What’s unique about the technology I use to support my art studio is that it’s cheap and small or portable. It’s gotten me to where I am today without upgrading to flash or expensive pieces of equipment. Here are a few small gadgets I use all the time (or that I should use more often) for art and vintage activities in the studio or on the go.

1. An affordable Lenovo tablet laptop that folds backwards into a tablet, or into a computer with keyboard that maintains its touch screen, has been holding on for five years now. It has been portable enough to travel and robust enough to execute complex tasks and store loads of image files. This is my first personal computer and I could not be happier.

2. My letter sized Epson Photo Perfect V550 scanner has been a life saver, although it is now recently obsolete because the driver software will not work with Windows 11. For so long, printers refused me service and would not digitize my artwork. After I save up and bought this lightweight, portable scanner I was completely independent with digitizing my artwork and publishing it into my first self-published picture book!

   On that note, getting a small desktop printer has been a life saver. I’ve already talked about potentially loosing my original masterpiece at FedEx on the screen of the printer, so owning my own printer will prevent another tragedy. I’ve printed business cards and documents and forms with ease when these tasks would take twice as long with a trip to FedEx. However, because my desk top printer is small, it cannot print thicker paper which limits me in making art prints.

3. Mini irons from various brands are handy (no pun intended) because they are not too hot for delicate fabrics or if I leave it plugged in for a while as I sew. They are nimble enough to get tight seams and corners, then they tuck away in a small box for storage. I may never need a full sized iron for sewing again!

4. Handheld steamers are essential for taking inventory photos of vintage and for travel. I have used large, industrial steamers while working retail and handheld steamers work almost as perfectly.

5. My Cricut letter-sized light board is so smooth, compact and bright! I was making my own light boards with a stick light and a piece of glass propped up on wood or holding my art to a glass window. Now, I’ve got a more efficient way to translating sketches into final drawings.

6. A Square debit card reader for my phone was acquired for sales of vintage at art fairs etc. and it’s an ingenious little invention.

7. The HD mini action camera is still in the box, but I’m excited to see how it works. I have completed a few amazing artist residencies in very beautiful locals and now I have a way to capture photos of these sweeping landscapes in widescreen. It’s very small, so I can take it on hikes or long walks in nature.

8. I’ve had a portable microphone for years in case I needed a backup for public events. All I need is a mini amp and I could sing karaoke or give a speech anywhere!

9. I bought a car dash camera when I completed a residency in rural Pennsylvania in the Laurel Highlands. I drove there from Texas and wanted to capture my journey, but I put it in the glove box and focused on the road instead. I don’t drive anymore as a lifestyle choice, so we shall see how much use I get out of it.

10. A portable DVD player was once strapped to my bookshelf because I did not have a TV! It was a very cheap and easy way to stay entertained while working on art or other projects. They are meant for car seat headrests so the kids in the backseat could be distracted for the ride. But, I found it was amazing for travel and for home. Although it’s lifespan was not too long, it lasted a good year or more.

I hope this list helps if you have a tight budget and a small space, or maybe this lists helps you feel better about operating on less. Budget gadgets have gotten me across the finish line and I’m so grateful!

Have a Pleasant Day!
-Rae