When it comes to learning about all the different art supplies and tools out there, the internet is a great place. There are so many blogs (like mine, thank you for being here!), videos and resources where you can inform yourself about all the wonderful supplies that exist and how you can use them. There also seems to be an entire subculture of people who enjoy collecting and reviewing new tools (I know I have written a few review articles myself), and I find these to be hugely useful when I’m trying to decide on a specific kind of paint or paper.
However, there’s always the danger of hoarding art supplies and not actually using them that much. I’m giving myself a stern look here, because I know how this feels. I already have a lot of paint and ink and all the other nice stuff (see above), and although I use a lot of them on a daily basis, I still have a lot of supplies just sitting around collecting dust. I know unwrapping new paint can be like eating candy. I also know some paint tubes end up drying in a dark drawer (not unlike some candy).
So, my thought here is that more tools won’t make you a better artist. In fact, it may be the opposite. I don‘t want to make to make anyone feel bad who enjoys collecting paint tubes, brushes or pens (I know I love testing paint or pens). I just want to show those of you who wonder why they don‘t get better with their art skills, that you don‘t need all the fancy tools, just a few of them. And then you need to use them!
More art supplies don’t automatically make your art better
So, again, you won‘t automatically be a better artist if you have more tools at your disposal. It doesn’t all depend on the tools. You just need the right tools (meaning: a selection of good quality tools), and then you need to start honing and practicing your skills. It can be so seductive to get a new pen and think that you‘ve really made progress and switched up your creative process, but in reality all you have done is given in to the part of your brain that likes shiny new objects. Although there’s the chance you might actually get better results with that pen, if that’s the case: stick to that pen!
As I said, I have that part in my brain, too, and sometimes I get to know it really well. There is an incredibly strong pull towards consumerism and new things in our society, and our brains are hardwired to like novelty, too. I try to only give in to this feeling when I run out of art supplies anyway to control it a bit better, and I try to steer clear of art supply stores in the meantime. I try to remind myself that I’m really lucky and privileged to be in a position where I can choose from so many great tools. This can slip a bit from my focus. I haven’t always been in a position in my life where I could afford many new tools, so I needed to really take care and use the things that I already had and make them work. But somehow this didn’t make my creative decisions any harder or worse.
Constraints make more creative
One crucial thing that I want you to understand about creativity is that sometimes you need constraints to be more creative. This is what often makes great design: you have only limited tools, but need to come up with a solution for a problem: that’s creativity. This principle can apply to any creative discipline: design, illustration, photography, film-making, woodworking, but also for sketching and painting. More often than not your brain needs to have boundaries so it can come up with interesting concepts.
You can make really interesting drawings and compositions just with a pencil and an eraser. Or with two kinds of ink. Or with a limited palette of just three or six colors. It‘s worth exploring these constraints so you can see what power lies in the tools you already have at your disposal. Part of being creative is coming up with creative solutions when you have limited resources.
I massively enjoy this process. And still, sometimes I long for something new to shake things up. So I’m a bit torn. Working in the studio with a big palette is really fun, but being outside with just the few tools I can carry is also great. But I’ve noticed when I have too many tools around, I begin thinking about the tools more than about the art itself. I begin thinking I need more stuff, why is always dangerous and most of the time also not true. Studying art supplies can be science in itself, and a big part of the lure of that is marketing romance by the manufacturers (and certain Youtube videos). No-one needs 100 different colors to paint. So this mechanism is directly aimed at that part of your brain that thinks you‘ll get more creative by buying more supplies. It doesn’t make you a bad person if you give in, but I know it’s just something I’d like to be more conscious about.
Strangely enough, this kind of collecting habit wasn’t activated in me when I was still pursuing photography professionally years back: I had two favorite cameras that I used all the time, and film that I knew performed well and gave me the results I wanted, and I just kept working with this system for years. Maybe it has to do with the immediate tactile response you can get from a pen or a brush. I don’t know. But it’s definitely addictive.
