Art is more than just a creative outlet—it’s a deeply personal journey that evolves with time. Whether someone is a beginner experimenting with different mediums or a seasoned artist perfecting their craft, having the right artist supplies can make all the difference. The tools an artist chooses not only influence the creative process but also impact the final outcome of their work.
Selecting the right supplies can be overwhelming with so many options available. From Acrylic Paint and Watercolor Paint to Colored Pencils and Oil Paint, each medium has unique characteristics that cater to different artistic styles and techniques. Knowing which supplies work best for different projects helps artists bring their visions to life while enhancing their overall experience.
In this guide, we will explore some of the most essential art supplies, breaking them down by categories such as drawing tools, painting materials, and digital equipment. The goal is to help artists of all skill levels understand what tools are worth investing in, how they contribute to creativity, and where to find the best quality materials.
With the right tools in hand, creating art becomes an even more enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Let’s dive into the essential supplies that every artist should consider adding to their collection.
My Favorite Drawing Supplies
Drawing is often the foundation of any artistic process, whether it’s sketching out ideas, creating detailed illustrations, or refining concepts before moving to other mediums. Choosing the right artist supplies for drawing can significantly enhance an artist’s ability to express their creativity. Below are some of my favorite drawing tools, from pencils and erasers to sketchbooks and inking pens.
A. Pencils & Erasers
A good pencil is the backbone of any drawing kit, and having the right variety allows for better control over shading, line work, and details. My personal favorites include:
- Graphite Pencils – Ideal for sketching and shading, I prefer brands that offer a full range from hard (H) to soft (B) to create depth and contrast in drawings.
- Colored Pencils – Perfect for adding vibrant hues to sketches. Prismacolor and Faber-Castell are my go-to choices because of their smooth application and rich pigmentation.
- Charcoal Pencils – Great for bold, dramatic sketches, these allow for deep blacks and expressive strokes.
Alongside pencils, having a reliable eraser is essential. I always keep a kneaded eraser for lifting graphite without smudging, a vinyl eraser for precise erasing, and a gum eraser for softer corrections.
B. Sketchbooks & Paper
The choice of sketchbook or drawing paper depends on the type of medium used. Different textures and thicknesses affect how pencils, ink, and paint interact with the surface. Here are my preferences:
- Smooth Sketchbooks – Best for fine details, inking, and marker work. The surface allows for crisp lines and prevents bleeding.
- Toothy Paper – Ideal for charcoal, pastels, and Colored Pencils, as it holds pigment better and creates richer textures.
- Watercolor Paper – If I’m planning to use Watercolor Paint over sketches, I opt for heavyweight paper to prevent warping.
Some of my favorite brands include Moleskine, Strathmore, and Canson, each offering a range of options for different artistic needs.
C. Inking & Fineliners
For adding bold outlines and intricate details, using the right inking tools is crucial. My favorites include:
- Fineliner Pens – Brands like Micron and Faber-Castell provide waterproof, fade-resistant ink that’s perfect for line work and intricate details.
- Dip Pens & Ink – Great for calligraphy and expressive strokes, dip pens allow for varying line weights and smooth ink flow.
- Brush Pens – A fantastic tool for dynamic strokes and fluid lettering, brush pens like Tombow and Pentel add a unique touch to sketches and illustrations.
Whether sketching initial ideas, shading with Colored Pencils, or refining details with fineliners, having the right drawing supplies makes a significant difference in the creative process.
My Favorite Painting Supplies
Painting opens up a world of possibilities for artists, allowing them to explore colors, textures, and techniques that bring their vision to life. The right artist supplies can make a huge difference in the creative process, from the quality of paints to the choice of brushes and surfaces. Below are some of my favorite painting tools, covering Acrylic Paint, Oil Paint, Watercolor Paint, and Gouache, along with essential brushes and canvases.
A. Paint Types & Brands
Each type of paint has its unique characteristics, and depending on the project, I switch between different mediums. Here are my top picks:
- Acrylic Paint – A favorite for its quick-drying, versatile nature, and ability to be used on various surfaces. Brands like Liquitex, Golden, and Winsor & Newton provide vibrant pigments with excellent coverage.
