A co working space and so much more

Have you ever had an idea for a screenplay and knew filming it on your new phone wouldn’t cut it? Or, what about that new song you just wrote? You know, the hit single that’s going to take your career to the next level, but no one will hear it because your recording space just isn’t up to snuff. I have just the solution to your problem! InVision Creative Café, a local St. Pete creative co-working space and kava bar. The Bay area is saturated with places to connect people with resources to help foster and stimulate their talents. But, here’s why InVision Creative Café is perfectly postured above the rest to help you stay inspired to create and produce quality works of art.

Free, free, free! It’s not a typo. In October 2016 InVision Creative Café became the first of its kind in St. Pete offering free access to their WIFI and co-working space. Equipped with the latest Mac computers fitted with the full Windows suite and adjustable work desks to position yourself to the precise height, all are invited. Whether it’s to connect with colleges to work on a project, or simply to meet up with some friends and game in front of multiple big screen T. V’s on comfy couches, the staff is there to welcome you with a giant smile.

The next best thing close to free is very affordable. InVision Creative Café offers memberships with some pretty enticing perks. Ranging for $25-$60/month you’ll receive discounts on café food and drink options, VIP access to work stations, and free weekly recording and podcast studio usage. Check out their website at invisioncafe.com and their social media @invisionccafe for further details.

Any film maker knows that film equipment can be very pricy. Recreating the vision in your mind's eye has gotten that much easier with gear rentals provided at Invision. A director's candy jar, there is a full gallery of digital cameras, lighting and sound gear, and camera support equipment to choose from. Whether needed for a one-day shoot or a whole week, they have the gear to fit your needs. Ranging from as little as $10/day to as much as $50/day, your wallet will thank you! Furthermore, your final product will have that professional look you’re trying to capture in your work. According to Tea-Tender Dex M. Quintal, upwards of “90% of our business is generated form memberships, gear and studio rentals.”

Owner Mike Sheehan has done an incredible job taking his experience in music engineering and film making to creating a co-working space custom-tailored to artists and creatives alike. Just a short walk behind the building and up a flight of stairs is an additional space. Colorful murals painted by Mike with assistance from other local artists wrap the walls of a music recording studio with private lounge area. There is an art space with every color and supply and artist could imagine, and a podcast recording studio just waiting to receive you and all that creative energy. For an additional fee your tracks can also be professionally mixed and mastered by Mike.

Artists can be so sensory at times. If you’re like me, creating and working in an environment that stimulates all the senses is vital. Once a private residence turned business, Invision Creative Café is luminated by Edison bulb chandeliers; the backdrop of TV's and computers contrast with accents of wood and metal furniture. Natural oils diffusers perfume the room while sounds of community and like-minded energy exchanges fill the room. Consider this creative co-working space the next time you have a project and need a boost to get it done. Special thanks to local artist and photographer Jalisa Covington of Marie Lens for the awesome pics!

By Chalee Blythe