Like many artists, my life often feels beautifully full—but also busy. There are the daily responsibilities, the long days that slip away, and the unpredictable rhythms that don’t always leave room for stillness. In the midst of it all, I found myself longing for a way to make space for my creativity—not just in ideal conditions, but in the everyday moments. I wanted my art practice to be something that I could carry with me—something that could meet me wherever I was, no matter the time or circumstance.
Building a travel art kit became my solution. A way to seamlessly infuse art into the pockets of my life—a sketch on a lunch break, a soft wash of paint at my sons basketball practice followed by a few moments of creative calm. Over time, it’s allowed me to stay connected to my art not just when everything is perfectly set up, but when life is happening in real time.
In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about building a travel art kit that supports your art practice in ways that feel light and intentional. Whether you’re hopping on a train, heading to the park, or simply making the most of a busy day, your art deserves a place to come along with you.
Choose Materials You Actually Use
When building a travel art kit, it can be tempting to fill it with new tools and art supplies—paints you’ve been meaning to try, brushes that look inspiring, or sketchbooks you hope to use someday. But the truth is, the most useful kit is the one that actually reflects how you actually create. It's important to choose materials that you already reach for in your regular art practice--the pens that glide easily in your hand, the paints you intuitively know how to mix, the sketchbook that feels like a dear companion.
Think of your travel art kit as an extension of your already existing art practice not a reinvention of it. This keeps your creative time feeling familiar and accessible, even when you're not in your usual space. When you choose tools that you trust and enjoy, it removes resistance. You'll feel more encouraged to open your sketchbook in a cafe, on a park bench, or even in the small pockets of time between errands. The more your kit feels like you, the more often you'll use it--and that's where the real magic lives.
Let Your Intentions Shape Your Art Kit
Before you begin gathering supplies, take a silent moment to reflect on why you're building a travel art kit in the first place. What do you hope this little bundle of tools will help you create? Maybe you're longing for a way to pause and reconnect with yourself during a busy season. Maybe you want to document your surroundings or build more confidence in your art skills. Whatever your reasons, let those intentions guide you.
Think about the type of art you want to make. Are you hoping to fill pages with color studies? Capture textures and patterns you see? Journal about your days? Let these aims direct you in what to include. If you plan to write, bring your favorite pen. If you want to paint, maybe just three to five colors you know you'll use. Allow your vision to lead the way.
When your kit is shaped by intention, it becomes more that just a set of tools--it becomes a reflection of the kind of creative space you want to cultivate wherever you are. Your travel art kit is about creating ease in your art practice, not pressure. Each item you include becomes a personal reminder: your art matters, and it's welcome here-in the quiet corners of your day.
Be Thoughtful About Efficiency
When building your travel art kit, every item you include is like a whisper of a promise to your inner artist: I will make space for my creativity. But space, especially while on the go, is often limited. That's where efficiency becomes key.
Each tool in your kit should serve a clear purpose. Choosing tools that work in multiple ways can open up your art practice rather than narrow it. A brush pen can double as a drawing or painting tool. A water brush eliminates the need for a water cup while painting outdoors. A pencil with a built-in eraser saves time rummaging for extra pieces. These little decisions add up and create a kit that supports your art, rather than complicate it.
Efficiency in your travel art kit allows you to focus more on the art itself and less on the logistics of making it happen. When your tools are streamlined, you'll feel more present and less overwhelmed. You'll reach for your kit not because you should, but because it feels easy, welcoming- even exciting.
Final Thoughts
Making art on the go isn't about polished pages-it's about noticing. It's about carrying your creativity with you wherever you go. Wherever you find small moments of artistic joy can become its own sacred space. And that can be your travel art kit; a home for your creativity in motion.
May your kit be light, may your inspiration be full and may you always find time to make art-even in the quiet in-between moments.
xo