At times I’ve fantasized about being a writer, because you need exactly two things for that: a pen and some paper. Or a computer and writing software. This surely removes all craving for novelty. (I’m certain there are writers out there who collect writing software instead of working on their novel, and who make videos about it so that other people can collect writing software, too, instead of honing their skills. I’m only making fun of this because I know how it feels! By the way, I’m really glad I’m not a photographer anymore, because who knows, maybe these days I would want all that expensive gear that I couldn’t afford.)
Ways to reduce your toolkit
A great strategy for reducing your toolkit might be to choose your favorite paints, pencil, and brush, and work with this small kit exclusively for a month. If you notice something is missing, include it. Really use what you already have and discover different ways to use your art supplies on paper and what effects you can get out of them. At the end of this month you will see which tools you didn‘t use at all – put them in a box for another time, or give them to someone else.
A sketching practice that gets you outside, be it nature journaling or urban sketching, can be a great practice for this strategy – you will automatically choose less supplies since you need to carry them all. And as soon as I‘m outside I usually worry less about my different supplies, but about things like the weather, something interesting in nature I just saw or how I can sketch a certain landscape, or even just finding a comfortable place to sit.
At the end of the day it‘s more about exploring how you can make art from within yourself, than about getting new and shiny art supplies to make you creative. At least that‘s the philosophy I (try to) subscribe to. I can‘t say I‘m immune when I enter an art supply store or learn about new pigments, but I try to be more conscious about the tools and resources I think I need for making art, and what I essentially end up using every day. It‘s not that much. (Here’s the kit I take with me for sketching outside).
The holidays are nearing, and for me the end of the year is always the time to restock my art supplies for the next year. I still love testing and trying out new paints and papers, so sometimes (ok, almost every time) I give in to that curiosity, too. And sometimes I just rediscover what’s been sitting in my drawer for the whole year.
What do you think? Do you struggle with buying lots of art supplies, too? I‘d love to hear your thoughts about the subject!
what a great blog to read, almost every youtube ( or any other) tutorial has a list of materials i need (i’m always lacking a few) and i end up with surching were to buy ( in my country a lot is not find of the materials used ) not finding and be frustrated and haven’t done anything other than surching. I do have so may materials to work with, so i started to realise that mayby i should just try to work with the stuff i have, but it keeps very difficult, i love to buy materials greetings, ria- amsterdam
I know – I also love to browse and buy materials. Most of the time you can use something different though!
Love this post! Thanks 🙂
Thank you, much appreciated!
Great, great article!! A much needed reminder. Thank you. I used to buy new supplies when I first started watercoloring but I learned the same things you mention here. You covered excellent points, as always. I appreciate your blog.
Thank you very much Aneta! I still think new supplies can be fun, but not all the time. The more I think about it, the more parallels to sweets I see. 🙂
This may be the best thing I’ve ever read! Thank you.
Thank you Barbara! Well I hope I can live up to that. 🙂
I started with one pencil and no paper in 2015, now in 2019 I have over 270 coloured pencils, a watercolour travel set and a few specific tools to use for art. If it wasn’t for your nature journaling class, I would not have a clue as to what project to do.
That sounds like a really big amount of colored pencils. I hope you’re enjoying journaling with them!
Another great article! I have spent way too much time and money on acquiring art materials. For me it’s complicated by the fact that I live in a very rural area, so I can’t just run to the store to get something when I need it. It’s a long drive into town, so I don’t go every day (I’m retired). Plus, the nearest town is small and the art/craft store has very high prices, so I prefer to order online (and wait for the package to arrive). Therefore, I tend to collect things ahead of time so that I’ll have them when I start a new project. I definitely struggle to stop buying supplies and just focus on making art.
I have to say I’m actually glad I don’t have an art store nearby either, because I would be broke! I also order online a lot, and I always wait a while before placing larger order, so anything I don’t really need after all will be thrown off the list.
Yes! Having things sit in an online cart for several days or a week (or two) before I click “Buy” really helps me to make sure that my purchases are not simply impulse-driven.
