How To Organise Art Supplies: Declutter Studio

What is the best way to organise art supplies? The best way to organise art supplies is to declutter first, then sort and store them logically. Can I organise my art supplies in my home? Absolutely! With a few simple steps, you can transform any corner into a functional and inspiring home art studio. Who should be looking at organising art supplies? Anyone who creates art, from hobbyists to professionals, can benefit from a well-organized space.

A messy art studio can stifle creativity. Piles of paint tubes, scattered brushes, and overflowing drawers can feel overwhelming. But fear not! Organizing your art supplies is an achievable goal. This guide will walk you through the process, from initial decluttering to clever storage solutions. We’ll cover everything you need to know about art materials organization and how to create a creative workspace setup that fuels your passion.

How To Organise Art Supplies
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Preparing to Declutter Your Art Supplies

Before diving in, take a moment to prepare. Think about your creative process and what you use most often. This will help you make better decisions when sorting.

Gathering Your Supplies

The first step is to gather all your art supplies. Bring everything out of drawers, boxes, and forgotten corners. This might seem daunting, but seeing everything in one place is crucial for effective decluttering art supplies. You’ll be surprised at how much you have!

Setting Aside Time

Don’t try to do this in a rush. Allocate a good chunk of time, perhaps a weekend or a few dedicated evenings. This ensures you can work without interruption and give each item the attention it deserves.

Defining Your Goals

What do you want your organized studio to look like? Do you want a minimalist setup, or do you prefer to see your supplies easily accessible? Having a clear vision helps guide your decisions.

The Art of Decluttering: Letting Go of What You Don’t Need

This is often the hardest part, but it’s essential for a truly functional space. Be honest with yourself about what you use and what’s just taking up space.

Sorting into Categories

As you gather your supplies, start sorting them into broad categories. This could include:

Paints (acrylics, oils, watercolors, gouache)
Brushes
Pencils and pens (colored pencils, graphite pencils, markers, fineliners)
Paper and sketchbooks
Pastels (oil pastels, soft pastels, chalk pastels)
Mediums and solvents
Tools and accessories (erasers, sharpeners, palette knives, rulers)
Storage containers and organizational items

The “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Discard” Piles

For each category, create three distinct piles:

Keep: Items you use regularly, are essential for your work, or hold significant sentimental value.
Donate/Sell: Items in good condition that you no longer use or need. This could be duplicate supplies, colors you don’t like, or tools that don’t suit your style.
Discard: Items that are broken, dried out, unusable, or beyond repair. Think dried-out markers, hardened paint, or broken pencils.

Key Questions for Decluttering:

Have I used this in the last year?
Is this still in good working condition?
Do I have duplicates that I don’t need?
Does this item inspire me or serve a purpose in my creative process?
Is this item damaged or unusable?

Addressing “Sentimental” Supplies

It’s okay to keep a few treasured items. However, if a dried-out paint tube belonged to your favorite artist and inspired you once, consider keeping it as a memento, but not as a usable supply. Be pragmatic about what truly adds value to your current creative practice.

Effective Art Supply Storage Ideas

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to find homes for your remaining supplies. The goal is to make your materials accessible and visible. Good art supply storage ideas can make a huge difference.

Maximizing Vertical Space

Shelving Units: Tall, narrow shelving units are excellent for storing larger items like canvases, paper pads, and sketchbooks. Look for adjustable shelves to accommodate different heights.
Wall-Mounted Shelves: Install shelves above your desk or work area to keep frequently used items within reach.
Pegboards: These are fantastic for hanging brushes, scissors, rulers, and other tools. You can customize them with hooks, baskets, and shelves for a truly personalized setup.

Drawer Organization

Drawers are great for smaller items, but they can quickly become jumbled.

Drawer Dividers: Invest in adjustable drawer dividers or create your own from cardboard. These help keep pencils, markers, pastels, and small tools separated.
Small Containers: Use small plastic containers, tins, or even repurposed jars to group similar items within drawers. This is part of effective craft supply sorting.

Desk and Tabletop Solutions

Keep your main work surface as clear as possible.

Brush Holders: Cups, jars, or specialized brush holders keep brushes upright and prevent bristles from getting bent or damaged.
Pencil Organizers: Desktop organizers with multiple compartments are perfect for pencils, pens, and markers.
Rotating Caddies: These allow you to spin and access different supplies easily, making them ideal for frequently used items like paints or pastels.

Storing Specific Mediums

Different art materials require different storage approaches.

Paints:
- Acrylics/Oils: Store tubes upright in boxes or containers, organized by color or type. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Watercolors/Gouache: Pans can be stored in their original palettes or dedicated watercolor boxes. Tubes can be stored upright.
Pencils/Pens/Markers:
- Vertical Storage: Upright storage in cups, desk organizers, or pencil cases prevents them from rolling around.
- Color Coding: Organizing by color makes it easy to find the shade you need.
Pastels:
- Original Cases: Many pastels come in dedicated cases that protect them.
- ArtBin Cases: These specialized cases have foam inserts to keep individual pastels from breaking.
- Avoid Stacking: Don’t stack too many pastels on top of each other in a way that could cause breakage.
Paper/Sketchbooks:
- Flat Storage: Store sketchbooks and paper pads flat to prevent bending. Use a portfolio or a wide shelf.
- Vertical Files: For loose sheets, use vertical file holders.

