Can you have too much art supplies?

[@Rarirama]

For me, the problem with having nice and expensive art supplies like those is that I can't bring myself to use them, fearing I would "ruin" them lol. Nowadays I just get the cheapest but decent stuff I can find. Also I used to hoard art supplies a little bit, now I do it with art books.

[@saloni.sharma]

I totally understand that feeling.. I never used my good paper or paints because of the same feeling but I'm trying to understand that I shouldn't get it if I'm not going to use it... So I'll not buy it either unless I use it... Because ultimately they're tools to bring joy in form of art, not stress in form of negative emotions.

[@hansendesigns]

Getting over art books should be easier since there is the library and half the books from the library you can see instantly online. It’s great. Best to you. :)

[@krabfingers8473]

Luckily now, there's ton of decent quality art supplies on the market for a good price. I see a lot of youtube comments saying that supplies don't matter if you're a "true" artist and that makes me quite frustrated. You don't need top of the line artist grade products to make good art, but using the lowest quality products won't help you either. Finding a middle ground can be satisfying enough. Plus, a lot of artist grade supplies have changed in quality over the years, while most of their prices have been marked up.

[@herbcroneart]

Yeah, I get my expensive stuff out and sniff them occasionally. It’s really difficult to use the stuff I saved for. Polychromos…great, love them and I use them when I need a boost. I must admit I do have a bit of an art supply habit but I get everything at a discount, in sales or if I save up. I may have a bit of an addiction but it’s small fry as yet…yet 😉🌺💃

[@redgeminiarts3674]

I have that syndrome too.

[@SpookieVonDookie]

The haul videos are exhausting to me, so much so that I have unsubscribed from a LOT of art channels. Art channels used to be about doing art and sharing it, or teaching a technique. Now most videos feel like long commercials. Thanks for this video, Teoh! You’re one of my favorite channels

[@jrm2716]

I agree. I have to avoid revews for the same reason.

[@saloni.sharma]

Yeah i agree too... I've noticed that when I don't come across haul videos and reviews i don't feel urge to buy more stuff. I came across the idea of stationery no buy last year from a channel called tbhstudying and though it was about stationery not art supplies, the problem of consumerism was same. It's all over social media now and it's really harmful to everyone.

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

It's cause of the algorithm. I just make art with tutorials sprinkled in and by far my art supply reviews get much more views

[@JohWong]

They make content that get clicks. The hustle is real.

[@margwong8416]

@@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel Yeah! I agree! You know you shouldn't watch them for the obvious reasons but are still drawn/attracted to the "poison" (to watch them!)

[@jennw6809]

For me, I had bought a lot of paint, paper and large brushes, but I was timid about using them (especially the large brushes) until I started thinking of my painting as art therapy, rather than "creating art." If I can stop caring about how it looks, and just concentrate on how it FEELS to paint, it's super fun to make big marks on big paper!! So ironically I am using my supplies more now that I care less about making good art. I know Teoh will like this attitude, I love when he says "who cares if I make bad art?"

[@PaulaBean]

Watercolor is a great medium to throw some pigments down and let them mix on the paper in unexpected but beautiful ways.

[@Joysart360]

I am trying to get to this point, but still struggle with it.

[@brianacpratt]

You are so right! We all need to remember this :)

[@cerealnana]

I need this tattooed to my forehead.

[@veystone2580]

I too use art as a therapy! It works wonders and it actually does take the pressure away! 🥰

[@4vh68]

Dear Teoh, we need to consider that sketching, drawing, and painting are actually separate and entirely different hobbies from collecting art supplies. Once I see anything laid out in rainbow order (ROYGBIV) I'm compelled to stare at it, salivating.

[@derwood206]

yes, the rainbow! especially Daniel Smith's 238 colors, rainbow on steroids. ha. and anything packaged beautifully

[@thefrugalcrafter]

Great topic and I struggle too! As artists we see potential in everything, even free stuff, and coupled with the 3ndowment effect we attribute move value to things we own making it hard to part with it. As an art supply reviewer I get lots of products in which adds to it (I bet you can relate!) And the price hikes and supply chain issues have made me wary to get rid of decent supplies. It's a whole thing! 😆

[@ohbli_oh]

That just led to an hour of reading about the endowment effect. Fascinating. I seem to have an ownership problem with my art things. 😅

[@thefrugalcrafter]

@@ohbli_oh join the club (we meet every week at the art supply store 😆)

[@wanderingstar5673]

@@ohbli_oh - did the reading too. Now I have a name for it 🙂

[@MandyvanGoeije]

I recognize it too. I did get rid of half a few years ago and to me, it felt like a relief. Since, my stock grew again...things were sent, etc. But I'm not buying anymore. Only refills/replacements of necessary badics and paper. It's a challenge, but it feels good. I appreciate what I have more now and I am "building a relationship" with some of my supies. It'slovely. Finally my jar of pencil stumps is filling up😊

[@OhJodi69]

YES. With the prices of everything (food, fuel, art supplies!) increasing so much (including shipping fees and free shipping requirements), I'm realizing that not only have I bought too many art supplies, previously, but buying more just is not wise. The prices are much higher, and I need that money for other, necessary, expenses. So I've been gathering my stuff (I'm not very organized), and sorting out my favorites. The rest I will store nicely, and when I have the urge to use something different, I will "shop" from my stash. I did get great prices on what I have, but those days are over.

[@PaulaBean]

I have the feeling I have enough supplies to last me the rest of my life.

[@herbcroneart]

I hear you 👍

[@ohbli_oh]

Good idea shopping from your own stash. I might try that. I just got a load of paintbrushes I hardly used and hid my other ones away hoping to use these ones for a while and learn to work with them. And did same with some rare paints. I put all my least used paints in a palette to try. It’s funny how hard it is to not have my commonly used paints meaning these extras really are useless to me and once gone won’t be replaced.

