13 Favorite Tools for an Organized Art Studio

[@nelviamcgrath6929]

Thank you for the nudge to get the bill dozer into the studio and getting it organized again

[@hannahcrumley3103]

Great, well thought out studio organization- thanks for the tour! I’m headed now to my own studio to flip those letter files over on my shelves- why did I never think to do that - it makes 3 spots out of 2! 😉👍🏼thanks for that quick little gem!

[@catrains.artist]

So glad that little tip was so useful for your studio reorg!

[@hannahcrumley3103]

@@catrains.artist funny how such a small change can make all the difference in a small space!

[@elklectic]

Enjoyed the tour. I appreciate your organization. There's a few ideas I can use in my little space - about 1/4 the size of yours.

[@catrains.artist]

So glad that you found some ideas that could be used in your space. I used to have a very small space as well, and many of these tools I used there too.

[@glendaabercrombie9826]

Thank you for sharing your beautifully organized space! I especially loved learning how you organize your collage papers. What an eye opener (*smacks self on head, lol) that you organize them by B&W, neutrals, along with warm and cool colors! I've tried to organize them by color - (reds and pinks, etc) but it is really difficult depending on the number of colors on the paper. 🎉🎉🎉

[@catrains.artist]

Well actually.... I usually organize them by major color groups like blue, teal, red, orange. If a paper has many colors on it, I'll file by the color most prevalent, or in a file of all mixed colored papers (don't have many of these because hard to incorporate into a collage). However my file cabinet does group those major color groups by warms and cools, which is what you saw in the video.

[@sharondavis6775]

Thank you, Cat, for the interesting tour of what is probably your favorite space in the house. It would be mine. Lots of good ideas for storing collage papers. They do tend to pile up and it can be overwhelming if there isn't some kind of organization. I need more space!! My favorite part? The shower curtains for the floor when you're drying collage papers. I've got them all over the floor when I'm gel printing and I hate that. I'm gonna go out and buy myself an inexpensive shower curtain!

[@catrains.artist]

You can certain find cheap plastic ones and they are so useful to have on hand! So glad you enjoyed the tour, thank you for watching 😊

[@LynnLBE]

Your space is so pretty. All that light❗️. There are some great storage ideas, love that. I’ve always been an organizer but I don’t think it’s possible with art stuff. I have stacks all the time & lots on the floor as my space is only about 8 x 10. Loved watching this❣️

[@catrains.artist]

I've worked in much smaller spaces that 8x10, and without organizing, I actually freeze and can't create. However, even with a larger studio, the piles accumulate and I'm frequently regrouping and putting stuff away (like in this video) so that I can start again with a new art project.

[@FRANCOOPER]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful studio and your organization tips. I'd love to know more about your inspiration wall and how you use it. That would be another fascinating post.

[@catrains.artist]

So glad that you found this video useful. What a great idea for a future video. However there isn't much to share. Whenever I find art from another artist that I'd like to try, I pin it to my wall. Amazing how many times I've gone to this wall for a boost!

[@maryorr467]

Well, this was a timely video as I am currently trying to organize my messy studio! Thank you Cat, for the inspiration and good ideas! ❤

[@catrains.artist]

What perfect timing! I hope this helped inspire some new organization and creative ways to store things!

[@chrissyhayes8762]

Wow, that is a lot of stuff. Thank you for the tour❤

[@catrains.artist]

Yes a ton of stuff. The life of a mixed media artist!

[@julieboyle170]

WOW! To have all of that space would be amazing. I am organized and have everything labeled and sectioned off but have a much smaller studio. Thank you for sharing.

[@catrains.artist]

I am blessed to work in such a large space. However, I worked out of small hotel rooms as I traveled for many years. I never take this space for granted.

[@karmacreativetherapies8610]

Wow, such a beautiful space to create. I love the fact that you have a sink in your studio as well. Must be a game changer !

[@catrains.artist]

I adore my art space, am VERY blessed to work here. Yes the sink is so helpful!

[@ruthinman6921]

@@catrains.artist can you share how big your space is?

[@catrains.artist]

@@ruthinman6921 Maybe 20'x15'?

