L. P. Skeen on fri 26 jan 01
A friend and I are considering opening a studio where we would rent =
space to others on a year-lease basis. We have questions:
1. What is the "going rate" for studio space rental.
2. What is the benefit one gets from paying said rental, ie: what does =
one get for the money besides space to put a wheel and shelves.
3. Is it common to include use of glazes as part of the rent, or is =
that a separate issue?
We would like to have each renter be responsible for buying her own clay =
so we don't have to have an inventory of umpteen different kinds.
If you have a copy of a studio rental contract to share, I would =
appreciate same. :O)
Thanks.
L. P. Skeen www.living-tree.net
Living Tree Pottery & Handmade Soaps
Summerfield, NC
"I have to take my paycheck to the bank; it's too little to go there by =
itself."
Katie Cordrey on sat 27 jan 01
Studio space rental "going rates" will vary from location to location.
Here, in the Pacific Northwest, 0.65-$3 per square foot per month is the
most common range, depending upon amenities and whether or not the studio
doubles as a marketing space.
As a former property manager I can tell you that commercial (in contrast to
residential) leases vary widely in what is and isn't covered. You should
have a written contract between yourselves (partnerships work best if
everything is written down BEFORE there is conflict) as well as your
lessees. Specify things like electricity, phone, who is responsible for
clean-up, rules for shared space, materials storage and use... ask
potential lessees what they expect for their money and try to address their
concerns in your lease agreement document. Don't forget that someone will
need to manage inventory and be responsible for replenishing it if you
provide materials as part of the deal.
Most importantly, DO THE MATH! Once you have established what you will
offer, crunch the numbers, add 10% for cost fluctuations, and add 10% -30%
above fixed cost for maintenance, reinvestment, and profit. If you are
responsible for the structure (maintenance and repair) you should be
stowing 20% at least for replacement and emergency costs (upkeep, roof,
windows, water heater, etc...)
I am involved in a small artists' marketing co-op (six artists) and though
we split hard costs and floor time, have applied several of these measures.
So far, so good. I encourage you to make the most of your plan, but do the
groundwork. You will be very glad you did!
-----Original Message-----
From: L. P. Skeen [SMTP:lpskeen@LIVING-TREE.NET]
Sent: Friday, January 26, 2001 1:14 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Studio space rental
A friend and I are considering opening a studio where we would rent space
to others on a year-lease basis. We have questions:
1. What is the "going rate" for studio space rental.
2. What is the benefit one gets from paying said rental, ie: what does one
get for the money besides space to put a wheel and shelves.
3. Is it common to include use of glazes as part of the rent, or is that a
separate issue?
We would like to have each renter be responsible for buying her own clay so
we don't have to have an inventory of umpteen different kinds.
If you have a copy of a studio rental contract to share, I would appreciate
same. :O)
Thanks.
L. P. Skeen www.living-tree.net
Living Tree Pottery & Handmade Soaps
Summerfield, NC
"I have to take my paycheck to the bank; it's too little to go there by
itself."
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Sandy Miller on sun 28 jan 01
You are a brave soul to embark on this mission. After having a studio in
my home for the last 10 years, this year I took the plunge and rented
studio space in a warehouse, co-op.
The going rate: 20' X 24', includes utilities (not firing), phone that I
share with two other potters, misc. around $190 a month. I have all my
own equipment, including kilns and wheels. Glazes are very personal so we
are responsible for our own glazes. Our kilns are on separate meters and
you must take a reading upon each firing. Cone 6 is running about $15 a
load. One of the disadvantages; if one studio partner leaves we all have
to kick in on the rent until the space is rented. It usually works out to
an additional $20 - $30 a month.
The benefit: I live in a rural area with very few clay artists. By moving
into an urban setting it immediately opened doors to me. Some of my
galleries are willing to pickup work from me instead of me delivering.
Being around like minded individuals has been great. My work has jumped
forward in leaps and bounds. When I'm in the studio, I work; no laundry,
kids, meals, phone, TV. Just me and the thing I like to do. I learned
about shows, galleries and workshops I don't think I would have known
about.
Common use of glazes. We don't
Clay issue: Put a sign up sheet on a bulletin board. Announce that you
will make clay orders to your distributor on the 15th of the month (or what
ever). It give folks a chance to get the clay they want and we order
several tons of clay we get a better price. We take advantage of that.
There is another studio across town that does there set up very different.
For $50 a month, (utilities included) You get space and firing. You can
rent a wheel for a separate fee or bring your own. They have a reduction
kiln and two oxidation kilns. They have 8 - 10 common glazes everyone
uses. No one renting space there currently is a full time ceramic artist.
They also teach classes. They give renters the options to teach classes
for their rent. The facility is in the basement of a library. No windows,
reminds me of a dungeon.
Hope this helps. Seems to me you just need to know what you want to focus
on.
Sandy Miller
susan erickson on sun 28 jan 01
Hi Lisa,
Here in Pittsburgh there is rental studio space available from a custom tile
manufacturer. First floor of the building houses the tile operation
(including kilns), second floor houses renter-potters.
>>1. What is the "going rate" for studio space rental.
12 ft x 8 ft, $95/month, or approx $1/sq ft. People who need more space are
encouraged to rent larger multiples (1.5 or 2 x) the basic 12 x 8
space-unit.
