How To Choose The Right Art Supplies For Kids (2024)

Thanks for checking out this unbiased article on How to Choose the Right Art Supplies for kids. If you’ve ever wandered down the aisles of an art store, you know the feeling: rows upon rows of colorful paints, a dazzling array of brushes, and papers that range from rough to smooth.

It’s like being a kid in a candy store, only more overwhelming because, let’s face it, how do you even start choosing?

Now, imagine stepping into this artistic wonderland armed with a little insider knowledge. That’s where we come in. Navigating the world of art supplies doesn’t have to be a puzzle.

Whether you’re dreaming of watercolors that flow like a gentle stream or acrylics that pop like a summer’s day, we’ve got your back. It’s all about matching the right tools to your vision, and we’re here to demystify that process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from the basic must-haves to the nifty little extras that can take your art from good to gallery-worthy.

Remember, every great artist started somewhere, and picking the right tools is the first step on your creative journey. So, let’s dive in and transform that overwhelming feeling into one of excitement and possibility. Your art adventure is just beginning!

How to Choose the Right Art Supplies for Kids?

1. Understanding Your Artistic Aspirations

Embarking on your artistic journey is like setting sail into a vast ocean of creativity. But before you can chart your course, it’s crucial to understand what kind of artistic seas you’re eager to navigate. Let’s uncover your artistic aspirations and match them with the perfect art supplies to bring your vision to life.

Discover Your Artistic Identity: A Beginner’s Quiz

First things first, who are you as an artist? If you’re scratching your head over this question, fear not! Here’s a fun little quiz to help you find your artistic identity. Are you drawn to the bold and dramatic strokes of Vincent van Gogh or the delicate touch of a watercolorist like Georgia O’Keeffe?

Do intricate pen sketches excite you, or are you all about getting your hands dirty with clay? Answer these questions and more to get a clearer picture of your artistic style.

Art Genres and Their Supplies: A Match Made in Heaven

Now that you have a hint of your artistic style, it’s time to look at different art genres and the supplies they commonly use. If your quiz results pointed you towards the world of vibrant paintings, you might start with a basic acrylic paint set. On the other hand, if the delicate shades of watercolor are calling your name, a high-quality watercolor pan might be your go-to. And for those who love the precision of lines, a set of fine graphite pencils and a sketchbook can be your best friends.

Realistic Expectations for Beginners

It’s important to set realistic expectations as you start your art journey. Remember, every artist was once a beginner. Don’t pressure yourself to master oil painting in a week or become a pro with charcoal overnight.

Art is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Embrace the learning process, and don’t shy away from making ‘happy little accidents,’ as Bob Ross would say.

Exploring Different Mediums: Why Limit Yourself?

One of the most exciting aspects of art is its limitless potential. Don’t feel constrained to stick to one medium. Experiment with different materials – maybe mix watercolors with ink, or try your hand at digital art.

Each medium has its unique charm and challenges, which can significantly contribute to your growth as an artist.

Connecting with Other Artists

Lastly, a great way to understand your aspirations better is to connect with other artists. Join online forums, attend local art classes, or follow artists on social media whose work inspires you. Sometimes, seeing how others navigate their artistic journey can provide clarity and inspiration for your own.

2. The Essential Starter Kit for Every Budding Artist

Welcome to the exciting part! Once you have a clearer picture of your artistic aspirations, it’s time to gather your tools. This isn’t about splurging on every art supply in sight; it’s about building a foundation that you can expand upon as you grow. So, what’s in the essential starter kit for every budding artist? Let’s dive in and find out!

Starting with the Basics: What Every Beginner Artist Needs

There are a few essentials that are indispensable, regardless of your chosen medium. These include:

Sketchbook: A good quality sketchbook is your canvas for practice, doodles, and brainstorming ideas.
Drawing Pencils: A range of pencils from hard (H) to soft (B) will allow you to experiment with line weight and shading.
Erasers: A kneaded eraser for gentle corrections and a hard eraser for the tougher mistakes.
Ruler and Compass: For those geometrically precise lines and circles.

