This month’s coffee date with Jess Greenleaf was a perfect blend of relaxed conversation and inspiration. In the coffee date, we focused on something every artist has to tackle: storage.
From pigment drawers to pencil jars, we all have our own little systems (and messes)—and, as it turns out… we love talking about them. Click on the video below to watch Jess and I chat supply storage with the TPK and Greenleaf & Blueberry community.
What made this session special was how many people unmuted or turned on their cameras to chime in. One by one, Premium members gave us impromptu studio tours, held up jars and tins, and talked about what works for them. It was informal, inspiring, and surprisingly validating. There’s no one “right” way to stay organized — just whatever helps you sit down and get to work without feeling overwhelmed.
In our chat, Jess shared some of her favorite setups, including the vintage tins she uses for watercolor pans and the drawers that house her pigments. She emphasized accessibility and joy — if it doesn’t feel inviting, it’s less likely you’ll use it. I showed my own storage quirks: repurposed mugs, an old fireplace full of books, and modern drawers that house everything from inks to loose leaf-paper.
There’s something connective about hearing other people talk through their creative setups. Some artists confessed to struggling with clutter; others had good ideas for storing inks, nibs, and notebooks in small spaces. Mostly, we chatted about how nostalgia can add so much to a creative ambiance. Many of us have repurposed heirlooms like grandparents’ silver trays (or, in my case, dining tables!) to help make our environment inspirational.
Here were a few takeaways:
What made this Zoom session especially fun wasn’t just the topic — it was the people. These monthly calls are such a great chance to share, laugh, and learn from each other. I left the conversation feeling inspired and energized (and certainly more motivated to tidy my desk!).
We’ll be hosting another Zoom chat next month, and I’d love to see you there. Topic suggestions are more than welcome! Thanks so much for reading (and/or watching), and have a lovely rest of your day!
Warmly,
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