Keeping your art supplies organized can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With just a little effort and planning, you can keep your creative space neat and tidy. Here are 35 easy tips and tricks for organizing all your art materials, from paints and brushes to canvases and more.

Choose Storage Containers Wisely

The first step in organizing art supplies starts with choosing the right storage containers. Look for ones that meet your specific needs:

Clear plastic bins

Great for storing and seeing all your colored pencils, markers, and other small items. Labels on the front help identify contents.

Small parts organizers

Perfect for organizing fiddly bits like nibs, erasers, charcoal pencils and more. The adjustable dividers keep everything neatly separated.

Shelving units

Free-standing or wall-mounted shelves provide vertical storage space for larger items. Bonus points if they have drawers for hiding clutter.

Art carts

A mobile cart with drawers and shelves can neatly organize bulkier supplies like paints, brushes and canvases while keeping them accessible.

Wooden desktop organizers

Compact wooden trays, drawers and racks help arrange desk supplies and tools within arm’s reach while you work.

Label Everything

Labels help keep your organizing system logical and make supplies easy to find and return to their proper place. Here are labeling ideas:

Use printed labels on storage bins, shelves, drawers and individual supplies.
Masking tape, painter’s tape or colorful washi tape work for basic handwritten labels.
Label maker machines create neat and durable stick-on labels.
Attach photos of contents to really make locating items visual.

Store Paint Tubes Efficiently

Don’t let paint tubes clutter up your space. Make use of these savvy storage solutions:

Stand them upright in plastic compartment trays. Group by color or paint type.
Sort them in a countertop lazy susan for quick access while painting.
File them in a hanging wall rack, magazine holder or over-the-door shoe organizer.
Designate drawers just for paints, divided into sections using cardboard.
For travel or plein air painting, pack tubes in a specialized paint carrier.

Organize Paintbrushes and Drawing Tools

Keep brushes looking crisp and tools from going missing with these ideas:

Store in jars, mugs or brush holders. Separate by brush size, material or purpose.
Slot them neatly into a desktop brush stand or wall-mounted brush rack.
Roll up brushes in a wrap to protect bristles. Store sets in drawers by size.
Hang tools like colored pencils and drawing pens from clips or mini magnet boards.
Designate desk space or trays for frequently used items so they’re handy.

Corral Markers, Pens and Pencils

markers, fineliners, pens and pencils prone to disarray. Tame them with:

Cups, mugs, jars or wall-mounted holders to corral loose drawing tools.
Slip them into pen/pencil cases, wraps or pouches in a drawer.
Store in segmented trays, mason jars or desktop organizers. Group by color, tip size, etc.
Attach a mesh bag or shelf with clips inside a cabinet door to hang supplies.
Invest in a revolving desktop organizer for easy access to go-to items.

Get a Handle on Painting Knives

Painting knives don’t need to be hazardous clutter. Keep these tips in mind:

Select a countertop utensil crock, drawer organizer or knife block to store knives safely when not in use.
Use magnetic strips or boards attached inside a cabinet to hold knives horizontally.
Designate a wall-mounted wooden knife strip or hanging mesh organizer just for painting knives.
Slot knives neatly into a specialized painting knife roll wrap or bag when traveling.

Wrangle Those Paintbrushes

Paintbrushes prone to disarray. Corral them with:

Tall brush caddies to keep brushes separated and upright. Divide by size, bristle type, or color.
Glass jars, ceramic pots or sturdy tin cans for storing on the counter or desktop.
Hanging brush holders mounted to the wall, cabinet door or side of a shelf.
Wrap up brush sets in foldable canvas brush wraps. Store in a drawer by size.

Organize Palettes and Paint Rags

Keep your paint rags tidy and palettes ready to go:

Designate sealable containers or bags for soiled rags until laundering.
Store clean rags in a labeled bin, stacked neatly.
Hang rags from shower curtain rings or clips to dry.
Set out daily palette/s on a designated tray or paper towels.
Keep spare clean palettes in a drawer, standing vertically in a bin.
Rinse palettes after use and dry on a rack or lined up on a sheet pan.

Don’t Overlook the Easel

An easel doesn’t have to be a mess magnet. Try these tips:

Mount a small parts organizer or acrylic desktop tray to hold paints, brushes, palette, etc.
Add hooks along the easel’s legs or arms to hang wet rags, brushes and other tools.
Attach a wire shelf unit with canvas storage on the backside.
Place a rolling cart next to the easel to hold supplies at arm’s reach.

