Every artist has to go through a little trial and error before they can find tools and supplies they like. From testing different brushes and paints to discovering unexpected favourites, finding the right tools can be a pricey process.
We asked our staff to share the three artist tools/supplies that have earned a permanent spot in their studios and can’t live without so that you can try them out yourselves and hopefully save some money.
Note: this is not a sponsored article; we just want to share the tools we love to hopefully make it easier for newer artists or artists that want to try out new tools.
Evan’s picks (Summer Intern):
A cheap mixed-media sketchbook
“My sketchbook needs to be portable, durable enough to take anything I throw at it, and cheap enough that I won’t be precious with it. I find that if my sketchbook is too big or fancy, I start to feel intimidated and stop drawing in it, which is the opposite of what I want.”
Colourful brush pens
“These are my favourite for sketching! I like that I can use lighter colours to set down my guidelines, and then go back in with a darker colour to define my outlines. Since my pens aren’t very fine I can’t get bogged down in the small details, which keeps my sketches loose.”
Evan uses Faber Castell and Tombow brands.
A big blocky brush (digital)
“Most of my finished pieces are done digitally, and I tend to opt for a rough, square brush for the majority of my work. It gives a texture to my digital paintings that I don’t usually achieve traditionally, while allowing me to block in shapes and layer colours easily. Keeping it loose and messy helps me enjoy the digital painting process a lot more!”
Insun’s picks (Admin & Program Coordinator):
Palette knife
“It’s a great multitasking tool, as it can mix, paint, and clean the palette.”
Tube squeezer
“It allows me to use up tubed paints, and have no waste.”
Sand paper
“This helps make smooth surfaces, which is very important for quality painting.”
Paula’s picks (Gallery Coordinator):
A mini sketchbook
“This little book is good for on-the-go drawings and mini collages.”
Tombow dual-tip markers
“They’re great for illustrating, layering colour, and writing!”
Get Tombow markers here
Gorilla Glue or E-600 glue
“I use them for mostly beadwork but it’s fantastic if you accidentally break something”
Get Gorilla Glue or E-600 glue
Sofia‘s picks (Marketing Manager):
Mini wooden travel watercolour palette with a waterbrush pen (holds water)
“Seems too small to be functional but the best travel palette I have used that you can always refill with water-based paints (watercolour or gouache). With a water-brush pen that holds water, it’s the best way to carry paints wherever you go”
Get the mini palette and the waterbrush pen
Any small travel sketchbook
“Inspiration is everywhere, and I like to try to catch it in the moment when I can. Always having a sketchbook and pen on hand is useful; I personally use a 13×21 moleskine watercolour notebook”
Pentel Brush Sign Pen
“My favourite sketching pen! Can draw in thick and fine line weights (no need to carry 3+ micron pens). Plus, it comes in many different colours”
Get Pentel Brush Sign pens here
What About You?
Creating and adding to your art kit can be a long process, but trying out recommendations from other artists is a good place to start. Art is all about experimenting and making the process work for you. We hope these staff picks spark some inspiration for your next project.
What are your top 3 tools? Happy making, and don’t forget to share your own must-have studio tools with us!
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