Brutally HONEST Advice on Owning Lots of Art Supplies

[@colorfulcollage]

Oh my…I can’t believe I let you look in all my drawers! 😂

[@TerryJ950]

I collected supplies for about 20 years also, and was completely overwhelmed by the mess. When I retired eight years ago, I downsized so much that all my supplies now fit on a four-shelf rack and two three-tier carts and they all fit in my bedroom. If I buy anything new, I get rid of something I’m not using. I refuse to buy anymore storage, it has to fit what I have. Moral of the story - I don’t miss anything I got rid of and I’m using what I have.

[@colorfulcollage]

That sounds ideal. I love the idea of getting rid of supplies before bringing in new ones. I do that with clothes, but it’s a great idea for art supplies too.

[@susanmyrick2913]

You are soooooo right about all of this…I know from experience.

[@colorfulcollage]

💕

[@kymcrowart7876]

I just buy better shelves and clear containers (many types of clear containers at dollar tree) and organize so that I can see what I have. I use many different mediums, I stick to artists quality, donate the brands and media I don’t use anymore. However for all of the different types I do I have, I keep it organized and where I can see what I have….also…my motto is “I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it”. I love art supplies! Great video!!!

[@colorfulcollage]

❤️

[@Creativeassemblages]

Gosh, I totally understand the issue with supplies. I am swimming in supplies and my studio mess is overwhelming.

[@colorfulcollage]

I get it. It gets out of hand quickly, especially if you’re been a long time artist.

[@Creativeassemblages]

@@colorfulcollage for over 50 years I have been creating art but have such trouble throwing anything out. It really does become an issue.

[@LudwinV]

I set rules for myself to avoid hoarding. I don’t buy large sets of paint and filter out fugitive, toxic, and low quality paint. I also filter out handmade paint because it is more expensive. I also set rules for other types of materials. Some have rules like don’t buy natural hair brushes or only buy artist quality stuff.

[@colorfulcollage]

I like the idea of setting rules for what you buy.

[@blue.orchid.coaching]

Great advice on every level! Well said.

[@colorfulcollage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I wish there was monthly art market where we all could pool our art supplies and exchange what is unused

[@colorfulcollage]

What a great idea.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I feel we should force once in awhile using old supplies..to use it or lose it

[@colorfulcollage]

I agree!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Multimedia...is seed of CONFUSION! We dont know what we enjoy most...its waste of time and resources. I recently in the process of narrowing down my media...gave away pastels..finished my acrylics ...now left with Watercolours, Gouache and oils only. I can see deathof watercolour or Gouache soon too...we have to be brutally honest i think to make it more consolidated

[@colorfulcollage]

Yes it can be confusing, but I also love working in different mediums. For instance when I’m not in my studio I like “cleaner” mediums like markers or drawing in Procreate. But when I have the space, I can use messy paints. So I like the choice.

[@LindaBilodeau-x3c]

Very helpful advice! Thank you! 😄

[@colorfulcollage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RubykonCubes3668]

A few months ago, i bought myself a storage shelf to sort out my supplies, because i have been overwhelmed even though my stash isn't exactly huge like yours (crazy huh). It feels like i haven't bought new supplies in forever, i litterally only check every now and then new supplies but only for the eyecandy, lol. I've namely have some gouache and colored papers for over a decade, and i keep digging stuff out, like uh ... well, mostly paper really. 😂 But yeahhh, i am very strict with myself : unless i ACTUALLY run out of a supply, i don't renew. As for when i intend to make a piece, i tend to avoid thinking too long on which material i'll use. I tend to either settle for the 1st medium that comes to mind or i bounce from a piece i made prior (as if i were making a series). Otherwise, i end up not making anything and it is quite frustrating 😅😅

[@colorfulcollage]

I love that you’ve mastered the art of restraint with your supplies! It’s way too easy to get swept up in new materials, so props for staying strict. And your approach to decision-making is spot on. Grabbing the first medium that comes to mind is such a great way to avoid overthinking and just dive into creating. 😊

[@elsagrace3893]

Watercolors last forever! So do pencils and charcoal, paper and sketch books. I will stick to these.

[@colorfulcollage]

Good idea!

[@walter-b6w]

While I am not an artist I absolutely LOVE your art works and wish to buy one. Please let me know how I can go about it.

[@colorfulcollage]

Oh thank you! I’m working on a website that I will link soon. I hope to sell originals and prints. You can also DM me at the email in my profile. 😊

[@heatheredwards7158]

Oh my gosh… I just rearranged my art space and am so mad at myself. Why do I have all this stuff? Anyway… this video was a Godsend!

[@colorfulcollage]

Don’t be hard on yourself. 😊There are worse ways to spend money. 😂

[@majesea]

So true❤…love your work

[@colorfulcollage]

Thank you so much 😀

[@roxyjohnson5112]

Excellent video.

[@colorfulcollage]

Thank you very much!

[@elylioney6390]

Sigh, rn I'm experimenting with different mediums n art forms, so having supplies is useful, because I can just test it out. Problem is the space. I think at onle point when I've settled on something, I can get rid of the rest. Actually, I've gone to workshops instead of buying supplies to try stuff out. Problem, workshop types are limited in Australia and cost from $100 AUD. So, either way I'm spending money.

[@colorfulcollage]

Workshops is an interesting topic! Never thought of them as a way to test supplies, but that’s a good idea - while learning a new technique at the same time.

[@K.ART_vlog]

so beautiful❤

[@colorfulcollage]

Thank you! 😊

[@theresematthews5705]

😂ha ha! I don't have alot, sometimes I want loads of things but I can't. Less is better I suppose 😉

[@colorfulcollage]

So true!

[@IvySnowFillyVideos]

What's a lot?🙆 @what point is it too many 😂

[@colorfulcollage]

😅

[@serenityjewel]

It's easier for people to buy art supplies, so they can feel like an artist, than to actually face the indecision, fear, and overwhelm that comes with actually creating art. People want the quick fix artist aesthetic, not the long term joy and satisfaction of creation. Plus the more people live online, the more they live in fantasy of what they're going to do, or who they're going to be, which they think justifies their hoarding. It's a mess.