Creative and Budget-Friendly Options

You don’t need fancy furniture to organize effectively.

Repurposed Jars and Cans: Cleaned-out food jars and tin cans can be used to hold brushes, pencils, or tools. Decorate them to match your studio aesthetic.
Shoe Boxes and Craft Boxes: These are great for storing smaller items like ink bottles, specialized tools, or tubes of paint.
Plastic Bins with Lids: Excellent for storing larger quantities of materials, especially those you don’t use daily. Label them clearly.

Managing Art Materials for Longevity and Efficiency

Proper management ensures your supplies last longer and your workflow is smooth. This is key to managing art materials.

Keeping Supplies Accessible

The most organized system is useless if you can’t find what you need quickly.

Zone Your Workspace: Designate specific areas for different activities or types of supplies. For example, a drawing zone, a painting zone, a cutting zone.
Label Everything: Clear labels on drawers, bins, and shelves save time and prevent rummaging.

Maintaining Supplies

Clean Brushes: Always clean your brushes thoroughly after use. Store them properly to maintain their shape.
Cap Tightly: Ensure paint tubes, ink bottles, and markers are capped tightly to prevent drying out.
Protect from Sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade pigments and degrade materials. Store your supplies away from windows.
Temperature Control: Extreme temperatures can also affect art supplies. Aim for a stable environment.

Creating Your Home Art Studio Organization

Transforming a space into a functional art studio involves more than just storage. It’s about creating an environment that inspires. This relates to home art studio organization.

Designing Your Workspace Layout

Lighting: Good lighting is crucial. Natural light is ideal, but supplement with task lighting like a desk lamp.
Ventilation: If you use solvents or spray paints, ensure good ventilation. Open a window or use an air purifier.
Ergonomics: Consider your comfort. A good chair and a desk at the right height can prevent strain during long creative sessions.

Inspiring Displays

Don’t hide all your beautiful materials! Consider some art supply display elements.

Open Shelving: Showcase your favorite paints, brushes, or art books.
Display Jars: Clear jars filled with colorful pencils, pastels, or beads can add visual appeal.
Wall Art: Hang your own work or prints that inspire you.

Putting It All Together: The Art Kit Assembly Mindset

Think of your organized studio as a collection of well-assembled art kits. Whether it’s a travel sketching kit or your primary painting setup, everything should be in its place. This concept of art kit assembly applies even to your main studio.

Organizing Craft Supplies: A Similar Approach

The principles of organizing craft supplies are very similar to art supplies. The key is often categorization and accessible storage.

Common Craft Supply Categories

Fabric and sewing notions
Yarn and knitting/crochet supplies
Scrapbooking and paper crafting items
Beads and jewelry making components
Adhesives and glues
Cutting tools (scissors, craft knives)

Storage Solutions for Crafts

Embellishment Organizers: Carousel organizers with small drawers are perfect for beads, buttons, or glitter.
Fabric Storage: Fold fabric neatly and store it in bins or on shelves. For smaller fabric scraps, use a dedicated bin or drawer.
Yarn Winder and Storage: Keep yarn from tangling with a yarn winder and store skeins in bins or on shelves.
Scrapbook Paper: Use vertical file holders or dedicated paper storage units to keep your paper pristine.

Maintaining Your Organized Space

Organization isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process.

Regular Tidying

Spend 10-15 minutes at the end of each creative session putting supplies back in their designated spots. This prevents clutter from accumulating.

Periodic Re-evaluation

Every few months, take a quick look at your system. Are there areas that are becoming messy again? Do you need to adjust your storage solutions? This helps keep your art materials organization system effective.

Seasonal Declutter

Consider a more thorough declutter once or twice a year, just like you might do with your wardrobe. This is a good time to reassess your needs and let go of supplies you’re no longer using.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I declutter my art supplies?
A1: It’s a good practice to do a quick tidy-up after each creative session. For a more thorough declutter, aim for every 6-12 months, depending on your output and space.

Q2: What’s the best way to store markers?
A2: Store markers horizontally to ensure the ink distributes evenly. If you have a lot, upright storage in a cup or holder is also fine, but ensure they are capped tightly.

Q3: My paints are drying out. How can I prevent this?
A3: Always ensure caps are screwed on tightly. For watercolor pans, spritz with water to rehydrate. For tubes, consider storing them in a cool, dry place, and wipe the threads clean before capping.

Q4: I have limited space. What are some good small-space art supply storage ideas?
A4: Utilize vertical space with wall-mounted shelves and pegboards. Use drawer dividers and small containers to maximize drawer space. Rolling carts can also be moved easily and provide storage when not in use.

Q5: How do I organize my finished artwork?
A5: For finished pieces, consider flat file cabinets for unframed works on paper, or portfolios. Framed pieces can be hung or stored carefully on shelves with protective padding between them.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform your art space from chaotic to calm, making your creative process more enjoyable and productive. Happy organizing!