- Oil Paint – Known for rich texture and long drying times, oil paints are great for blending and layering. My preferred brands include Gamblin and Winsor & Newton, both offering high-quality, buttery consistency with great color retention.
- Watercolor Paint – Perfect for fluid, translucent effects, watercolor is my go-to for delicate and expressive painting. Daniel Smith and Schmincke create pigment-rich, high-quality watercolors that blend beautifully.
- Gouache – Often described as an opaque watercolor, gouache is excellent for bold colors and smooth matte finishes. Holbein and Winsor & Newton make easy-to-use, high-pigment gouache paints that provide great layering options.
Each of these paints serves a different purpose, but having a variety on hand allows for creative flexibility across projects.
B. Brushes & Tools
The right paintbrush can significantly impact the painting process. Different shapes and bristle types create unique strokes and textures. My favorite brush types include:
- Round Brushes – Ideal for detailed work and thin-to-thick lines.
- Flat Brushes – Great for broad strokes, blending, and backgrounds.
- Fan Brushes – Used for soft blending, textures, and natural effects like foliage.
- Liner Brushes – Perfect for fine details, lettering, and intricate designs.
I prefer brushes from brands like Princeton, Da Vinci, and Rosemary & Co., as they offer durability, precision, and smooth application.
In addition to brushes, I always keep a palette knife for mixing colors and adding texture to paintings. A good palette (whether traditional wooden or disposable paper palettes) helps in efficiently blending and controlling color mixtures.
C. Surfaces & Canvases
The surface an artist paints on can influence the final result. Different mediums work best on specific surfaces, and I choose my canvases and papers accordingly:
- Canvas – Stretched cotton canvas is my favorite for Acrylic Paint and Oil Paint, as it provides a strong, textured surface for layering colors.
- Watercolor Paper – Cold-pressed paper is perfect for Watercolor Paint as it absorbs water well while maintaining pigment vibrancy.
- Wood Panels – A durable alternative for Acrylic and Oil Paint, offering a smooth yet firm surface.
- Mixed Media Paper – Ideal for Gouache and experimental techniques, as it can handle both wet and dry media.
Choosing the right artist supplies for painting ensures smoother application, better pigment retention, and an overall enjoyable painting experience. From Acrylic Paint and Watercolor Paint to the perfect brushes and canvases, each supply plays an essential role in the creative process.
My Favorite Mixed Media & Specialty Supplies
For artists who love experimenting, mixed media and specialty supplies open up endless creative possibilities. Combining different tools and materials allows for unique textures, vibrant details, and enhanced depth in artwork. Whether it’s layering Colored Pencils over Watercolor Paint or adding highlights with gel pens, mixed media supplies provide an extra dimension to any artistic piece. Below are some of my favorite specialty art supplies, including pastels, markers, metallics, and unconventional tools that bring artwork to life.
A. Colored Pencils, Pastels, or Markers
Each of these supplies offers a unique approach to color application and blending:
- Colored Pencils – These are perfect for adding fine details and smooth gradients to artwork. My top choices are Prismacolor Premier for their soft, blendable cores and Faber-Castell Polychromos for rich pigment and durability.
- Soft & Oil Pastels – Soft pastels provide vibrant, chalk-like textures, making them great for expressive pieces. Sennelier and Rembrandt offer some of the best in terms of blendability and color richness. Oil pastels, on the other hand, deliver a buttery texture with more opacity, perfect for layering on Acrylic Paint or mixed media backgrounds.
- Markers – Alcohol-based markers like Copic and Ohuhu are excellent for smooth, streak-free blending and rich colors. I love using these for illustrations, hand lettering, and mixed media combinations.
These materials work well individually, but they can also be layered to create unique artistic effects—for example, using Watercolor Paint as a base and adding details with Colored Pencils or Markers.