[@robintillotson5665]

Beautiful studio and great light!

[@catrains.artist]

Thank you Robin. I love this space!

[@mixedmedialife7916]

Tks for showing us around, Catherine. I think I'll use your idea for the stencil drying rack for a permanent stencil organizer 🤩. I often see those three-tiered letter/paper organizers at thrift stores. Great studio 👌🏼

[@catrains.artist]

I got that stencil rack idea from someone else's studio tour year's ago. Glad that you can use it too!

[@karrontroil2410]

Great studio space!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@catrains.artist]

Thanks for watching! You're so welcome!

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

Love the disco balls

[@catrains.artist]

One of my very favorite parts!

[@SeniorSusieStamps]

Fabulous Studio! You are an inspiration!!

[@catrains.artist]

Wow, thank you!

[@mollygorger6852]

What a wonderful studio!

[@catrains.artist]

Thanks so very much. I'm very blessed to "work" here!

[@jocelynstreater3661]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful workspace with us. It's a gorgeous and practical space, well thought out and filled with light. 😊

[@catrains.artist]

Thanks so much for coming along for the tour! And for your kind words.

[@seabasket2]

This tour was awesome! We are kindred spirits in a way. I love organization but being a mixed media artist is cause for chaos. Your studio makes me happy to know that, although a much smaller scale, I've done things right especially for me. Thank you for sharing!

[@catrains.artist]

I am so happy you enjoyed this, it's such a balance between the chaos and organization, I totally agree! 😊

[@milliel-c6049]

I think that you are absolutely wonderful! Thanks for the valuable tour of your inspiring space.

[@ruthinman6921]

i agree!

[@catrains.artist]

You are so sweet, I appreciate you watching the videos. Thank you!

[@ulrikejackson_kreativ]

Thank you so much for this tour, Cat! It's always great to see how other artists organize their spaces.❤

[@catrains.artist]

You are welcome Ulrike. I always LOVE seeing other artist's studios too!

[@annelise8014]

Love the ctreehouse feel and light

[@catrains.artist]

Yes, I love being up in the trees as well! This used to be a very dark space until a tree hit the roof, crushing it, which resulted in me getting skylights!

[@RobinGayl]

Gee….we mixed media collage artists sure have a lot of stuff, don’t we? Thank you for sharing your studio organization….you are so lucky to have a sink…I have to walk up and down stairs to reach my sink but it keeps me in shape 😂. Love the mesh file dividers for stencil drying!

[@ruthinman6921]

Robin, I only have to walk across the hall.. BUT, I learned to have 2 buckets (1 gallon each i believe) and labeled them Dirty water and Clean water... it keeps the trips to the sink to a minimum! and when students are in, they dip their water containers in my buckets for fresh water!

[@RobinGayl]

@@ruthinman6921 thanks Ruth…yes, a bucket would help…my husband bought me a collapsible one but I have yet to try it!

[@catrains.artist]

We are so lucky to have so many things to use in our art! However, I always stick by that endless supplies aren't necessary. I LOVE my sink, it has been a game changer!

[@EmilyBlitzer]

Your space it totally enviable. I don't have that capability, but I am very organized ... when I am workingon a project, my place is a mess., and I am all over the place. But once I am done, I clean it up so I can easily find what I need for the next time. And since it isn't a large area, it's important for me to keep it neat. I am just OCD that way. Bravo!

[@catrains.artist]

I feel the same about keeping everything put away in between projects. Drives me nuts when supplies are everywhere, like before I started cleaning up for this video!

[@EmilyBlitzer]

@@catrains.artist 🤗. Your studio space is impressive....I am away or a few days but home I get home, I will share my studio space with you and you will see what I mean.. it's small... but it works somehow. My husband is going to put up a small pegboard so I can hang up some of my brayers and get more counter space.

[@catrains.artist]

@@EmilyBlitzer I'd love to see the space you create in! I've made very small spaces work as well, sometimes even better than the large one I now have.

[@TracyDeFreitas-i4n]

So fab! I love the paint tubes hanging by the binder clips, that is genius. What wonderful light you have too and a enchanting view.

