Simple and Effective Ways to Organize Your Art Supplies

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

Art supplies have a magical way of multiplying and spreading chaos in their wake. But fear not, for this guide will walk you through simple and effective ways on how to organize art supplies. Whether you're an occasional hobbyist or a full-time artist, maintaining an organized workspace can work wonders for your productivity and creativity. Let's dive in and transform your art space into an orderly haven.

1. Start With A Storage Plan

As with any organizational project, it's best to start with a plan. Here's how you can kickstart your art supply organization journey.

Evaluate Your Space

Take a good look around your workspace. Is it a corner of your living room or a dedicated art room? Understanding your space limitations will help you determine the best ways to organize your supplies. Remember, small spaces can be just as functional as larger ones if planned carefully.

Consider Your Art Supplies

Next, gather all your art supplies and categorize them. You might have collections of paint tubes, brushes, pencils, and paper. Maybe you have clay, beads, or fabric. Knowing what you have will allow you to plan your storage needs accurately. It'll also give you a chance to discard any dried up paints or frayed brushes.

Plan for Growth

Artists are collectors by nature. You'll likely acquire new materials over time, so it's wise to factor in future growth. This doesn't mean you need to empty your bank account buying storage you don’t yet need. Instead, opt for scalable solutions that can grow with your collection. This way, you'll ensure your system on how to organize art supplies stays effective in the long run.

2. Choose Appropriate Storage Containers

Choosing the right storage containers is a crucial step in learning how to organize art supplies. The right container can make accessing, using, and storing your supplies a breeze.

Match Containers to Supplies

It may sound obvious, but it's important to choose containers that fit your supplies. Bulky items like large paint tubes or rolls of paper might need drawers or boxes, while small items like beads or buttons could fit in small jars or compartmentalized containers. Also, remember to consider transparency — clear containers help you see what’s inside without having to open them.

Consider Portability

Do you create art in various locations? Maybe you like to paint outdoors or carry your supplies to a class. If so, portability should be a key factor in your storage choices. Look for containers with handles, lids, and secure locks. There are many brands like ArtBin or Craft Mates that offer portable storage solutions specifically for art supplies.

Think About Durability

Art supplies can be heavy, and you don't want to constantly replace broken containers. Opt for durable storage solutions that can withstand the weight of your supplies and the wear and tear of your art-making process. Metal toolboxes, wooden crates, or heavy-duty plastic containers can be a great choice.

3. Organize by Color, Size, or Type

Once you've got your storage containers, the next step in figuring out how to organize art supplies is to decide on a sorting system. Three common and effective methods are organizing by color, size, or type of supply.

Color Coding System

Color coding is a visually appealing and practical way to organize your art supplies. It's especially useful for items like pens, markers, or paints. Arrange your supplies in color order, either by following the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) or creating a system that makes sense to you. This way, you'll easily find the color you're looking for without having to rummage through all your supplies.

Size Sorting Method

Sorting by size can be helpful, especially for items like brushes, pencils, or paper. Arrange your supplies from smallest to largest, or vice versa. This can help you quickly grab the size you need, and it's also a great way to maximize storage space.

Type Organizing Technique

Organizing by type means grouping similar items together. All your pencils in one place, paints in another, and so on. This method is useful for artists who use a wide variety of materials and can help you quickly locate the type of supply you need. It's like having a mini art store right in your own home or studio. Pretty cool, right?

4. Utilize Wall Space and Vertical Storage

Now that you've sorted your art supplies, it's time to put them away. But wait! Don't just shove them in drawers. Let's take your organization to the next level by using your wall space and vertical storage. This way, you'll save floor space and keep everything within easy reach.

Pegboards for Hanging

First stop: pegboards. Pegboards are a fantastic way to utilize wall space. They're like a blank canvas for storage. You can hang bins, shelves, and hooks of various sizes to hold all kinds of supplies. Paint brushes, scissors, tubes of paint—you name it. Plus, everything's visible and easy to grab. No more digging around in drawers!

Shelves for Stacking

Next up: shelves. If you have a lot of supplies or larger items, shelves can be a real lifesaver. You can stack your materials neatly, and if you label everything, you'll know exactly where to find what you need. And remember, you can always adjust the shelf heights to accommodate different sizes of supplies.

Bins for Vertical Storage

Finally, let's talk about bins. Bins are perfect for vertical storage. You can stack them on shelves or use them in conjunction with your pegboard. They're excellent for storing smaller items that might get lost on a shelf, like erasers or paper clips. And the best part? You can color-code your bins to match your color-organized supplies. How's that for organization?

5. Maintain Your Organization System

Alright, you've made it this far. You've sorted, stored, and organized. But don't relax just yet. Keeping your art supplies organized is an ongoing process. It's not just about knowing how to organize art supplies; it's about keeping them that way. So how do you ensure your system stays intact?

Schedule Regular Clean-Up

First things first: schedule regular clean-up sessions. It's easy for things to get messy when you're in the creative zone. A rogue paintbrush here, a runaway marker there. Before you know it, chaos reigns again. So, make it a habit to tidy up after each project. And set aside time each week for a more thorough clean-up. This way, you're always ready for your next masterpiece.

Keep a Donate Bin Handy

Next, keep a donate bin handy. Let's be honest, we all have those art supplies we bought on a whim, used once, and then never touched again. Don't let them clutter your space. Instead, put them in a bin for donation. Schools, community centers, and other organizations often appreciate these donations. This way, you'll keep your space tidy and help others explore their creativity.

Revisit Your System Periodically

Last but not least, revisit your organization system periodically. What worked for you six months ago might not work for you now. Your art style evolves, and so should your organization system. So, every now and then, take a step back and evaluate. Do you need more space? Different containers? A new color-coding system? Don't be afraid to tweak your system to keep it effective and efficient.

There you have it. Now you know not only how to organize art supplies but also how to maintain that organization. So, go forth, create, and never lose your favorite paintbrush again.

If you're looking for more tips on organizing and making the most of your art supplies, check out the workshop 'Get to Know Your Art Supplies' by Arianne Jeri. This workshop will provide you with helpful advice and techniques to better understand your art supplies, making it easier to stay organized and create stunning artwork.