What I want my “studio” space to feel like.

From Creative Chaos to Clarity

My relationship with art supplies has always been enthusiastic—perhaps too enthusiastic. There was a time not long ago when my studio shelves overflowed with paints, brushes, sketchbooks, and materials from endless phases of exploration. Back then, trying out every medium or new technique was part of the joy of discovery. But recently, I’ve entered a new season of clarity. I know what I love to work with, and I’m ready for simplicity.

Decluttering my art space was a gentle but powerful shift. I discovered that clearing physical clutter was not only practical but also deeply emotional—it gave me a sense of certainty, like finally committing to choices that truly felt right.

How Clutter Clouds Creativity

One sneaky form of procrastination for me is cleaning when I’m intimidated by a creative task. I find myself drawn to tidying rather than facing a blank page. You might know the feeling: "Messy bed, messy head." A cluttered art space works the same way—when I see stacks of supplies spilling over, it clutters my mind too, blocking clear thinking and stalling inspiration.

Recognizing this pattern was key to understanding my creative blocks. The more overwhelmed I felt by physical clutter, the harder it became to access my creative flow.

Make it stand out

A real-life look at the tower of books and canvases that still need organizing.

My Decluttering Process: Tackling the Shelves

When decluttering feels overwhelming, I always start small—often just one chaotic shelf. My shelves tend to become organized piles of disorganization. Sketchbooks blend into watercolor sets, paintbrushes hide under tubes of gouache, and inspiration becomes lost among clutter.

My approach is simple but effective:

I pick one pile (watercolors, sketchbooks, brushes) at a time.
I ask myself honestly: Do I use this? Does it spark joy?
I organize according to how often I reach for each item: favorite brushes in a special cup, beloved paints easily accessible in labeled boxes.

Each decluttering session feels a little like Christmas morning—rediscovering forgotten treasures and sparking fresh ideas.

The Emotional Side of Decluttering

But let's be real—decluttering isn’t just logistical; it’s deeply emotional. I've had to navigate feelings of attachment to past projects, guilt about barely-used materials, and worry over letting go of supplies I might need someday. These are natural, human reactions, especially when our art supplies represent our dreams and aspirations.

When these emotions surface, I remind myself that creativity thrives in simplicity and openness—not in scarcity or clutter. And once I make peace with letting go, I always feel lighter and more energized, proud of myself for choosing clarity over excess.

Organizing with Joy: My Favorite Tools

I have a secret (not-so-secret) love for organizing bins and containers. When I lived in New York, the flagship Container Store was my happy place—wandering aisles, dreaming of tidy spaces. Now I use small organizational carts and caddies to keep my favorite tools ready to go, so I can start creating without distractions. This small ritual gives me a sense of calm control amidst life’s daily overwhelm.

Maintaining the Clarity: A Daily Ritual

To maintain my newly decluttered space, I keep a rolling cart with my essential supplies close at hand, and a portable caddy filled with daily favorites. This setup means I can ignore the excess, reach for my favorites quickly, and avoid clutter build-up. It’s my small daily promise to myself, reinforcing clarity and certainty.

The Struggle is Real—and That’s Okay

Honestly, tidying my art space often feels like a luxury. With a busy life, family responsibilities, and multiple projects always in motion, even a small decluttering session can feel overwhelming. It’s a constant balance. But I’ve learned to honor my limits—if the clutter feels manageable, I sometimes choose rest, meditation, or family movie time instead. I’ve learned it’s okay to choose self-care over perfection.

Your Clutter, Your Journey

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your cluttered art space, please know you’re not alone. Decluttering is a gentle journey—one that comes with emotional layers, personal insights, and small victories. Be patient with yourself. Celebrate tiny steps. Remember that simplicity brings clarity, and clarity brings peace.

I’d love to hear about your decluttering journey. Share your tidy space or favorite organizational tip and tag me on Instagram @starthistle.and.quartz using #ArtAndSoulSQ. Let’s support each other in finding simplicity, creativity, and joy in the beautiful mess.