BEST TIPS for STORING and ORGANIZING your ART SUPPLIES!

Today I'm giving you my best tips for art supply storage including all my art supply storage ideas (from IKEA carts and IKEA art and closet storage ideas) so that you can have awesome art and craft room organization once and for all!!
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below (on mobile? Scroll all the way down to view)!
💜 SUBSCRIBE if you're new to my channel & click on the bell 🔔 so you never miss a new video: bit.ly/KarensKZbin ✔️
💜NEW VIDEO EVERY FRIDAY
💜My All Time Favorite Art Storage Solution Supplies:
👉Mesh Utility Cart (closest I could find to IKEA's with similar pricing)
amzn.to/3gyzF8y
👉Metal Craft Cart (cheapest pricing I could find)
amzn.to/2X7vt8d
👉Plastic Round Storage containers (equivalent size to my metals ones at a fraction of the price)
amzn.to/3c4lipi
👉Stackable (rectanglart) Plastic Storage containers with lids
amzn.to/2TMaKEN
👉Colored Sticker labels
amzn.to/2M7Kxww
👉Fancy "Antique" bottles for Ink Storage (10 bottles with cork lids)
amzn.to/3damDMJ
👉8 Cube Modular Storage Organizer
amzn.to/3dfwMYo
🌈 Looking for easy, quick and fun Art Journal Ideas? Watch the series!
bit.ly/journalwithkaren
🍔Want to learn my exact Mixed Media Hamburger Layering System? Watch here!
bit.ly/hamburgerseries
✏️Learn How to Draw Faces in 20 Free Lessons!
bit.ly/100FunFabFacesPlaylist
Become a supporter of my consistent, free and fun art educational content while reaping some SERIOUSLY AWESOME perks like a zillion PREMIUM (that's Full-Length & Real-Time) FREE classes, early access to vids and behind the scenes deep dives!
💜 / karencampbellartist
Discover more!
💜www.karencampbellartist.com
Find my entire collection of Drawing and Mixed Media reference books on Amazon!
💜amzn.to/2r2clIv
Come hang out with me!
💜 / awesomeartschool
Connect on Instagram!
💜 / karencampbellartist
Music by Epidemic Sound!
💜www.epidemicsound.com
#karencampbellartist #artstudiotour #artsupplies
💜Product Links listed may be affiliate. I only link to products that I have personally used and tested and love! I may receive a few pennies if you purchase through these links but no worries, there is never any cost to the consumer for doing so!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Do YOU have a storage or organization tip you want to share with me? Please! I wanna hear it!

[@Condygurl]

The plastic Bottle Holders for wine work fabulously to keep your markers stored horizontally. I have mine separated by brand, but not color. I like the chaotic color feel of them stored together. Besides, it makes it fun to just grab a random color and see what happens.

[@barbaracampbell1608]

I use empty powdered drink containers (Crystal Light) and glue them together for Copics.

[@yoshigirl5760]

we want tips not what works 4 y

[@neuroticnation144]

I’m so visual, if I can’t see it, it’s not there. So open shelves and see through boxes are a must. The first time I saw your studio, I knew I’d found my organizational style. Thanks for the tips!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you and so very true! Out of sight, out of mind!

[@tanyayarb]

I love that you have Jamie in your art room!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Isn't he amazing?! I love having him in my art room!

[@tinavera2476]

That ink storage....OMG!! That is just spectacular! I'm sooo glad I found you! I've learned so much. Tubes of paint, like the Liquitex Basics , hang nicely from the underside of a shelf inside a cabinet, or outside of cabinet underneath(like how some hang their coffee cups) It really frees up shelf space.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks Tina!! I love that tip! Unfortunately I think my paint supply GREATLY outnumbers allllllllll of my drawer space 😂😂😂 but its okay, I'm not complaining (too loudly!). Lol! Isnt the ink nuts? I cant even!! In loooove! Thanks for watching!

[@janL7320]

That was SO helpful Karen! Love your art and videos! Thanks!!!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Jan! So glad to hear that!

[@hbsabrine3579]

Looove the ink section. So beautiful and inspirational 😍👌

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you!

