In today’s post, I’ll be sharing the art supplies and tools that I personally use to bring my artistic visions to life. These are the tried-and-true products that have become essential in my creative process. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, I hope you’ll find some inspiration here.

The Art of Creativity: It’s Not About the Tools

Before we dive into the details, I want to emphasize that creativity isn’t about the tools you use; it’s about how you use them. You can create stunning artwork with just a simple pencil and paper. It’s all about capturing the essence of your subject through light, shade, and texture. While I’ll be sharing my favorite supplies, remember that the most important tool is your imagination.

Organizing My Creative Space: The Art Cart

Let’s start with my workspace setup, which plays a significant role in how efficiently I can work. One of my favorite pieces in my studio is my art cart—a repurposed bar trolley that now houses all my essential art supplies. Originally designed for cocktail glasses, it’s become my mobile art station, allowing me to easily move my supplies to wherever I’m working in my apartment.

On my art cart, I keep various pots filled with brushes. Interestingly, these aren’t typical brush holders—they’re actually flower pots, and one even used to be a lantern! I love finding creative ways to repurpose everyday items for my art space. I also have a small table with a rim where I keep my pastels and other small supplies, ensuring they don’t roll off and get lost.

Essential Art Supplies: The Core Tools I Use

Now, let’s talk about the tools that I use regularly in my artwork. These are the products that I reach for in almost every project.

1. Brushes and Brush Care

I have several pots filled with different types of brushes, each serving a unique purpose. While I do have a brush holder designed to dry brushes with the bristles pointing downwards, I mostly clean my brushes daily with just water. It’s a simple but crucial habit that keeps my brushes in top condition.

2. Paper

For my artwork, I prefer using 400-gram fine artist paper from Hahnemühle. This paper is incredibly sturdy and can withstand moisture, making it perfect for extended work sessions without worrying about damage.

3. Pencils and Pens

I always keep a container filled with a variety of pens, pencils, and markers on my art cart. I have a range of black markers in different thicknesses, which I use depending on the level of detail I want to achieve. These are essential for both sketching and finishing touches.

4. Paints

When it comes to paint, I love working with acrylics. I recently experimented with a box of small acrylic paints in various colors, which has been a lot of fun. While mixing colors is part of the creative process, having a wide range of ready-made shades at your fingertips can be incredibly convenient. My go-to colors include nudes, beiges, browns for skin tones, and gold for adding a touch of elegance.

5. Other Tools

In addition to brushes and paints, I use a variety of other tools like spatulas for collages and glue applications. I also use paper plates for mixing acrylics and plastic palettes for working with water-soluble pastels. These tools help me achieve the textures and effects that define my style.

Final Thoughts: It’s About the Journey, Not the Brand

As I wrap up this overview of my favorite art supplies, I want to make one thing clear—I’m not endorsing any specific brands. What works best for me might not work for you, and that’s okay. The key is to explore, experiment, and find the tools that resonate with your creative style.

When shopping for supplies, I recommend looking for artist-grade materials that offer a good balance between quality and affordability. You don’t need the most expensive tools to create beautiful art; you just need the right ones for you.

Conclusion: Keep Creating and Experimenting

In other posts and videos, I’ll dive deeper into how I use these products in my artwork. But for now, I hope this overview gives you some insight into the tools that help me bring my ideas to life.

I’d love to hear from you! What art supplies do you use? Do you have any favorites or recommendations? Share your thoughts in the comments or post your own videos. I’m always curious to learn about what works for other artists.

Thank you for joining me on this creative journey. Keep drawing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep bringing your unique vision to life. I can’t wait to see what you create!

Until next time, happy creating!