[@persephone1810]

"shop" from your stash idea is brilliant! I will have to do that as well! Good idea Jodi!

[@OhJodi69]

@@ohbli_oh I tried something different with my "oddball" colors.....I put them all in their own metal palette, with a painted swatch card in the lid, and I open it near my usual working palette. Because they are nearby, it helps me consider using them.....I have discovered that maroon, shell pink, davy's grey, and spring green are actually pretty useful for adding a speck to my usual colors, and now I really like them!

[@veystone2580]

I HAD that problem. It was getting out of control. So, months ago I sat down and decided to retest every single art supply I had. Then I began to identify many tools that I didn't really need, or I had duplicates. Like for example, why do I need two sets of palette knives? I had the plastic ones that were the first ones I ever bought, and at some point I upgraded them to metal, but kept the plastic ones. That made me decide to keep quality instead of quantity. That conclusion led me to: colored pencils! I HAD SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MANY BRANDS OF COLORED PENCILS!!!! SOOOOO MANY IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE! So, I started there. I keep only 4 wax based pencils brands, 1 oil based brand, 4 water soluble brands, and 3 pastels pencils brands. All the rest, I either donated or sell. Then, more time passed by (this was a VERY difficult process), I realized that I wasn't really enjoying painting with acrylics anymore, and to keep my acrylics and acrylic tools was nonsense. So I got rid of all, also either by donating or selling. I also discovered that I enjoy so much more using watercolor based products than wax, oil, or pastels pencils... and here was when I had to make a tough choice. The wax/oil/pastel brands that I kept, from that HUGE amount of brands, I had, were: Luminance, Derwent Drawing, Pablo, Polychromos, Prismacolors, Pitt Pastels, CarbOthello, and the Conté a Paris... well, I created a personal palette from the Luminance and kept this as my main set, kept the Derwent Drawing as a complementary set, created a portrait set with the polychromos, kept my favorite colors from the Prismacolors, created one set of pastel pencils by combining the 3 sets I had, and finally created a small, very concise, color range with the Pablos, and all the pencils that I wasn't needing anymore, I gift away. That led me with a total of 292 pencils (between wax, oil, and pastels) and they all fit together perfectly in one 300 slots pencils case. I can't begin to explain the comfort I feel to just have that one pencil case. I had more that 5 thousands pencils!!! So I am proud of myself! 🥰 Now, the watercolor pencils are a different beast. Those are my babies and those I won't give away. But I did gave away many brands I had. But these 4, I have the full sets of each and I won't cut back. Albrecht Dürer, General Kimberly, Inktense and Graphitint... and I do have a some (not even 10) single pencils from other brands. Then there were the other art supplies that, like the acrylics, I really wasn't enjoying anymore. And I used to use them, just cause they were there, but I wasn't happy and I felt I was wasting my time, working with something just because I had it, instead of using my water based supplies which are my cup of tea! So I let go of the soft pastels, the gouache, the charcoal, the markers, and the gel pens. I also minimized my watercolor collection, cause I rather use the watercolor pencils, the Neocolor II, and the Daniel Smith Watercolor Sticks. Now, all of this wasn't possible for me to do quickly, it took me almost a year to be able to get rid of all that stuff! Now I only have: 1. A fairly decent amount of wax/oil/pastels colored pencils in a single pencils case. 2. My beloved watercolor pencils 3. The Neocolor II full set 4. Some Daniel Smith Watercolor Sticks 5. A 18 watercolor set, that includes the Daniel Smith Essentials and the rest I picked to my liking. 6. And a drawer with a mix of oil pastels that includes the 2 sets of Paul Rubens, the Cray Pas, and the Pentel.... Oh and some whites from Sennelier cause that is the best white. The feeling of cleanliness, accessibility, and space I have in my craft room, I wouldn't change for anything. Now I only spend on the supplies I run out of and on paper! I'm sorry for the LOOOOONNNGGGGG comment, but I hadn't had the opportunity to share this experience with anyone! Thanks for the opportunity... love your videos!!! By the way, one of your videos was the reason I bought some of the Daniel Smith Watercolor Sticks! 😅😅😅😅 Man! Are they expensive! Thanks for that! 😂😂😂😂😂 But I love them! 🥰

[@lindyashford7744]

I have art supplies from several decades ago. When I bought them I had an actual vision of what I would use them for, and in most cases did use them, but the thing no one ever tells you about art supplies is that you are ALWAYS buying far more than you need, for instance buying a full set of something when realistically you will only use a few colours to the end, if that. Art supplies go a long way mostly, and making art is hours of your life. The ratio of use to supply is therefore completely out of whack! I love to look at vintage art supplies too and it is really common to see a watercolour box that has been bought for a specific purpose, but then never used again, maybe someone made Christmas cards or wedding invitations and only the colours they needed for it are gone, the worst things in this respect are any type of pencils, coloured and graphite. I have several sets of them unused for several years. I tend only to buy on offer or a good dupe. My best advice is do not buy in sets, buy open stock and for purpose. Those sets are too perfect and untouchable. My next best advice is whatever you get allow them to get messy. Then you will not have fear of using them. I have two very expensive pastels sets I have never used because I fear failure with them, but have older scruffy pastels I have used very successfully. If you love the packing and image of your art supply more than you love the thought of using them then really you are collecting (hoarding) them. The way prices of art materials are going up be sure to look after the ones you have collected and make sure they will be mentioned in your will and will have a recipient! Actually using good art supplies is one of the hardest things in the world, they bring out all the worst in procrastination and self doubt. Make them messy and unprecious then you will get somewhere with them. If in doubt try and make art alongside other artists, it helps with the addiction, and while you are making art you are not shopping for supplies. Lastly of all sign off from all your favourite online art supply vendors. Break the habit.

