Preparing for a trip as an artist is more than packing clothes and checking your itinerary—it’s about setting yourself up for creative success long before you board a plane, step onto a train, or settle in for a long road journey. A well‑planned pre‑travel routine ensures you have the right tools, the right mindset, and the right systems in place to sketch, paint, or journal anywhere.
Why Preparing Ahead Matters for Traveling Artists
Travel is unpredictable. Seats are cramped, lighting changes constantly, and you never know when inspiration will strike. Preparing ahead of time helps you avoid frustration, wasted space, and tools you’ll never use.
By testing your gear, refining your kits, and planning your consumables, you ensure that your creative flow stays uninterrupted—no matter where the journey takes you.
Evaluate Your Current Art Tools Before You Travel
Before you start packing, take a close look at the tools you already use. Not everything in your home studio is travel‑friendly, and some items may be too bulky, too messy, or too fragile for long trips.
Identify What You Actually Use
- Which tools do you reach for daily
- Which ones sit untouched
- Which ones are too precious to risk losing
This helps you build a travel kit based on real habits, not wishful thinking.
Do you finish sketches on-site or back at your accommodation?
Test Your Tools in Real‑World Conditions
Before traveling, take your kit to:
These “test runs” reveal what works and what doesn’t. A pen that seemed perfect at home may skip on certain paper. A mechanical pencil may feel too scratchy. A sketchbook may be too heavy or too stiff to hold comfortably.
Order Travel‑Friendly Supplies Ahead of Time
Some tools are ideal for travel but not part of your everyday workflow. Ordering them early ensures you have time to test them before your trip.
Travel‑Specific Supplies to Consider
- Compact sketchbooks (A6 or A7)
- Mechanical pencils (no blade needed for sharpening)
- Brush pens (expressive but clean)
- Watercolor pens (the wettest option most travelers can manage)
- Mini fineliners
- Elastic bands or straps for securing tools
- Refill cartridges for pens and markers
Why You Should Order Early
- Shipping delays happen
- You need time to test flow, feel, and comfort
- You may discover you prefer a different size or tool
Travel art supplies are personal—what works for one artist may not work for another.
Build and Test Your Minimalist Travel Kits
Most traveling artists rely on multiple kits depending on the environment. Testing these kits ahead of time ensures they’re functional, comfortable, and enjoyable to use.
The Minimalist Kit
This is your everyday carry—the kit you can use anywhere.
Includes:
- Small sketchbook
- Pencil or pen
- Rubber band to hold them together
Test whether:
- It fits in your pocket or bag
- You enjoy drawing with the chosen tool
- You can sketch while standing or walking
The Museum Kit
Quiet, clean, and compact.
Includes:
- Pencil or fineliner
- Small sketchbook
- No wet media
Test whether:
- Your tools make noise
- Your sketchbook opens flat
- You can draw discreetly
The Ultra‑Small “Draw Everywhere” Kit
Designed for pockets, not bags.
Includes:
- A7 sketchbook
- Mini pencil or pen
- Rubber band
Test whether:
- You can carry it without a bag
- It’s comfortable in your pocket
- You can draw quickly without setup
Test Your Tools for Comfort and Flow
A tool that looks perfect on paper may feel completely different in your hand. Testing ahead of time prevents disappointment during travel.
Pen Flow and Line Quality
Try:
- Different nib sizes
- Different ink types
- Different barrel shapes
A pen that’s too small may cramp your hand. A pen that’s too large may not fit your kit.
Mechanical Pencil Lead Sizes
Since razors and sharpeners are restricted in carry‑on luggage, mechanical pencils are ideal.
Test:
- 0.3 mm for fine detail
- 0.5 mm for general sketching
- 0.7 mm for bold lines
Each size feels different on paper.
Paper Compatibility
Some pens bleed. Some pencils smudge. Some sketchbooks buckle.
Test your tools on the paper you plan to bring.
Plan Your Consumables Before You Travel
Running out of ink, lead, or paper mid‑trip can be frustrating. Planning ahead ensures you’re prepared.
Know What You Use Most
- How fast do you go through pencil lead
- How quickly do your pens dry out
- How many pages do you fill in a week
Decide Whether to Pack Extras
For long trips, consider:
- Extra lead
- Extra pen cartridges
- A backup mini sketchbook
- A second fineliner
Know Where to Buy Supplies on the Road
If you’re traveling internationally:
- Research local art stores
- Check if your favorite brands are available
- Identify alternatives you’re willing to use
This prevents panic if you run out of something essential.
Practice Drawing Without a Bag
Many artists assume they need a bag to carry their tools. But traveling light often means going bag‑free.
Test Whether You Can Draw With Only:
- A pocket sketchbook
- A pencil or pen
- A rubber band
Try:
- Walking and sketching
- Standing and sketching
- Sitting in tight spaces
If it feels awkward, adjust your kit until it feels natural.
Prepare Your Digital Tools (Optional but Helpful)
Even if you prefer analog sketching, digital tools can support your workflow.
Before You Travel:
- Organize reference photos
- Download offline maps
- Save color palettes
- Back up your sketchbook photos
- Prepare a digital journal or folder
This ensures you can sketch even when offline or in low‑light environments.
artistEarth | NEWS
ArtistEarth Is Looking for Travel Sketchbook Contributors & Regional Editors
Start With Your Sketchbook — Share Your Work, Share Your World ArtistEarth is growing, and we’re looking for artists who want to help shape a global guide to sketching the world. The first step is...
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I test before traveling with my art kit?
Test your pens, pencils, sketchbooks, and kit size in real‑world environments like cafés or buses.
How early should I order travel art supplies?
Order at least a few weeks ahead so you have time to test and replace anything that doesn’t work.
Do I need a special sketchbook for travel?
Not necessarily, but smaller, sturdier sketchbooks are easier to carry and use on the go.
Are mechanical pencils better for travel?
Yes, because they don’t require blades or sharpeners, which are restricted in carry‑on luggage.
How do I know if my minimalist kit works?
Try using it for a full day without a bag; if it feels natural, it’s ready.
Should I pack extra consumables?
For long trips, yes—bring extra lead, ink refills, or a backup sketchbook.
Can I sketch on a plane or train?
Absolutely; just make sure your tools are compact, quiet, and dry.
How do I avoid running out of supplies mid‑trip?
Track your usage before traveling and pack extras based on your habits.
Final Thoughts
Preparing ahead of time as a traveling artist is one of the most powerful ways to ensure a smooth, creative, and enjoyable journey. By testing your tools, refining your kits, ordering travel‑friendly supplies, and planning your consumables, you eliminate friction and set yourself up for effortless sketching anywhere.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a month‑long adventure, the work you do before you leave makes all the difference. With the right preparation, your art kit becomes a natural extension of your travel experience—ready whenever inspiration strikes.
Ready to Share Your Work?
Every travel sketch on artistEarth.com comes from the Sketchbooks.org community. Share your work to be discovered here, and / or join us as a Travel Editor.
From the Sketchbooks Community
