I have a confession to make: I’m a prepper.
Not the kind with shelves of canned goods or an underground bunker. If that’s your thing, no offense intended. My version of prepping is all about art supplies.
I have an almost obsessive need to be ready for any sketching scenario, and over time, I’ve perfected my system. My sketch kit is a finely tuned machine, tailored to location, weather, medium, and size of notebook.
Here’s the thing: I don’t just have one sketch bag—I have multiple mental variations.
The Art of Packing: How I Customize My Sketch Kits
Depending on the situation, my kit changes based on factors like:
Location: Am I sketching in a garden, a coffee shop, or on a road trip?
Bag Type: Will it be a backpack, pouch, or just something that fits in my hand?
Medium: Watercolor and gouache? Or is it an ink-only kind of day?
Notebook Size: Pocket-sized or sprawling A4?
Weather: Sunny skies or post-rain puddles?
Duration: A quick 20-minute sketch or an all-day art adventure?
To simplify, let me give you two examples of how this plays out in real life.
1. The BIG Pack
This is my go-to for full-fledged outdoor sketching sessions. Like when I’m heading to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden with friends. Picture a clear, sunny day after some rain. Here’s what I pack:
A foldable stool (because wet grass is not my vibe).
A backpack stocked with snacks and water (hydration = creativity).
A5 watercolor sketchbook, along with both my gouache and watercolor palettes.
A second mixed media sketchbook, because let’s be honest, one is never enough.
This setup ensures I’m ready for anything. It’s an art studio on my back.
2. The House Pack
This is my everyday kit—the one that follows me from my studio to the kitchen table and everywhere in between. Recently, it came with me on a college campus tour with my son. Lots of driving, some airport downtime, but not much dedicated sketching time.
This is the pack that’s featured above. It served me well from MIA to college towns in the Southeast and on to the beach for two days of rest!
Perfect Sketch Kit: Why Does This Matter?
Packing the right materials is about both convenience and working up to a daily sketch habit. When tools are organized and tailored to your needs, you’re free to focus on what really matters: connecting with yourself through art, offline and uninterrupted.
Share this post