Becoming a professional artist can feel overwhelming but I’m here to help you find the tools you really need to get started!

In this blog post, I will list the top 5 tools you will need to become a full-time artist without breaking the bank! These are also things that I’ve purchased myself and use all the time for my art business. So, I can guarantee they will work and hep you run a successful art career!

Keep in mind, I make all of my art prints in my studio so if you plan on outsourcing you may not need all of this stuff. If you'd like more info on making your own art prints watch my You tube Video coming out this Thursday 8/1 on How to Make Art Prints Yourself. 

*When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission*

1. A Workspace: Table & Easel 1
2. Electronics: Printers & A Computer. 2
3. Lighting: lights & Stands for Content Creation. 3
4. Supplies: Paint & Brushes. 4
5. Storage: Roll Carts & Cubicles. 6

Final Thoughts. 7

 

1.    A Workspace: Table & Easel

First up, you'll want a good workspace! Somewhere you can be unbothered to get in the zone, create your masterpieces, and develop a strong portfolio.

 I started in my home office which at the time, I shared with my husband. But I kicked him out and decided to turn it into my dedicated art studio! I purchased a Table and an Easel for my paintings

• Motorized Adjustable Work Table: https://amzn.to/46npo9C

• This table will adjust to the perfect height for you with the touch of a button!
• They have a variety of different sizes to fit your space perfectly!

 

• Meeden Basic Adjustable Easel: https://amzn.to/3YmPSpK

• This easel is very well made and easy to assemble.
• I love the compartment it has for my pencils and painting essentials.
• It also has wheels for hassle free moving, they can be locked or removed too.

 

• Meeden Adjustable Easel: https://amzn.to/4cP29rw

• This easel can be easily moved around and offers a flat position for your artwork.
• I don’t have this one but sometimes wish I would have spent the extra money and purchased it.

 

2.    Electronics: Printers & Computer

Instead of asking for perfume for the Holidays, ask for an asset to your art business! That’s what I did 4 years ago and I’ve made all of my prints with it since! To make your own art prints you will need a laptop to access the proper print settings. I have an Asus laptop and its lasted me 7 years now!

• Epson 15000 inkjet Printer for Fine Art Prints:https://amzn.to/3Waye64

 

• This wide format printer is so easy to use and makes stunning prints of my art!
• Prints up to 13x19 inches with 6 colors and adapts to a wide range of paper types.

 

• Asus Touchscreen laptop: https://amzn.to/3yrjisf

• Asus makes great computers; I still can’t believe I’ve had mine for over 7 years now!
• Very fast and I highly recommend this if you’re looking for a laptop on a budget

 

3.    Lighting: lights & Stands for Content Creation

Becoming an artist also means becoming a content creator in this day and age. So, it’s crucial to have good lighting for your product listings and posts. Below I have the exact lights and phone mount I use to record my videos and take professional pictures of my art which can also be used in the print making process.

• Raleno Soft box Lights Set: https://amzn.to/46pi4ue

 

• I purchased these lights over 2 years ago and they work great!
• I use mine to make content and to photograph my latest paintings & products for my website.

 

• Phone Mount with Ring Light: https://amzn.to/4d146RT

 

• This is the phone stand I use to record all of my videos for social media!
• It extends to 5ft tall and has different light settings to give you extra lighting.

 

4.    Supplies: Paint & Brushes

Once you find your style and favorite medium to work with make an investment in them. A high-quality set of paint and brushes allows you to create a wide range of textures and details in your paintings. Here I will list some watercolor and acrylic paint brands that I know and love!

• Windsor & Newton Watercolor Paint Set: https://amzn.to/3WGhoNV

• When I say these colors are pigmented, I mean it. A little goes a long way with these profession watercolors
• This set comes with a kneaded eraser and a small collapsible paint brush!
• This set is so compact, it’s also perfect for traveling!

 

• Grabie Watercolor Paint Set: https://amzn.to/3Yr91ao

• For the money, this is the nicest set of watercolors on Amazon!
• It comes with 50 colors, 8 brushes, and a sponge! Like what?
• Some colors are pigmented than others in the set but can’t beat this deal!

 

• Liquitex Basics Acrylic Paint Set: https://amzn.to/3WnzvH3

• This paint set is perfect for any project with acrylic. I use these with all of my acrylic paintings.
• I know there are some high-quality ones out there but these are my favorite right now!

 

• ARTIFY 24-piece Brush Set: https://amzn.to/3WIlpBv

 

• You will never need another professional brush set because wow!
• This set has everything you need to create a masterpiece and it comes with a storage pouch for traveling.

*I also like to keep some cheap foam brushes on hand for when I varnish my paintings and for single use projects like staining some wood.

 

5.    Storage: Roll Carts & Cubicles

Last but definitely not least, you’re going to need somewhere to keep all of your supplies. If you’re anything like me you have limited space so you have to maximize your storage and organizing abilities! To do that, I purchased some cubicles and carts to keep my things easily accessible and tidy!

 

• LEHOM 3-Tier Roll Cart: https://amzn.to/3Yo06pU

 

• This cart holds all of my art supplies I use every day!
• In the top I put all of my paint and the cups hold paint brushes perfectly.
• The middle tier is where I keep my watercolor sets and other art supplies.
• The bottom holds my extra towels and pallets.
• Comes in 4 different colors!

• Whitmore 9 cube Organizer: https://amzn.to/4c5qw37

• I got this along with some baskets that hold all of my other supplies that I’ve accumulated throughout the years.
• It also holds all of my shipping materials and finished products!

 

• OIAHOMY Woven Storage Cubes Set of 3: https://amzn.to/3YoPabO

• These will fit perfectly in your storage cubical and it comes in a set of 3 for a great price!
• They’re a great alternative to the real woven baskets because they won’t scratch the paint off the cubical! (I got the real woven ones but I wish I had these)

 

Final Thoughts

These are just the top 5 categories of things I needed in my studio for it to be a flowing workspace. Fell free to add anything that is necessary for you and the type of art you produce! Once you’ve gotten the essentials, add a few personal touches, like a plant or something that inspires you. Now let those creative juices go to work!

 

Written by: Macey Cliatt Rewis

07/30/2024