Adventures with Flat Files and Serious Organization

nubby twiglet flat files

Thanks to now having two flat files, my office is the most organized it’s ever been. Flat files are most commonly seen in studio and agency settings and are used to store client proofs and other oversized materials. They’re also an ideal way for creatives to organize everything from photos, artist proofs, sketches, collage materials, blueprints, scrap booking supplies and more.

nubby twiglet flat files

nubby twiglet flat files

I have two identical flat files because the left is dedicated to storing stuff I’ve made while the right is dedicated to supplies. To give you an idea of what they can be used for, here’s what I keep in mine:

• The left holds: 1. my screenprinted posters, 2. print collateral from my clients, 3. 4. and 5. print-outs, process sketches and proofs and 6. my print portfolios.

nubby twiglet flat files

• The right holds: 1. Promotional supplies including stamps, stickers and mailing labels, 2. printer paper, envelopes, stencils and rulers, 3. collaging scraps, 4. collage books and magazine tears, 5. notebooks, 6. office supplies.


nubby twiglet flat files

Because I was on a budget and also didn’t need a large set of flat files, I found mine at IKEA. The bottom drawer organizers were also an IKEA find. If you’re in the market for a larger, more traditional set of flat files, try Dick Blick, and Amazon ( these and these are nice).

Flat files have fixed my lack of storage space and given my office a whole new level of organization. Perhaps they can do the same for you!

17 Responses to Adventures with Flat Files and Serious Organization

    • Nubby says:

      Kat – RocknRollBride: You’re the only client of mine that has a WHOLE drawer!!! Either we’ve done a lot of projects….or a lot of rounds of revisions. Haha.

  1. Auntie Nubs says:

    I have one of these Ikea flat files in my studio. I want a bigger studio so I can have two! You are amazingly organized. I admire that.

    • Nubby says:

      Erin May: Keep em in mind when you move into a bigger place! I had a teeny tiny room for years and no room to have one. When I moved to a bigger place, I invested in one. Then, when I moved again into a bigger place (where I am at now), it was finally possible to have two. It takes time. :)

  2. Tiffanie says:

    Yay for flat files! Believe it or not, my double stack of Utrecht flat files now serves as my son’s changing table. But it also contains my drawings, some favorite books, and all of my very best “junk”, artfully arranged as you have with yours. So handy and great to look at.

  3. Krissy says:

    Yesssss! I live for the day that I a) have enough room in my apartment, and b) live in a city with an Ikea… because I would be ALL over flat files in an instant. Storing large drawings and sketches in those huge packing tubes under my bed… it works, but not the best. Curly drawings = quite the wrestling match when I need to get them out again. But I try to make it work as best I can. ;) On the plus, doodling on the tubes is fun.

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