This is a very timely blog post, thank you Julia! I have been one who, over the years, has bought every type of medium, lots of colors of each medium, papers, canvas, etc. and have not ever really got better at painting. I guess I was always looking for that ‘magic’ paint or brush or paper. I have recently gone on a fall cleaning in my house and gathered up all the art supplies I had that I don’t use and probably never will. I sold some of them and gave some to the local cultural center. I find that with all the choices, I am overwhelmed and seem paralyzed to be able to start any project. I know there are many like me, and maybe I need an intervention to just stop buying supplies and use the ones I have. My biggest problem was not knowing what to give away and what to keep. In the past, I’ve given away or sold supplies to end up buying them again. I wish to be released from this hold that art supply buying, browsing, etc. has on my creativity, and I think it’s time to pare it down to my favorite medium and stick with it. It is not easy to part with things you paid good money for, but when it’s all said and done, and nothing has been painted, then it’s time to take stock of what you ‘really’ need … which is just a few supplies and the passion to paint! Thank you so much for this post. I realize I have some more work to do on myself!
Thank you Rose! I know, it can be a real challenge to choose, particularly when you are interested in so many different things. What helped for me was focusing on one thing/medium at a time, with only a very basic kit – that reduced the amount of supplies I bought significantly. I know it’s painful to sell supplies you paid a lot of money for – I always try to think of it as giving it to someone who can make better use of it than me, and helping them (and me) that way.
Thank you Julia! I like your thought about giving it to someone who can make better use of it! I will be blessing others soon! Hugs!
Hi Rose!
I can relate very much: I once gave away a big stack of crafting supplies that I had kept and cherished for years but then never used. Partly because it all felt so precious partly because I just didn’t have ideas what to do. I then decided to gift it all to a crafty woman I knew because I felt that the pressure of having it sit around while I didn’t use it felt quite paralysing and not at all creatively inviting… It was sad to let it all go but same as Julia I reminded myself that it would finally get used. There is a special beauty in having tools that are being used and it feels very freeing to just create! I still fall into the buy-new-tools trap if I’m not careful…
Yes, the other thing that inspires me to give away the excess stuff is that rarely do art supplies improve with age. If I’m not using something, much better to give it away while there is some life left in it rather than wait to throw it away when it is totally dried up, yellowed with age, etc. I’ve gotten much better at curbing my impulse buying when I see how long it takes me to really use up a pencil or a tube of paint. I do still have a weakness for paper but I’m working on it. Thanks for the blog, Julia!
That’s such good way to look at it, thanks Amy! I’ve just given away a lot of my older supplies that I thought I could need again…but they were only aging silently in my drawer. I’ll definitely add this thought to my strategies against impulse buying. I agree it’s more difficult with paper – though I find when my paper stash grows too much I make a few sketchbooks from it.
Very relatable. It is SO hard to resist new art supplies but I’m trying to be more mindful of that. I have so many in a variety of mediums and remind myself of that (plus the expense!) when I’m tempted to buy more. I did just give in to a bottle of gold ink for holiday cards but that’s it! (hopefully.)
You make me think about the three bottles of gold ink that I still have standing around from my calligraphy days. I need to use those again!
Hahaha – here is what I read when I quickly glanced at the title of the blog post: „Why you need new art supplies“ Naturally this made me very happy…
But on a more serious note: Great blog post – very timely too as I just went through all my art supplies and realised just how much stuff I have (yes, I’m very guilty of seeing someone use something online and then absolutely wanting (and often buying) it). So this was a very good reminder of what I know but like to “forget” at times: YOU have to do the work – the tools won’t do it for you! And when I think about this on a deeper level I feel that what I want most of the time when I buy stuff I see others use or talk about is actually their approach, their skill, their way of working. This is a good realisation and I’ll try to keep this in mind next time I feel like I absolutely NEED that brush or paint or… Because deep down I know that what fills me up is playing creatively with ANY tools I have at hand! Sure it’s nice to have good supplies but I have done stuff with cheap tools on cheap paper that absolutely filled me with joy.
Happy creating everyone!