Get a Grip on Art Paper

Stop rummaging through a piles of loose paper. Subdue sheets and pads with these ideas:

Store pads vertically in sturdy bins or cubbies. Label ends for quick ID.
Contain piles in lidded boxes. Leave sides open for easy access.
Designate flat files, drawers or shelves for paper storage.
Add clips or elastic bands to keep paper pads neatly together.
Insert loose sheets in labeled hanging file folders in a file drawer.

Never Search for Scissors Again

Avoid frustration when you can’t find the scissors. Ensure they stay handy with:

A desktop scissors cradle, stand or holder. Keep by your main work area.
Wall-mounted magnetic strips to hold scissors and other metal tools.
Desktop caddies, MUGs or trays designated for a pair of “art scissors” only.
Add scissors loops inside a cabinet door or on the side of a shelf.
Store scissors in a durable pouch in the top drawer for portability.

Smart Ways to Corral All Those Pencils

Pencils seem to multiply if left unattended. Get a handle on them with:

Tall desk accessories like a cup, vase or bin just for pencils.
Slip pencils into reusable wraps or pouches in a drawer.
Clear canisters show off pretty colored pencils while storing.
Attach a mesh pencil holder inside a cabinet door or shelf.
Invest in a desktop revolving organizer with dedicated pencil compartment.

Tame Your Tablet and Other Tech

Digital tools need organization too. Keep them accessible but out of the way:

Store tablets upright in a specialized holder or caddy. Protective covers help avoid damage.
Contain cords, cables and accessories in labeled pouches. Minimize desktop clutter.
Mount power strips and charging stations on the wall or side of a table to keep workflow uninterrupted.
Attach a shelf above the desktop to stow devices while working. Keep within easy reach.

Get Smart With Your Studio Space

Make the most of every square inch in your creative space with these adaptable storage solutions:

Install shelving above eye level to double your vertical storage. Great for stashing infrequently used items.
Multi-tiered shelving units, storage cubes and stackable drawers maximize floor space efficiency.
Hanging wall racks, over-the-door organizers and magnetic strips take advantage of often overlooked air space.
Nesting tables, rolling carts and fold-out workstations can be stowed out of the way when not in use.
Adjustable studio dividers can compartmentalize an open area or create private cubbies.

Establish Designated Storage Zones

Divvy up your studio into organized zones based on activity or supply category:

Keep paper storage, cutting mats, adhesives, etc. in a collage/mixed media zone.
Place easels, paints, palettes and brushes in a centralized painting area.
Set up a still life station with commonly used prop items and backdrops.
Define a digital workspace with your tablet(s), computer and other tech gadgets.
Add a reference library area with bookshelves, a comfy chair and display ledges.

Take Advantage of Wall Space

Don’t limit storage to floor level. Make use of vertical wall space:

Install pegboard panels or slatwall to hang shelves, bins, hooks and custom organizers.
Mount ledges, floating shelves, wall racks and canvas storage racks at various heights.
Attach mesh organizers, magazine files, rails or dowels inside cabinet doors to hang and sort supples.
Use over-the-door storage racks for things like paper pads, rulers and stencils.

Empty Out Junk Drawers

Jumbled drawers are wasted space. Give them a fresh start:

Clear out random items and commit drawers to art storage only.
Use drawer dividers, trays and small bins to neatly compartmentalize contents.
Line drawers with non-slip mats or foam to keep contents in place.
Label drawers and bin contents for an organized system.
Reserve top drawers for most used items you access constantly.

Take Supply Caddies Mobile

Portable caddies keep essentials at your fingertips:

Repurpose a bathroom caddy to carry small jars of paint, brushes, water cup, etc.
Use stacking, compartmentalized tackleboxes to tote markers, pencils and other mixed media.
Pack supplies in vintage lunchboxes and trays for a kitschy custom caddy.
Tuck basics into a sew-your-own fabric caddy with pockets and compartments.
Repurpose tiered hanging baskets from the dollar store for an inexpensive caddy.

Invest in Quality Storage Furniture

Well-crafted storage furniture adds functionality to your creative space:

Sturdy wooden cabinetry with drawers, doors and open shelving suits most studio needs.
Metal drawer cabinets and utility carts work well for holding bulkier supplies.
Computer armoires provide a hidden workstation to close away when not in use.
Custom built-in cabinetry makes the most of awkward small spaces like under stairs.

Take Your Stash on the Go

Stay organized even when creating en plein air or traveling. Useful products include:

Tackleboxes, craft caddies or art bins with compact storage for painting outside.
Folding travel easels and camp stools designed for portable use.
Lightweight canvas tote bags and backpack carriers for transporting supplies.
Collapsible travel water cups and portable palettes for outdoor painting.
Wrap-style brush and pencil holders to protect supplies in transit.