[@catrains.artist]

Yes the binder clips saves me a ton of space with these little tubes! And my light is divine indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@EllenvonCollas]

Total studio envy!

[@catrains.artist]

This studio was a LONG time coming. I used to create in hotel rooms as I traveled from my corporate job, envying other's studios! I know that I'm blessed to "work" here now.

[@angelag9346]

Hello Cat, I love studio tour videos....so happy to see your lovely art space!!

[@catrains.artist]

I love studio tours too! Thanks for coming along for mine!

[@chrisraymond6618]

Your studio is the size of my entire apartment! I'm jealous

[@catrains.artist]

I've created in hotel rooms for many years the size of my studio as well. Having this much space it truly a luxury I don't take for granted!

[@sandragildroy3819]

Several months ago I found that exact kitchen island at my favorite junk store and am using it in the same way. I love it! Thanks for sharing your organizing tips, Cat.

[@catrains.artist]

How fabulous that you found this island at a thrift store, as it wasn't cheap brand new. I'm all about using old stuff if I can find it. Fun that you are using this island the same way!

[@marlenepollock3790]

Fantastic Catherine! Very organised😮! I am at the moment making collage pictures with papers I made at the first free collage kickstart with you in January then the one after. Still loving it all!x

[@catrains.artist]

Thanks for taking my tour Marlene! So love that you are making a ton of collage papers from my classes!!! How fun.

[@julierholl]

Thanks for sharing your art room with us! It’s such a nice size and well organized with such great natural light (I’m a bit jealous of that!). I use an extra bedroom for my space and it is well organized but packed full of my stash. I recognized many similar organizational tools as I have. I love my standing height table as my primary work area and it holds many of my most used supplies. I also use those plastic drawer sets from Michael’s. Mine are thigh high and hold up a kitchen counter where my die cut machine, lg paper cutter and Cricut. I have a small table that holds my sewing machine and has room for additional work space. I have 3 tall bookshelves and several IKEA peg boards on some walls. It’s definitely packed with all my stuff but I know where everything is. I feel truly blessed to have my space, as I’m sure you are too. Thanks for continuing to share your creative ideas with us!

[@catrains.artist]

Your space sounds very well thought out an efficient. Looks like we share a similar organizational flare!

[@Vickilou92]

Now, I wonder how I can use some of your ideas in my 3’x3’ studio…I do have several cabinets I use…where washer/dryer hookups are…and a large space in one of the basement areas. Oh, did I mention that we live in a 40’ Motorcoach?? We are seriously looking at a toy hauler which would be a 12’x12’ space. The IKEA cabinets look like a possible solution. I’ve got a bunch of stuff in my mom’s garage that I just can’t part with…7-8 pochade boxes, large wooden box sets of pastels. Another storage we rent has mostly my finished, framed art. When we moved, I managed to keep everything except mixed media junk mail, cardboard. It took up a bunch of space in my 12x14 studio room. You are an inspiration!

[@catrains.artist]

Wow, I so admire you ability to create art in such a small space. Good for you!

[@pattyess]

More

[@catrains.artist]

@@pattyess More of what???

[@sheilajones3316]

Thank you so much for this grand tour! You are very well organised and there were some great tips and tricks. Just one little question - I wonder if you have rubber stamps and if so how you store these? I have tried different methods over the years but haven't found the best one yet! Thank you so much for all you share.

[@catrains.artist]

Yes I have rubber stamps and I store them in their own drawer in Tool #1, the stacks of plastic drawers. The stamps are in one drawer and the ink that goes with them in another!

[@leeannduraan7658]

Great hacks!! Thank you for sharing❤

[@catrains.artist]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@barbibarnum]

I’m struggling with how to group things together and be able to remember what I’ve got. And now I’m dying to have your round rolling cart

[@catrains.artist]

I totally get this struggle. The IKEA boxes and the tall plastic drawers really help categorize supplies into small containers, and still find them! I wish that rolling cart was still for sale. I've looked everywhere and never found another one. I bought it from a auto repair store!

[@carolyngreene8401]

I’m with you on the rolling cart!

[@avlwnc13]

Underneath the shelf where you display your finished canvases are some white things that look like Commander hooks. What are they? I'm always looking for ways to display my finished collages on the wall--but I'm running out of wall space! I'd love to hear more of your ideas on this. (I don't use a scrap book.)