Hah, I’m sure I wouldn’t have a hard time coming up with arguments for that blog post! 😉 Thank you for adding your thoughts, I completely agree. And I absolutely love the idea of a art supply sharing platform. I’ve actually had that same idea for a while, but then I forgot about it when I had to figure out the technical aspects. But I’d still like to offer an art supply exchange. I’ll look into it and if anyone else here thinks this is a good idea, please let me know!
I’m in – let me know if you want to have a chat about this… I’d love to donate supplies I don’t need or use to artists around the world who might not be able to afford the supplies they need to create what they envision. Or to art initiatives for kids. Or a homeless center. Or hospitals. Or…
A lot of happy hearts and inspiring art could come off the stuff we all have in the back of our drawers and cupboards…
Just dreaming about this makes me smile!
Another thought: wouldn’t it be lovely if there was an online platform to exchange (or give away) art materials that you don’t like or don’t use? Like foodsharing for artists… Would need to be in countries or regions as postage can be pricey though. I’d love that and would have a few things to put on there right now.
I am glad to have found you and your blog this evening. The search I used was Quitting Social Media +Artist. The blog post and your Youtube post on this topic came up immediately. I am very familiar with all of your references. It’s interesting in how purchasing art supplies and the time it takes to do so, is another way of not making. I am creating a better way. Your video provided a timely service of support.
Thank you for your kind feedback, Pamela, and I hope you’ll have a creative 2020!
I think this is important for all of us to keep in mind..even if it isn’t a year long plan, atleast put in the planner for consideration and reevaluation periodically through the year. As my husband might say, “When will it be enought?” A good question for thought. I relocated 6 months ago to a place 800+ miles away in a less than 900 sq foot house-for 2 people and 2 dogs. Its tighter that we are use to. Between space, distance of move, and expense of moving I had to go through nearly all my art supplies….until I ran out of time and I just had to go! I was saddened and relieved at the same time when things left. Saddened to see things go, and that they had must sat patiently for me to use them. Relieved that I was not burdened by the shame of “you ought to be doing this” so not to be wasteful, and yet knowing that I wouldn’t be using them anytime soon. It was ok. I learned and grew in what I would and could use successfully. My goals have shifted. And now to keep my past in mind to keep the future better….thanks for bringing it back to mind the importance of keeping things simple and focused. Thanks!
I always find that the best artists on youtube and social media have only their favorite supplies. I always get worried when I see an artist that literally has everything…always feels unfocused. My personal favorites have always been simple…paper, pencil, graphite, charcoal and an eraser. Never needed more than that to do something special.
That sounds like a nice and focused selection!
Oh Julia, I am so happy I accidentely pumped into you on the internet. Most probably when I was browsing for art material. I can’t complain about the amount of spare time I have, but almost every time I decide to paint/draw/sketch I end up only browsing the internet. I hate I do that but it still I do that almost every time. So today, I read your blog and decided to switch of my phone and close my laptop and actually start to draw. And oh boy: I enjoyed every minute. I think I will join your course sketching fundamentals in September. Assignments will help me going!
Thank you! Greetings, Miriam
It’s so great you enjoyed your drawing session so much, Miriam – keep going. What a happy coincidence you found your way here, welcome! 🙂 I really hope you’ll continue to enjoy your drawing time.
Hello! I found this article because I typed in “art supplies out of control”. And you are really on target about the novelty of supplies hooking you into buying them. My worst habit is thinking “oh, that looks interesting” and then buying ALLLLL the supplies. All I really want to do is draw, and paint watercolors. So, here I go, whittling down all the stuff. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lifesaver! Thank you for this post. I am suffering from an overwhelming guilt at having more than I need artwise, and not using most of it. It is distracting from my focus and the joy of creating and figuring out ways of doing things. Making a lot out of very little. I was most successful in my career when I was painting in a corner of my front room with an old curtain under the easel and my beloved Jack Russell who was trodden on regularly. I did not have a studio either. Now I have everything and am like a dried up ol’ prune! Am going to set up a table out front and put FREE on a card and give away all the things I have not used in over a year.