B. Gel Pens, Metallics, or Other Fun Extras
Adding special effects to artwork is one of my favorite ways to create eye-catching highlights and unique textures. Here are a few tools I always keep in my kit:
- Gel Pens – Perfect for fine details, highlights, and embellishments. White gel pens (like Sakura Gelly Roll or Uni-Ball Signo) are amazing for adding light reflections and accents on top of darker backgrounds.
- Metallic & Glitter Pens – These work beautifully on black or toned paper, creating a shimmering effect that makes designs stand out. Pentel Dual Metallic and Posca Paint Pens are great choices for bold, reflective details.
- Iridescent & Interference Paints – These shimmering, color-shifting paints add an ethereal glow to Watercolor Paint and Acrylic Paint artworks. I love using Daniel Smith’s Interference Colors for subtle highlights that shift under different lighting.
C. Any Unique or Unconventional Tools You Love
Some of my favorite artist supplies aren’t always traditional but help create interesting effects:
- Sponges & Textured Rollers – Great for adding organic textures and backgrounds to paintings. These are especially useful when working with Acrylic Paint or mixed media layers.
- Toothbrush for Splatter Effects – I often use an old toothbrush to flick paint for dynamic splatter effects, perfect for stars in galaxy paintings or creating natural textures in abstract art.
- Masking Fluid & Tape – Essential for preserving white spaces in Watercolor Paint, masking fluid allows for crisp highlights and intricate details without worrying about overpainting.
By incorporating these specialty and unconventional tools, artists can add unique dimensions to their artwork. Whether it’s blending Colored Pencils over Watercolor Paint, creating metallic highlights, or experimenting with sponges for textures, mixed media supplies encourage creativity in new and exciting ways.
My Favorite Digital Art Supplies
In today’s digital age, digital art has become a popular medium for creating stunning artwork, allowing artists to experiment with a variety of tools and techniques. While traditional artist supplies remain crucial for many artists, digital tools provide their own set of possibilities, offering endless options for creativity. Below are some of my favorite digital art supplies, from tablets and styluses to digital software and brushes.
A. Tablet & Stylus Choices
Choosing the right tablet and stylus is essential for creating smooth, responsive digital artwork. The device should provide accurate pressure sensitivity and a comfortable drawing experience. Some of my top picks are:
- Wacom Cintiq Pro – One of the best drawing tablets with a built-in screen. The Wacom Cintiq Pro offers a high-resolution display, fantastic pressure sensitivity, and an intuitive interface, making it ideal for artists who want a natural, traditional drawing feel while working digitally.
- iPad Pro with Apple Pencil – For artists on the go, the iPad Pro combined with the Apple Pencil offers a highly responsive, portable option with excellent accuracy and natural touch sensitivity. It’s perfect for quick sketches, detailed illustrations, and even complex design work.
- XP-Pen Artist Pro – A more budget-friendly option, the XP-Pen Artist Pro provides excellent screen clarity and precision at a more affordable price, making it a great choice for both beginners and professionals.
Pairing these tablets with a stylus that feels comfortable and offers pressure sensitivity is crucial for achieving dynamic lines and brushwork. The Apple Pencil and Wacom Pro Pen are both top choices, offering high levels of accuracy and a natural drawing experience.
B. Favorite Digital Software & Brushes
Once the tablet and stylus are set, the next step is selecting the digital art software and brushes that fit your style and needs. Here are some of my favorite tools for creating beautiful digital artwork:
- Adobe Photoshop – A classic in the digital art world, Photoshop is known for its versatility and vast range of brushes. It’s perfect for everything from photo editing to intricate painting and illustration. The brush customization options are endless, allowing artists to create a truly unique digital toolset.
- Procreate – My go-to for iPad users, Procreate offers intuitive controls and an impressive brush library that mimics the feel of traditional brushes. I love using the watercolor brushes in Procreate for their realistic blending and smooth texture.
- Clip Studio Paint – This software is ideal for manga, comic artists, and illustrators, offering unique tools for line art, paneling, and perspective guides. It also boasts a massive library of brushes, perfect for creating soft watercolor effects or bold inking.
