If you're like me, your sketchbooks and drawings are some of your most treasured possessions. You want to make sure they're well cared for so they can inspire you for years to come. In this guide, I'll walk you through how to store drawings and sketchbooks safely—whether you're worried about humidity, fading, or just running out of space.
And hey, if you're interested in preserving pencil drawings, be sure to check out my guide on how to preserve a pencil drawing.
The Biggest Dangers to Your Drawings: Humidity and Sunlight
The two main threats to your drawings and sketchbooks are humidity and sunlight. Let’s break down why these are so dangerous.
Humidity: Enemy Number One
Humidity is the biggest threat to your drawings. Wherever there’s humidity, there’s the potential for mold—and once mold starts growing on your work, there’s no coming back. If you're living in a humid environment, the best way to protect your drawings is to store them in a cool, dry place.
Some options I use:
- High shelves in a closet: Keeps your work away from damp spots on the ground.
- Humidity-resistant storage containers: You can find these online or at local art supply stores—just make sure they’re labeled as truly moisture-proof.
- Silicone Moisture Absorbers: I highly recommend adding silicone moisture absorbers to your storage boxes or drawers. These little packets work wonders for absorbing excess moisture and keeping humidity levels down. You can easily find them online or in stores, and they’re a simple and cost-effective way to help ensure your drawings stay mold-free.
Sunlight: The Yellowing Villain
The next thing to think about is sunlight. UV rays are not your friends; even “archival” or “museum quality” paper isn't immune to the sun's power. Over time, exposure will cause your drawings to yellow and fade.
I try to store my drawings in a place that’s completely out of the sunlight. This means choosing a dark corner of a closet or using archival boxes.
How to Store Drawings (7 Methods)
I've experimented with lots of different ways to store drawings and sketchbooks, and here are some ideas that have worked well for me:
1. Bookshelves
Storing sketchbooks on a bookshelf is a great option if you want easy access. You can organize them by size, theme, or even the type of media used—like I do with my watercolor-themed sketchbooks. I also make sure they're stored upright and away from windows.
2. Archival Boxes
If you have many drawings and limited space, archival boxes are a game-changer—they're sturdy, stackable, and protect your sketches from sunlight and dust. To store your drawings, wrap each sketchbook in acid-free tissue paper to prevent damage, label the boxes by theme or year for easy organization, and stack them in a dry, sun-free area. Adding silicone moisture absorbers to each box is also a great way to prevent humidity buildup, especially in damp climates.
3. Classic Portfolios
Portfolios are fantastic if you want to see your work without having to dig through boxes. I use plastic sleeves for each drawing to protect them from dirt and fading. Plus, portfolios can be affordable—you can grab one from your local art supply store or online without breaking the bank.
4. Sketchbook Binders
Sketchbook binders are great for preventing wear and tear that comes from flipping through your sketches too often. They’re also perfect for keeping your sketchbooks organized and neatly on a shelf. This approach has helped me keep my work looking good over the long term, especially with all the flipping and thumbing through that tends to happen when I'm in need of some inspiration.
5. Dedicated Drawers
Drawers keep sketchbooks safe from damage and organized in one place. If you’ve got a drawer you can dedicate to your art, go for it! It makes things tidy, prevents damage, and keeps everything in easy reach. Adding a few silicone moisture absorber packs into your drawers is also a great idea, especially if you’re in an area prone to high humidity.
6. Closets and Plastic Bins
Storing sketchbooks on high shelves in a closet is another great option. If you need more space, plastic bins are also great—just make sure they’re labeled and kept in a dry, cool place, away from temperature extremes. Placing a moisture absorber in each bin will help protect your drawings from dampness.
7. Under the Bed
This might sound odd, but I’ve found under-bed storage to be a lifesaver for saving space. You can easily slide storage bins under your bed, and they’re out of the way but still easy to get to when inspiration hits. Again, a couple of silicone moisture absorbers can go a long way in keeping your drawings safe.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're using shelves, binders, portfolios, or boxes, the main thing is to find what works best for your space and your art practice. The key points to remember are keeping your drawings away from humidity and direct sunlight and making sure they’re stored in a cool, dry place. Don't underestimate the value of silicone moisture absorbers; they’re an easy and inexpensive way to make sure your art stays in perfect condition.
I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about how to store drawings and sketchbooks. If you're looking for more drawing inspiration, you might also enjoy my article on drawing versus painting, which dives into different techniques and approaches.