask questions or make comments on the art work in mid-production. This can freeze up the free thought an artist used to create. Noise is also a factor in shared studio space. Artists often play music while they work. This can be a distraction to the creative process if each artist prefers different music styles. Some artist create best in total silence. This must be negotiated out by the group in the studio as well as, room temperature. However, artists working together in studio does provide a few perks. Watching others create can be a great form of stimulation for a visual person. Seeing the birth of a painting, or a sculpture forming, can give courage to a timid artist to simply get started. There is also a mutual respect that forms within the group as they watch each other struggle and then find solutions to ideas. This leads to close relationships with people of common interests that can enrich the art experience in many ways, such as visiting galleries together, or sharing art information. Each artists can share their opinions on the art work and gain objective views of their work. Without this in put, an artist might maintain a narrow view of their work and not be aware of the public’s reaction to it. Talking with other artists in studio can encourage an artist to break through a barrier or clear up their focus. In a commercial setting, artists also benefit from sharing rent on a studio space so that it is more affordable. This provides opportunities for exposure that might not be possible for an artist funding their own studio alone. So there are pros and cons to sharing studio space. Each artist must decide what is comfortable for their creative needs.