How should I organize colored pencils for easy access?

Organize by color family, not by brand or number. Group reds together, blues together, greens together, and so on. Within each color family, arrange from light to dark. Use an angled holder or tiered tray that displays all pencils simultaneously — you should see every color without moving anything. For collections over 72 pencils, a rotating desktop organizer with labeled sections is fastest. For traveling, a zippered pencil case with elastic loops keeps them sorted and protected.

What is the best way to store paint tubes?

Store paint tubes upright with caps facing down in a drawer with dividers. Cap-down storage pushes paint toward the opening, reducing air in the tube and preventing drying. Organize by color family or by frequency of use. Keep your most-used colors in the front row. For oil paints, ensure caps are tight to prevent turpentine smell. For acrylics, check monthly for dried caps and clean threads to prevent sealing. Never store paints in extreme heat or cold — room temperature preserves consistency.

Best Art Supply Organizers 2026