Assign a Home for Everything

An organizational system only works if you remain consistent. Be diligent about these habits:

Put supplies back where they belong after each use.
Avoid “dump zones” where things pile up. Deal with items immediately.
Note when you’re running low on key items and replenish before completely out.
Set reminders to tidy your space at regular intervals.
Evaluate storage solutions seasonally and edit as needs change.

Label Like a Pro

A labeling system is essential when organizing art materials. Here’s how to do it right:

Be consistent

Use the same style of labels and format throughout to create visual unity. Mixing up methods looks messy.

Write neatly

Take time to write neatly and legibly so labels actually help locate things. Sloppy scribbles defeat the purpose.

Use categories

Group contents into broad categories like “Pencils” or “Acrylics” rather than listing every single item.

Include sizes

Noteing drawing tool sizes (“Medium Brushes”) or paper dimensions (“9×12 Paper Pads”) makes finding the right item easier.

Create zones

Identify storage furniture zones like “Pencil Drawer” or “Shelf 3.” Helps return things to proper spots.

Face outward

Ensure labels face outward on shelves, drawers and clear containers for quick identification at a glance.

Refresh as needed

Update labels if collections change, or replace ones that get worn and hard to read.

Maintain Like a Pro

Don’t let organization slide over time. Stay on top of these studio maintenance tips:

Review weekly

Set aside a few minutes every week to survey your space and resupply low items.

Wipe surfaces

Use a microfiber cloth to dust shelves, wipe down counters and clean glass surfaces weekly.

Deep clean seasonally

Do a thorough overhaul of all storage furniture, shelves and drawers every season. Toss or donate unused items.

Check for damage

Inspect tubes of paint and brushes every few months for leaks, drying out, etc. and repair or replace as needed.

Freshen containers

Replace dirty/worn storage bins, canisters and small parts organizers periodically to keep things looking uniform and tidy.

Edit ruthlessly

If you haven’t touched it in a year, donate or trash it! Clutter from unused supplies sabotages organization.

Conclusion

By taking the time to thoughtfully organize your art studio using these tips, you can spend less energy searching for supplies and more time being creative. Commit to an organizational system that suits your space and needs. The payoff is having the right tools always within reach, and a clean workspace that inspires you to make art!

Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing Art Supplies

Organizing art supplies may seem daunting, but these common questions provide helpful answers and tips for creating an efficient, clutter-free creative space.

How should I categorize my art supplies?

Group similar items together, like paints, brushes, drawing tools, paper, adhesives, basic tools, etc. Further divide into more specific categories within each group, like watercolor vs. acrylic paints or colored pencils vs. markers.

What’s the best way to store paint tubes?

Stand paint tubes upright so you can easily see colors and identify each one. Use compartmentalized trays, lazy susans, hanging racks, or a specialized paint carrier. Store by color or paint type.

What are good storage solutions for small art supplies?

Small items like erasers, charcoal pencils, paint tubes, etc. can be organized in compartmentalized desktop organizers, craft caddies, drawer dividers, small parts trays, or clear utility boxes with adjustable dividers.

How should I store and organize paint brushes?

Use canisters, mugs or brush holders for tabletop storage. Mounted wall racks or clips are good for hanging brushes. Roll up brush sets in wraps stored flat in drawers. Separate by size, bristle type or media.

What are smart ways to store and organize drawing tools?

Use jars, cups or desktop holders to corral items within easy reach. Sort supplies like colored pencils or drawing pens in compartmentalized trays, shelf bins or hanging mesh pouches. Designate drawers or wrap pouches for storage.

How can I neatly store palettes, paint rags and other painting accessories?

Keep dirty rags in sealable bags or bins until laundering. Store clean rags stacked in a bin. Hang rags from clips or shower rings to dry. Set out daily palettes on a disposable surface like paper towels. Store clean palettes vertically in a bin or drawer.

What are good ways to organize paper pads, sheets and sketchbooks?

Store upright in bins, cubbies or shelving. Use clips, elastic or wraps to keep pads together. Insert loose sheets into labeled hanging file folders or paper organizer trays. Stack same-size papers neatly together.

How can I keep my studio space organized as a whole?

Maximize vertical storage with shelving, racks and organizers on walls. Use stackable, modular storage furniture. Create designated zones for activity types and supply categories. Take advantage of all available space, even doors and awkward areas.

What are some key habits for maintaining organization over time?

Always put supplies back immediately after use. Do weekly mini cleanups to tidy and resupply workspace. Deep clean seasonally by sorting everything and editing unused items. Refresh worn storage containers periodically. Check for supply damage and discard expired items.

35 Easy Ways to Organize Your Art Supplies