Inspired by traditional crafts and techniques, self-taught artist Megan Ladd has been creating beautiful, tactile objects with textiles, paper, and paint, all her life. From everyday sketches to intricate embroidered tapestries, her work captures the beauty of daily life, family, and nostalgic memories.

As an artist who loves to create spontaneously, Megan is always ready for inspiration to strike. She carries Traditional Randoseru Cowhide—a functional yet elegant design crafted for ultimate comfort, perfect for her creative lifestyle—and we’re thrilled to take a peek inside!

Hey Megan! Thanks for having us—it’s so nice to see you again, and chat about your Tsuchiya Bag!
First off: Is the Randoseru Cowhide your work bag, or everyday bag? When do you use your bag?

I use my bag as more of a work backpack! If I ever need to carry a bunch of things on my bike or on the bus, then I take the Randoseru. It protects everything.

How does this bag relate to your personality or work?

I like utilitarian things and focus on craftsmanship above all else. When it comes to my personal work, that's what I strive for.

What’s in your bag? Can we have a peek?

Since I walk most everywhere I end up carrying a lot of supplies with me: supplies for taking photos, sketching, mending, writing, etc. I like to be prepared and I like to be able to make something on the spot. Because of this, my Randoseru is always full of cameras, notebooks, pencils, photos, projects, etc, all so that I can document my life on the go.

The camera I'm using today is a Model 95 Polaroid, otherwise known as the first "Land Camera." It was originally released in 1948. I'm not sure if mine is an original or not, as I bought mine second hand. It's fussy and doesn't take perfect photos but I love the unpredictability of the film so much—the pictures here are ones of my friends and my boyfriend. I took them last week!

I also carry my pocket-sized Moleskine notebook. It's soft-bound and unruled so I can sketch and write on the same page. I love it! Carrying a mini notebook keeps me off my phone when I'm waiting somewhere or for someone.

 I recently installed a piece of fabric art at a local gallery and I was so glad I came prepared with my little sewing kit. I was able to snip loose string and stitch up a frayed corner so quickly. I have been focusing a lot on creative work these days so I've been keeping my tools close at hand. The scissors in my sewing kit actually belonged to my Grandma; it's the pair with the ribbon tied to it. I love them and will always keep them safe.

If someone found your bag and looked inside, what impression would they get?

I would hope that whoever found my bag and looked inside would say, "Jeez she's prepared for anything, huh?" 

What’s the most important item you carry in your bag?

Of course, my journal! Full of all my secrets! I would hate to lose that; it's full of good memories from the year.

What’s the strangest item you’ve carried in your bag?

Not very strange, but I recently packed my Randoseru to travel on the train to visit my grandparents—a quick ride on Amtrak. I had to hold all of my things for the weekend away and packing my backpack was like Tetris—but I loved it! And all of my things were safe and sound during the journey.