
Inside Kristen Radtke's Home Office: A Creative Director's Inspiring Workspace
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Exploring Kristen Radtke's Creative Workspace at The Verge
Kristen Radtke, the creative director of The Verge, creates stunning visuals for stories and features with her talented art team. With a background that includes being the art director for the arts and culture magazine The Believer and work in independent publishing, Radtke's workspace reflects her creative vision. We had the opportunity to take a peek into her home office and learn about her inspirations and organizational strategies.
Maximizing a Small Space
Radtke's home office is a narrow space of under seven feet, which she has furnished in a way that balances functionality with aesthetics. "I really like working within the limitations of a small space, figuring out how maximalist I can go without overwhelming a room," she explains.
Connecting with Nature
One of the standout features of her office is the door leading to the backyard. "I love being able to pop outside for quick breaks from work, and having the door open on temperate days is a serious mood booster," she says, highlighting the importance of natural light and fresh air while working.
A Custom Workspace
Radtke's L-shaped desk is a product of love, crafted by her father and husband out of plywood. "Right after our baby was born last year, they built it in place to perfectly fit the space," she shares. This desk not only provides two work surfaces but also acts as a room divider, creating a distinct working and lounging area.
The Ideal Chair for Comfort
For seating, Radtke uses a unique kneeling chair that supports good posture. "I found it on AptDeco, though I’m not sure what it’s called," she mentions humorously. Despite its ergonomic benefits, she admits to sometimes using it as a footrest instead.
Technological Tools of the Trade
Radtke utilizes several tech devices in her creative process. "I primarily work on a MacBook Pro, but I actually prefer my MacBook Air for design work. With the 2021 16GB model, I can run the entire Adobe Suite without any issues," she explains enthusiastically.
Drawing and Design Gear
For drawing, Radtke employs a Wacom Cintiq 22 drawing tablet, though she sometimes encounters occasional connection issues. When on the go, she resorts to her iPad Pro, keeping her creative juices flowing no matter where she is.
Books and Research
The bookcase embedded within her closet is home to many of her graphic novels, while a small shelf above her desk stores research material. "I’m not great at keeping my books organized—after my last move, I gave up trying to alphabetize them!" she laughs.
Wall Art and Sentimental Touches
Inside her office, Radtke has adorned the walls with sentimental pieces. "I display the first paragraph I typeset in grad school and needlepointed quotes from friends. I prefer framing my art myself, as it’s more cost-effective than professional framing," she explains.
Couch Comfort
Radtke’s office also boasts a surprisingly comfortable couch bought for under $400. "It has hidden storage for blankets and pillows, which is perfect for guests," she remarks.
A Dreamy Workspace
To create an inspiring environment, Radtke chose a powder pink color by Benjamin Moore, named "Little Piggy," and added personalized touches such as heirlooms and unique decorative elements. "The lamp by the couch is particularly special; it was my grandmother’s custom-made piece, perfectly mismatched and unique," she shares.
Conclusion
Kristen Radtke's home office is a reflection of her creativity and resourcefulness, blending functionality with personal touches. Her space showcases how one can create a vibrant work environment, regardless of size constraints. For those looking to enhance their creative processes, finding inspiration in your workspace can make all the difference!
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