The best place to store your drawings and sketchbooks are in a humid-free environment away from UV light and possibilities of physical damage.
Ultimately, when it comes to deciding how to store drawings and sketchbooks, you want to make sure you keep them in a cool, dry place.
Let's dive deeper into the specifics of how to store drawings.
Also check out my guide on how to preserve a pencil drawing.
How to store drawings and skethcbooks safely
Humidity and the sun are the biggest dangers when you store drawings and sketchbooks
Humidity is the biggest threat to think about when you store drawings and sketchbooks.
Why?
Because where there is humidity, there is mold.
There is no saving your drawings and sketchbooks after mold begins to eat away and grow on them.
If you live in a humid climate, it's important to take measures to protect your sketchbooks and drawings from the damaging effects of humidity.
The best way to do this is to store them in a cool, dry place.
A closet on a high shelf would be a good option.
You can also buy special humidity-resistant storage containers.
Just be sure to check the labels to make sure they're truly designed to protect against humidity.
The second biggest killer of drawings and sketchbooks is the sun.
The sun will mercilessly turn your drawings yellow.
Yes, even if your paper is “archival” and “museum quality”.
With a little bit of planning, you can find the perfect place to store your sketchbooks and drawings.
Just be sure to take into account things like humidity and accessibility.
Here are all the sketchbook storage ideas I have for you:
How to store drawings on your bookshelves
Store your sketchbooks on the bookshelves.
If you have plenty of room and want to keep things organized, consider storing them by size or date filled.
You can also organize according to the theme (like if one is watercolor) – there are endless possibilities when it comes down to how best to use that storage space cleverly.
How to store drawings in archival boxes
You probably have a lot of drawings and sketchbooks.
And if you're like most people, you probably don't have a lot of extra space.
So what's the solution?
Store them in archival boxes.
To store your drawings and sketchbooks in archival boxes, you'll need:
- Archival boxes (You can find these at your local art supply store or online)
- Acid-free tissue paper
- Pencils, pens, and other materials for labeling the boxes.
Instructions for how to store drawings and sketchbooks
- Wrap your sketchbooks in acid-free tissue paper. This will help protect them from damage.
- Label the archival boxes with the name of the artist, the title of the sketchbook, and the date it was created.
- Stack the boxes in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can damage paper over time.
How to store drawings in the classic portfolio
You want something that is both practical and will make your art look its best. A portfolio is a great option for both of these things.
Practicality
One of the main advantages of using a portfolio to store your drawings is that it is a very practical option.
You can easily flip through your sketches and see all of the drawings that you have done.
This is helpful when you are trying to find a specific drawing or if you just want to be able to look at all of your work in one place.
Aesthetics
Another advantage of using a portfolio to store your drawings is that it can make your art look its best.
If you use clear plastic sleeves, your drawings will be protected from dirt, damage, and fading.
Plus, portfolios usually have a sleek design that will showcase your drawings in the best light possible.
Affordability
Another great advantage of using a portfolio to store your drawings is that they are often quite affordable.
You can usually find portfolios for a reasonable price at your local art supply store or online.
Frame your sketchbooks
Why not showcase your favorite drawings and sketches by framing them and hanging them on your wall?
It's easy to do, and it makes a great conversation starter when people come over to your house.
Here's how to frame your sketchbooks.
There are a few different ways to frame your sketchbooks.
You can find frames specifically made for sketchbooks, or you can get creative and use a picture frame.
Whichever way you choose, make sure the frame is big enough so that people can see the drawings.
You don't want to use a frame that's too small, or else the drawings will get lost.
If you're using a picture frame, all you need to do is take the backing off of the frame and slide your sketchbook in.
It's that easy! If you're using a sketchbook-specific frame, follow the instructions that come with the frame.
Usually, all you need to do is insert the spiral binding of your sketchbook into the frame, and then secure it with the provided screws or nails.
Once your sketchbook is framed, hang it up on your wall where everyone can see it.
This is a great way to show off your artwork, and it makes a great conversation starter when people come over to your house.
An art journal
If you're an artist who likes to keep a journal, you can use your sketchbooks as pages for your art journal.
This is a great way to keep all of your sketches and drawings in one place.
Here's how to do it:
Similar to collaging your sketchbook pages into a scrapbook, you can cut out sketches from your sketchbook to illustrate and express yourself in your art journal.
Add your thoughts and writings next to cuttings from your sketchbook.
The sketchbook binder
Sketchbook binders are great because they prevent wear and tear from all the flipping and thumbing through that inevitably happens when your sketchbooks are just sitting around.
Plus, you can buy special binders made specifically for sketchbooks.
This is great because it will protect your drawings from dirt, damage, and fading.
Store drawings and sketchbooks in a dedicated drawer
There are several reasons why you should store your sketchbooks in a dedicated drawer.
