In order to stave off dreaded creative block, artists work hard to cultivate the ideal creative vibe in their studio, and one size does not fit all when it comes to getting the tone just right.

Unsurprisingly, music is the go-to mood setter for many artists. Other artists have gone for less traditional ways to up the ante. Francis Bacon quite liked working with a hangover, because, he said, “my mind is crackling with energy and I can think very clearly.” Willem de Kooning painted with his coat and hat on to compensate for the heat going off after five o’clock. Gilbert and George followed the same daily routine, including altering their food order at the restaurants where they ate lunch and dinner only every three months.

We’ve chatted with some of contemporary art’s rising stars about how they set the mood and what their go-to tracks, tricks, and tools are. From history documentaries to psychology podcasts hosted by centrist dads, here are some their prized ways to get the mood just right.

Janaina Tschape: Conducting the Orchestra

Janaina Tschäpe in her studio, 2024. Photo: Vicente de Paulo. Courtesy of Janaina Tschäpe Studio.

“There is something visible about sound. When it vibrates and moves the air, it seems as if I can see how these sounds fill the space and how sound changes the space; there are chords that rise to the heights and others that descend to plumb the depths. I often get the impression when painting that I am coordinating an ensemble as if I were conducting an orchestra. The space is also filled with materials and ongoing projects, which is part of the creative process for me. I draw inspiration from reading poetry. I have books regularly lying around the studio that I pull from for inspiration.”

Glen Pudvine: Centrist Dads 

Glen Pudvine outside of his studio and project space, Plaza Plaza, in London’s Elephant & Castle neighborhood.

“I listen to all the worst podcasts you could imagine. My algorithm is clearly dodgy. One I listen to a lot is The Rest is History. The hosts just talk about history, but they are centrist dad types. I find them quite funny. I wish I listened more to history in school, but it was probably the way it was taught, or what they were teaching. I learn a lot from this podcast, though.”

Nico Vascellari: Sonic Cocoon

Nico Vascellari. Photo: © Lea Anouchinsky for Elle Decor Italia.

“The atmosphere in my studio is intentionally immersive, bordering on overwhelming. I surround myself with sound—mostly records and tapes from my collection, which I keep at the studio and I go through quite often for reminiscence or inspiration. It is almost a sonic cocoon that helps me channel the energy I need for my work.”

Cindy Phenix: Rom-Coms and Psychology Podcasts

Cindy Phenix. Courtesy of the artist and Nino Mier.

“While projecting a collage on a large format, I listen to philosophy or psychology podcasts. While painting the chaotic abstract parts, I listen to music. I also love the ambient sounds of whales singing, rain, or simply silence. At night, I enjoy any kind of horror comedy or cliché romantic comedy movies.”

Eamon Ore Giron: Peruvian Harps 

Eamon Ore-Giron in his studio. Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan Gallery. Photo: Emiliano Granado.

“I listen to lots of different types of music in the studio. Here are some things on my playlist right now: Chuquimamani-Condori, Aphex Twin, Panda Bear, El Chinito del Ande, Eduardo Mateo, Peruvian harp music, Dublab radio.”

Kyle Dunn: Feel the Pressure

Kyle Dunn. Photo: Jack Pierson.

“I usually work from big to small. I try to take the big swings when there’s enough time. I thrive off of stress and pressure. I dilly-dally and collect references and sketch and take photos for a long time. Too long, even. And then I paint—for ‘Night Pictures,’ I think I made five paintings in the last three months, but it took two years total for the show. I need the frenzy and I need that pressure on my neck.”

Pipilotti Rist: Postcards and Plants

Pipilotti Rist (2024). Image courtesy of the artist.

“My huge collection of postcards transports me around the world, into different times and social classes. The vibrant snippets of writing from different places always keep me flowing. I also adore science books that reveal the hidden patterns and incredible forces shaping our world and beyond. Another source is talking to strangers, as they offer fresh perspectives. We have many plants in the studio. Some are climbing up the video, audio, and electrical cables. Observing their growth reminds me of the power of resilience and finding creative solutions.”

Giulia Cenci: Back in Time 

Giulia Cenci in front of her installation secondary forest (2024) on the High Line, New York. Photo: Liz Ligon. Courtesy of Friends of the High Line.

“When I enjoy the studio by myself, I love to watch documentaries and interviews with artists I love. Sometimes I work while listening to documentaries that focus on different historical periods, particularly ones when humans were vastly different from how we are today. I have some books that are crucial for my work, particularly poetry, which helps me maintain an open mindset.”