[@starshinesoldier]

As long as they bring you joy, I think it’s not a bad thing. More like a collection than hoarding. Once you feel bad about buying art supplies, then it’s time to cut back, I think.

[@AWonderfulSheep]

I first became self-conscious about hoarding art supplies when I noticed I had more supplies than some professional artists whose studios I visited. But I think that might be natural since I'm just starting to experiment with mediums on my own as a hobby, whereas they probably tried lots of different things in art school/during their training. My supply is not too overwhelming yet, but I've learned to stop buying full sets of things when I want to try out a new product. 😆

[@stephanielush7345]

I’m the same as you 😂 although I haven’t learned to buy smaller sets. I have a thing about having the whole collection haha. But I think buying art supplies is a completely different hobby to actually using them 😂

[@jennw6809]

Yes, agree with both of you. Hopefully as I discover my preferences, I will be able to pass on some of my supplies to others. But yeah, when I see a pro artist on YT with less brushes than I have... uhhhh.... Thankfully I do tend to buy individual things instead of plunging in with sets!

[@conifercrow]

This is pretty much where I've settled on the subject, too. I think once you get comfortable and knowledgeable about a medium, you figure out what you like/don't like/is or isn't necessary/etc.. And since we have no children and never go anywhere and I don't have many other hobbies that require Stuff...a lot of my free cash has gone straight into the art supply stash while I'm learning. It means I've got way more than I need, and more than I could probably comfortably use in a lifetime, but I'm considering it to be education over hoarding. (Plus, we do have a semi-local place that buys used supplies, which I take advantage of once I figure out my likes/dislikes, which is very nice too.) I know I sometimes get the All The Colors Syndrome™, where if I like a thing, I seem to think I need ALL the colors of that thing, and I'm prone to that urge to *collect things*, but I'm getting better about that. We have a small house; not much more is gonna fit in here soon. :D

[@leahevergreenart]

Some artist just know what they like after years of searching, which can look intimidating when you see someone you admire with just 3 supples. In comparison to yourself with 100 ( i know, I’ve been there), but they too went through a journey of discovery to get to that point. Enjoy your time with playing and exploring. Plus, some artists even after years of searching find they love to use all different kinds of supplies. Never limiting themselves to just a handful. Keep enjoying your creative journey and exploration of art supplies :)

[@AmazinGraceXOXO1]

That's my problem. Full set syndrome. It doesn't matter what it is. I have to have all the colors 😩

[@sevenmillionhobbies7840]

I stopped buying art supplies altogether. I told myself that I should use up at least 1 of my art supplies to completion (I chose the 72 prism a color set) and got stressed out. Art supplies are like gaining weight: easy to accumulate, difficult to get rid of.

[@ohbli_oh]

😂 true.

[@Skinnychelle48]

Omygawd, so true! I sketch and paint like a 10 year old yet I have two art rooms in my house with so much stuff until I’ll never be able to use it!!!!!!

[@noreenkellett3863]

Id say I'm an art supply collector, they give me much joy

[@sentry8992]

We seem to be living through the golden age of watercolor art. There are so many great watercolor set manufacturers. I have about 20 different sets. They are really affordable as well. Which is why I have so many. I also have many graphite and charcoal pencil sets. A lifetime supply of brushes etc. It can get crazy.

[@unknowncrash1]

Personally I think it's a compulsion that stems from childhood. Whereby these stuff used to be scarce/novel to have when one was a child. This in turn causes an innate desire to collect and hoard said stuff when one is an adult and is capable of acquire said sacred goods. Part nostalgia, part compulsion. At least, that's what some of my hobbies usually entails

[@purity2706]

Actually, when I was in art school, I never had enough money to buy "new" things, but when I finally got my new studio (almost 50 years later), I purchased all the things I always wanted to try but didn't have the space for. For the first time in my life, I'm finally doing the art that makes me happy and not producing art for pay. It was a hard transition, but now I don't worry about the commodity of art, rather I'm more concerned with the feelings my art evokes, and like Bob Burridge, another successful artist says, "It's never too late to be what you should have been!"

[@ohbli_oh]

I think same with me on the compulsion. Having a lean childhood in terms of things meant I like to have lots of ‘possibility’ around me with art supplies, seeing, books, cooking stuff you name it. In the end it all causes me more stress but I couldn’t let go of it. In a good mood I love knowing I have anything I need art wise to make whatever I want.

[@Joysart360]

And because we were told no so much as a child, we now want all the things we want and don't want to be told we can't have it LOL.

[@craftyhobbit7623]

This is probably partly why I 'hoard'. My mum was a widow so getting new things were rare unless we were on summer holidays, or it was Christmas time, or birthdays. I was pretty content most of the time though. But she passed away when I was 14 and then having stuff for Christmas and birthdays was rarer. When a parent dies you don't just lose them, you lose a lot of other things to. If I had more money than I have accumulating things and not using them would be worse, just because of that period of scarcity. I also think that the way Christmas's are done as kids they give us an expectation of having lots and lots of things at once so that habit can continue into adulthood. There needs to be a balance of where we have enough things to feel happy, but not too many that we just don't use them and it becomes a waste.

[@jennifermcgehee357]

Growing up, I remember getting my first watercolors (Prang) and my very first set of Prismacolors (8th grade). My mom insisted they were too expensive, but I begged for them as they were a required art supply to take art class. I cherished those pencils so much. Now that I am an adult, I definitely think I hoard artist grade supplies, because we really couldn't afford them when I was a kid.