[@cathyquilts2609]

Moved into a new house , after unpacking kitchen, lived out of a suitcase so I could set up my studio space off the family room where the previous owners had the pool table. Open shelves, clear the glass containers and racks to hold in rainbow “hamburger” order (more like a slider since I only use watercolor palettes & WC pencils, inks, then medias, then acrylics and permanent pens). Oh! And a shelf for sun hat, sandals and comfy jacket to quickly plein air with a bag. Wish I could attach pictures ... I love it!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It sounds great, Cathy! Thanks for watching!

[@jenniferculcasi1450]

Where have you been all my life! :) lol! And thank you universe for landing my on Karen's You Tube! I just discovered you a couple of days ago when I stumbled upon your whimsical face tutorial! I am responding to your welcome email, to go into more details of why I'm so thrilled, but I just wanted to say how much I LOVE the idea for storing your ink in antique bottles! I have a HUGE collection of antique bottles and this is such a fantastic way to use them, except I don't have or use (yet) fountain pen ink! I have a feeling that will change, just so I can use some of my super cool bottles! Genius!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Welcome to my channel, Jennifer!!!! I know you are going to love it here! And I have total envy that you have such a massive collection of antique bottles, can't wait to hear what you decide to do with them, and what inks you choose!

[@amandaspence1971]

Organization is one of my biggest problems-with everything really-so this was much appreciated! Love the hair BTW! Very bold!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Aww, thanks so much Amanda!!!

[@judyjanemcadam241]

Notice the new bold but also when you move your head your hair looks chopped and doesnt lay as pretty as it used to. The back is also frizzy on the ends. Not to be mean, i just yhought you would like to know

[@alexzelnickguitarlessons3928]

Great job, someday soon I will get organized like you.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You can totally do it, Alex!!!

[@Caramel77788]

That is an awesome video. I love clear labeked container as well. Thanks for sharing! Love the ink station so vintage snd unique like you.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks Mavi!!! I'm so glad you liked it!!! The ink station is one of my faves!

[@darleneelizabethanna]

Awesome ideas! Stay safe and thanks for sharing❤️

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks so much, Darlene!

[@Madnessmakes]

Hi Karen! I love your studio! You’re so lucky to have a space to create your art. Great video! I just store my art supplies in travel cosmetics cases.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Hi Maria! Travel cosmetic cases are great for holding art supplies too. I'm very lucky to have the space.

[@marianhansenkaucheck8262]

Thanks for sharing your studio and all the great storage ideas! I really liked the portfolios you showed with your individual art sheets.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks so much, Marian! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@JuliePerrineTN]

Well I'm a little behind on my viewing but this was a great video. You showed an over the door storage for your bottles of craft paint that look like each spot held one bottle. I didn't see a link to that and was wondering where you found it. I love it and have just reorganized with a set of shelves. The end of the shelf would be the perfect place! Thanks for all your great art sessions and ideas. So happy I found you on KZbin!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Julie Perrine thanks! I found that at Michaels a bunch of years ago so I couldn’t find a link either, I’m sorry! But glad overall the video was helpful to you!

[@kristinaorton1047]

Such a helpful video ! You nailed it as far as I am concerned

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!!!

[@nataliaferreyra8047]

Oh thank you! This video was so much needed 😅😅😅

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I'm so glad!

[@lori88ish]

Organizing for me is ever changing Thanks for the great tips TFS hugs AND smiles

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Absolutely, ever evolving as you see what works for you and what doesn't! Thanks for watching, Lori!

[@rablount]

So glad to see ya... Love this video

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks so much!!!

[@rablount]

Looooove your antique bottles....precious

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, I love them too!!!

[@smedina146]

Seriously the 3rd time I've seen this! HAH!🤣 I am such a dork! I LOVE seeing how artists store their supplies and set up their art spaces/studios/nooks..I find it utterly FASCINATING! I am constantly looking for inspiration for my art studio/den . Blessings from the great Pacific Northwest!💛🖤💛

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You are not a dork, but I appreciate that you liked the video!

[@tinamccann8344]

Thanks Karen I needed this!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Tina!!!

[@angelag9346]

Great video Karen....I love to organize....especially when I'm stressed!😘❤

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It totally is stress relief, thanks for watching Angela!!!

