... Read moreOh my goodness, you guys! You know that feeling when you finally get to unbox a fresh batch of art supplies? It's like Christmas morning for an artist! I recently went on a little shopping spree and wanted to share my epic haul with you, especially since I know we all wonder: 'Is this actually worth the money?' So, let's dive into what I found and my honest thoughts on their value, especially as I work towards my 2025 art goals!
First up, let's talk about markers! I snagged two different sets from Kingart. The Kingart Twin-Tip Artist Markers (12-pack) come with both fine and chisel tips, and they're alcohol-based, which is fantastic for smooth blending and vibrant colors. For beginners or those new to alcohol markers, this smaller set is definitely worth it. You get a good range of essential colors, and the dual tips offer versatility. I've seen these typically retail around $20-$30, making them a great entry point.
Then, I also found the Kingart Twin-Tip Brush & Fine Line Pens in a 32-pack. These blendable markers offer a brush tip alongside a fine tip, perfect for expressive lines, coloring larger areas, and intricate details. With 32 colors, you get a much wider palette to play with. This set feels like a step up for intermediate artists, and for the price (often around $40-$60), you're getting a lot of bang for your buck for expanded color options.
Speaking of alcohol markers, I also grabbed a huge set of Artist Concepts Dual-Ended Alcohol Markers. This 48-pack is a serious commitment to color! With broad and fine tips, these are ideal for illustration, and the sheer number of colors means endless possibilities. For someone looking to expand their alcohol marker collection without breaking the bank on super expensive brands, this set is a fantastic value. Prices can vary, but I've seen 48-packs like this often range from $50-$80.
Now for some fun finds! Who can resist Hello Kitty gel pens? I found a 5-pack with those adorable pink and white designs. While not a 'professional' art supply, these are absolutely worth it for adding a pop of cuteness to your sketchbooks, planners, or even for light journaling. They write smoothly, and sometimes, the joy a simple, cute pen brings is invaluable. These are usually pretty affordable, typically under $10.
Next, a slightly unexpected but totally welcome addition to my creative space: Kuromi 2-in-1 wireless headphones. Okay, so headphones aren't strictly 'art supplies,' but let's be real, what artist doesn't love to zone out with some music or a podcast while creating? These black and purple headphones with squishy earcups look super comfortable, and onboard controls are a huge plus. The 'worth' here isn't about drawing performance, but about enhancing the creative environment and comfort during long art sessions.
Finally, for anyone looking to learn or refine their skills, the Spice Box Drawing Styles & Techniques kit is a gem. This kit includes an instruction book, drawing pencils, a charcoal pencil, and a sketching pad – basically everything you need to get started. For a beginner, or someone like me who wants to try new techniques, this is incredibly valuable. It takes the guesswork out of what supplies to buy and provides guidance. Kits like these are often priced very reasonably, typically $20-$40, making them an excellent investment for skill development.
In my opinion, the 'worth' of art supplies isn't just about the price tag; it's about the quality, how well they serve your creative needs, and the joy they bring. From versatile markers for illustrations to fun gel pens and kits for learning, each item in this haul brings something valuable to my art journey. What are your recent art supply finds, and do you think they were worth it?