If you’re like me you probably have a stack of loose sketches sitting in piles and outside of their sketchbooks. Do you know that those loose sketches are slowly being damaged and should be stored properly? You should also know the importance of learning how to store your loose sketches safely and in an organized manner.
In this post I will explain:
- What you need to store loose sketches properly
- Supplies needed to store loose sketches
- How to sort your loose sketches so that they are organized
- Storage options for your loose sketches
- How to store large sketches
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or professional artist learning how to store loose sketches properly can help you preserve your artwork for years to come.
With so many storage options available, it can be hard to work out which one is the best for you but with this information you should have totally no trouble working out a solution that works for you.
How to store loose sketches
The main things you need to consider are the size and quantity of your sketches. If you have a large collection of sketches or oversized pieces, a portfolio or presentation book may not be the best option.
Try using large paper envelopes or acid-free storage boxes to protect your artwork from dust, light, and moisture. If you have a smaller collection of sketches and want to showcase them to clients or friends try using a portfolio or presentation book.
Another factor to consider when storing loose sketches is the materials you use. Acid-free paper, mat board, and framers tape are essential items for protecting your artwork from yellowing, fading, or becoming brittle over time.
Also, clear polypropylene sleeves can help prevent smudging or damage from handling. By using the right materials, you can ensure that your sketches remain in great condition for years to come.
So what supplies do you need to make this all happen? Glad you asked.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you start storing your loose sketches, you need to gather the all the supplies needed to ensure your sketches are stored safely. Here are some supplies you will need:
Acid-free tissue paper
Acid free tissue paper is crucial for preventing your sketches from yellowing or deteriorating over time. While this stuff can be expensive it is totally worth it. You can also use it to store clothing you do not wish to yellow.
Archival-quality storage boxes
Archival quality storage boxes are specifically designed to protect artwork from dust, light, and moisture. These are perfect for storing loose sketches if you do not plan on exhibiting them.
Archival-quality sleeves
Archival quality sleeves will help protect your sketches from smudging or rubbing against each other. Make sure you find sleeves that are the correct size as many brands only sell letter size sleeves.
Labels
Label each box or sleeve with the date, title, and any other relevant information about your sketches.
It’s important to invest in high-quality supplies to ensure that your sketches are protected and preserved for years to come.
Don’t skimp on the quality of your supplies, as this could lead to damage or deterioration of your artwork.
Another thing to remember is to store your loose sketches in a cool room away from direct sunlight and humidity. Nothing will destroy your artwork faster than mold or heat.
I use this Dymo label maker for everything label related.
Sort Your Loose Sketches
The first step to storing your loose sketches is to sort them. This will help you identify which sketches you want to keep and which ones you can discard. Here are some tips to help you sort your sketches:
- Sort your sketches by date, subject matter, or medium.
- Consider grouping sketches that were created during a specific period of time or for a particular project.
- Separate sketches that you want to keep from those that you no longer need.
Once you have sorted your sketches, you can move on to the next step. The next step is to decide how you want to store them.
If you have a large number of sketches, you may want to consider using a presentation book or a flat artist’s portfolio to store them.
These types of storage solutions allow you to easily flip through your sketches and protect them from damage.
If you only have a few sketches, you may want to consider using large paper envelopes or a simple accordion folder to store them.
These solutions are affordable and easy to find at most art supply stores.
No matter which storage solution you choose, make sure to label your sketches clearly. This will help you find them quickly and easily when you need them.
Choose Storage Options
When it comes to storing loose sketches, there are several options to choose from. The best option for you will depend on your personal preferences, the size and quantity of your sketches, and your available storage space.
Portfolio Binders
My personal favorite, the portfolio binder is a great option for storing loose sketches. These binders come in a variety of sizes and materials, including plastic, leather, and fabric.
They feature clear plastic sleeves that allow you to easily view and organize your sketches.
You can add or remove sleeves as needed.
Portfolio binders are a good choice if you have a large number of sketches or if you frequently need to transport your sketches.
They are also a good option if you want to keep your sketches organized and easily accessible.
Again, find one that is the correct size for your sketches.
Flat File Cabinets
Flat file cabinets are another popular option for storing loose sketches. These cabinets feature multiple drawers that are designed to hold large sheets of paper.
They are usually made of wood, plastic composite, or metal and come in a variety of sizes.
Flat file cabinets are a good choice if you have a large number of sketches or if you work with large sheets of paper.
They are also a good option if you want to keep your sketches organized and protected from dust and other environmental factors.
Folders and Envelopes
If you have a small number of sketches or limited storage space, folders and envelopes may be a good option for you. These storage options are lightweight and easy to store in a drawer or on a shelf.
Folders and envelopes are a good choice if you want a simple and inexpensive way to store your sketches but they may not provide as much protection as other storage options. So it’s important to take extra care when handling your loose sketches.
Drawing tube
Another option to store your sketches is a drawing tube. Drawing tubes are great if you have larger works on paper or want extra protection against moisture, dust, and other environmental factors. Drawing tubes also make it easier to transport your sketches as they can be rolled up and secured with the caps provided.
Other benefits of using a drawing tube to store loose sketches are:
- They are lightweight and portable making them easy to carry.
- Made of hardened plastic or other sturdy materials, they will protect your artworks from bending or breaking when you are transporting them.
- They are easy to store stacked, with one on top of the other saving you space.
Just make sure when using a drawing tube that you use the right size tube. It needs to be large enough to fit your drawings/sketches without any ends popping up.
Never overstuff the drawing tube with loose sketches. Drawing tubes do not cost much so do not do this.
Tips for Organizing Your Sketches
Organizing and storing loose sketches can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of them and you have never done this before. Here are some of my tips to help you organize your sketches:
- Use a portfolio or presentation book for sketches that you show or reference often.
- Consider using page protectors in a loose leaf binder for sketches that you want to keep but don’t need to reference as frequently.
- Use custom-built storage bins for larger sketches or canvases. Also look online for storage solutions for architects and graphic designers.
- Store larger sketches flat on large horizontal shelves.
- Keep smaller sketches vertical on shelves.
Remember to label and date your sketches as you store them. This will make it easier to find what you need later on.
Another option is to scan your sketches and create digital files. This can be a great way to organize and archive your work, especially if you have limited storage space.
Lastly, the best way to organize your sketches will depend on your personal preferences and the amount of space you have available. Experiment with different methods until you find one that works best for you.
How do you store large sketches?
Storing large sketches is not any different from small or normal sized sketches. To ensure your drawings remain in the best condition for years to come, mount them using an acid free mat board and backboard, then secure them with framers tape.
On the flipside you may want to consider rolling them up and storing them in acid-free drawing tubes.
What about storing large drawings? What is the difference?
How to store large drawings
Storing large drawings is similar to how you would store large sketches. The difference is in how the drawings should be mounted.
For larger drawings, they should be framed and sealed with UV protective glass. This will help protect them from damaging sunlight and other environmental factors. You can also opt for a portfolio box or art case designed specifically for storing artwork.
The other option is to also use a binder with acid free sheets to keep them safe. This method is great for keeping art flat without any creases or folds. It also protects the drawing from dirt, dust and other airborne contaminants.
No matter how you choose to store your artwork, it’s important to make sure that all materials used are acid-free and of archival quality.
How to store loose sketches – Wrap up!
Learning how to store loose sketches is an important part of being an artist and preserving them for future generations.
No matter what options are available to you, remember it is best to opt for archival quality materials and careful preservation techniques in order to keep them safe from damage.
Storing loose sketches does not have to be difficult, in most cases it only requires some education and commonsense.
