Cheap Art Supplies 

How to Cut Costs

Cheap art supplies? I know it sounds crazy. In fact, I’ve even written a post on why art supplies are so expensive. Some art supplies are so expensive that there is a very real temptation to buy student grade art supplies. They are definitely cheaper, but for the most part, you get what you pay for. They don’t cover or perform as well, they don’t last as long, etc. So, if you’re on a tight budget, how do you manage the cost?

For Sculptors…

Sculpting Tool Set

If you’ve spent any time at all in a big art supply store, you probably noticed that there is a nifty tool for just about everything. Sculptors have a wide array of tools, such as detail and cleanup tools, needles of varying sizes, and a selection of sculpting tools of varying shapes. Most come with nice plastic or wooden handles. And no, they’re not terribly expensive, but buy half a dozen different ones and they very quickly add up. One solution is looking for a starter set. Another is to make them yourself. Some of the tools, like the needle tools, aren’t too hard to make. Find needles or nails that suit the needed size and either use them as is, or duct tape it to a handle of some sort. Sure, it’s not pretty, but the important part is that it works and that you saved a little cash!

For Drawing…

Drawing Tool Set

Artists who draw have it a little easier. For the most part, our supplies aren’t so expensive that they’ll break the bank. Pencils and charcoal are relatively inexpensive. You might run into some pricier paper, but that is one area that I would recommend not going cheap (especially if the work is for a commission). But there are a number of other cheap art supplies where you could save some of the cost. Again, you can find sets and save some cost there or you can make some of them yourself.

Q-Tips are one of my favorite blending tools.

Blending stumps or tortillions are basically very tightly wound paper that ends in a point. Yes, it’s kind of a hassle to do it yourself, but it’s doable. I’ve also added a few household tools, such as Q-tips. They work perfectly for blending larger areas. Heck, in a pinch, I’ve even wadded up a clean Kleenex! I also use my pencils until they’re tiny little stumps. I did have to invest in a pencil extension tool (not overly expensive), but it’s paid for itself many times over. Sandpaper sharpeners are another easy item where you can go cheap. Yes, the store bought ones have a fancy little wooden handle with tear-away sandpaper, but you can go to your local Home Depot or Lowe’s and find big sheets of the same grit sandpaper, which does the same job. Another item you can find at either Lowe’s or Home Deport is Scotch brand blue 3M painter’s tape. I used to spend a lot of money on so-called “low tack artist’s tape”, but found out that the blue 3M painter’s tape works just as well, if not better. The tack is much less sticky, which means, the risk of pulling up layers of my paper is also greatly reduced.

For Painters…

For all of you painters out there, unfortunately your supplies are tough. Student grade supplies here, generally means lower quality. Cheap paints don’t perform as well as their expensive counterparts. This can very easily mean you end up spending much more. Brushes can be very expensive. Oil paints are also on the pricey end. Acrylic and watercolors are not so bad. Again, you might be able to find a starter set, but I wouldn’t scrimp here. Cheaper paints can mean less vibrant colors, less than ideal consistency, or even the need for much more product to cover the same amount of space. There is also the question as to how well each product holds up over time. Will the colors start to fade? Not ideal if you’re working on commissions! Canvases are also not cheap. You can save some cost by learning how to build and stretch your own canvases, but you’d have to weigh the trouble versus the cost.

Digital artists…I envy you! Your only real substantial expense is your computer, tablet, and software (and the occasional upgrade).

In Conclusion…

Overall, I’d say that if you have any hang-ups about having cheap art supplies…get over it! I’ve done it when finances are extremely tight and I continue to do it with certain items. Ebay and Amazon have also come in handy for certain things. Just make sure you’re not paying more for shipping. I could really care less whether or not my tools are fancy name brand or homemade. My primary concern is always to save the cost in one area so that I can spend the money on art supplies where I refuse to go cheap (like my paper) and does it do the job? Think about it this way…the person commissioning you doesn’t see the tools you use. They don’t care how you do what you do. All they care about is the final product, which they pay for. However it is that you manage to get that product into their hands is up to you. If you can do it on the cheap, bonus for you!

 Further Reading:

 Student Grade Art Supplies: Is it Worth the Savings?

Why Are Art Supplies So Expensive?