Neurodivergent Artist Tools, Art Supplies, and Other Shiny Stuff I Use in My Motorhome Studio
I work out of a 300-square-foot motorhome, so nothing comes in here unless it’s worth the space it takes up. This is what’s on my desk, in my bag, and within arm’s reach on any given drawing day, tested by someone with AuDHD who has little patience for things that are complicated to use or annoying to look at.
Quick note: Some products on this page are referral links. It’s an easy way for you to support my work without spending anything extra. But if affiliate links aren’t your thing, feel free to use this list and shop at your vendor of choice. (I’d love you forever if you went to a local business).
My Favorite Art Supplies
Sakura SumoGrip Pencil
I’ve had this delightfully chunky mechanical pencil for years, and it’s my favorite because it’s thick enough to be ergonomic but small enough to toss in a bag or drawer. I also love that the twisting eraser core at the top gives you room to make mistakes and erases marks cleanly.
Canvas Brush Roll
I love this canvas paintbrush roll because it keeps my brushes and palette knives organized. I appreciate how it holds the brushes and doesn’t damage the bristles. It’s great to throw into a bag for on-the-go painting, too.
Caran D’Ache Water-Soluble Crayons
These crayons are water-soluble, so you can draw with them dry or activate the pigment with water for a result that looks a lot like watercolor paint. They’re also pretty saturated, so one stick lasts a long time.
Masterson Sta-Wet Palette
This wet palette has helped a lot with the whole “I live in the desert, and my paint dries too fast” situation. It has a sponge at the bottom that you wet and place under a piece of palette paper. Close the lid, and your paint will stay workable for days.
Pentel Aquash Brushes
These simple water brushes have eliminated about 95% of my watercolor excuses. You just fill ’em up, squeeze, and paint. They’re great for throwing in a bag for travel or painting outside.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Pocket Box
This little watercolor box has been in my kit for years. The pigments are solid for the price point, the pans are big enough to load a brush without frustration, and the whole thing fits in a jacket pocket. I use it for on-the-go painting and sketchbook pieces.
My Fav Tech
Apple iPad
I do everything on my iPad. Draw, watch Skillshare courses, add products to my shop from the couch, read, and use it as a reference screen when I need something open while I’m working. The 13-inch size is great for detailed illustration work, because anything smaller feels like you’re drawing on a postage stamp.
Bose Noise Canceling Earbuds
These earbuds block out the leaf blowers, generators, and barking dogs that are a permanent feature of RV park life. I put them in when I need to focus or when I’m overstimulated and need the world to get quieter without me having to go anywhere.
Snowball Microphone
This microphone is what I use for YouTube voiceovers and reel audio, and the sound quality is better than it has any right to be at this price. It picks up my voice clearly without picking up the motorhome’s AC unit, which I didn’t expect. You just plug it in, and there’s no driver installation or 17 minutes of troubleshooting standing between you and great audio.
Stress Relief & Focus Tools
Brain.fm
Brain.fm is music engineered to help your brain settle into a groove, and I use it for writing, drawing, and anything that involves staring at a screen without drifting into the void. I notice a real difference when I forget to turn it on.
Thinking Putty
There’s a tin of this putty on my desk at all times, and I squish it through every Zoom call, brainstorming session, and stretch of blank-page staring. The texture and the glitter give me a dopamine hit.
Speks Everything
Whoever invented these fidget toys clearly understands the neurodivergent brain. I’ve scattered them throughout my small studio like little focus stations, ready whenever my hands need something to do, so my mind can wander productively.
