What's in Your Bag? Megan Ladd –Timeless Leather Designs, Crafted in Japan

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!

A Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown, a Japanese school satchel, sits on a patterned sofa with decorative pillows in the background.

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.

Megan Ladd with their hair pulled back is opening a Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown, a structured Japanese school satchel, revealing its inner compartments.

Megan Ladd is holding open a Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown, revealing its interior with compartments. A clear pocket on the inside flap holds a picture of a blue sky and water, while a white label is visible in a lower pocket.

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!

A flat lay shot on a round, light-colored table shows various items: two instant film photos, a vintage Polaroid camera, scissors, a small pocket knife, a white rectangular object labeled

Megan Ladd with their hair tied back sits on a patterned couch, holding a vintage Polaroid camera in their hands, looking at it. A Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown sits beside them on the couch, and a small, round table in front of them holds a black camera and a notebook.

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.

A green-lined metal box, open on a light-colored table, reveals various sewing and crafting supplies, including spools of thread, scissors, a small orange ball of yarn, a light-colored ribbon, and other small tools.

Megan Ladd with her hair in a bun sits indoors by a bright window, looking down and carefully examining a string of small, decorative tags. A Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown and an open red box with supplies are visible on a table beside her.

Megan Ladd is seen in a close-up shot, carefully attaching a small object or charm with an orange tassel to a clasp on the side of a Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown.

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?"

Megan Ladd with their hair tied back stands indoors, wearing a light-colored top and dark pants, with a Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown on their back, looking towards the viewer. They are standing near a large window, with a patterned armchair and a plant to their left.

A close-up of hands operating the silver-toned lock mechanism on a Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown, with a leather handle visible above it.

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.

Megan Ladd from the back with their head slightly bowed, wearing a cream-colored sweater, dark pants, and a Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown on their back, stands on a paved road with houses and trees in the background.

Megan Ladd with their hair tied back, wearing a cream cable-knit sweater, a brown scarf, and dark pants, stands outdoors with a Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown on their back.

Megan Ladd with their hair tied back sits on a patterned couch, looking down at a Tsuchiya Kaban’s Randoseru in brown next to them. In the background, there's a lamp, artwork, and a plant by a window.

Thank you Megan, for sharing your bag contents with us! We love your tactile approach to art, and how you wear your Tsuchiya Randoseru.

Megan Ladd
@meg_c_ladd / HP