Must-Have Art Supplies for Any Artist
Whether you're a beginner or a professional, having quality art supplies can make all the difference in your creative process. Here are some must-have items that every artist should have in their toolbox.
Drawing Supplies
At the core of many artistic endeavors is drawing. Here are some drawing tools no artist should be without:
- Drawing pencils - Having pencils in a range of grades, such as HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B, allows you to achieve different effects with your drawing. Harder pencils are ideal for precise work, while softer ones are great for shading and blending.
- Erasers - Kneaded and plastic erasers help remove mistakes and allow you to easily make changes to your drawings.
- Blending stumps - These allow you to smoothly blend and soften pencil strokes for seamless shading.
- Drawing pads - Quality paper makes a difference. Invest in acid-free paper that can handle erasing and blending without damaging the surface.
- Sharpener - A good manual or electric sharpener will keep your pencils ready for detail work.
- Ruler - Essential for creating straight lines and measuring proportions accurately.
Painting Supplies
Paints and the tools used to apply them are a versatile medium. Here are some painting supplies every artist should have:
- Paint brushes - Having a variety in styles and sizes allows you to do anything from thin detail work to broad sweeping strokes.
- Palettes - For mixing paints. Can be disposable paper or reusable materials like wood or glass.
- Paints - Acrylics and watercolors are affordable options. Build a selection of primary colors to mix your own shades.
- Painting surfaces - Canvases or quality watercolor paper suited to your preferred medium.
- Containers for water - For keeping brushes and diluting paints while working.
General Studio Supplies
Every artist needs a few basics to keep their workspace organized and their tools in good shape:
- Storage containers - For organizing art supplies and keeping them protected.
- Drawing board - Provides a smooth, sturdy surface for drawing.
- Drafting tape - Secures paper firmly to drawing boards.
- Workable fixatives - These sprays prevent drawings from smudging and smearing.
- Brush cleaners - Keep brushes in good condition so they last longer.
By investing in these essential art supplies and organization tools, you'll be set up for creativity and productivity in your chosen medium.
Transporting Your Artwork and Supplies with Ease
As an artist, transporting your work and tools safely is crucial. With the right carrying cases and organizational equipment, you can easily bring your supplies on the go without damage.
Carrying Cases
Specialized carrying cases help protect your artwork and supplies in transit:
- Portfolios - These cases allow you to neatly store artwork and prevent bending or creasing. They come in various sizes to fit everything from small sketches to large canvas paintings.
- Toolboxes - Perfect for storing brushes, pencils, palette knives and other essential art tools. Look for cases with customizable compartments.
- Tackle boxes - The many small compartments are ideal for organizing small supplies like erasers, sharpener refills, charcoal sticks etc.
Features to Look For
Look for carrying cases designed specifically for artists and featuring:
- Durability - Sturdy outer material protects against drops and impacts.
- Lightweight - Important when carrying all your gear to a class or plein air painting session.
- Shoulder straps - Makes it easier to keep your hands free.
- Wheels - Roller bags take the strain off when transporting heavier items like easels.
- Water resistance - Keeps supplies protected if caught in the rain.
Organization Within Cases
Use organizational tools inside your carrying cases to avoid a jumbled mess:
- Dividers - Keep portfolios neatly sectioned off for individual artworks.
- Trays - Stackable trays of varying sizes help compartmentalize tools and materials.
- Elastic bands - Hold items like brushes securely in place.
- Zippered bags - Store loose supplies like charcoal sticks to prevent smudging.
Packing Artwork
Use the following tips when packing finished art pieces for transport:
- Wrap canvas paintings in bubble wrap or kraft paper to prevent rubbing and scratches.
- Place tissue paper between drawings to keep them from smudging onto each other.
- Keep watercolor paintings flat and supported to prevent bending and warping of the paper.
- Put identification tags on the wrapping so you can easily tell artworks apart.
With sturdy, organized carrying equipment, transporting your invaluable art is quick and hassle-free. Invest in cases designed for the artist's needs.
Stay Organized: Art Tool Storage Solutions
As any artist knows, being organized can make your creative process much more productive and enjoyable. Try these storage solutions for keeping your art desk or studio clutter-free.
Storage Containers
Clear plastic containers allow you to corral supplies while still being able to see contents:
- Stackable drawer sets - Perfect for holding everything from paint tubes to drawing pencils. Can be stacked vertically or horizontally.
- Utility boxes - Shallow containers great for items you use frequently like rulers, erasers and sharpeners.
- Jars - For brushes, charcoal sticks or other long thin items. Transparent to easily identify contents.