[@andreapaints]

Every once in a while, I pack my unused art supplies in boxes and take them to a young art teacher at the local high school. She is always so grateful to have them for her students to try.

[@pedro4lola640]

There’s a lot of people out there that would be very happy to buy everyone’s unwanted and unused supplies second hand

[@sedamcclurg9699]

Do you think so - for example second hand? it sounds like someone should build a swap shop, second hand shop for art supplies! :)

[@pedro4lola640]

@@sedamcclurg9699 Well I have sold ceramic palettes, watercolours and even empty palettes on eBay. Art supplies are expensive. I think everyone likes a bargain!

[@stephanie.kilgast]

Aaah the luscious colors of capitalism ^^' I'm actually working on a disposable pen project, but I feel art supplies in general just look so pretty, so buying them is between a collection and actually using them. You have to fight of the temptation of buying more. It's really a sort of trap. You have to consciously fill your life with others things (using the supplies you have for instance XD) instead of buying more stuff. I think I have too much, however I use what I have, so I suppose it's debatable :)

[@elliez7269]

Nicely said!

[@jrm2716]

Years ago, when my local art shop closed, I found myself looking to KZbin reviews for new products. Needless to say this sent me down a rabbit hole of buying mediums I never tried (or would ever use) and new watercolor products I didn't really need. You see, at my local art shop I was able to try the products out before I bought them. This saved me a lot of money and space because I rarely had "buyer's remorse". My art supplies went from a small box to a wall of supplies in just a few years. I probably now have enough for several lifetimes. Tfs.

[@jennw6809]

This is the dark side of KZbin nobody talks about!

[@rayne6737]

@@jennw6809 It's not the darkside. Blaming KZbinrs is using them as a scapegoat for a lack of control if one has an issue in their mind. I watch hauls, reviews and swatching videos yet I don't go buy everything nor do I collect. I don't judge those who collect but I think blaming someone else for a lack of control on one's part is simply not taking responsibility for one's own actions.

[@jennw6809]

@@rayne6737 I didn't blame the KZbinrs. I blame the algorithm. I'm so glad you have such perfect self control that you're able to rise above all the messages to buy in our culture. Great for you. Thanks for scolding everyone else who doesn't have perfect willpower like you.

[@rayne6737]

@@jennw6809 Blaming algorithms is no different. Defecting because of your own issues is your problem not mine. I didn't scold anyone I said DON'T BLAME OTHERS! I literally said that in my comment. Take your guilty subconscious elsewhere!

[@jennw6809]

@@rayne6737 Take your sanctimoniusness elsewhere

[@seaspraywatercolorsbyjillj4904]

My perception of you Teoh, has been that you only have supplies that you need-This video showed me that you own just as many supplies as I do-for the same reason-it makes me happy. I’m a professional artist. I have my supplies narrowed down to one medium-watercolor. And I have two categories of watercolor supplies-professional archival grade paper & paint that I use for commission and commercial work. Then I have practice paint & paper for experimenting and practice. So I have that under control but I do love colored pencils-it’s a problem-there is something addictive about the full spectrum of colors and that smell of the wood…..I never saw a colored pencil I didn’t like.

[@ThienKimLam]

A friend and I started a no-buy for 6 months starting this January. We're allowed to replenish specific items that we use up (certain tube of paint, a sketchbook we love, etc) So far, I've only bought a set of Art Toolkit Palettes from her seconds sale. I won a palette from your giveaway and fell in love with them. The no-buy has made me "shop" from my stash. I rediscovered some really nice handmade watercolors I bought a couple of years ago and started using them again. I've cut back on watching haul videos and that's curbed the want monster. I'm glad to have done it because instead of spending time watching review and haul videos, I'm watching tutorials and making more art.

[@PaulaBean]

It's great you have an artist friend with whom you can swap stuff with.

[@ThienKimLam]

@@PaulaBean We haven't swapped since the no-buy started but we've done it in the past

[@briwidmerart]

I went on an year-long art supply no-buy to help end my hoarding and it was so helpful. I really got to know my existing supplies during that time and appreciate them more. I decided to go with a low-buy this year, to grant myself one new small palette and one new sketchbook but nothing else. There's just too many shiny, exciting supplies and media out there that distracts me from putting in that brush mileage and improving with my current supplies. So yeah, recovering hoarder here 😆

[@lamargot2201]

I'm a hoarder trying to get to the stage where I can call myself recovering. Congratulations on all your work and what you have achieved. I broke a low-buy promise to myself so I could get that new Schmincke slim palette, only to realize when it arrived that there's not even enough room to keep a brush in it because of the poorly designed inside tray and nd the paint is the lower quality Academie and not the Horadam. Plus, it's scratched right out of the box. And I paid shipping for that?! So that's sort of taught me a lesson. I'm hoping it will help me maintain my promise for the rest of the year.

[@briwidmerart]

@@lamargot2201 oh, no! That sounds so disappointing 😭

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, I definitely have this problem, BUT you mentioned a few times in the video how happy looking at a few of your supplies makes you feel, and I have that same thing over here. My art supplies make me happy. I am NOT going to buy any more this year, but I do have a few things on my wish list for Christmas-time. Great video subject, Teoh!

[@PaulaBean]

Musicians have a similar thing, it's called 'GAS' - Gear Acquisition Syndrome. "With that amp, I will sound better. That octaver effect pedal will add so much punch. While I'm at it, I might as well order an Auto-Wah. I must have a P-bass and a J-bass as well for versatility. Wait! I need fretless versions of both, too!"

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@SketchesnScrubs hey there!

