You’ve got the idea in your head, the strokes in your hand, the vision in your mind and the motivation and muse to create – but it just won’t come out the way you want. The colours fade, the paper rips, the pen withers. And the moment’s gone.
When it comes to creating art, the materials you choose aren’t just tools – they’re the very foundation of your work. The quality of your art supplies can significantly influence the outcome of your creation. Investing in top-notch material isn’t about making your art look good today, it’s about ensuring your masterpieces stand the test of time. Behave like you need them to, reliably. Support you.
They’re the bridge between your mind and your hands – they should supplement you, not be an obstruction.
Let the pigments flow
When you’re creating art, the pigments you choose make all the difference – both in their quality as well as in quantity. Artist-grade pigments are a game-changer. They resist fading, so your work stays vibrant over time. They also offer unbeatable colour accuracy and opacity, letting you create richer, more lifelike colours and giving you much-needed control when layering.
For oil, it might mean the difference when it comes to lightfastness, cracking and fading. For watercolour, their intensity. Their texture. Learn about which binder you prefer, too. Your paints will react differently depending on their base, be it oil, wax, honey, epoxies or one of the many others.
The right tools for your trade
The mediums you use every day are just as important. High-quality art and painting brushes, pens, and other tools are designed to give you the control and precision you need. Take your time to find the shape and form that feels right for you. A well-made brush, for instance, won’t lose bristles or lose its shape. The source of their hair will determine their softness or hardness or how much moisture they can hold.
Get a feeling for how well your coloured pencils blend and how many layers they can take. Explore their softness, how easily they lay down colour – but also how they want and need to be sharpened. If you work monochrome, there is nothing more important than being able to rely on the same gradient, no matter how many pens you go through.
Paper and canvas
The paper or canvas you work on can make or break your art, too. High-quality options give you better weight, the texture you desire, and durability. Heavier paper won’t buckle or warp easily, especially important when a lot of moisture is applied.
Most importantly, archival-grade materials are designed to stand the test of time, resisting damage from light and humidity, so your art can last for generations without losing its touch. Take your time to test the papers around you for the art you want to unfold on or with them. Test their ink limit and their colour density. Lots of artists will gladly share the material they are working on, too, so if you have someone with a similar style or technique, enquire about their experiences and reviews.
Invest in your art
Sure, high-quality art supplies might cost more upfront, but they’re worth it. They last longer, meaning you won’t have to replace them as often – saving you money over time. Plus, archival materials keep your art looking fresh for longer. And let’s not forget, that using professional-grade tools can really step up your game and even open up new opportunities for you.
You’re not just buying materials; you’re investing in your art journey. These tools give you the precision, control and confidence to bring your creative ideas to life. Let them support you. Let them become extensions of your creativity, instead of having to force potential they might not even possess.
Experimenting is essential. Try different materials and find the ones that make your artistic voice shine.