For digital brushes, I tend to prefer those that replicate traditional media like watercolor or oil paints, giving my artwork a more natural, organic feel. I love using brushes that provide brush stroke texture, which helps in creating depth and variety in digital art. Brushes in Photoshop and Procreate can be easily customized to match the artist’s specific needs, whether it’s creating a soft, layered look with watercolor brushes or bold, crisp lines with inking pens.
With the right tablet and stylus, paired with your favorite digital software and brushes, creating digital art can be just as fulfilling and expressive as working with traditional media. These tools allow for endless experimentation and the freedom to explore new creative possibilities.
How I Choose My Art Supplies
Selecting the right artist supplies goes beyond just picking the most expensive or the most popular options on the market. Over the years, I’ve learned that making thoughtful decisions based on budget, quality, personal preferences, and even sustainability can significantly impact both my creative process and the outcome of my artwork. Below, I’ll share how I approach choosing the best art supplies for my projects.
A. Budget vs. Quality Considerations
One of the first questions an artist often faces when purchasing art supplies is whether to invest in high-end products or go for more budget-friendly alternatives. While it’s tempting to splurge on premium brands like Winsor & Newton or Prismacolor, I’ve found that there’s a balance to strike.
- Quality Over Quantity – It’s often better to invest in high-quality paints and brushes that provide better pigmentation, durability, and performance rather than buying cheaper, lower-quality materials. For example, premium Acrylic Paint brands like Golden offer better coverage and mixing abilities than some budget options.
- Affordable Tools for Beginners – When starting out, it’s okay to explore more affordable options, such as student-grade watercolor paints or Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, which still provide good performance without the hefty price tag.
- Quality for Long-Term Use – Over time, it’s worth investing in items that you use frequently, like brushes, sketchbooks, and fineliners. A good-quality brush can last longer and provide better results, making it a smart investment for serious artists.
By balancing budget with quality, artists can make thoughtful choices that allow them to create beautiful artwork without breaking the bank.
B. Experimentation & Finding What Works Best
As every artist knows, finding the right supplies often requires a period of trial and error. Not every brand or medium will work for every style of art, and that’s perfectly okay. Here’s how I approach the experimentation process:
- Test Different Mediums – I love trying out various materials, like oil paints, watercolors, and gouache, to see which one best suits my style. Some artists thrive with the smooth, fluid texture of Watercolor Paint, while others prefer the rich, layered look that Oil Paint provides.
- Mixing Materials – Part of the fun in mixed media art is experimenting with combining different supplies, like using Colored Pencils over Acrylic Paint or incorporating pastels into watercolor illustrations. The more you experiment, the more you learn about the endless creative possibilities.
- Personal Preference – While certain supplies may be technically better than others, it’s important to find what feels right for you. For example, Acrylic Paint might work wonders for one artist but not as well for another. I encourage every artist to spend time experimenting with different tools to discover what feels most comfortable and inspiring.
The process of experimenting with new art supplies is a great way to discover new techniques and develop a personal connection to your tools.
C. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Options
As the world becomes more conscious of environmental impact, I’ve made an effort to choose sustainable and eco-friendly artist supplies wherever possible. This not only supports ethical brands but also reduces the environmental footprint of the art-making process. Some of my favorite eco-conscious supplies include:
- Recycled Paper & Sketchbooks – Brands like EcoTools offer recycled sketchbooks made from post-consumer materials, which is a great way to reduce waste while maintaining quality.
- Non-Toxic Paints – Opting for non-toxic paints like eco-friendly Acrylic Paint or Watercolor Paint from brands that prioritize environmental sustainability helps reduce exposure to harmful chemicals while still achieving vibrant results.
- Brushes with Sustainable Materials – Many companies now offer brushes with bamboo handles and synthetic bristles, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wooden-handled, animal-hair brushes.
Choosing eco-friendly options doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—it just means being more mindful of the materials we use in our artwork. As artists, we can contribute to a more sustainable world by making conscious choices about the tools we use in the creative process.
