top of page
Search

Protecting Your Art: Disaster Preparedness for Artists

J.M. Lueders
Oct 6, 20243 min read

Be confident in your ability to protect your art from natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. Your work is crucial, and safeguarding it is a priority. By preparing in advance, you can prevent damage to your art and supplies. You might even have sufficient time to prepare before the disaster strikes.


Here’s how you can protect your art and your studio:

1. Protect Your Most Important Art

Start by figuring out which pieces are the most valuable to you. These could be finished paintings, special sketches, or ongoing projects. Take pictures of your work and store them on your computer or phone, and make sure to save those files online (using cloud storage like Google Drive, Dropbox, or icloud) so you don’t lose them. You could also put the files on a stick drive or an external hard drive- to just be able to pick up and take with you. This way, even if something happens to your original artwork, you’ll still have copies to show to others or use for insurance claims and later makes prints or inspire future art pieces.


2. Prepare Your Studio and Supplies

Your studio and art supplies are important too! For things like paper, canvases, and sketches, put them in waterproof containers or zip-up bags to protect them from water damage. If your studio is at risk of flooding, move important items to higher shelves or in an attic where water possibly might not reach them. Cover your larger items, like easels and equipment, with plastic to keep them safe from rain or debris. You can also use fireproof or water-resistant storage boxes/tubs to keep your most precious items secure.


3. Pack an Emergency Art Kit

Think about packing a small emergency kit of art supplies that you can grab quickly. Include things like a sketchbook, pencils, pens, or even a small set of paints. This way, if you have to leave your studio, you can still create some art while you're waiting for things to get better. If you’re a digital artist, don’t forget to pack your tablet or laptop, along with chargers. You might also want a portable battery in case the power goes out for a while.


4. Be Ready if You Have to Leave

If you have to evacuate, deciding what to bring can be tough. Pick smaller, portable pieces of art or projects that are easy to carry, and pack essential tools like brushes, pencils, or your sketchbook.

It’s also a good idea to scan or take pictures of any current projects and upload them to the cloud. That way, if anything happens, you’ll still have your work saved.


Handling disasters can be tough, but being prepared can help you stay calm and protect your artwork. Remember, taking care of yourself and your family is the most important thing. With proper readiness, you can focus on what matters most and get back to your creative pursuits once things settle down. Always keep in mind that your creativity and passion are strong, enabling you to rebuild once the crisis passes. Nothing can take away the gift of creativity that you have on the inside, come what may.


Resources for Artist in Need after a Storm:


12 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentários

bottom of page