The Best Art Supplies Are...

• Posted on 7 July 2025
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When you think of great art, it’s easy to imagine masterpieces painted with the finest brushes, drawn with the most expensive pencils, or crafted on luxurious paper. While it’s true that high-quality materials can enhance your work, the truth is much simpler: the best art supplies are the ones you can afford and actually get you making art.

It's Not About the Price Tag

It’s easy to feel that you need to buy premium art supplies to create quality work. But art isn’t about how much money you spend; it’s about expressing your creativity and exploring your ideas. The reality is that no matter how good your supplies are, they won't make you a better artist if you don’t use them. The best supplies are the ones that motivate you to pick them up and start creating—whether that’s a set of budget-friendly markers or a high-end set of paints.

What Matters Most is Starting

The greatest artists in history often started with whatever materials were available to them. Vincent van Gogh painted with inexpensive supplies when he began because that’s what he could afford. The real value comes from the time you put into practicing and developing your skills—not from the brand of paint or paper you’re using.

If you have a basic set of tools that work for your purposes, you’re ready to create. A pencil and a piece of paper are more than enough to bring your vision to life. Focus on starting with what you have rather than waiting to buy something that seems “better” or “fancier.”

Make It Work for You

Art supplies come in many forms, and what works for someone else may not work for you. What’s most important is finding materials that fit your process, style, and budget.

• • Affordable Doesn’t Mean Low Quality: Today’s market is filled with affordable options that offer excellent quality. For example, synthetic brushes can be less expensive than natural hair brushes and are still perfect for acrylics or watercolors. Student-grade paints might not have the same pigment load as artist-grade, but they still allow you to create beautiful works.
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  • Experiment and Play: Starting with budget-friendly supplies also allows you the freedom to experiment without fear of wasting expensive materials. If you’re afraid of making mistakes because of the cost of your supplies, it can hold you back creatively. Cheaper materials can encourage you to try new techniques, take risks, and push your boundaries—all essential parts of growth as an artist.

Removing Barriers to Creativity

For many aspiring artists, the idea of needing “the best” supplies can be paralyzing. It becomes a barrier to starting. But the truth is, creativity doesn’t care about the price tag of your supplies. Some of the most incredible works have been made with basic tools—chalk on a sidewalk, ballpoint pen on a napkin, or even charcoal on a wall.

The goal is to make art accessible. Use what you can afford. Your creativity is far more valuable than any supply. You can always upgrade your tools as your budget and needs evolve, but there’s no need to wait to start.

Focus on the Process, Not the Product

Art is a journey, and your supplies are simply tools that support you along the way. Focusing too much on the “right” materials can shift your focus away from the joy of creating. Instead, embrace the process, enjoy experimenting, and use whatever tools you have at your disposal to express yourself. The most important part is showing up and making something.

Find Inspiration in Everyday Supplies

If you’re just beginning, start with materials you already have. A regular pencil can become a tool for sketching, pens can be used for outlining or shading, and even leftover paper, or a used book with an interesting cover can serve as your canvas. This not only saves money but also challenges you to be resourceful and creative in new ways.

Art Supplies to Get You Started

If you’re wondering where to begin, here are some affordable and accessible options to get you started:

• • Drawing: Pencils, pens, markers, and any sketchbook or loose paper.
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  • Painting: Student-grade acrylic or watercolor paints and budget friendly brushes.
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  • Mixed Media: Use what you have—collage with old magazines, add ink with pens, and paint with basic colors.

The key is to start where you are and use what you have. As you grow and your needs change, you can invest in more specialized or higher-quality supplies. But the important thing is not to let the idea of “the best” stop you from making art now.

Conclusion

The best art supplies are the ones you can afford, that fit your process and motivate you to make art. Don’t let cost, brand, or the pursuit of perfection hold you back from creating. Art is about expression, exploration, and enjoyment. Whether you’re using a set of professional brushes or a pencil you found in a drawer, the power to create is in your hands—not in your supplies.

So, grab what you’ve got and start making! At the KCAI Underground Art Store, we offer a range of products, from student-grade to professional, to suit every artist and every budget. We’re here to help you find what works best for you—because it’s not about having the “best” supplies; it’s about getting started, creating, and growing.