Paints and Brushes: A Beginner’s Palette

If you’re leaning towards painting, here’s what you should start with:

Basic Paint Set: Whether it’s watercolor, acrylic, or oil, start with a basic set of primary colors.
A Range of Brushes: A few different sizes and shapes (flat, round, and pointed) will cover most of your needs.
Palette: For mixing your colors – a paper plate can work to start with!
Palette Knife: Not just for mixing paint, but also for creating interesting textures.

Drawing and Sketching: The Line Masters

For those who prefer the simplicity of lines and shades:

Graphite Pencils: A range of pencils from 2H to 6B should cover all your needs.
Charcoal or Conte Crayons: Great for expressive, bold lines and shadows.
Fine Liners or Ink Pens: For those crisp, clean lines and details.
Tracing Paper: Ideal for refining designs and transferring images.

Budget-Friendly Options: Art on a Dime

Art doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly options:

DIY Supplies: From homemade salt dough to coffee painting, there are numerous creative, cost-effective alternatives.
Upcycled Materials: Old newspapers, magazines, and even cardboard can become your canvas.
Discounted Art Supplies: Keep an eye out for sales at local art stores or online.

Storing Your Art Supplies: Organization is Key

Now that you have your supplies, keeping them organized and accessible is crucial:

Storage Boxes or Containers: To keep everything neat and tidy.
A Dedicated Space: Even if it’s just a corner of a room, having a dedicated space for art can be incredibly motivating.

3. Diving Deeper into Specific Art Supplies

After establishing your basic toolkit, it’s time to delve deeper into the specific art supplies that can elevate your creative journey. This part of the guide will explore various materials in more detail, helping you make informed choices as you expand your artistic repertoire.

Paints Unleashed: Watercolor, Acrylic, and Oil

Watercolor Wonders: A Beginner’s Best Friend Watercolors are fantastic for beginners due to their forgiving nature and ease of use. They allow for a range of techniques, from light washes to more detailed work. Look for student-grade watercolor sets as a cost-effective entry point.
Acrylics: Versatile and Forgiving Acrylic paint is a great all-rounder. It’s water-soluble but dries waterproof, making it forgiving for beginners. It can be used thickly like oil paints or thinned with water to resemble watercolor.
Oil Paints: For the Patient and Persistent Oil painting is loved for its richness and depth of color. It takes longer to dry, allowing for more time to work on your piece. Start with a basic set of oil paints, and don’t forget to pick up some turpentine or mineral spirits for cleanup.

Brushes and Their Bristles: Choosing the Right Tools for Your Canvas

A Brush with Greatness: Types and Their Uses Brushes come in various shapes and sizes, each serving a different purpose. For example, round brushes are great for detailed work, while flat brushes are ideal for broad strokes. Synthetic brushes are a good, affordable choice for beginners.
Caring for Your Brushes: Tips and Tricks Proper brush care can extend the life of your brushes significantly. Learn how to clean and store them correctly – gentle soap and tepid water usually do the trick, and always reshape the bristles before leaving them to dry.

The World of Drawing: Pencils, Pens, and More

Sketching Success: Finding the Right Pencils Graphite pencils are graded from hard (H) to soft (B). For starters, an HB pencil is a good middle ground. As you progress, experiment with different grades to see what suits your style.
Pen and Ink: For the Bold and the Detailed Ink pens offer a different experience compared to pencils, providing bold, unalterable lines. They are excellent for fine line work and detailing. Start with a basic set of black ink pens with varying nib sizes.

Surfaces and Substrates: Canvas, Paper, and Beyond

Canvas Considerations: From Linen to Cotton The canvas is a classic choice for painting, especially oils and acrylics. Linen canvases are high quality but pricier, while cotton canvases are more affordable and great for practice.
Paper Trails: Exploring Weights and Textures The weight and texture of paper can significantly affect your artwork. Watercolor paper is thicker to prevent warping, while sketch paper is lighter, ideal for dry mediums.

4. Going Beyond the Basics: Additional Art Supplies to Explore

Once you’ve mastered the essentials and feel comfortable in your artistic skin, it’s time to broaden your horizons. Expanding your toolkit with additional art supplies can open new doors of creativity and expression. Let’s explore some of these exciting options!

