Setting Up a Creative Command Centre
Creatives tend to have ideas everywhere, jotted in sketchbooks, scribbled on sticky notes, typed into random phone apps, or floating in the back of the mind. Whether you’re an artist, writer, crafter or multi-passionate maker, the clutter isn’t just physical, it’s mental. A Creative Command Centre is the antidote. It’s a dedicated space where your thoughts, plans, tools and inspiration come together in a way that keeps you focused without dampening your flow.
What Is a Creative Command Centre?
At its core, it’s a central hub to manage your creative life. It can be as physical as a corner of your studio or as digital as a dashboard in your favourite app. It’s where you store ongoing project notes, to-do lists, material inventories, reference images and anything else that fuels your creativity.
Choose a Space That Works for You
You don’t need an entire room just a consistent location. A section of your desk, a rolling cart, or even a portable file box can be enough. Wall space? Use a pinboard or magnetic board. The idea is to create a go-to spot that feels intentional and helps calm the creative chaos.
What to Include
Your command centre should be personalised, but here are useful elements to consider:
Visual calendar - for deadlines, exhibitions, creative challenges or rest days
Project tracker – a notebook, whiteboard or Trello board with all your current work
Idea capture zone – a “brain dump” notebook, sticky notes, or an idea jar
Supply checklist – a running inventory to avoid overbuying or forgetting essentials
Inspiration board – images, colour swatches, quotes or sketches that energise you
Workflow reminders – daily or weekly rituals that keep you on track
Digital, Physical, or Both?
Many creatives thrive with a hybrid system. Use digital tools for organising tasks and reminders (Notion, Trello, or calendar apps), and physical tools for visual inspiration and hands-on planning. Choose what aligns with how you work best.
Keep It Dynamic
Your command centre should evolve with your creative process. Refresh it regularly, remove what’s no longer serving you, and make space for new ideas to grow. Treat it like a co-pilot, not a rigid rulebook.
With a Creative Command Centre, you’ll spend less time searching and more time creating on your own terms.