My dad and I just got back from a trip to San Francisco, and like every trip before, I faced the same creative dilemma: should I bring art supplies or leave them at home?

In the past, I’ve always regretted not bringing anything. There would be a quiet afternoon, a beautiful view, or a slow moment where I thought, “I wish I had something to draw with.” So this time, I packed light but intentionally, slipping a few travel art supplies into my bag just in case inspiration struck.

And I’m glad I did.

 

The Travel Art Supplies I Packed

Here’s what made it into my clear pencil case:

• A small handful of paint brush markers (just enough colors to play with variety without weighing me down).

• A mechanical pencil + eraser for quick sketches.

• My trusty Micron pens (though I didn’t end up using them, they didn’t take up much space).

• And most importantly, a travel journal to hold all the little creative moments.

I didn’t expect to have much time to create, but having supplies ready gave me permission to take advantage of the in-between moments on our trip.

Where Inspiration Hit

During the trip, I found three small windows of time to sit down and create.

• On the Golden Gate Bridge boat tour
  While we were cruising the bay, I sketched a safety buoy that said “Old Blue” — a fun little detail I noticed while resting between taking photos of the bridge.

• In Sausalito, after visiting Muir Woods
  Surrounded by greenery, I doodled some leaf patterns and painted a quick sketch of the towering trees we had just seen. Later, I finished it on the ferry ride back, letting the rocking boat guide my brushstrokes.

• At the San Francisco Botanical Gardens
  I sat in a quiet corner, picked one leaf as my focus, and painted it. Nothing complicated, just a simple study — but it felt grounding and peaceful.

None of these were masterpieces, but that wasn’t the point. For me, it was about keeping my creative flow alive during a busy trip.

Why It Matters

I think a lot of us get caught up in the idea that if we don’t create something “big” or “worthy,” it doesn’t count. But honestly?

“It's not much, but it's something”

Every small sketch, every doodle in my travel journal, is practice. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to pause just because life is moving fast. By carrying a few travel art supplies, I gave myself the chance to capture tiny snapshots of my trip in a way photos can’t.

And now, flipping back through those pages, I’m grateful I took the time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a trip and debating whether to bring art supplies — do it. Pack light, keep it simple, and give yourself the option. Even if you only make one sketch, that moment of slowing down to create might become one of your favorite memories.

Next time, I might try adding water brushes or a tiny watercolor palette to my kit, but for this trip, my markers and travel journal were just right.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about producing a masterpiece. It’s about staying connected to your creativity, even when you’re on the go.