Keep Your Essentials Clean, Accessible & Beautifully Displayed

Brushes, pens, markers, and hand tools are the most frequently used supplies in your art studio — and also the easiest to lose, damage, or clutter. When they don’t have a clear system, they end up scattered across your desk, buried in drawers, or rolling around in jars that don’t quite work.

But with the right organizational setup, your tools can be:

• Easy to reach
• Protected from damage
• Sorted by type & size
• Beautifully displayed
• Stored in ways that support your creative workflow

This guide walks you through the best methods, systems, and aesthetic ideas for organizing your brushes, pens, and creative tools — no matter the size of your studio.

SECTION 1 — Start by Sorting Your Tools

Before you organize anything, take a moment to sort your entire collection.

Group items by:

• Brushes (round, flat, detail, mop, fan, synthetic, natural)
• Pens & Markers (fineliners, brush pens, alcohol markers, gel pens)
• Drawing Tools (charcoal, blending stumps, erasers)
• Cutting Tools (X-acto knives, blades, scissors)
• Measuring Tools (rulers, triangles, compasses)
• Craft Tools (glue guns, clips, tape, small tools)

This helps you see exactly what you have — and what type of storage you need.

SECTION 2 — Best Storage Ideas for Paintbrushes

Brushes are delicate and need proper storage to maintain their shape.

Here are the best ways to store them safely and beautifully:

1. Ceramic or Glass Jars (Classic & Aesthetic)

This is the easiest and prettiest way to display brushes.

Benefits:

• Brushes stay upright
• Easy to grab
• Doubles as decor
• Works with all studio styles

Use multiple jars if you have a large collection:

• One for watercolor
• One for acrylic
• One for oil

2. Rotating Brush Organizers (Perfect for Daily Tools)

A rotating organizer keeps your most-used brushes within reach.

Great for:

• Mixed media artists
• Small studios
• Artists who switch tools often

Choose:

• Wooden turntables
• Acrylic rotating caddies
• Multi-compartment spinners

3. Brush Stands (Best for Drying or Protecting Tips)

Brush stands support brushes horizontally or at an angle.

Use for:

• Wet brushes drying
• Delicate natural-hair brushes
• Specialty brushes

Why they’re helpful:

• Prevent water damage
• Maintain shape
• Avoid splaying and fraying

4. Drawer Storage With Dividers (Great for Large Collections)

If you have a big brush collection, drawer storage is incredibly helpful.

Use:

• Bamboo dividers
• Acrylic trays
• Silicone organizer trays

Benefits:

• Protect brush tips
• Keep categories separated
• Prevent damage from overcrowding

→ Best Drawer Units for Artists

5. Brush Rolls & Travel Cases (Perfect for Workshops)

If you take your supplies on the go, use:

• Canvas brush rolls
• Faux leather rolls
• Zip-up brush cases

Why they work:

• Protects bristles
• Easy to travel
• Keeps brushes clean and safe

These also work beautifully for seasonal storage.

SECTION 3 — Best Storage Ideas for Pens & Markers

Pens and markers are easier to store than brushes — but they still need organization to prevent leakage, rolling, and clutter.

1. Acrylic Pen Organizers (Aesthetic + Functional)

Perfect for:

• Fineliners
• Gel pens
• Alcohol markers
• Brush pens

Benefits:

• Visibility
• Easy color sorting
• Stackable
• Clean, modern aesthetic

Choose horizontal organizers for alcohol markers to prevent ink pooling.

2. Desktop Drawer Units (Great for Large Marker Sets)

Use shallow drawers to store:

• Markers
• Pens
• Refills
• Blending markers

Pair with:

• Drawer dividers
• Clear trays
• Color-coded labels

3. Pencil Cups & Jars (Simple & Pretty)

If your studio leans toward a cozy aesthetic, choose:

• Ceramic cups
• Rattan pencil holders
• Clear glass jars
• Light wood cups

Sort by:

• Type
• Brand
• Color family

4. Hanging Cup Systems (Amazing for Small Studios)

Use rail systems or wall-mounted hanging cups to store:

• Pens
• Pencils
• Markers
• Small tools

Why they’re genius:

• Free up desk space
• Perfect for tiny rooms
• Add visual interest to your wall

5. Pen Caddies & Marker Totes (For Travel or Mobility)

These carry large marker collections easily.

