Any artiste is well aware of how expensive shopping for professional art supplies can be. A tube of paint or a single brush could run well into the 3 figures. It can thus be daunting to toe the line between turning a profit by watching one's budget and using cheap, inferior materials. Fortunately, it's possible to save money on great supplies without skimping on quality or having to go without the essentials. All it takes is a little time, research effort and prudent shopping.
Avoid Overdoing on Paint - To keep costs down and avoid unnecessary waste, one can start by using just enough amount of paint. When portioning out the colors, it would help to be keen on how much paint is necessary and its intended use. Mixing colors on the go and recycling paint used for previous works also reduces waste.
Another great technique is to purchase tubes of glazes as opposed to impasto. Because glazes are thinner, they have the ability to stretch easily. Student acrylic paint is another great option ideal for those who want a certain effect without spending too much.
Stretching Canvas - Primed and pre-stretched canvases are usually expensive, something that often presents a headache for artistes working on thin commissions. But because canvas tends to be more suitable, you could try stretching your own canvas as a way to save money and give yourself some room for experimentation.
In doing so, you'll not only have more surfaces to work with, you'll also not be forced to use expensive canvas for the 'good' projects. Reusing old canvases could also help save money. Many artistes often discard old pieces they don't like or those that stand low chances of selling. But a canvas can easily be recycled by priming it or flipping it over.
Maintain Existing Supplies - If art supplies are properly maintained, they can last for years. A quality paintbrush set or pallet knives could practically last a lifetime. But unfortunately, a good number of artistes don't maintain their stuff properly, something that tends to be expensive in the long-run.
Always ensure your brushes are dry before storing them. This can easily be done by shaking water out and patting the brushes dry with a towel in the direction of the bristles. Brushes should also be kept separate; those used with oil-based paints shouldn't be mixed with their water-based counterparts. After using your utensils, spare some time to clean them with soapy water or turpentine.
It would also help to keep the studio clean and neat since it's where most of the stuff is stored. A properly organized space means that each item will be accessible, clean and easy to put away when no longer in use. To avoid messes, try laying down old newspaper sheets or plastic tablecloths and have a garbage disposal can in close proximity.
To be profitable, one must have the ability to distinguish between needs and wants. By keeping your supplies simple and valuable, you'll be able to create quality artwork without breaking the bank. A good tip is to purchase essentials of the best quality in small amounts.
