Today we will be talking about the 8 Best-Kept Secrets of Professional Artists and how to choose the right supplies. Art is one of the rare trades that anyone can try.
While it’s challenging to dabble in, say, plumbing or medical surgery, art is universal—it welcomes everyone, provided they bring their imagination and honesty.
Image by wayhomestudio on Freepik
8 Best-Kept Secrets of Professional Artists
That said, there are certain tools of the trade that pros know and beginners often overlook. This article explores eight artist-approved secrets for selecting the right supplies and elevating your art. If you’re keen to take your “dabbling” to the next level, keep reading!
Befriend the Staff at a Quality Art Supply Store
The best way to stock up on essentials is to go right to the source for professional grade supplies: a reputable art supply store. Most experienced artists spend half their time in the studio and the other half perusing the aisles of an art supply store.
They get to know the staff, who, in turn, tip them off to the latest products, brand recommendations, and sales. If you want the real artist’s secret for securing the right supplies, befriend the staff and ask them lots of questions!
Understand Your Medium
Before shopping for supplies, do a deep dive into your preferred medium. Tailoring your choices to your medium—whether it’s oils, watercolours, mixed media, or sculpture—will allow you to hone in on the right products.
Understanding your medium also allows you to communicate better with the art supply store staff, who can then point you toward products relevant to your artistic pursuits.
Find the Right Paper or Canvas
Too often, beginner artists overlook their canvas. They assume it’s just a blank space like any other—interchangeable and bearing little impact on the final result. That’s not the case.
Using the correct surface can make all the difference in your finished piece, whether it’s professional-grade artist’s paper or stretched canvas.
Don’t Skimp on Brushes
If there’s one throughline in most of these tips, it’s this: Choose quality over quantity. When possible, opt for “artist-grade” or “professional-grade” supplies, which last longer, perform better, and give you more control and range.
This is undoubtedly true with brushes. Professional-grade brushes can dramatically improve precision and blending, allowing you to render your artistic vision in faithful detail.
Pigment Matters
Again, consider artist-grade paints and pens. “Student-grade” paints are fantastic for experimenting and learning, but there’s no substitute for the rich, vibrant, long-lasting effects of artist-grade paint. You will notice the difference immediately upon the first brushstroke.
Ergonomic Tools Are a Lifesaver
Art takes time. It’s not uncommon to be seated in front of an easel for five or six hours, plugging away at your masterpiece in the same, sedentary position.
It’s important to protect yourself from repetitive strain by choosing well-designed, ergonomic tools. Look for studio supplies like wrist rests, footrests, ergonomic chairs, and comfortable drafting tables.
Organization Is Essential
Don’t believe the myth about the disorganized, slapdash genius artist—the one who lives among a cluttered pile of uncared-for supplies.
The vast majority of working professionals place a premium on organization, and so should you. Organizing your art/supplies with portfolios, storage tubes, toolboxes, and totes helps keep everything accessible so you can maintain your creative flow.
Consider Specialty Tools to Expand Your Artistic Range
Lastly, consider experimenting with tools like palette knives, sponges, airbrushes, etc. These specialty tools shouldn’t intimidate you; think of them as an opportunity to learn new methods and expand your range of techniques.
As above, prioritize artist-grade specialty tools (for performance and durability), leaning on your local art supply store staff for product advice.
Now, the secret’s out. Use these tried-and-tested tips to shop like a professional artist and elevate your craft!
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