[@rayne6737]

I'm a minimalist by nature and don't like having too many things. When I started getting into watercolor I did buy more things because just because some KZbinr recommends something doesn't mean it's going to be a good fit for you and I didn't realize this at first. I learned my lesson and became more selective and started asking myself the same question I do with everything else I might want. That is "will I use this" or "do I really need this". Also, I only buy things I can get open stalk unless it's really cheap to begin with. However, I have noticed this trend of people being judgemental and down right rude to other average people about what they "collect". My thought is that if your not going to go tell the rich people that way too many idolize, who seem to think they can tell the average people what is good for them or what they need to give up, that they need to give up the 16 cars parked in their 4th mansions garage or the shoes collections that is so big it has its own specialized temperature controlled closet then you should just leave the average person alone. Personally, I don't care what people collect. Just because I don't like a lot of things doesn't mean I'm going to tell others what to do with their money, rich or not. I watch art hauls, reviews and swatching videos. I like them. I get multiple opinions, get to see the products in use and get to see some get so happy about their new items. Now that I have a small list of favorite supplies I generally only replace items I've used up and when I get the rare urge to buy something I've seen I ask myself my buying questions and if I'm not sure after that I buy one or two to try. For instance, I have polychromos and I like them and I also have Caran 'd Ache Museum watercolor pencils but I didn't have their Luminance so I bought a few in my favorite colors from the Museum. They aren't really my thing. I will use them, the few I have, but I won't replace them. Sample before you go all out and you will have far less things you won't use if one is worried about that.

[@LCLand]

I cant imagine having wonderful expensive art supplies and then not using them!! I have about 15 fabulous premium palettes and i rotate them and use them all. Life is good 😌.

[@jessicameisner8487]

I'm definitely an art supply hoarder. They always make me happy and content. Just so attracted to color and trying new brands out. I used to just look at them and they gathered dust. Those days are over though because I've been putting most of the supplies to use drawing and painting as my hobby again. I think I just got caught up in this perfection phase and grew afraid of having to draw to a perfect degree. I can draw or paint anything I see in meticulous detail and likeness. Then I got busy with a career, then kids and still wanted to feed the art, but had no time for it due to these demands. Now my kids are teens and I'm coming back into my own as a means of self expression and learning new methods like painting gouache. Never did that before. I own probably most supplies on the market and I enjoy collecting them. Husband complains there is no room and he's right, so I have to set up a dedicated studio in the next year or so. Artist daughter will sure get a strange inheritance!

[@ohbli_oh]

Still wanted to feed the art ☺️

[@hannahskoonberg]

I am an art professor and a professional printmaker. And growing up I was super frugal except with art supplies because I needed them for my career. So I kind of have a blind spot when it comes to art supplies. But I am realizing that there are different categories of art supplies. The tried and true "boring" quality supplies. Like your charcoal, your kneaded erasers, black sumi ink, a set of oil based printmaking inks. And then the "fun" art supplies that feel like an addiction. Look I can mix any color I want from a very basic color set. I LITERALLY do a drawing assignment where I make the students render in full color by just layering 3 primary colored pencils. But still I like to hoard supplies T_T Side Note: Teoh. I love it when you use your battered old paint sets and dirty old pens that work great. I think that for some of us we try to keep everything pristine and that gets in the way of actually making art. So as much as you have a little extra stuff. You have other things that you use all the way up. I am trying to embrace the look of used art supplies because it's better than it sitting in a drawer looking perfect.

[@tommasoscaravetti]

Hoarding is definitely a problem for many artists out there (especially for me). For example I own a huge set of Polycromos (I think it's the biggest one Faber Castell is selling) which I used just once or twice. Thank you for talking about it Theo!

[@edwardhisse2687]

I can't imagine not using something I've spent so much money on. But I also can't imagine myself using something that costs that much lol.

[@kajusuraj9621]

I don't have a huge collection or anything, but I definitely have more than necessary. That said, having extras of everything has made me a lot more comfortable to use my art supplies since I'm no longer worried of running out. So imo it's good to have a mountain of art supplies in the background 🤣

[@katarinaholik]

I also like to have a bit more of a supply, if I have just one block or just one set of paint I feel precious about it. small 5 ml tubes are not good for me. i prefere 15 ml tubes, that I know won't run out fast.

[@Shaze-haze]

Excellent video!!! Polychromos are my most prized possession also, along with the albrecht durer watercolor pencils. I get that same feeling when I open the pack! I think in general, my art supplies bring me that same happiness you feel when you hold some of yours, and that's all that matters to me. I don't get to use them all very often, and some are brand new, but I am happy they are in my collection and I didnt go into debt buying them. Now that have them, it's much easier to watch videos without feeling FOMO, and I can focus on the art being created instead of the tools being used to create art.

[@ab_rose]

I had this issue about a year ago when I started knowing and doing more art. The joy of having a lot of supplies and using them... let's say they can be separate hobbies. 😅 However, due to limited space and budget, shopping and watching reviews of art supplies aren't much my thing anymore. I get overwhelmed when I have a lot of art supplies. Oh btw, one art supply I bought and haven't used is the famous Himi Miya gouache. I bought those a year and a half ago and I feel intimidated using them. I'm worried they'll dry out as I don't paint much often.

[@shia4459]

For himi miya, I have heard people spray it with water to make it stay jiggly

[@Pipers1Camera]

As with many things, owning something always seems to hold out the promise of using it or enjoying it, yet this so often just doesn’t happen. That Kayak you bought never finds its way to the river, those home improvement supplies don’t find their way into completed house projects, those many books never seem to get read, and finally, that box of art supplies sits unused. I am tempted to buy something as a surrogate for the time and energy it would take to actually use it. That can be a salve or a frustration! Enjoy your supplies, and share or give away what you are not using- there are plenty of folks who can’t afford nice supplies and would really treasure them and put them to use!

[@elliez7269]

What a beautiful and achingly lucid message.