[@catrains.artist]

Yes I believe they are commander hooks that are applied to the wall with adhesive that comes with the hooks. They only hold lighter artworks, but its nice because I can take them off the wall when I don't want them where they are hanging. Makes the space more flexible.

[@ruthinman6921]

Ok I just lOVE this video.. thank you!!! Question for you... your pipettes... all seem to be in one 'drawer' (from ikea) do you not separate them by what they last were used for? I have pipettes for alcohol ink, and different ones for acrylic ink... watercolor ink, etc... maybe i have too many supplies... (some that know me would say.. Maybe????) LOL. thanks again.. i have many of the organization things you do, but i can see i might need to change HOW I use them for the better!

[@catrains.artist]

I clean my pipettes and eye droppers out by rinsing water through them right after using them. Not all the paint comes out, but enough to be able to use them again with many types of paints. Separating the pipettes by what they were last used for is a great idea, but means you need more boxes and space!

[@ruthinman6921]

LOL. I thought your 'disco balls' were a mirrored Rabbit facing away from the camera!!! May I ask the dimensions of your studio? Mine is large (25x30) and Im totally rethinking the arrangement now that i've seen this video!

[@catrains.artist]

Too funny! Mine studio is about 20'x15'.

[@sherryleggett1612]

I usually make the excuse that I’m going to use it soon anyway so why put it away? That why I live in constant clutter. I need to follow your lead and be sure to put everything away at least after every few projects or pretty soon I have no table space to create on. Definitely the labels will make a big difference. I try to have as many clear boxes as possible in the same sizes for easy storage but without labels is still a chore to find which bin I put things in. I envy you your wonderful sections for different categories. I long for an organized studio.

[@catrains.artist]

Labeling my boxes was a game changer for me. Took some time to do this, but now its easy to figure out where everything goes when I'm cleaning up. I highly recommend this one simple hack!

[@Suzatonic]

Since you are talking about tools, may I ask what color printer you use and if you like it? With the variable qualities and the ink costs, I find they are complicated to research.

[@catrains.artist]

I've been using an Epson archival printer for over 20 years. The brand has changed many times as the tech has improved, but it's easy to find what they currently have on Epson.com. Mine is over 10 years old and no longer made, but it still works great. It's called something like Photo Stylus (I'm on vacation, or I'd give you the exact name!).

[@Suzatonic]

@@catrains.artist that’s fine. Thanks so much.

[@annhovland8407]

Ok, where did you get your meditation air plant holder?

[@catrains.artist]

That cames from Lowes hardware store!

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

where did you get the white painted wood mat on your rolling art table?

[@catrains.artist]

This is actually a paper mat that is not that durable. And is expensive. I bought it to create demos on. Its from a company called hqbackdrops, out of the UK?

[@ruthinman6921]

Please Pleae Please... tell me the dimensions of your Rolling Drawer Storage!... they are in your video at 4:39. (Tool #1) I have 2 sets of rolling drawers but they look a lot smaller than yours? Maybe share where you got yours?

[@catrains.artist]

I actually tried to find a link for mine at Michaels (where I bought mine) and couldn't find it online. Maybe they would have them in the store? Each drawer measures 15x16x5.

[@DinksDinersArtbox]

Do you still do the Tues @ 2? ( looking for 2024_

[@catrains.artist]

Thanks for noticing that I didn't post this past Tuesday. Wasn't sure if I'd be missed 😉. I'm taking a short break from posting weekly videos while I finish up my newest online workshop Collage Keepsake. There will be a new video next week, and then I'll probably take a month off to focus - creating a class is a HUGE time commitment. If you get my newsletter, I'll let you know exactly when I return!

[@Guammaine]

$$$$

[@catrains.artist]

???

[@mugglescakesniffer3943]

Have you thought of giving your supplies to an artist that is not as well off as you are? Or bundling it and selling it at a yard sale? What about donating it to a low income school's art program?

[@catrains.artist]

I've donated a ton of art supplies to high schools over the years. Every time I do a major studio overhaul, a car load gets donated.