[@philmulholland4386]

Great tips. TY.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks Phil!

[@SammiJarrad]

Invaluable info! I super struggle with organizing. Thank you for sharing your tips. I love the clear containers you have. 😁💜💜

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Sammi! I'm glad this will help you !

[@DariceDavisjprocks94]

Love your organizing ideas. My space for now is highly limited. So, a place 4 only critical supplies and everything in its place is a must. Noticed toward end of this video you r storing a paper wrack near or at a window. I would suggest a D.I.Y. UV resistant, vynl draping system over your ink shelf at that location, and to swap paper bin with inks' shelving. Such a swap might not meet your easthetic needs re ink, 😟 -- but it could save paper from absorbing moisture and dust. Vertical, library standing of art Journals has been suggested by other art studio organizing videos. Yours might stand by year, subject and inspiration. I do pouring paints and need flat, drying rack type solutions. But that has to wait for when I move in to a larger space. The portfolio books you suggest are key since I began this leg of my art journey pouring on watercolor paper. I need to file them in a portfolio and begin 2021's series. I'm learning now as much as I can absorb about design, drawing, color theory to inform my pouring skills. I hope to find some funds to try your formal classes since your discussion of the COPIC watercolor system and it's hefty cost was very instructive. I find the kid in me wants supplies -- sets of pens, split pouring cups, colors galore, etc. cuz they r cute. But in practice like with clothing I have my favorites and that's all I really use except on rare occasions. So, the rest are essentially wasted purchases I can ill afford. That's really hard to remember, for example, when I have money and opportunity at the same time for the purchase of palette knives and spatulas. It's good to be reminded to slow my roll! LoL I know 4 knives are the most I'll use -- and maybe 3 of the highly decorative knives RBM and Michaels sell. But that's it and 7 are too many! The problem is they are sold in sets. There is not much I would buy if I knew I'd immediately have to give half of it away. But that's at least the issue with most purchases. And, the more I buy, the more I have to maintain (organize, clean, learn to use) which takes time from my art which is what I really want to do.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks so much, Darice!

[@cherylclaviter6398]

This was fantastic. I know what I am doing this weekend!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yay, have so much fun with it Cheryl!!!

[@deannabates1575]

This is great. I have a child moving out soon and will finally get my art room!!! This gives me wonderful ideas! Thank you!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Just replied to your other comment, but I hope it turns out great!

[@Marianne_C_O_Art]

Oooh so many goodies. It is a constant struggle for us creative types and i love you cupboard of paints and books! My art space is shared with my sewing supplies so see through tubs are a must. I too use the portfolios for completed stuff (and pdf sewing patterns) as I find that the hardest to store and I'm lucky enough to always find them at my local op shop (thrift store). Thanks for sharing your ideas Karen :)

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You are so welcome, Marianne!!! It is definitely a struggle, but I guess not a bad problem to have.

[@beatricecolpin8234]

very good tips !! I'm storing my supplies and I have bought transparent containers too !! you're beautiful !! friendly béatrice

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Beatrice!!!

[@Ladysensei]

Wonderful video

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you so much!!!

[@mexico53ify]

Thank you for the excellent subtitles! I appreciate them. Also, that is one sneaky cupboard! Looks like drawers, but it has shelves!!! That's funny!!! Very inspiring video thank you!!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching! And yes, totally sneaky!

[@ChronicReader]

This was really helpful! I just moved and I am in the middle of unpacking my art supplies and couldn’t figure out how to store them. Now I have some ideas!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Awesome, I'm so glad this was helpful to you Savana!

[@urbanchili]

LOL I just bought that bookcase from Ikea for my supply. I also decided to get some inserts with doors and drawers. But I want one more, a smaller one, because the large one wasn't enough and I am not fun of carts. I have to get some of those you store pens in as well. I already have a couple in my kitchen, but, I have to leave them there (I keep on telling myself)

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Love Ikea, they have such great things for storage! Thanks for watching!