Digital Art: Tablets and Software

Entering the Digital Realm Digital art has revolutionized the way we create. For those looking to explore this medium, a basic drawing tablet and software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate can be a great start. Digital art offers undo buttons and limitless colors, making it a forgiving platform for beginners.
Software Selection: Finding Your Best Fit There are many software options available, ranging from free to subscription-based. Experiment with different programs to find the one that best suits your style and needs.

Mixed Media: Combining Different Art Forms

The Joy of Experimentation Mixed media art is all about breaking the rules and combining various artistic elements. This can include anything from combining watercolors with colored pencils to integrating found objects into your canvas. It’s a playground for creativity!
Supplies for Mixed Media Adventures Consider materials like modeling paste, gesso, and various glues and adhesives. Specialty papers, fabric scraps, and even non-traditional items like leaves or buttons can also be part of your mixed media toolkit.

Sculpting: Clay and Modeling Materials

The Third Dimension: Exploring Sculpture If you’re drawn to creating three-dimensional art, sculpting might be your calling. Starting with air-dry clay or polymer clay is a great way to experiment without needing a kiln.
Tools of the Trade Alongside your choice of clay, consider investing in sculpting tools for shaping, carving, and adding texture to your creations. Even everyday items like toothpicks and combs can be useful.

Printmaking: A World of Impressions

Introduction to Printmaking Printmaking is a unique art form that allows you to create multiple copies of a single design. Linocut is a beginner-friendly technique where you carve a design into linoleum and use ink to transfer it onto paper.
Essential Printmaking Supplies Start with linoleum sheets, carving tools, a brayer (roller), and printing ink. You can also explore rubber stamps and screen printing for different printmaking experiences.

Exploring Photography: Capturing Moments

Photography as an Art Form Photography can be a deeply rewarding artistic pursuit. Start with a basic DSLR or even your smartphone camera and experiment with composition, lighting, and angles.
Accessories for the Aspiring Photographer Consider a tripod for stability, especially for long exposures. Photo editing software can also be a valuable tool for enhancing your images.

5. Creating Your Art Space

A dedicated art space is more than just a physical location; it’s a sanctuary where creativity flows freely. Whether you have a whole room or just a small corner, optimizing your space can make a significant difference in your artistic journey. Let’s dive into how you can create an inspiring and functional art space.

Designing Your Personal Art Studio

Choosing the Right Space The ideal art space is one where you feel comfortable and undisturbed. It could be a spare room, a section of your living room, or even a quiet corner in your bedroom. Natural light is a big plus, but if that’s not available, good artificial lighting will do the trick.
Setting the Mood with Decor Personalize your space with items that inspire you. This could be anything from art prints and inspirational quotes to a small plant or a mood board. The goal is to make your art space uniquely yours.

Organizing Your Art Supplies: A Beginner’s Guide to Decluttering

Storage Solutions for Art Supplies Efficient storage is key to keeping your space tidy and your supplies easily accessible. Use shelves, drawers, or storage boxes to organize your materials. Clear containers or labeled boxes can help you quickly find what you need.
Creating a Functional Workspace Your workspace should be both comfortable and practical. If painting is your primary medium, an easel might be essential. For drawing or digital art, a sturdy table and a comfortable chair are important. Remember to consider ergonomics to prevent strain during long art sessions.

Lighting: Setting the Stage for Creativity

The Importance of Good Lighting Good lighting is crucial in an art space. It not only helps you see your work clearly but also affects your mood and energy levels. If natural light isn’t sufficient, invest in a good quality desk lamp or studio lights that mimic natural light.

Inspiration Corner: Keeping the Creative Juices Flowing

Building an Inspiration Corner Dedicate a small area of your space for inspiration. This could be a bulletin board where you pin images, sketches, fabric swatches, or anything else that sparks your creativity. Rotating these items regularly can keep your inspiration fresh.

Maintaining a Clean and Safe Art Environment

Safety and Cleanliness Art supplies, especially paints and solvents, can be hazardous if not handled properly. Ensure your space is well-ventilated and store hazardous materials safely. Regular cleaning is also important to maintain a healthy and inspiring environment.

6. Art Supply Stores and Shopping Tips

Finding the right art supplies can be a journey in itself. Whether you’re browsing online or visiting a local store, knowing where to shop and what to look for can save you both time and money. Let’s explore some tips and tricks for shopping for art supplies.

