Illustrating my Suitcase so it's easy to find...

This is a great idea. Anything that will help you identify it is good and important. I also customize my laptop case (the plastic one on the laptop) so that I can spot it from a distance. That way if anyone grabs your suitcase (or laptop) “on accident”, you’ll know immediately.

It’s not embarrassing, it’s a good idea and smart traveling.

Na, your not a geek, and refresh my memory what’s paintpen? that way i can answer your question.

A paintpen is paint in a pen!

I think it’s a great idea! (as long as you’re a better artist than i am—I would have to trace it)

I usually put a really big ribbon on the handle of mine, but you can’t see that from every angle; your idea sounds much better!

Random related story: One time I was changing planes at JFK on the way to Paris, and my mother accidentally left her cellphone on the first plane, and realized it after we had gone to the new terminal. The security line from one we came from was closed, so we couldn’t get in! We found a random security guard, and he took us to the Delta baggage claim counter. While I was standing in the office, I noticed our bags were among the “unclaimed ones” in the room!! It turned out they had never been checked through like they were supposed to be! If my mom had not left her phone, and our bags had not been so easily recognizeable to me, we would have gotten to Paris with no bags!

So, go for it!

I, too, put a ribbon adound my suitcase like lachica. I also have a crazy patterened suitcase, so it was easier to find. I say go for it! Put a favorite quote/saying or draw something you love drawing. You’ll find your suitcase, no worries.

Anything besides “This suitcase is a bomb” should work. You are a good artist. I’m sure you can come up with something neat.

Oh, then that’s a smart idea i applaud you, and like i said it’s not geeky. :)

Great idea to make your suitcase original. If you are using a paint pen and aren’t sure what to put, you can use stencils. You can also get colorful duct tape (blue, yellow, green, etc) and decorate your suitcase with it.

Sure put some stamps like you see in those movies or cartoons.

I’m an artist, so I don’t need to use stencils. But thanks for the push, guys! I’m going for it!

Paint pens are much better than ribbons – the loose ends of the ribbons often get stuck in the conveyance belts and shred…

Your an artist!, oh yeah you are i forgot, X_X sorry, i’m somewhat of an artist myself.

I had one suitcase a long time ago and I would put a new sticker that I go wherever I went on it until it looked like a nascar race car. Your idea is much better and much more stylish.

It also helps you pinpoint when someone is trying to steal your bag at the baggage terminal.

Excellent idea!

Hear hear.

Be sure to spray it with some clear-coat when you’re done. Most of the paint pens out there will eventually wipe off anything plastic. Also, luggage is treated with little respect by handlers.

not always..

It’s not plastic, it’s cloth. But yeah, i’m prepared for it to get messed up. I think i’m going to actually paint it with acrylic, so I can paint over it someday, and so on and so on.

Please post pics when you are done. Del, JP, and Riser as superheroes might be a good place to start. (wink)

you got style girl.

ooh, i second jp, pictures!!!

i third it!!.

I’ll probably end up with my usual: Hot chicks and little monsters.

cool.

Just don’t make it too awesome (that word!), or someone might steal it for what’s outside the case!

Wrestle, you really really don’t need to post ‘cool’. It kind of just takes up space.

@august: Good point! I’ll have to add something no one else could stand. XD

sorry, i’ll keep that in mind next time.

Its kind of one of the codes of fluther: You don’t have to say anything just to say you were there. Think: “Will this be of value to anyone reading this?”

thanks for the advice i’ll keep that in mind. :)

We’ll all appreciate that. ;)

Yes, we will.

Hey, Del. This sounds like such a good idea, it occurs to me that you could actually turn it into a business, if you want. I’ve traveled a lot, and the proliferation of identical appearing black bags is depressing. Having a cool, illustrated, personalized one would rock!

I wouldn’t suggest anything resembling a bullseye pattern, though.

Yes. Go ahead and mark it – I see all sorts of customization whenever I’m standing in baggage reclaim. Markings, scarves or strings tied to them, stickers…..anything goes! Mine’s kinda dumb, I just keep all the ‘cleared by customs’, ‘heavy’ and other stickers and tags that have made their way on to the case over the years…..that combined with the light colour of it makes it pretty easy to spot on the conveyer belt.

Scarves are all the rage these days. I often wondered if there were any way to subtley place a ‘tracking device’ of some sort in the handle or somewhere thereabouts. Perhaps this may interfere though, with baggage check. I don’t know, but it seems a reasonable idea. How about a beloved nickname or a favourite good-luck charm large enough for you to identify, yet inexpensive so as not to be stolen.

All above suggestions are great. You have a lot to choose from. Good luck.

Here’s my customization. If I had more time i’d draw a portrait (i’m best at those).
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2754481955_ae5979972c.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2754481283_b0b3f0b4af.jpg?v=0
I did a giraffe too, but I need to take a better pic of it.

The monster greeting isn’t as pretty, it was muuuuch smaller and canvas is practically impossible to paint on.

I could draw you something if you want, i have plenty of time on my hands.

Great work delirium!

Love the bird! :)

it’s not impossible it just takes practice.

This isn’t canvas canvas. Its a rayon like shiny strange devil material. It doesn’t just take practice.

oh then to hell with it and it’s future decedents.

AWWW TimothyKinney and I both think they’re adorable! Really cute, delirium!

@delirium – I love your pictures, I feel fooolish now that I ever mentioned stencils…lol Hope you have a great trip!

Yea I must also give you kudos. It looks damn good.

Those were great – paint MORE…

I like ‘em!
I have a pretty generic Samsonite roller, so I wrap red gaffer’s tape around the handle. I can spot it right away, and no one “mistakes” it for theirs.

i actually like them, i showed my buddies and they agreed, execpt one but, for all i know he is ignorant in the arts.

I am so glad to have your approval, wrestler. What an honor from someone as worldly as yourself. ~

i take that as a compliment, keep up with your art, i see an artistic future for you.

…It was sarcasm, little jelly.

how sad, wrestler loves your work (he might not be most worldy) delirium, as we all do!

true…. :( i may not be the most worldly but i can learn to love somthing.