Shelving
Install shelving to take advantage of vertical space:
- Wall mounted rails - Can hold containers and baskets to store bulkier items like paints and canvases.
- Corner shelving - Fits nicely in wasted space and provides a spot for rarely used supplies.
- Over desk shelves - Perfect for items you need within arm's reach like glues, scissors and current works in progress.
Desktop Organizers
Keep your main work area clutter free with desk organizers:
- Pencil cups - Corral drawing pencils, pens and other long tools in one spot.
- Trays - Hold an assortment of small supplies you're currently using for a project.
- Drawer organizer - Neatly stores smaller items you still want close by like erasers and clips.
Hanging Storage
Take advantage of vertical wall space by hanging storage:
- Pegboards - Allows you to customize hooks and shelves to hold anything from paint brushes to rolled up canvases.
- Wall hooks - Install hooks at staggered heights to hang tools with handles like rulers and palette knives.
- Magnets - Affix small metal tins or trays to metal surfaces to hold paperclips, rubber bands and other odds and ends.
Don't let clutter slow you down. With the right organizational solutions, you can spend less time searching and more time creating.
Build the Perfect Art Tool Kit for Kids
Nurturing a child's creativity begins with supplying them with the right art supplies. With the proper selection of quality, kid-friendly tools, you can help equip any young aspiring artist.
Child Safe Materials
Look for products designed specifically as children's art supplies:
- Washable paints and markers - Won't permanently stain skin, clothing or furniture.
- Blunt scissors - Safer than regular scissors with sharp adult points.
- Non-toxic modeling clay - Made from kid-safe materials in case of accidental ingestion.
Drawing Essentials
Every artist needs drawing tools. Select options sized for a child's hands:
- Chunky pencils - Triangular shape helps young kids grip easier.
- Crayons - Look for large formats easier for small hands to hold.
- Washable markers - Opt for wide sizes good for beginning motor skills.
- Kid safe eraser - Large and easy to manipulate.
Painting Supplies
Foster a love of painting with:
- Kid paint brushes - Short handles and thicker bristles make painting easier.
- Smock - Protect clothes from spills and splatters.
- Easel - Lets kids paint vertically while building fine motor skills.
- Tempera paint - Vibrant colors mix well and are easy to use.
Other Creative Materials
Round out your art toolkit with:
- Play-Doh - Let's kids sculpt and mold creations.
- Stickers - Fun embellishments for decorating art projects.
- Cardstock - Heavier than paper, great for making cards, boxes, and sculptures.
- Glue and tape - For bonding collages and other art creations.
The right supplies allow budding artists to explore their creativity, develop skills, and simply have fun. Invest in a kid-centric toolkit filled with possibilities.
How to get an Amazon Prime subscription for a profit in "Art Tool & Sketch Boxes"
Amazon Prime offers free fast shipping and other benefits, making it worthwhile for frequent Amazon shoppers. Here are some tips on how to leverage a Prime subscription to actually profit when purchasing art supplies and organizational items on Amazon.
Take advantage of Prime Day deals
Amazon Prime Day offers exclusive discounts just for Prime members. Look out for deals on eligible art storage solutions, sketch boxes, easels, specialty paper, and other supplies during this annual sales event.
Utilize free shipping on eligible items
As a Prime member you enjoy free two-day shipping on over 100 million products. This allows you to order art materials and organization tools you need quickly without paying shipping fees. That savings adds up over time.
Buy in bulk with monthly subscriptions
For items you replenish often like drawing pencils, paint brushes, or erasers, consider signing up for monthly subscriptions to get recurring deliveries. Subscriptions give discounts for bulk orders shipped regularly.
Earn rewards with the Prime credit card
The Prime Rewards Visa Signature credit card offers 5% cashback on all Amazon purchases for Prime members. Earn rewards to offset future art supply purchases.
Redeem gift cards and credits
Take surveys and complete other “Tasks” on Amazon to earn gift cards and account credits. Use these earnings to reduce the costs of art tools and organization solutions.
Sell your own art on Amazon Handmade
As a Prime member, you can become an Amazon Handmade artisan seller for just $39.99 per month. Offer your own artwork like paintings, prints and sculptures to generate profits. Prime membership includes discounts on Handmade seller fees.
Split costs by sharing Prime benefits
Use Amazon Household to share Prime shipping and entertainment benefits with one other adult in your family. Split the annual cost while still enjoying member perks.
With a bit of strategic planning, an Amazon Prime subscription can actually save or make you money when stocking up on essential art supplies.