[@iwanabfre]

I don't have quite the same amount of art supplies as you do... um but its building up ..:) I did find stackable clear boxes that clip together in groups of 2,3, or t.. some the size of your clear boxes, some larger... I got one expensive one at michaels of course, and found another for 7.99 Canadian on amazon.. I put a selection of pens, pencils erasers and markers, charcoal in each section and with the handle can carry it with me if I am drawing on my bed... usually.. or outside.. handy … I also use another one for my oil paints as I have fewer of those than acrylics :) I need to paint more..

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It sounds like you have a great system, Ellen!!! Thanks for watching!

[@deenaotway7717]

Great tips, thank you so much for sharing Karen. And yes stabilo needs a container all on its own lol

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

For sure, Deena! Thanks for watching!

[@destresswithyoga]

I need to do this!!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yes, it is so nice when it's done!

[@wendybampton6406]

Loooove the tios thanks👍🌼😊 what do you suggest for mixed media papers etc?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

A shelf? I guess? In a drawer? Are they loose?

[@LadyInTheTree]

Our basement has been an on going project which is where my stuff is suppose to go.... my family has given up our dining room table at the moment for my art supplies! I dream of the day when I can finally have all my supplies organized! I won’t have a huge amount of space but I figured between a book case , a rolling cart , and a peg board system I should have enough storage ! I am really putting a large expectation on the peg board to work out since I’ll be using vertical wall space and not taking up a huge foot print. I have also looked into those very small shelves , almost like what nail salons use to display nail polish but I’ll use it for craft paint and stamps ....

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

It sounds like you have a great game plan ready to go! Hope you were able to get some ideas from this video too. Thanks for watching!

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

Cool. =) Thank you for the tips. =)

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Happy to help, Phoebe! Thanks for watching!

[@PhoebesWorldProductions]

;) you're welcome.

[@MissDaisyParsley]

Great ideas! I like to visually store my supplies as well. I am almost finished cataloging all my acrylic stamps and moving them to baskets organized by theme. I got tired of thumbing through binders looking for something that I knew I had but could never find it. Each catalog card has an image stamped, company name, type of stamp (rubber, acrylic), what it is, and basket #. I hope this will work better for me!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Your system sounds awesome, Susan!!!

[@brendacollinsdeeks7268]

Karen, I'm using the exact same set of clear plastic storage containers that you are as well as the blue cart from IKEA. The one catch to organizing is that I still end up with a mess on my art table. So at the end of the week I have to stop everything and clean up, put all the supplies back, organize everything back into its proper place.....just so I can get all excited about the next project and make another mess. LOL

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Ahh, I totally get you about the clean up just to take it all out again! It's so much fun to get excited about a new project though!

[@lalanirhythmchanter5566]

Love 💕

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thank you, Lalani!

[@thekeddi]

Love this video! Just a heads up about the inks? Some may attract or sprout mold or go gluggy if taken from the original bottles as they have been treated before the inks going in. I'm off now to buy some clear containers! Thanks!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yikes, thanks for the tip Kerri!!!

[@lorenniwa1984]

My storage options are determined by our climate which can get quite hot here in Queensland Australia, I would love to have my art supplies displayed on open shelves or containers on trolleys, I need a bigger room 🤔😂😂😂

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I can totally understand both the climate thing and also the space limitations. You certainly need to work with what you have and make the space work for you. Thanks for watching, Loren and I hope this helped some!

[@marcwheeler4406]

For your duct tape you can use a papertowel holder that has a flat bottom...

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Great idea, Marc!

[@s.baxter3891]

Karen, you need a Phomemo MO2 Pocket Printer! It is a very cool little label maker. I got mine from Amazon. I use it to label all the containers my supplies are in. It is a very fun little gadget and has an app so you can use it via Bluetooth. The app contains tons of cute graphics you can use also!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Oooh, thanks for the tip, Sandy! I will check it out!

[@michelew393]

Great video!! Any chance you have a link to the storage that was hanging on your closet door?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I don't sorry, I got that at Michaels years ago!!!

[@emilygailwimbishart]

omg I LOVE your ink storage idea...I just got some inks at the beginning of quarantine, moved into my own place at the end of the summer, and as I'm organizing art stuff I'm thinking...do I have room for antique ink bottles somewhere...lol...great video, thanks!