>>2. What is the benefit one gets from paying said rental, ie: what does
one get for the money besides space to put a wheel and shelves.
All utilities (light, heat, hot water, telephone) are included. Each
individual renter supplies his/her own equipment and materials, and firing
is charged separately by the kilnload.
>>3. Is it common to include use of glazes as part of the rent, or is that
a separate issue?
Each individual mixes his/her own glazes. Materials can be purchased from a
local supplier or, if we wish, we can weigh out and purchase what we need
from the tile operation. The advantage of the latter is better price/pound
for most materials because he buys much larger quantities than I have space
to house in my area. However, I like having control over my stuff, so I
usually have my own stash of everything.
>>We would like to have each renter be responsible for buying her own clay
so we don't have to have an inventory of umpteen different kinds.
Excellent idea. It's very hard to accommodate everyone's clay preferences,
and even harder to anticipate usage since production can fluctuate wildly
from month to month (no one at our place is currently making a full time
living sith their studio work.)
>>If you have a copy of a studio rental contract to share, I would
appreciate same. :O)
We have no contract. Renters have a verbal agreement only. We pay one
month's rent as a security deposit, and then just pay by the month. The
owner relies on our goodwill to be responsible about things like not leaving
a mess in the common sink area, removing our trash or grinding the shelves
after a glaze mishap. Needless to say, some folks are more conscientious
than others.
Other notes: As I mentioned above, no one at our place is currently
supporting themselves from their clay production - i.e., all are
"hobbyists". Turnover is high. I've been there for a little over two years,
and only 2 of the 12 or so people that are currently there predate me. I
don't think requiring a lease agreement would reduce the turnover, but it
would reduce the pool of potential renters - hobbyists have a hard time
making even our minimal level of commitment, and professionals are likely to
look elsewhere for lower cost per square foot (not hard to find in
Pittsburgh). Personally, I find our setup ideal. It has been a wonderful
opportunity to move beyond the adult ed classes and learn about mixing
glazes etc. yet still have access to a gas kiln. Plus, I really love being
around other people and other people's work.
Hope this helps. Good luck with your endeavor.
Susan Erickson
Lois Ruben Aronow on sun 28 jan 01
Hi Lisa...
Here in NYC the rates are higher than those that have been posted. I
am paying $150 a month for a space roughly 8x8. I am in Brooklyn, so
this is considered cheap. When I was looking for space, I found it to
be ALOT more expensive in Manhattan.
I have 24 hour access. This includes heat, hot water and electric.
This does NOT include firing. I consider our firing fees to be steep,
especially compared to what some of the other posters are saying. $95
gets you a ^6 glaze in the 10cu skutt. there is a 7cu that costs $65
per ^6 glaze. We have a small bisque kiln that costs $27 for a ^08
bisque. A renter can rent share a kiln with another renter or with a
class load and pay accordingly. I have my own wheel in my space.
Mine is one of the bigger spaces, and I am only 1 of 2 renters who
keeps her own wheel.
Most of our renters are what is called "shelf renters" For $100 a
month, you get a key for 24 hour access, and shelf space in the
basement. Shelf renters are welcome to use the studio wheels when
there is no class going on. =20
We have access to the studio glazes, and renters only are entitled to
use the glaze bench to mix their own. Those who do can use the
chemicals, but must purchase their own oxides, colourants, and other
expensive chems, such as tin. few renters though chose to make their
own glazes and use the studio glazes. I personally make and store my
own glazes.
Each renter is responsible for the purchase and storage of their own
clay. some pay a small fee, or barter in return for a chore, to use
studio clay. When you have little space, i think this is a great
option.
All of our renters are hobbyists, none professional. The benefits
include a nice community and a pretty nice place to work. People
exchange ideas and stuff, and it's cool. =20
The downside is that sometimes it get crowded. Our studio is generous
is offering open studio time to students, and when this is going on,
it can be noisy and cramped.=20
This communal studio has been a terrific experience for me while
starting out. As someone else said, it's a great way to move beyond
the adult ed, once a week thing, which i had been doing for years. =20
Over the past 2 years, it has become a real passion for me and I am
turning pro. I couldn't be happier about it! In fact, I am leaving
the communal place, and starting a brand new studio with 2 other
professionals. I will have alot more space, which is exciting, (and
necessary, and I have been producing alot of work, and even have some
orders!) and more expense, which is scary. I think the expense works
out proportionately though. I'll have at least 400 square feet of my
very own for $500, and will be sharing the utilities etc. with the
other potters. The space will be ready in 2 weeks, and we'll even
have a storefront!!
L. P. Skeen on mon 29 jan 01
> We have no contract. Renters have a verbal agreement only. We pay one
> month's rent as a security deposit, and then just pay by the month
Holy COW how trusting of you!!! Thanks for the information; it was very
helpful and helped us think things out. Slowly coming together.....
L
L. P. Skeen on mon 29 jan 01
Thanks for your insight on this adventure. Sounds like you're going to have
a dream studio! Be careful you don't do what I did tho, and crowd it with
STUFF!
L
sean wilson on thu 12 jun 08
=20
I say do it.=20
=20
Studio space is great with another craftsperson/artist.
=20
Lots of give and take but you can work it out.
=20
On the other hand if your space is tiny it will probably be too much.
=20
Give them two week trial............if it does not work you can cancel eas=
ily.
=20
Marie
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