[@saloni.sharma]

I'm on a no buy/budgeted buy since last year. I've literally started using my stuff more and buying minimally every since I realised that I was hoarding things. It hit me last year when I was moving that I have too much stuff and a lot of it is unused!!! I don't use my good supplies because I feel like I'll waste them or run out but I buy them and end up with dried up markers, acrylic paint etc or boxes of tube paint and pencils, some even duplicate sets and I understand how stupid that logic is now... They look beautiful but it's wasteful if they aren't used. I just tell myself that it hurts their feelings and they feel ignored if I don't use them now so I use them more 😂

[@HumdrumCurio]

I thought I was the only one who didn’t want to make my art supplies feel lonely by not using them 🤣

[@saloni.sharma]

@@emilyhoadley5625 yeah... I too found a decent quality paper at last and I enjoyed it.. So I'd neither buy super expensive paper nor would go back to using a terrible cheap paper just because it's cheap.

[@saloni.sharma]

@@HumdrumCurio 😂😂😂😂no you're not... We understand them better because we love them and they love us so they don't like being ignored lol

[@Callyth]

I definitely noticed this happening with my makeup collection over the years! When I noticed it becoming a problem, I focused on shrinking what I had to a more manageable, versatile collection of unique items/colours. Thinking of them as art supplies for my face made it easy to be more experimental and really learn how to use what I have, which in turn changed how I thought of actual art supplies. I probably (definitely) have the same problem with my art supplies, but at least most of them have a much longer shelf life - although that makes it easier to justify acquiring more items, oops! I still enjoy looking at new items through vlogs or in the store, but just like makeup, I've been focusing more on new techniques instead of new supplies.

[@graveandgay2060]

If I have too many similar options, the decision paralysis gets me. I was reading in Draw Your World that you only really need maybe three different pencil hardnesses, and this feels true. If I limited myself to say one hard, HB, and one 4B or 6B I could be set and not have to be like oh no which pencil do I use. So sometimes getting rid of (donating or regifting) supplies actually helps me make more art. The thing I like about following people who have tried a lot of things is getting honest comparisons between products. I found your channel because of your recommendations on what ink to use in a brush pen, and I like that I can just get what you recommend and not have to go through the trial and error process myself unless what works for you doesn't work for me. (TBD. I still have a cartridge left before I switch to ink and a converter.) But I also think that imagining drawing can be easier than actually doing it, which is who some of us, or at least I, sometimes spend a lot of time looking at supplies and tutorials. Especially when way too tired to sit down and get to work.

[@alicem1111]

I’m glad you are talking about this. KZbin art videos seem to focus on products and always getting more rather than making art. Some channels seem like they have a haul every other video. I understand that viewers want the haul videos, but I hope the creators do more with the haul than swatch. I love learning about new supplies, but I’d like to hear an opinion based on use. I like how you talk about sketchbooks when you’re almost done or completely finished. The only supplies I haven’t used that I’ve had a while are a set of rapidiograph technical pens. I bought them on a whim and a sale about ten years ago. I’m intimidated by having to clean the pens properly and I press down really hard (I can’t help it) and I’m scared I’ll ruin the tips.🤣 I would also like to caution: watercolor paper goes bad people! Be careful hoarding and storing. I have half of a roll of arches watercolor paper that has lost its sizing. The roll is a little over ten years old. I will use the paper with other materials but I wish I had just hurried through it.

[@PaulaBean]

Thanks for the warning. Amongst other papers, I have six Arches watercolor paper blocks, some of them already two to three years old. I must use them up in the coming years.

[@marynorby9530]

What? I have not heard of this before. What happens when the sizing gets too old?

[@alicem1111]

@@marynorby9530 it’s the worst, Mary. The watercolor kind of sinks in too much. Like if you tried to watercolor on nonwatercolor paper. And it’s inconsistent- it happens in splotches. I could see something looked off when I first wet the paper with clear water. Very depressing. But I will try and use it for gouache or ink. I’ve also found that humidity can disturb the sizing. I try and keep everything in plastic bags and boxes with those little silica sachets. The roll was too big to keep safe.

[@leonieandrewsart4137]

@@alicem1111 yes we found out about it when we bought an old partially used roll of Arches at our local tip shop. Even though it's not 100% good for quality at $5 for 6 metres of paper we were thrilled. We have made sketchbooks out of it . As it is hot pressed I am using up some of my Neocolor II watercolour pastels on it. It's a great combination.

[@Julie-vy3oz]

I’ve definitely become more careful and discerning about what I buy. I try to share (make half pan palettes or journals for people getting started). I’ve been making my journals to use up my paper rather than buying new ones. I don’t like hoarding; it makes me feel selfish with my resources. But I love using all my supplies and try to not get precious with them. It’s so easy to go overboard! And like few others have stated, I grow weary of haul videos. What I do like are “favorites” -people showing what they like from their current supplies and how they use them.

[@heli0ns]

I tend to get interested in a new medium and be really into it for an intense period, and then find some other medium I then get really invested in... so on, so forth. I've got two big plastic bins of supplies thanks to that! Haha. Thankfully, the interest in the mediums I already own tends to return eventually. I've also noticed that going through my supplies and using something I've not used in a while alleviates the desire to buy new things.

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

Yes yes yes!! That's me too. It's so annoying. I also don't have a lot of time to devote to art so I mostly do one project then get interested in the next thing. So many projects aren't even done yet. I do cycle back to things at least but it can take two years.

[@HARwinsOUTagain]

This is a great topic and an issue I have. I get excited by all the new shiny toys I see online or in the stores. Now I have option paralysis when it comes to starting artwork because of too many choices. Less is def more. Work with what one has.