Where to Get These Supplies
Once you’ve decided on the artist supplies that best suit your needs, the next step is knowing where to buy them. Whether you prefer shopping in-store for the tactile experience or you’re an online shopper looking for the best deals, finding the right retailers can make all the difference. Below are my favorite places to buy art supplies, including both physical stores and online shops, as well as some tips for finding budget-friendly alternatives.
A. My Go-To Stores & Online Shops
Over the years, I’ve discovered several trusted stores and online platforms that offer a wide range of art supplies from premium brands to affordable options. Here are my top choices:
- Local Art Supply Stores – Nothing beats visiting a local art supply store for a hands-on experience. Stores like Jerry’s Artarama or Michaels often have a wide variety of paints, brushes, and sketchbooks that you can feel and test out in person. I love browsing these stores to see new products in real-time, and they often have knowledgeable staff who can help guide you in choosing the best tools.
- Blick Art Materials – Known for its excellent selection and customer service, Blick is a go-to for all types of art supplies. They offer everything from Acrylic Paint to drawing tools and digital art equipment, and they often run sales on popular items.
- Amazon – For convenience and variety, Amazon is a go-to online shop where I can easily find a wide range of art materials. While it’s not always the best for niche supplies, it’s great for picking up basic tools like sketchbooks, fineliners, and markers.
- ArtStation or Etsy – For unique or handmade art supplies, I often check out platforms like ArtStation or Etsy, where independent artists sell custom-made tools and materials like brushes, palettes, and canvas prints.
Shopping at these stores ensures access to quality materials, with a good mix of established brands and specialized products for different artistic styles.
B. Deals & Budget-Friendly Alternatives
While premium art supplies often provide the best performance, there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives that allow artists to explore their creativity without breaking the bank. Here are a few ways to snag great deals:
- Sales & Discounts – Many art supply retailers run seasonal sales, especially during the holiday season or back-to-school time. Keep an eye on online shops like Blick Art Materials and Michaels, as they often offer discounts or coupon codes for Acrylic Paint, sketchbooks, and other essential supplies.
- Student Discounts – If you’re a student, many stores offer special student discounts on art supplies. Jerry’s Artarama and Blick provide discounts for students and educators, which can help save money on high-quality materials.
- Bulk Buying – Buying in bulk is another way to cut costs. For items like sketchbooks, brushes, and basic paint colors, purchasing larger quantities often comes with a discount, and it’s a great way to stock up on supplies without having to reorder frequently.
- Affordable Brands – There are several budget-friendly brands that offer good-quality materials at lower prices. Prismacolor Scholar offers solid Colored Pencils for beginners, and Arteza provides a variety of paints and brushes that don’t sacrifice quality for affordability. I also love Arteza’s acrylic sets for beginner to intermediate projects.
- DIY Materials – If you’re feeling crafty, consider creating your own tools. You can repurpose old toothbrushes for splatter effects or use sponges for texturing. Many artists love to make their own palettes and canvas boards to save costs.
With these deals and budget-friendly alternatives, artists can keep their supply costs low while still enjoying high-quality tools and materials. It’s all about finding the right balance between affordability and quality, so you don’t have to compromise on your creativity.
Conclusion
Choosing the right artist supplies can be a game-changer for anyone passionate about creating art. Whether it’s the Acrylic Paint you use to create vibrant landscapes, the Colored Pencils you pick for intricate details, or the digital tablet that helps bring your ideas to life, the materials you choose play a crucial role in how your creativity unfolds.
In this guide, we’ve explored some of my favorite supplies, from the essential pencils and sketchbooks to the fun mixed media tools and digital art equipment. Each of these tools has helped me express myself, experiment with new ideas, and elevate my art to new heights. But ultimately, the best supplies are the ones that work for you.
I encourage every artist, whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, to experiment with different tools, discover what works best for your style, and embrace the creative process. Your favorite artist supplies may be completely different from someone else’s, and that’s what makes art so special!
So, what are your favorite artist supplies? What tools do you reach for every time you start a new project? Feel free to share your thoughts, tips, and favorite brands in the comments below or on social media. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other to create amazing art!
