If you are looking for new art supplies and need some guidance on what should be taken into consideration before you get your materials, I’ve got you covered.
In this week’s blog post, I am providing a guide to help beginners choose their next art supplies wisely.
Great art supplies don’t create great art. However, investing in the right art supplies can actually help you achieve your desired outcome and enjoy the process of creation all while saving money, even if they seem expensive at first.
Buying the right paint will help your painting turn out the way you imagined it. Buying the right canvas for your needs will help you achieve textures without having to use excessive amounts of paint, and getting the right clay will make your creation long-lasting, hold plasticity, and show color and glazing as vibrant as it should be. So let’s answer some of the most common FAQs about art supplies first.
Do I need to buy expensive supplies to make some great art?
The straightforward answer is no. However, I understand where this question comes from. When I started out as an artist, I was young and was only able to afford cheaper supplies, which at the time didn’t even feel that cheap. I only realized the difference in both quality and price when I was able to afford more expensive brands, which showed me that I actually traded the joy of making and my precious time for a few bucks.
Some expensive art supplies are worth every penny. However, they do not create great art.
Why don’t expensive art supplies make great art?
Because, ladies and gentlemen, a recipe for good art looks something like this:
Great art = technique + the right supply for the right task + time + experience + knowledge
Supplies are nothing but tools, and that makes them a small part of the process of creation. So if you want to make great art, you have to take all the other elements into consideration. Supplies and art materials alone, no matter how expensive and professional they could get, won’t really make you a great artist. Your dedication, consistency, and an open mind will.
Why do I need to buy expensive supplies then?
The question to this answer is, actually, you don’t need to buy expensive supplies. You need to buy the right supplies for the stage you’re at in your art career, for your needs, and for your art style. Once you know these details, you will opt for professional supplies, which happen to often be on the pricey side, but also worth it.
Read this article. You need it.
What does it mean to use the right product for the right task?
One thing to keep in mind is that you can’t get a material to perform in a way that it is not designed to perform. Trying to prime a canvas with a thin brush made for details is just wrong. Not the brush’s fault and not the canvas’s fault either.
So before opting to buy new materials this time, ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I want to create with it?
- Is it the right tool for my project? (Many companies provide instructional content related to the use of their materials. Mainly paints, brushes, etc.)
- Will it be worth the money I invest in it? (Aka, will I be using it often enough to pay the high price)
- What do other artists think of this product? (Look for reviews and feedback before making the purchase.)
With that being said, I have a detailed guide on which paint to buy for your next project, where I explain the difference between acrylics, oils, watercolor, encaustic, and gouache paint as well as every detail to take into consideration before paying your money.
What’s the point of buying great art supplies?
Another straightforward answer is: good art supplies make your life easier.
You have to trust me on this. If you want to enjoy the process of creation and end up with artwork that looks great, you need to invest in great art supplies. Fighting with a tool or product all along the creation process will reflect on your work.
Most mediums require more than one tool or material to work with. The only way to find the right mix for you is via trial and error. There’s no shortcut to this.
While I’m not saying to go spend all your money on premium materials, I do recommend that you consider the real cost of materials when making your purchasing selections. Do not buy supplies that will cause you stress and frustration; that’s wasted money.
Why should I choose the right supply according to my stage?
As a beginner, repetition will take up the majority of your learning time. As you learn these fundamental basic skills, you shouldn’t be concerned about using expensive paints or supplies. Your focus is quantity oriented, you want to create as much as you possibly can. So grab any sketchbook, any pencil, any paint, and just practice the basics with those basic supplies.
When you advance a little bit in your career, you should invest a little more in your supplies to avoid wasting time overcompensating for them. As I’ve mentioned before, good art supplies will make your life easier. They’ll save you time and help you enjoy the process a lot more. So, as you advance, your thinking should shift to become more focused on quality. You are not just repeating now, you are creating and innovating, so get supplies that will help you achieve your desired outcome.
Keep in mind that if you attempt to upgrade all of your equipment and supplies at once, the cost might pile up rapidly. Consider which supplies (paint, brushes, canvas) will have the biggest impact on your final creations and which you can wait to update (palettes, etc.).
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