Starting a new hobby is always a bigger task than you want it to be - the classic questions swarming your brain: “Do I have the space I need for this?” “What supplies do I need?” and of course, “Supplies costs HOW much?” Don’t worry, AmFab is here to help finding the supplies you need to start out a little less painful. Here are some important things to consider when shopping for your first art supplies:
What Matters
What products work best heavily depend on the artist and what matters most to them. The first step in finding what you want is to make a list of what is important to you in your supplies. Do you want something that will last a long time? Do you want your supplies made from a specific material? Do you need a certain color or vibrance in your paint or other materials? And most importantly, what is your price range? Keep in mind that if your particular art style will require a certain type of product, that should be included in your notes as well. Having these specifics laid out will give you a great head start into finding what supplies suits your needs best.
Brands
Once you know what types of supplies you might want, the next step is to find which brands cater to your artistic needs. Research some art supply brands to understand which companies provide products that have the qualities you’re looking for and are a good fit for you. Do they source their products ethically? Do they have good customer service practices? Which brands are known for providing quality products in your particular artistic medium? The brand that will work best for you also depends on what you’re looking for in a brand, so don’t be afraid to do some research!
What’s Available
After thinking about what exactly you’re looking for in your supplies, consider where you’re going to get it. What stores are near you to pick up supplies at your convenience? What materials do they supply? Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call! Most often, owners of art supplies shops really know their stuff and love to help a budding artist find exactly what they need. They also may be able to help compare price points for some different brands of supplies.
Once you find the products you’re looking for, dive in! Creativity awaits!
Need a dedicated studio to begin your art journey and bring out your creative energy? Complete an application online for a space at AmFab today!