Tips for Saving Money on Art Supplies

If you're like many people, art is a pastime that brings you a lot of joy. It's always satisfying to finish something beautiful or creative after putting in hours of work. Sometimes art can be frustrating though. Sometimes you make mistakes as an artist, and other times your tools are just not up to the standard they need to be to create really good art. Art supplies can be expensive, but there are ways to get quality supplies without destroying your budget.

Store Deals

Sales and coupons offer an attractive option for anyone looking to save a few dollars. Resist the urge to buy things just because they're on sale, of course, but if you really need something, waiting until it's on sale or you have a coupon can be the perfect way to get the supplies you need. Many art stores offer loyalty programs or discounts for anyone who has their app. Signing up is an easy process, and keeping track of your coupons on your phone means you don't have to worry about forgetting discounts at home. Find a store you like and become a repeat customer.

Financial Assistance

When your best efforts aren't getting you the supplies you need in a timely manner, there's nothing wrong with splurging every once in a while. Many art supply stores have financing available, and if not, deferring the cost with a secured credit card allows you to get what you need right away and pay off the fees when it's convenient. Many cards have cash back or other rewards programs as well which can help you set financial goals and enjoy some free perks.

DIY

The first paints had to be made from scratch since Master's Touch and India Ink weren't around in prehistoric times. Unfortunately the process of making oil paint is messy and extremely time-consuming, but there are other aspects to art that can be done at home to save a few dollars without sacrificing quality. Recycled items can be a great start. Even professional painters are known to use clean yogurt cups and empty perfume bottles for keeping water on hand in certain styles of painting. It isn't difficult to stretch your own canvas, and it's fun to make sculpting materials and stamps from things that you find lying around the house.

Good Maintenance

When you spend the equivalent of your daily lunch budget on a single paintbrush, it's not hard to justify taking special care of it. By treating all your art supplies with care, you can make them last longer and justify a bigger initial investment. Always wash and dry paintbrushes and ensure paint bottles are closed once you're done using them to prevent dried paint fiascos. Use only as much of a medium as you need. Avoid pouring out a whole cup of paint when a little would do, and keep other supplies organized to prevent dropping them and wasting precious pigment.

Discount Supplies

Getting in-store deals on sale items is a good start, but with a little industriousness, you could be getting excellent quality items for extremely low prices by buying used items. Although local garage sales and thrift shops will often simply be disappointing, occasional gems show up that are either perfect as they are or could be useful after just a little cleaning and maintenance. Online shops often have great deals as well. It's amazing how many excellent pieces show up on host sites like eBay and upcycle sites like Etsy or Mercari. Other sites are host to professional artists who are upgrading their equipment and are willing to get rid of medium-quality stuff for brilliant prices. Just type the kind of supplies you need with keywords like "creative resale" or "quality used" and you may discover a new source of quality supplies.

You might be working to become a professional artist or perhaps you just enjoy painting as a pastime. In either case, getting quality supplies without breaking the bank makes the creative process more enjoyable.