Why You Need a Creative Stash!
If you’ve been in the digital art, composite photography, or scrapbooking world for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard someone mention their "creative stash."
I talk about mine often, and there’s a good reason for that. It’s taken me years to build up, and I can confidently say it’s one of the most valuable assets I have as a creative. So, what exactly is a creative stash, and why should you invest time in building your own?
What is a Creative Stash?
Think of it like your personal treasure chest: a curated collection of digital backgrounds, elements, overlays, brushes, textures, and tools you’ve either created, collected, or carefully purchased over time. It’s not just a bunch of random files — it’s your creative toolkit, ready to inspire or execute your next big idea.
Examples of What You Might Include:
Cut-Out Elements – vintage figures, flowers, animals, props, whimsical objects
Backgrounds – urban scenes, dreamy landscapes, rustic interiors, neutral backdrops
Typography or PNG Quotes – for quick storytelling or visual journalingTextures – grunge, paper, linen, painted, organic surfaces
Photoshop Brushes – florals, grunge stamps, lighting effects, edge distressing
Overlays – dust, scratches, snow, light leaks, fog, painterly strokes
LUTs and Colour Presets – to add consistent tones and mood to your work
Why It Matters
1. It saves you time.
Ever had a burst of inspiration only to lose momentum while searching for the right element? A well-organised stash means less time hunting, more time creating.
2. It keeps you inspired.
Sometimes the spark starts with a texture, a background or an element. Having a stash of goodies to browse can get the creative juices flowing when you’re feeling stuck.
3. It elevates your work.
When you’ve got high-quality, go-to pieces at your fingertips, you’re more likely to make thoughtful design choices. Your work becomes more refined because you're working with ingredients that suit your style.
4. It reflects your creative voice.
Over time, the pieces you hold onto — or take the time to cut out — begin to represent your aesthetic. Your stash becomes as personal as your signature.
The Hidden Power of Cutting Things Out
Yes, it takes time to cut out elements, clean up backgrounds, or prepare overlays. But the investment is worth it.
You make the element yours — tailored to your needs and style.
It’s immediately available next time. You won’t need to cut it out again.
You build a unique stash no one else has — a creative fingerprint.
Plus, that time spent cutting and prepping is part of the creative process. It helps you learn about shape, light, and texture — all essential skills in digital art and storytelling.
Whether you’re working digitally or combining traditional techniques, a creative stash gives you freedom. You’re not starting from scratch each time — you’re building on a foundation that’s ready and waiting.
It’s like having your own personal store of ideas and possibilities — and trust me, once you start building it, you’ll wonder how you ever created without it.
How to Start or Grow Your Stash
Collect with purpose — look for quality over quantity
Organise by theme, use (whatever helps you find things fast) everyone works differently
Invest in versatile, timeless assets (textures, overlays, neutral backgrounds)
Don’t be afraid to revisit and prune it occasionally
A Peek Into My Own Stash-Building Process
My stash started small — with textures I photographed, trees, houses, objects, and more. Over time, I built folders for different collections such as animals, trees, textures, quirky characters and son on.
Now, I keep everything organised in themed folders using Lightroom as my master filing cabinet to be organised.
I still spend time refining and pruning it. If I notice I’m never using something, I archive it. And when I find a new overlay that sparks something? It goes right into the collection. A good stash grows with you.
For Creatives & Artists Alike
Whether you’re working digitally or combining traditional techniques, a creative stash gives you freedom. You’re not starting from scratch each time — you’re building on a foundation that’s ready and waiting.
It’s like having your own personal store of ideas and possibilities — and trust me, once you start building it, you’ll wonder how you ever created without it.
How to Start or Grow Your Stash
Collect with purpose — look for quality over quantity
Organise by theme, use (whatever helps you find things fast) everyone works differently
Invest in versatile, timeless assets (textures, overlays, neutral backgrounds)
Don’t be afraid to revisit and prune it occasionally
Prep Now Create Freely Later
Building a creative stash isn’t just about staying organised — it’s about giving yourself the freedom to create without roadblocks. If you’re in the flow of creating and suddenly have to stop to search for backgrounds, dig through folders, or cut out elements, that spark of inspiration can quickly fizzle out.
What could have been a joyful moment of creativity turns into a chore, and the magic gets lost. By curating a stash of ready-made assets, you remove the friction and let your ideas come to life more naturally.