[@emilygailwimbishart]

I have gotten some of the small plastic drawers that are probably for makeup, and organized my pens and sharpies by size and kind in them. With the poor object permanence and memory of ADHD having clear containers as much as possible, as you say, plus finding the RIGHT place for items to be stored so that I remember where they are, has been helping me get more organized bit by bit.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

You totally can make room, there is always room if it's something that will make you happy to have in your collection.

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yes, this works really well.

[@bunnyydoesthings]

Hi Karen! I just bought my 2nd and third pack of ecoline watercolor brush pens and I was wondering if I could store them upside down in a cup?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yes! Absolutely you can! Especially since they aren't dual tipped. Just keep them brush side down and they'll be yummy and juicy for you when you go to use them!

[@bunnyydoesthings]

@@KarenCampbellArtist awesome thank you!

[@HeadTripCreations]

Hi Karen! (Question at the end) Your darker hair and headband look amazing!!!! BTW, I just got my Stabilos and they are almost as amazing as you!!! I've been studying your (autographed) book, too (Find Your Style). I am working on three quarter profiles. Thanks for helping me out. BTWW . . . Do you have a workshop on just three quarter profiles???

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I actually have a series coming out about this on my Drawing Channel. I'm doing a few weeks of drawing the face in Profile and then 3/4 will be after that. Make sure to Subscribe so you don't miss them! First one airs tomorrow! bit.ly/karendraws I'll see you there!

[@HeadTripCreations]

@@KarenCampbellArtist Thanks Karen!!!! Is your Drawing channel the same as your Mixed Media channel (of which I'm already subscribed)?

[@debbiepettit3957]

I love the clear stackable storage containers you use. Who makes them? I can't find anything like them on Amazon, Ikea, or Container Store's websites. The Amazon ones you linked to have hinged lids, not my favorite. Also where's the door hanging organizer from, the one with your craft paints?

[@brendaspear9157]

If you have a Big Lots store in your area, they carry the clear storage containers Karen uses. So do I; they work great!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

I got mine at my local Target! Sterilite? I think?

[@meganklobchar7014]

Uhgg I wish you were my mom ... your so fun. And maybe if you were my mom I would have inherited some of your drawing skills because you are super talented I love your mixed media girls. I need to watch this video everyday so it motivates me to go organize something my area is a total train wreck. No form of organization what so ever. I think I have supplies kinda just piled up all over the desk and floor. It's awful. After watching this I realized I don't have a storage system of any kind. I need some shelves or cabinet . Omg have you ever see the video for a thing call craft box ? It's the most amazing thing ever. It looks like a cabinet then it opens up to art studio pretty much with so much organization a drop down table , and built in plug ins. Too bad It only cost like 5 GRAND 😭😩☹. One lady even built her own version of it and only spent a couple hundred. People are so creative. It's so crazy to me how people just HAVE ideas( I would never think of ) then just create it... inspiring!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Aww, thanks Megan!!! Start somewhere with the organizing and you will see what a difference it makes. There are lots of inexpensive ways to organize.

[@HeatherBryant22]

In the open ink containers how do you keep them from drying or are they water solvable?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

They are water soluble! They arent open just not air tight 👍and I plan to use them like crazy so evaporation shouldn't be an issue!!

[@HeatherBryant22]

@@KarenCampbellArtist thank you! During InkTober I use saran wrap and seal to make sure mine don't evaporate etc since I have them in pallets during October. I love all the bottles!

[@Ashleeta777]

Is your hair black? Temptress?

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Yes, it was supposed to be a blue black!

[@Ashleeta777]

@@KarenCampbellArtist oh that would have been cool but the black is sultry. You're rockin' it.

[@MsLouisVee]

Omg. Cut the music!!!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Just turn off the sound and turn on captions - problem solved : )

[@MsLouisVee]

@@KarenCampbellArtist I know but I would like to hear what you’re saying it just seemed like you were trying to talk over the music

[@deannabates1575]

This is great. I have a child moving out soon and will finally get my art room!!! This gives me wonderful ideas! Thank you!

[@KarenCampbellArtist]

Thanks for watching, DeAnna! I hope you have fun creating your art room!