7 Real-Life Moments That Inspired Me To Create The World’s Most Popular Pocket Watercolor Set
By Mel
Founder, Tobio's
By Mel
Founder, Tobio's
UPDATE: Ok, I had no idea how viral this was going to go. Thank you guys so much for all the love!!! but Tobio’s is dangerously close to selling out AGAIN. If you want one please click here to secure yours.
What started as a personal project is now one of the most talked-about creative kits online.
I’m Mel, the founder of Tobio’s, and I created this tiny, travel-friendly watercolor kit to bring a sense of calm, creativity, and joy back into my life when everything felt loud, digital, and overwhelming. These moments were things I thought only I dealt with, but now I know they’re shared with thousands of people like you!
Here are the 7 real-life moments that inspired me and why so many people are now obsessed with Tobios.
1. Painting in Cafes Without Feeling Self-Conscious or Making a Mess
Traditional art supplies always felt too bulky, too messy, and a little intimidating to pull out in public. What started as a fun idea quickly became an overwhelming setup that drew more attention than I wanted.
That’s why I made this kit small enough to fit in your palm. It’s subtle, stylish, and completely spill-proof. Now I can paint quietly at a cafe table without water cups, giant sketchbooks, or a second glance from anyone. Just me, my thoughts, and the peaceful rhythm of color on paper.
2. Sketching on a Hike, in a Field, or While Traveling
Whether I’m on a train, hiking through hills, or sitting at the edge of a quiet beach, I love being able to capture the moment with paint.
This kit fits in my coat pocket or backpack, and because the brush holds water, I don’t need a sink or cup. I just flip open the case and start painting wherever I am. It became my favorite travel companion long before it became a product.
3. Choosing Art Over Alcohol at Social Gatherings
At some point, I realized I didn’t always want to drink at parties or get-togethers. I craved something more mindful to do with my hands that still let me connect with people.
That’s when I started bringing this kit. Painting became my alternative. It’s creative, calming, and surprisingly social. I’ve painted on boats, at dinner tables, and during quiet moments when everyone else was on their phones. And I’m not the only one, this is something that has resonated with so many others.
4. Making Quiet, Connected Moments With a Partner
My partner and I were always looking for ways to unwind without defaulting to Netflix. Turns out we didn’t need much more than just a way to slow down and be together.
That’s when we started painting together. One kit. Two brushes. Ten quiet minutes. It became our little ritual,something simple that brought laughter, presence, and connection into our evenings.
5. Giving Thoughtful Gifts That Aren’t Plastic or Digital
I wanted to give my friends’ kids something meaningful, something that wasn’t another noisy toy or a screen.
This kit became that gift! It’s creative, calming, unplugged, and beautifully made. When I saw how much joy it brought them, I realized it wasn’t just a gift. It was a little doorway into imagination. Now it’s my go-to gift for all ages, not just kids.
6. Creating a Kit That Feels Premium Without the Price Tag
From the beginning, I wanted this kit to feel special. Like something you’d find in a boutique, not a big box store. So I chose every detail carefully: 12 vibrant colors, a refillable brush, cotton paper, and a built-in palette.
But it still had to be affordable. Less than a dinner or a bouquet of flowers, and it gives you hours of peace and creative joy. It’s a little piece of luxury that anyone can own.
7. 4,000 Plus Reviews Say: "This Changed the Way I Think About Art"
When I first launched Tobio’s, I hoped it might help a few people reconnect with creativity. I never expected to hear from thousands.
“I thought I wasn’t creative.” “I hadn’t painted since I was 12.” “I take this everywhere.”
Reading these messages is still the best part of my day. Because for so many of us, this kit isn’t just a product , it’s a soft return to something we forgot we love
BONUS: Try it today and if you don’t love it, it’s free!
Tobio’s comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t feel calmer, more creative, and a little bit happier, we’ll refund you in full.
No questions, no stress.
UPDATE! Tobio’s Watercolor Set has unexpectedly gone viral across social media. We did not anticipate this happening, and we were totally unprepared with our inventory. For this reason we’re dangerously close to selling out. Click below to secure yours now!
2500+ Have Loved Our Watercolor Kits
Customer Reviews
Great gift to inspire my young adult daughter to create. She loves the portability and quality. I just wish it didn’t take over a week to be delivered to her in Wisconsin.
Phenomenal product! I have absolutely fallen in love. The quality is exceptional. The size is perfect. The whimsy is magical.
I'm really enjoying to draw and paint again! I'm 74 years old and the lat time I painted was in High School when I was 16 years old!
Love this kit, so much fun 🫰🏼
My 23YO daughter and my wife tried the neurographic painting project and had a great time. My wife said she liked watercolors better than the colored pencils she had been using.
It was such fun to take on my most recent trip. Size is perfect for a quick image while at a waterfall or a museum. I've attached an in-progress painting of an Iceland beach. I'm so pleased to have rekindled my watercolor work!
Fantastic helping me get back sketching whilst on holiday And I even brought one for my friend
Palette needs to be a light color. Hard to see the dark colors for me. I am 7 days away from 89 years old. Had fun with the kit, never water colored before. I think I will just use a small coated paper plate as a palette. I will be taking the kit to the coast next week, we will see how I do.
Its just the right size to take on holiday with me. I will also pack watercolour pencils, which will give me lots of options.
I was looking for a new hobby & was always curious about painting so I bought this. I was not disappointed. Having never painted, I sought out videos to follow just to get me started. This kit made it so easy with everything right there . The numerous paints were bright & easy to apply on the book pages and to mix using the mini (cute) palette. I even took it on a recent trip to TN & painted with my 5 year old great niece. It is been such a wonderful new hobby that I’m about to order more paint to keep it going.
