Creative Studio Inspiration with Jon Imperial

In a world filled with aesthetic desk setups and trending workspace gadgets, Jon Imperial brings a refreshingly grounded perspective on studio design. His latest video, Creative Studio Inspiration, dives deep into the why behind his home office makeover—offering more than just visual goals. It’s a thoughtful blueprint for creating a space that truly works for you.

Designing with Purpose, Not Just Products

Instead of simply recommending gear or gadgets, Jon emphasizes functionality over aesthetics. The goal? A space that reduces resistance and enhances creativity, whether it’s for filming content, designing architecture, gaming, or hosting client meetings. He reminds us that a beautiful space is a byproduct of thoughtful planning—not the starting point.

Step 1: Define Your Needs

Jon approaches his space like an architect approaches a project: with a clear list of needs and wants. For him, that meant flexibility—being able to transition between work, content creation, and play without having to tear down setups every day. This "program" helped guide every decision he made.

Step 2: Embrace (or Change) Limitations

Rather than seeing his 7-foot ceiling, awkward outlets, or limited natural light as setbacks, Jon turned them into creative constraints. His framework—Accept, Alter, or Address—helps viewers approach their own space with clarity:

• Accept the unchangeable (like ceiling height).
• Alter what you can (like paint colors and lighting).
• Address major issues with professional help (like adding outlets or HVAC).

Step 3: Factor in Sun & Space Orientation

Using tools like Google Maps or a simple compass, Jon assessed sun orientation to determine how light moves through his studio throughout the day. This helped him avoid glare, manage temperatures, and boost his comfort while working or filming.

Step 4: Know Your Preferences

Jon is left-handed, which influenced desk placement. He also doesn’t enjoy sunlight hitting his face while working—so he intentionally avoided placing desks in front of east- or west-facing windows. These small but crucial personal preferences made a huge difference in his day-to-day flow.

Step 5: Identify Key Pieces

From his beloved bookshelves to a narrow storage cabinet and gaming setup, Jon worked around a handful of must-have items. This ensured continuity and kept him grounded in the design process. He also recommends keeping notes (with dimensions!) on your phone for any furniture you're buying—especially when planning a layout or mock-up.

Final Thoughts

Jon’s studio isn’t just a showcase of good design—it’s a roadmap to creative freedom. His space reflects who he is, not just what’s trendy. For anyone looking to transform their home studio, Jon’s practical yet personal approach is the inspiration you need.

Want more? Jon hints at creating a deeper, long-form version of this topic or even a course. Let him know in the comments if that’s something you’d love to see!