[@PaulaBean]

This is the reason that when I go out, I take only *one* sketchbook, *one* fineliner, *one* small palette and *one* waterbrush with me; not three of each. All choice has been eliminated and I never regretted it.

[@SharonNolfi]

I definitely have more art supplies than I can use in this lifetime! I especially love colored pencils, watercolor, watercolor pencils and crayons, and art instruction books.

[@moonlightgator]

Amazing supplies. I am not a hoarder, quite the opposite. It is hard for me to shop. So I am using my supplies in the sake of actually use the up. I bought 12 set of Polychromas and using them everyday since Christmas no regrets at all. I only care about expensive paper, I can't make myself use it on the daily bases. I have a set of White Nights watercolors sitting in my desk for 2 years, so I start using them since the beginning of the year and love them. I think I accumulated a good selection of art supplies I am happy about. So I don't need to shop untill I actually run out.

[@BeckyTregear]

Hoarding art supplies, you say…*Quietly closes the door to my overflowing studio*…nope, nothing to see here! 😂

[@dew1_rosal14]

I was one of those beginning artist that wanted to use the same brush or pen my favorite KZbin artists were using in the videos. And it did not make my art look any more like theirs 😂 So I have some extra pens and brushes but not too many. And now that I make art a little bit longer I start to learn what colors or brushes I like.

[@dianecharest8365]

Ya I seem to think that I NEED every art supply out there. Instead of just focusing on watercolor, I'm buying sets and sets, then the big set of colored pensils. Tried to blend a couple of times, but too much in a hurry. Now I GOT TO have some brusho too. I'm so glad to hear that it's common for everyone. I thought I had a hoarding art supply problem.

[@dorothyeileen]

Oh yeah. I can totally relate! I love the new boxes, the new colors, the new everything. I most certainly get a dopamine bump off of seeing, touching, and using new art supplies. I have somewhat successfully set limits on my purchases by getting out the supplies I haven't used in awhile. It feels like visiting old friends, and I relate to them with that attitude as I explore their qualities. Mostly though, the challenge is the dopamine and craving for more dopamine. Like any other addiction, we have to take one day at a time and find joy in what we have. And... oh the joy of shiney new art supplies. Good luck everyone. ❤

[@moma-b]

I remember you saying something like "if I see a pretty watercolor set I buy it" 😄

[@jennw6809]

I love that you admit that you feel good just looking at your art supplies, and some of them have "aged well." I was going to suggest that you give away some of the unused sets to your viewers, but I guess that would be difficult in terms of shipping. The one supply I'm surprised to see here is the Daniel Smith set since you do use your DS paints! I would love to see a review on the set.

[@lizcharalambous9150]

I think you nailed it when you said it makes you feel good. I love all mine and even when I haven't used something for a while it's nice to know they're there. Life is short, why not treat yourself if you can? :)

[@kellysartthrob]

This is so timely. I bought a lot of supplies over the pandemic and I have to give some away and donate things I know I won't use, but I feel guilty because it seems like such a waste. But it's a bigger waste if I never use it and someone else will. I'm sometimes tempted to buy new things but there's only so much space. Also, having too many supplies and options sort of stunts my creativity, but I am also dazzled by beautiful packaging and vibrant colors.

[@redgeminiarts3674]

I have too much!. I have FULL SETS OF: Polychromos, Luminance, Museum Aquarelles and the Wooden box full sex of Neo Color ll. I just started with Sennelier soft pastels and of course I’m buying the 120 $300 set. It’s insanity. Don’t get me started on my Daniel Smith watercolor paint. I’m about 90 markers short of the 358 full set of Copic Markers. I’m OBSESSED with everything.

[@joanistotler8804]

Yes, I think particularly when you are new to painting and excited you can go way overboard and think that somehow a product will make your advancement quicker - it's a trap - it still comes down to hard work and practice. I've stopped doing that, too. Note to self: enjoy the journey! Also, Teoh, did you have a video that showed an exercise connecting rich, juicy strokes into a rainbow of colors. I loved the different strokes you made to connect them and would like to watch the video again. Any idea which one I might have watched? Your work is so nice!

[@PaulaBean]

Was that perhaps kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpm9kHePq5eqsJI ?

[@lindathaxton1994]

Lol - you are right on - realize I am addicted to art supplies! I working hard to SLOW down. Nothing will go to waste 😂

[@crisalidathomassie1811]

Great video. I don’t paint with watercolor but oils and yes, I buy supplies quite often. Mostly panels and paint but I don’t use them as much. For a while I had an obsession for brushes, not anymore. Other items I bought are easels to display in progress paintings. I finally found a couple I really like and use to keep the mess away. I mainly buy on sale stuff that I know I will need. So, at this moment, I have decided not to buy anymore. At times when I find I don’t have a particular oil color, instead of buying it, I look for a similar color and I’m happy with it. Very interesting video. I appreciate your time and effort. Blessings and take care.

[@arcuda2001]

i think that hoarding is not limited to art supplies anymore .. i think it's a huge problem with many , because of the constant marketing , the constant self imposed need to buy something new, that rush of adrenaline , etc .. i think that it has definitely gotten to be very big issue for many people .. it's such waste , on many levels .. it's also a habit , that takes conscious effort to break it to slow it down .. i've been trying for almost a year to not buy any more supplies , unless i run out of a specific color that i use .. i have sooo much , already, and want to explore all the supplies that i already own .. thanks for this video , teoh !! norakag , here

[@teohyc]

That's very true. The longer you stay on YT, the more risk you get shown some product related video. lol

[@arcuda2001]

@@teohyc it's youtube , tv, any commercials , advertising , etc . all of it combines to unconscious pressure to buy or want more than we already have .. new shiny toys to play with lol really important for us all to try to debrief from it all lol

[@Paperthumbtack]

I like buying just one colour to mess around with the new product. Comparatively speaking, we haven’t seen any great advances in products.

