You aren’t alone! The number of people that work in garages or repair shops far outnumbers the people that work in their own car shops or garages, let alone offices. In reality, most garages are just part of a larger house, and serve only as storage for car parts, tools and odd jobs that have to be done around the house. They are a nuisance and usually are looked upon as a chore to have to go out to. Now most people dread going to work every Monday morning to go to a boring office filled with papers, more files, etc. However, there are those that are also enthusiastic about cars, but are forced to work in an office every day. Their work in the garage is just their hobby. And when one looks at the workspace of most car enthusiasts they would be filled with pleasure to see the tires, all sorts of car parts, supplies, etc. The garage or office of a car enthusiast is their world, and something that they can really get involved in. For some reason though, even for the very motivated, work in an office can be really distracting and can suck the motivation right out of you, because your workspace is not where your interests are.
Most people can not bring their passion for cars with them to their workplace every day. If that is you then that can have a very negative effect on you. And that is what this article is about, trying to find ways to bring your passion to your workplace to make your work more positive.
Starting with the foundation
The first thing you need to think about when you’re decorating your office space is the foundation of your desk. Typically a desk begins as a completely blank surface and quickly turns into a scratched up, stained piece of furniture. A good desk mat can help transform your work surface into a clean and organized space, regardless of what kind of furniture you have. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any kind of desk from a standing desk to a folding table. Since most printed mousepads are printed on both sides of the pad you can use a cool automotive themed printed mousepad featuring pictures of muscle cars, famous racing circuits, detailed blue prints of car engines while facing the correct direction for your computer.
Quality car mousepads are another way to bring your passion to your work space. A well-made car mousepad can protect your work surface from scratches and spills and provide a smooth gliding surface for your computer mouse. There are many different designs of car mousepads available. They can be made with a variety of different images. These images can include classic and modern muscle cars, famous racing circuits, detailed images of car engines, and many more. There are also many different car manufacturers available. This means that you can find a car mousepad that features your favorite car manufacturer. There are also car mousepads that allow you to commemorate your dream car, or celebrate the heritage of racing. A good quality car mousepad can make a great addition to any work space.
In addition to putting a car desk pad on your desk, there are also car mousepads available. There are so many designs to choose from that you are bound to find one that is suitable for you. As already stated, many car enthusiasts are also computer enthusiasts, so this would be a great product for you to look at. Quality car mousepads feature detailed drawings of muscle cars, racing circuits, and also engine schematics. For example, there are some designs that feature classic American muscle cars, such as red Mustangs and black Mustangs, as well as GT40s, Corvettes, a red Dodge Challenger and a blue muscle car.
Building layers of automotive inspiration
Much of the work related items that are found in the automotive themed workspace will be small in nature. These objects can actually serve to add more depth to a already inspired workspace than the objects of greater size. Many auto enthusiasts look to the items that can adorn a desk in the form of pen holders. A nice example would be a shift knob pen holder that serves to hold not only your writing instruments but also as a focal point to the work space. This can be a great conversation piece and can also serve to remind the car enthusiast of their love of vehicles, even when they are away from their garage.
On the other hand, you could add a vintage oil can that is filled with pens and pencils to your workspace, and also add a framed photo of your favorite car show or a model of your actual car. Again it’s all about moderation, three cool items to show off your interest in cars as opposed to 12 different random items.
Lighting: When choosing the correct form of lighting for your space, it is typical consideration is made to the standard forms of lighting which are used in all spaces. In your work space you are likely to have normal overhead lighting and in addition a desk lamp to illuminate your work surface and the screen of your computer. However, if you want to add some automotive flavor to your space, consider garage or workshop lighting for example a small spotlight to highlight automotive details.
Wall space as automotive gallery
Office walls can be difficult for artists as they are often seen as whitespace and can be restricted by company policy. However, there are many beautifully crafted pieces of automotive art available on the market. These can include posters of cars from past decades as well as technical drawings of engines. A well-framed photograph of a car such as a 1967 Shelby GT500 or even a vintage Le Mans poster can add great flavor to an office and can look like abstract art. These types of pieces can be great additions to any office. For those who are based in a cubicle, it is often best to look for removable elements that can be attached to filing cabinets, etc. Large prints can also work well as leaners against the wall in front of a computer monitor. Also consider automotive themed calendars as these can be a great way to add flavor to your office wall space without making a permanent mark on the walls.
For those stuck in cubicles, be sure to make things that can be easily moved from place to place. Make use of your filing cabinet with magnets that can hold frames of papers and such. Use prints on your monitor and car-themed calendars to fill the office with reminders of your love of cars.
Functional accessories that perform
The best workspace accessories are multi-purpose items that can be used to complete your work and can also reflect your interests in your profession. For example, a tool chest that is converted into a storage bin for your office supplies can bring the feel of your garage to your work space.
A tool chest in the office will bring that garage like workspace to life. Using automotive inspired items for everyday office functions can bring that feel of automotive passion to every aspect of your life and work. Automotive themed USB drives in the shape of cars, car keys, etc. A tire pressure gauge that doubles as a paperweight to hold down papers on your desk. Automotive themed coffee mugs with your favorite racing team or even your dream car on them. Every time you use them it will bring back fond memories of your time working with your cars and remind you of the great time you have.
The psychology behind automotive workspace design
These associations that you make with something that you like at work, can also reduce stress at work. When your workplace is a very positive place for you, this can reduce stress and increase focus, to allow for better job performance and greater job satisfaction. In addition to this, auto-motive-inspired workspaces can also improve creativity. Since most creative work occurs in a person’s mind, if a person is inspired at work, then there’s much greater potential for more creative work.
Having objects of passion present while work is being completed will remind one of positive aspects that can increase focus and serve to decrease stress levels. This can, in turn, create positive associations between the completed work and the objects found throughout one’s work space that can greatly enhance creativity as well as increase job satisfaction.
Remember, You don’t have to spend a fortune bringing the world of cars to your workspace. The items that best express your passions are probably the largest items that you can see in your workspace. Start with the one or two largest items that you wish to have in your workspace and then add a few other items as you see fit. Items such as pictures from your first track day, vintage car show programs, used car parts that you are currently using to restore your current vehicle can all make great centerpieces for your workspace.