Use for:

• Alcohol markers
• Brush pens
• Large pen sets

Choose totes with:

• Adjustable sections
• Shoulder straps
• Elastic loops

SECTION 4 — Best Storage Ideas for Tools (Knives, Scissors, Rulers & More)

Tools need functional storage, but they also need to be safely contained.

1. Magnetic Tool Strips (A Must-Have for Tiny Studios)

Mount magnetic strips to hold:

• Scissors
• Metal rulers
• X-acto knives
• Palette knives

Why artists love it:

• Zero desk space needed
• Super accessible
• Looks sleek

2. Tool Drawers With Dividers

Divide tools into categories:

• Cutting
• Measuring
• Adhesives
• Craft tools

Use:

• Bamboo drawer dividers
• Acrylic trays
• Shallow tool organizers

3. Small Pegboards for Tools

Pegboards can hold:

• Scissors
• Tapes
• Clips
• Cutters
• Small rulers
• Brushes

Pair with:

• Hooks
• Mini shelves
• Hanging cups

This makes your wall functional and visually interesting.

4. Desktop Tool Caddies

Great for:

• Frequent-use tools
• Mixed media artists
• Craft-heavy work

Choose:

• Rotating caddies
• Deep cup organizers
• Multi-slot tool bins

5. Drawer Units for Sharp Tools (Safety First)

Sharp objects like blades should be stored safely.

Use a designated drawer with:

• Blade guards
• Dividers
• Closed containers

SECTION 5 — How to Create Tool “Micro-Zones”

Micro-zones help you categorize while staying compact.

✔ Brush Zone

Jar + drawer + drying stand

✔ Pen/Marker Zone

Cup + acrylic organizer + bin

✔ Tool Zone

Divider drawer + magnetic strip

✔ Daily Essentials Zone

Keep your most-used items within arm’s reach:

• Your favorite brushes
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Black fineliner
• Cutting knife

These micro-zones keep your workflow smooth and intuitive.

SECTION 6 — Aesthetic Ideas for Beautiful Tool Storage

Make your workspace visually inspiring.

1. Matching Containers

Consistency = visual calm.

Try:

• All light wood
• All acrylic
• All ceramic
• All woven

2. Add Texture With Natural Materials

Use:

• Rattan
• Linen
• Stoneware
• Soft wood tones

3. Color-Code Pens & Markers

Organize by:

• Warm tones
• Cool tones
• Neutrals
• Pastels

Looks stunning on shelves or desks.

4. Use Your Tools as Decor

Display:

• Brush jars
• Pen collections
• Mini trays of tools

Your supplies become part of the studio aesthetic.

SECTION 7 — Maintenance Tips (So Your Tools Stay Organized)

✔ Weekly

• Put everything back in its zone
• Empty water cups
• Wipe jars or cups

✔ Monthly

• Wash brush cups
• Replace damaged brushes
• Re-sharpen and clean tools

✔ Seasonally

• Declutter dried markers or old tools
• Refresh your layout

CONCLUSION

Organizing your brushes, pens, and tools isn’t just about tidiness — it’s about creating a workspace that supports your creativity and keeps your materials protected. With the right jars, drawers, dividers, caddies, and wall systems, your tools will always be within reach, beautifully displayed, and easy to maintain.

Your creative process becomes smoother, your desk stays clearer, and your studio feels more inspiring with every project.

• Best Drawer Units for Artists
• The Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Art Supplies
• 10 Genius Ways to Organize Your Paints
• Aesthetic Art Supply Storage Ideas
• Small Art Studio Organization Ideas