First, it will keep them organized and tidy.
Second, it will protect them from damage.
Third, it will give you easy access to them when you need to use them. Here's a closer look at each of these reasons:
1. Keeping your sketchbooks organized
One of the benefits of storing your sketchbooks in a dedicated drawer is that it will keep them organized and tidy.
This is because each sketchbook will have its own designated space.
You won't have to worry about them getting lost or misplaced because they'll always be in the same place.
2. Protecting your sketchbooks from damage
Another benefit of storing your sketchbooks in a dedicated drawer is that it will protect them from damage.
If they're just lying around, they're more likely to get damaged or stained.
But if they're stored safely in a drawer, they'll be much less likely to sustain any damage.
3. Giving you easy access to your sketchbooks
Another benefit of storing your sketchbooks in a dedicated drawer is that it will give you easy access to them when you need to use them.
This is because you'll know exactly where they are and you won't have to go searching for them every time you want to sketch something.
Having easy access to your sketchbooks will make the drawing process much simpler and more efficient.
Overall, storing your sketchbooks in a dedicated drawer is the best way to protect them and keep them organized.
It's also the most convenient option because it gives you easy access to them when you need to use them.
Store drawings and sketchbooks in a closet
The first thing you want to do is find a place to store your drawings and sketchbooks where they'll be less likely to be damaged.
A closet is a great option because it's out of the way and usually has built-in shelves.
Just be sure to put them on a high shelf so they're not within easy reach of any little hands that might come along.
If you don't have a closet, or if your closets are full, you can also store your drawings and sketchbooks in plastic bins.
Just be sure to label the bins so you know which one contains which type of drawing or sketchbook.
And if you're going to stack the bins, make sure they're stored in a dry, cool place where they won't be exposed to extremes of temperature or humidity.
FAQs – How to store drawings and sketchbooks
How do I preserve my drawings?
The best way to preserve your drawings is to store them in a bookbinder, a drawer, or a closet.
This will protect them from damage and keep them organized.
Before you store them you can put a fixative on them to prevent smudging.
How do you store small drawings?
There are several options for storing small drawings, including:
- Sketchbook: One option is to store small drawings in a sketchbook. This allows you to keep your drawings organized and easily accessible, and it also protects them from damage.
- Portfolio: A portfolio is a protective case that is specifically designed for storing and carrying art and documents. It is a good option if you want to be able to easily access your drawings but also want to protect them.
- Drawer: If you have a desk with drawers, you can use these to store your small drawings. This can be a good way to keep them organized and out of sight.
- Plastic bins: Another option is to stack your small drawings in plastic bins. This can be a good option if you have a large number of drawings and need to store them in a way that takes up minimal space. Just be sure to store the bins in a dry and cool place to help prevent the drawings from getting damaged.
What is the best way to store sketchbooks?
The best way to store sketchbooks depends on several factors, including the number of sketchbooks you have, how you want to be able to access them, and how you want to protect them.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Bookcase: If you want to be able to easily flip through your sketchbooks, storing them in a bookcase is a great option. This allows you to keep your sketchbooks visible and within easy reach.
- Portfolio: A portfolio is a protective case that is specifically designed for storing and carrying art and documents. It is a good option if you want to be able to easily access your sketchbooks but also want to protect them.
- Sketchbook binder: A sketchbook binder is a binder specifically designed for storing sketchbooks. It allows you to keep your sketchbooks organized and easily accessible while also protecting them.
- Drawers: If you have a desk with drawers, you can use these to store your sketchbooks. This can be a good way to keep them organized and out of sight.
How do I store my sketchbooks so they don't get damaged?
If you're worried about your sketchbooks getting damaged, you can always put them in acid-free tissue paper before putting them in a sketchbook binder, drawer, or closet.
You can also buy special sketchbook binders that are made to protect your sketchbooks.
Where can I buy sketchbook binders?
Amazon is probably the best place to buy sketchbook binders.
How do I store my sketchbooks so they don't take up a lot of space?
There are several ways to store sketchbooks so that they don't take up a lot of space.
Here are a few ideas:
- Closet storage: If you have a lot of sketchbooks and not a lot of space, storing them in a closet is a great option. You can either stack them on a shelf or use bins or boxes to organize them.
- Under the bed: If you have a bed with storage space underneath, this can be a great place to store sketchbooks. Simply slide them under the bed and they'll be out of sight but still easily accessible.
- Wall-mounted shelves: If you have some wall space available, you can use wall-mounted shelves to store your sketchbooks. This can be a great way to make use of vertical space and keep your sketchbooks within easy reach.
- Bookcases: If you have a bookcase, you can use it to store your sketchbooks. This is a good option if you want to keep your sketchbooks visible and easily accessible.