Choosing the Right Art Supply Store

Online vs. Local Art Supply Stores Both online and local stores have their benefits. Online stores often offer a wider selection and competitive prices, but local stores give you the chance to see and feel products before buying. Supporting local art stores also helps maintain a vibrant artist community in your area.
Specialty Art Stores vs. General Craft Stores Specialty art stores are focused on art supplies and tend to offer higher quality products and expert advice. General craft stores, on the other hand, might have lower prices and a broader range of supplies, including crafting and DIY materials.

Smart Shopping: Tips for Buying Art Supplies

Research and Compare Before making a purchase, do some research. Read reviews, compare prices, and ask for recommendations from fellow artists or online forums. Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to finding the right supplies for your art.
Quality vs. Quantity When starting out, it’s tempting to buy lots of supplies, but quality should trump quantity. Invest in a few high-quality basics rather than a lot of cheap materials that might not give you the results you want.
Taking Advantage of Sales and Discounts Art supplies can be expensive, so keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Signing up for newsletters from your favorite stores can keep you informed about upcoming deals.

Shopping Smart for Beginners

Start Small If you’re just beginning, start with a small, versatile set of supplies. As you grow and understand your needs better, you can expand your collection.
Understanding Art Supply Terminology Familiarize yourself with terms like “student grade” and “artist grade.” Student grade supplies are typically more affordable and a good starting point for beginners, while artist grade supplies are higher quality and more suitable for advanced techniques.

The Eco-Friendly Artist: Sustainable Art Supplies

Eco-Friendly Options More artists are seeking sustainable and eco-friendly art supplies. Look for products made from recycled materials, non-toxic paints, and companies with environmentally friendly practices.

Wrap Up

Thanks for checking out this article on How to Choose the Right Art Supplies for Kids. We’ve journeyed through the essential steps of starting your artistic path, from understanding your personal style and aspirations to organizing your very own creative space.

By now, you should feel equipped with the knowledge and confidence to select the right tools that resonate with your artistic voice.

Remember, the world of art is vast and endlessly fascinating. Each brush, pencil, or digital tool is a key that unlocks new dimensions of creativity and expression.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different mediums. Whether it’s mixing watercolors with acrylics, sculpting with homemade clay, or delving into digital art, every exploration is a step forward in your artistic journey.

Finally, always keep in mind that art is a personal and evolving journey. Your choice of supplies, your creative space, and even your style will grow and change as you do.

Embrace this evolution and let your creativity flow without boundaries. Happy creating, and may your artistic adventures be as unique and colorful as the art you create!

FAQ: Choosing the Right Art Supplies for Beginners

What are some art supplies for kids?

When selecting art supplies for young artists, safety and ease of use are key. Watercolor pencils, washable markers, and large, easy-to-hold crayons are great choices. For drawing, a simple drawing set with charcoal pencils can be a fun introduction.

Look for quality art supplies from brands like Crayola and Prismacolor, designed specifically for children. These encourage creativity and allow young minds to create their own works of art.

Which statement is true for choosing safe art materials for use by children?

It’s vital to choose non-toxic, age-appropriate materials. Products labeled “ASTM D-4236” have been evaluated for safety.

For young artists, avoid materials like professional artists’ oil pastels or certain types of paint that may contain harmful pigments. Instead, opt for water-based products like acrylic painting sets or watercolor painting kits from trusted brands.

What is the best art supplies for beginners?

For beginners, the best art supplies are those that balance quality with a reasonable price. A basic sketch book, a set of graphite pencils, watercolor or acrylic paints (including essential colors like titanium white and burnt sienna), and a variety of paintbrushes in different shapes are ideal.

Brands like Winsor & Newton and Da Vinci offer products that are suitable for beginners yet high enough quality for more advanced work. Additionally, exploring new products like oil pastels or watercolor pencils can expand your skill set.

How do you organize kids arts and crafts supplies?

Organizing kids’ art supplies can be a fun and educational activity. Use clear, labeled bins or containers to sort different materials like crayons, pastels, and pencils. Stainless steel cups or old mugs can hold paintbrushes and markers.

For paper products like sketchbooks and paper pads, a simple shelf or a file organizer works well. Teaching children to maintain their space not only keeps supplies in good condition for a long time but also instills a sense of responsibility and care for their materials.