Create a Travel Collage Kit

Create a Travel Collage Kit so You Can Stay Creative on the Road

So many artists whom I teach and coach tell me that while they love traveling on vacation, it often throws a monkey wrench into their art practice that can last a lot longer than the trip itself. That’s a shame, and it doesn’t have to be that way! While it may be impossible to bring canvases, all of your favorite paints and mediums, and your easel on vacation, there’s an easy way to keep your creative juices flowing while on the road: a collage sketchbook.

I love the convenience and ease of working in a collage sketchbook while on vacation, because it takes up so little space and creates no mess or smell. I can do it on planes, trains, and automobiles, and in the smallest hotel room, guest room, or even a tent! Whether I have five minutes before bed or a free hour, a collage sketchbook allows me the opportunity to sketch the landscapes and cityscapes I’m observing, or I can let my mind wander and see what develops. It’s remarkable how being in a new environment—with a limited amount of materials rather than all of your regular art supplies—can really shake a lot of new ideas out of your creative mind!

I’d like to share my recommendations for what to gather for your travel collage kit. Of course, you may tweak this a bit based on your style and preferences, but these are the materials that I find to be the most useful and versatile.

What to Include in a Travel Collage Kit

1. Journal or Sketchbook:
   Choose one with thick, mixed media paper that can handle glue and layers. The book need not be huge; I find that 8”x10” journals are easy to tote around and they don’t make me feel like I’m being forced to work too large or small.

2. Travel Watercolor Set:
   Oh, but I’m not a watercolor artist, you may be saying. Well, I’m not one, either, but I find that while traveling, watercolors are the easiest and least messy way for me to add color to a page. And it’s so stimulating to get away from acrylics for a change! Watercolors are perfect for adding washes of color to a new page in your sketchbook, giving you something to start with besides a blank page. You can’t beat the compact and lightweight nature of watercolors for a travel kit.
   

3. Water Brush Pens:
   Have you ever used a water brush pen? You hold it in your hand like a pen and the water is dispensed from the chamber. This allows you to do watercolors anywhere: sitting in a field, crammed on a crowded bus, you name it—you don’t need a jar of water to keep rinsing your brush if you have a water brush pen. When it’s time to change colors, simply wipe off the excess color onto a paper towel.
   

4. Glue Stick:
   There’s nothing like a glue stick to create a collage in no time flat. It makes the process so fast and fun—and best of all, mess-free.
   

5. Small Scissors:
   If you plan to bring your travel collage kit in a carry-on piece of luggage, be sure to check the rules for the area where you are traveling to see whether scissors can be brought in a carry-on bag. Having scissors on vacation can be helpful in many ways (cutting tags, trimming loose threads, etc.), and scissors are a helpful (although not mission-critical) part of your collage kit. If there’s no way to bring scissors, you can still rip paper into fun shapes, and you’d be surprised how this constraint can inspire you.
   

6. A Limited Collection of Papers:
   Time to make some tough choices. You can’t bring every paper that you own. Just bring a small envelope or pouch with scraps of plain, colorful, and patterned paper. You could get thematic and just bring a very limited palette such as white, black, and red, and spend your vacation art time exploring this palette. Or you could simply grab a selection and see what’s calling to you on any given day. Don’t forget that you can also include papers that you find during your travels, such as receipts or maps!
   

7. Markers and Pens:
   You’ll definitely want to bring some good black pens and markers, including waterproof ones. You may also want to bring some colorful pens or pencils, but don’t go overboard! I advise you to limit yourself to no more than five colors. 
   

8. Resealable Bags or Pouches:
   These can be invaluable to keep your supplies organized. The easier it is grab your kit and get working, the more likely you are to do it during the spare moments of your trip.

Come Home Fired Up and Ready to Hit the Studio

Your travel collage kit will help you stay creative and productive while traveling, allowing you to capture and transform your summer experiences into beautiful collages. Rather than being derailed from your art practice, you’ll be racing back into your studio with your new inspiration in hand! 

I’m wishing you happy and creative travels, friend!