This episode of the Adventures in Arting Podcast is based on suggestions from the members at My Art Practice. I asked them what they wanted to hear about on the podcast and organizing art supplies was at the top of the list, along with how to do the most with a small space. You can listen to the podcast using the player at the top of this blog post, watch it on YouTube, or find it on your favorite podcast app.
A Few Truths About Art Supply Organization:
Let’s start with a few truths:
- No matter how big your art space is, it’s always too small.
- No matter how small your art space is, there’s always somebody who has less space than you do. Or who has no art space at all.
- Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Art Supply Organization Ideas Focused on Maximizing Your Small Space
Flexible Space: Create flexibility that allows you to convert your art space back to a living area quickly. For example:
- Using a table that doubles as a workspace and a dining table.
- A storage ottoman that provides seating and extra storage.
- A fold-out desk or a drop-down table that can be mounted on a wall – like an old fashioned ironing board. This provides a dedicated workspace that can be folded away when not in use, freeing up space.
- Regular old folding tables – that’s what I use in my art studio.
- Folding easels or table top easels that can be easily stored away when not in use.
- Art Cart: A rolling art cart can be a great way to keep your supplies organized and mobile. You can easily move it to where you need it and then store it away when not in use. Read my Art Cart blog post HERE.
Compact Storage Solutions: Use compact storage options like stackable drawers, mobile carts, and organizers that can be tucked away in closets or under tables.
Under-Furniture Storage: Utilize the space under your bed or couch for storing larger, less frequently used supplies. Rolling storage bins can make it easy to access these items when needed – this is how I store a lot of my fabric stash.
Closets have lots of possibilities. You can fit an entire art studio into a closet!
Consider Curtains Instead of Doors: Replace closet doors with curtains. This makes it easier to access the entire space without having doors in the way, and you can close the curtain to hide the workspace when not in use. You can also use curtains to hide the mess of open shelving. I never took a proper photo in my old NYC apartment, but you can see the lace curtains I used to hide my messy open shelving in this silly photo from my boot cuffs tutorial.
Design your workspace to be adaptable for different types of projects. I like to use a model of stations, which is something I started when I was working in a very small space. I talk a little bit about the station model in this video:
Specific Storage Solutions for Organizing Art Supplies
Here are some specific art supply storage solutions that have worked for me and might work for you too:
Install Adjustable Shelving: Use adjustable shelving units to maximize vertical space. Shelves can be rearranged to accommodate different sizes of supplies and tools, making it a flexible storage solution. I love the ELFA system from The Container Store, as seen in this photo:
Pegboard Walls: Attach a pegboard to a door or wall. This allows you to hang tools, brushes, and other small items, keeping them easily accessible and organized.
Vertical Filing System: Use a vertical filing system to store canvases, paper, and other flat materials. This can save space and keep your materials organized and easily accessible.
Ceiling-Mounted Storage: Use the ceiling for additional storage space. Hanging racks or nets can hold lightweight items like rolls of paper or fabric, freeing up floor and wall space.
Clear containers help you see your supplies easily without having to rummage through them. And speaking of seeing what you have…
Label everything clearly, so you can easily find what you need without having to dig through multiple containers. I use painter’s tape and a Sharpie to label every box and drawer in my art studio.
DIY Storage Solutions: Create your own storage solutions tailored to your needs. For example, you can make a simple brush holder using a piece of foam or simply by repurposing an old container.
Use Hooks and Magnets: Use magnetic strips to hold metal tools and hooks to hang other supplies. These can be placed in nooks and crannies that might otherwise be unused.
Tips on Choosing Art Supplies for Small Space Organization
Multipurpose Art Supplies: Choose art supplies that can serve multiple purposes. For example, watersoluble crayons can be used dry or wet like watercolors, reducing the number of different supplies you need.
Minimalist Approach: Embrace a minimalist approach by limiting your supplies to the essentials. This can help reduce clutter and make your workspace more efficient.
Auxiliary Storage: Keep only essential supplies on hand and store excess materials elsewhere. You can also create “kits” for yourself so that you only pull out the supplies you need for a particular project.
Digital Tools: Consider digital tools for some of your work to reduce the need for physical storage.
Get rid of any art supplies that you paid “good money for” but that you don’t use or enjoy using. This is tough to do, but hanging on to stuff you’re not using is taking up valuable physical and mental space. Let it go. This is how much stuff I was able to give away when I moved from NYC to Boston:
Make Your Art Space Healthy
This is probably something you don’t think about it terms of organizing art supplies, but a healthy workspace is key to a happy workspace. Here are my top tips:
Lighting: Ensure your workspace has good lighting. Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not possible, use task lighting with adjustable arms to direct light where you need it most. Proper lighting is crucial for detailed work and reducing eye strain.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is necessary, especially when working with materials that produce fumes. At the very least, you should have a window that opens and a respirator.
Sound Management: Use soundproofing techniques if noise is an issue. Rugs, curtains, and foam panels can help dampen sound and make your workspace quieter for both you and your neighbors. I was a renter for many many many years and sound management was key to creating a happy art studio.
Ergonomics: Ensure your workspace is ergonomically set up to avoid strain. This includes a comfortable chair, a desk at the correct height, and tools within easy reach. A small art studio is kind of like a small wardrobe. The pieces should be high quality classics to ensure that you get the maximum amount out of each piece.
Scheduled Clean-Up: Regularly declutter and clean your space to keep it organized and functional. A tidy workspace can boost creativity and productivity. When your space is small, you don’t have the luxury of piling things up.
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