I spent years buying cheap art supplies before I finally understood why experienced artists kept telling me to invest in quality materials. The difference is night and day, and honestly, I wish someone had steered me right from the start.
So here is my attempt to do that for you. I have tested a lot of these products myself, and talked to artist friends about others. These are the supplies that actually deliver.
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils (150-Set)
These have been the industry standard for colored pencil artists for decades, and that reputation is well earned. The wax-based core lays down color so smoothly it almost feels like painting rather than drawing.
The 150-color set might seem excessive, but having that range really does make a difference for blending. I started with a 48-set and upgraded within six months. Should have just started here.
The main downside is that the tips break if you press too hard. I learned to keep a quality sharpener handy and use a lighter touch. The included storage case is nothing special either, so factor in getting a better one eventually.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolors
If you are curious about watercolors but not ready to drop serious money on professional-grade paints, Cotman is the answer. They market these as student-grade, but the quality punches well above that label.
I took this travel tin on a two-week trip last summer and it held up beautifully. The colors lift and blend better than I expected, and they rewet easily even after sitting for months. Some of the lighter shades are less pigmented than the professional lines, but for learning and sketching, these are more than adequate.
The compact tin is genuinely useful for painting outdoors or while traveling. Just know that if you paint larger pieces, you will go through the small pans faster than expected.
Cricut Maker 3
I resisted getting a Cricut for years because it seemed like overkill for my projects. Then a friend let me borrow hers for a weekend and I understood the hype immediately.
This machine cuts over 300 materials, including leather and balsa wood, which opens up project possibilities I had not even considered. The Smart Materials feature lets you skip the cutting mat for longer projects, and the design library gives you access to thousands of pre-made patterns.
There is definitely a learning curve with the software. I probably spent a full afternoon figuring it out before I made anything worthwhile. And the replacement blades add up over time. But if you do any kind of paper crafts, vinyl work, or even custom gifts, this will pay for itself.
Liquitex BASICS Acrylic Paint Set
For anyone starting with acrylics, this is where I point them. The 48-color set gives you plenty to work with, and the paint quality is genuinely good for the price.
The consistency is thick enough for beginners to control easily, but you can thin it down for watercolor-like effects if you want. Colors mix predictably, which matters more than you might think when you are learning.
These are not going to replace professional-grade acrylics for serious work. Some colors need multiple coats for full coverage, and the tubes dry out if you forget to close them properly. But as a starting point for building your skills and figuring out what colors you actually use, they are hard to beat.
Tombow Dual Brush Pens (96-Pack)
I picked up a small set of these years ago when I first got into hand lettering, and I have been recommending them ever since. The dual-tip design, with a flexible brush on one end and a fine tip on the other, makes them incredibly versatile.
The water-based ink blends well and does not bleed through decent paper. The brush tips are self-cleaning, which I did not believe until I tried it. They can fray with heavy use over time, but they last longer than most markers at this price point.
The 96-color set is honestly probably more than most people need. If you are just starting out, grab a smaller set and see which colors you actually reach for before going all in.
Sculpey III Polymer Clay Variety Pack
Polymer clay is one of those mediums that looks intimidating but is actually pretty forgiving once you start. Sculpey stays soft until you bake it in your regular home oven, which means you can take your time getting things right.
The variety pack gives you a solid color selection for jewelry, figurines, or whatever else you want to make. I have used it for everything from earrings to miniature food for a dollhouse project I got roped into.
A few things to know: the clay gets sticky in warm weather, so work in a cool room if possible. Darker colors can stain lighter ones if you are not careful about washing your hands between colors. And most finished pieces benefit from a sealant for durability.
Arches Watercolor Paper Block
Paper makes such a massive difference with watercolors that it took me embarrassingly long to figure out. I spent months getting frustrated with my watercolors buckling and pooling wrong before someone finally told me to try better paper.
Arches is the gold standard for a reason. The 140lb weight handles heavy washes without buckling, especially since the blocks are glued on all four sides. The cold press texture has just enough tooth to grab pigment without being difficult to work on.
It is expensive, no question. But if watercolor is your thing, this is where you will eventually end up anyway. Save yourself the frustration and start here.
ARTEZA Gouache Paint Set
Gouache has been having a moment lately, and I finally understand why. It is like watercolor but more forgiving, with opaque coverage that lets you layer light over dark.
This 60-color ARTEZA set is a solid way to try the medium without a huge investment. The paint rewets nicely after drying in the palette, and the matte finish looks great in illustrations and design work.
Some colors are more consistent than others, and the squeeze tubes can get messy. But for exploring gouache and figuring out if it suits your style, this set does the job well.
Quick Reference
| Product | Category | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Pencils | Drawing | All levels |
| Winsor & Newton Watercolors | Painting | Beginner+ |
| Cricut Maker 3 | Crafting | Intermediate |
| Liquitex BASICS | Painting | Beginner |
| Tombow Brush Pens | Lettering | All levels |
| Sculpey Clay | Sculpting | Beginner |
| Arches Paper | Paper | Intermediate+ |
| ARTEZA Gouache | Painting | All levels |
Where to Start
If you are building a collection from scratch, here is how I would prioritize:
For drawing and illustration: Prismacolor Pencils and Tombow Pens will cover most needs. Add a quality sketchbook.
For painting: Pick either the Liquitex Acrylics or Winsor Newton Watercolors depending on which medium appeals to you. Add Arches paper if you go the watercolor route.
For crafting: The Cricut opens up a lot of possibilities if you have the budget. Sculpey is great for 3D projects.
Final Thoughts
I wasted a lot of money on cheap supplies over the years, thinking I was being smart by not overspending. What I actually did was make learning harder and produce work that frustrated me.
Quality supplies will not make you a better artist by themselves. But they do make the process more enjoyable and help you learn faster. Start with one or two good items in the medium you want to explore, and build from there.