Tips to Set Up a Productive Working Desk for the Cartoonist

Cartoonists spend a lot of time at their desks, so it makes sense to choose the right one for their needs. With so many hours working, the smallest of things can affect your health and productivity significantly. The workspace you have shouldn’t wear you out each day, but a messy desk, poor lighting, and an uncomfortable chair can do this. Here are some ergonomic tips for cartoonist desk that can help you be more creative:

Ergonomic tips for cartoonist desk

1. Chair

Of course, the first thing you’ve got to consider is the chair you sit in. Ergonomic tips for a cartoonist desk couldn’t be complete without a lengthy discussion about the chair. Most of the time, you want to sit with proper posture. If you have issues doing this on your own, the ErgoChair Pro is ideal.

You can adjust the chair’s height, as well as the height of the headrest and armrests. Though you are probably going to sit up straight for most of the day, contemplative brainstorming can be the time to relax a little. Adjust the back tilt angle and tension, locking it all into place when you’re on the phone or thinking and still want excellent posture.

It’s possible to move the chair seat forward and back, which can help when you need to lean forward without hurting your back or neck.

Those who prefer sitting on a stool might like the ErgoStool. Active sitting is all the rage, but you’ve got to do it correctly. With this ergonomic option, you strengthen the core without putting more strain on the body. It adjusts quite a bit, so it works for almost any person’s height.

2. Cartoonist Desk

Ergonomic tips for a cartoonist desk must also include the right desk. You’re probably working eight to 10 hours a day and shouldn’t sit for that long. Therefore, it might be ideal to use a standing desk like the L-shaped SmartDesk. It gives you plenty of room for computers, papers, and all the other tools you require for your job. Plus, it automatically adjusts to standing height for you with the push of a button. You’ve got to set it up correctly, but only once. From then on, you press that button, and it automatically goes where you need it to be.

Sometimes, the straight edges where you sit can be uncomfortable on a cartoonist desk. The SmartDesk Art Desk features a slight curve at the front. This allows you to move in closer to the desk from your ergonomic chair. Since the chair can go in more (with you in it), you don’t have to lean over as much. This curved desk can be more aesthetically pleasing in any workspace.

3. The Ideal Desk Height - One of Ergonomic tips for cartoonist desk

Most cartoonists don’t type very much. You may use the mouse on your computer and the keyboard for a few shortcuts. Still, if you use a monitor and mouse, these ergonomic tips for a cartoonist desk are essential:

• Make sure that your keyboard/mouse are positioned so that your elbow is about 90 degrees and stays by your sides.
• You may need an adjustable monitor arm to ensure that the computer screen is positioned correctly. Your eyes must always be level with the top portion of the monitor.
• When sitting, your knees must be at 90 degrees to the floor with the feet flat.
• While standing, you should stay in proper posture at all times.

4. Proper Ways to Work with Paper

As a cartoonist, you may draw things on paper first. This can cause significant issues with your neck and back. Often, you lean your arm on the table, turn your head slightly, and stay in the same position for long periods.

When drawing on paper, make sure that your shoulders stay down and back from the ears. You can adjust your standing desk’s height to ensure that your chin stays at a 90-degree angle to your chest. That way, you aren’t looking down for long periods, which stresses the neck and back. This may mean your arm is slightly higher than it should be. Fix this issue by taking frequent breaks.

5. Use Proper Posture

Whether sitting or standing, you should practice proper posture. Make sure you’re taking frequent breaks, sit when you need to, and always be mindful of your spine. Consider incorporating stretching throughout the day to reduce back fatigue.

6. Organization Is Key

Typically, a cartoonist desk is not minimalist. You’ve got projects at various stages of completion, a computer, mouse, pens, papers, colored pencils, and so much more. Larger desks might be best for you because you can spread things out, so it doesn’t look so cluttered.

Keep what you use every day within reach. The rest can go in drawers, on bookshelves, and otherwise be out of the way.

While you want to add personality to your space, keep personal décor to a minimum. A couple of photos is okay and can bring joy to you, but too many could cause you to be less productive.

Most desks have grommets, allowing you to thread the cables and cords down below it and out of the way. This cleans up the space, gives you more room, and reduces the clutter.

Why Cartoonist Needs an Adjustable Standing Desk

Creating a cartoon can take days or months, depending on many factors. However, when you sit for hours at a time, it’s torture on your back, legs, and neck. A standing cartoonist desk still gives you the space you need to work. However, you can stand up and continue working instead of having to stop and take a break.

Many people find that they’re focused for longer periods, which means they’re more productive. You may also get a fresh perspective when you go from sitting to standing.

How to Set Up an Ergonomic Desk

We talked a little about this aspect. The first step is to select the right desk height for sitting. Adjust your ergonomic chair for proper posture in an upright position. Then, set the desk’s height for that space in your presets.

Now, adjust the chair to lean back and do the same thing for the desk height, adding it to the presets.

You may also want to use a preset for your ErgoStool if you prefer to use one. This is optional, as some people prefer to work their core in other ways.

Stand up next and adjust the desk’s height for those needs. This should be the third or fourth preset, depending on if you used the ErgoStool. If you regularly work with paper (drawing by hand), you may want to use a preset for that option, too.

Pros/Cons of an Ergonomically-correct Standing Desk

The advantages of using a standing desk include:

• Ability to continue working and give your back a break
• Boost productivity
• Reduces aches and pains from sitting
• Prolonged sitting is bad for you

Here are a few disadvantages of a standing desk:

• Can be hard to remember to switch back and forth
• Harder to have good posture while standing
• Takes time to set-up the presets

Conclusion

These ergonomic tips for a cartoonist desk are just the beginning. Each person has specific needs and goals. Therefore, you can’t expect a one-size-fits-all option for your particular needs. Having appropriate equipment is the first step. Then, you’ve got to take the time to set it all up correctly.