[@vermiliongamboge155]

Yes, I was beginning to worry about myself. I'm a bit more careful these days; I only buy what I think I can really use, and it's of good quality. However, I could definitely stand to spend more time doing art and improving my skills, and less time looking for beautiful supplies on the web and buying them because they are "on sale." Thanks for posting this video. It will make me think twice before buying in future. You do have some beautiful art supplies there, Teoh! I'm a fan of the Polychromos myself and I use them frequently.

[@jamatwar]

Thank you for creating this video as it was a must/reality check for me. I don’t think I’m a “hoarder” of art supplies but I do get influenced by art hauls. Recently, I’ve fallen in love with Roman Szmal watercolours and polychromos pencils but I’ve convinced myself to only buy them through open shelves instead of the whole set.

[@THEMAYQUEEN1]

I have lots of alcohol markers and markers in general that I don’t use much at all. I have this art supply hoarding thing too lol, I love watercolours and paper. I love to make my own sketchbooks so collect all kinds of decorative papers and stickers. But mostly watercolour paints and palettes. Coloured pencils and pens have been my addiction since childhood lol. I love art supplies. I think buying them gives you a rush of feel,good hormones or something.

[@bigboyanimation3799]

I have sketchbooks from years I didn't use them yet and now the color of the papers of these sketchbooks is becoming yellow instead of white I don't like to draw on them like this, and I don't like to buy lot of art supplies because this is like throwing your money for nothing I buy only the things that I need

[@lisaperkins4438]

Decided at the beginning of the year that I would not buy any art supplies this year. Instead use what I already have on hand. It's not as hard as I thought it would be.

[@MandyvanGoeije]

Oh, I SO recognize this. Because of my youtube reviews I had WAY too much. I gave away more than half to charity a few years ago. It was a huge relief. Since, my stock has begun to pile up again. And it's a weight on my shoulders. For me, inspiration comes with having space and a slightly limited stash of art supplies...although in my case that means that I don't have full ranges of supplies and that I "only" have like 10 brands of watercolor, for example. I am on a no-buy regime now and the only things I allow myself to purchase are replacements of necessary things, like an eraser, and paper plus notebooks. No new paints! I broke through the addiction 😁 It's just that every successful artist and illustrator I know personally laughs at my stash and says I own a store. They work with a limited amount of supplies and wouldn't want to own that much as it would inhibit their work process. I am taking that lesson to heart. I'm going to use it all up and try not to buy. I am going to let myself - at some point - be limited by what I have to work with.

[@tricialeach1125]

Love your channel too Mandy! Would love to see a video on how your no-buy is going if that's something you're considering making! :)

[@MandyvanGoeije]

@@tricialeach1125 Thank you, Tricia. And yes, that's something I'm absolutely working on... :-)

[@tricialeach1125]

@@MandyvanGoeije

[@VeretenoVids]

Yes, I have this problem. My painting/drawing stuff all fits into one large dresser drawer, but my textiles and fiber stash have reached SABLE (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy). I really ought to sell some.

[@floratan2890]

Ironically, I want to buy more art supplies after watching your video! Especially those things of yours that I think I need!! I definitely have SAS

[@deepthikambhampati828]

This video came just in time. I'm not a professional artist but I have the 120 set of both Faber Castell Albretch Durer and Caran D'Ache Supracolor watercolor pencils, the costliest art supplies I own. I also have Daler Rowney, Lyra, and Arteza watercolor pencils. That used to be my obsession before. Now that I have all that, I moved on to professional watercolor sets/ tubes. EBay is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to buying art supplies. You find something at an amazing price and you'll have to have it. I just organized all my supplies and decided I'm not spending on it anymore. Hopefully I'll stick to that. 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@Handle1916]

I heard and saw that some art pencils on Ebay are fake low quality copies of the finest brands. You can tell by checking the text on the pencils. Also the tins/boxes are slightly different. Best, Kathy

[@leahevergreenart]

Oh, I have this same problem. Though I like to think I’ve found ways to curb it and even reduce my collection. For example, If I have found that I am not using something for a really long time, I try to use it again. To see if it can spark some creative joy. If not, I ask my friends if they could use it or know anyone who likes that brand or product. So it can bring joy to someone else. I think the reason why we creatives have an art supply hoarding problem is that we get inspired by so many things, be it the product its self on a shelf as we walk by or videos of other artists using the supplies. That we think, oh yah, I have some ideas where I could use that. Plus, when you are starting out, its hard to know what you like and don’t like which can lead to a collection of supplies.

[@drawninthefog]

A friend recently suggested to me that acquiring art and craft supplies is a whole different hobbie to actually creating art

[@zarl5238]

Going to an art supply store is a hoarder's dream. So many beautiful packaging of these art supplies...the suppliers know that if the packing is good it will catch your eye and u may buy it. So now when i go to an art supply store (which i don't do much often now) i bring a list and try to keep to it and i will only buy new stuff if it is related to or helps with what's on my list.

[@daisylopezartist]

I used to have so many art supplies. It's nice to experiment on different materials to find out what you are comfortable using. And also to find your art style. I ended up giving away materials like watercolors, acrylics, gouache and craypass. I did not enjoy using those... haha. I found out that I really like working with calligraphy/manga tools, fountain pens, inks and Procreate in iPad.

[@PaulaBean]

And now you can start hoarding iPads! ;-) Wouldn't it be nice to have a large iPad Pro for speed and lots of screen space to draw, but perhaps also a iPad Mini because it's so light and you can take it easily with you?

[@anjakritzelkram5544]

First of all unpack the Luminance, there even better than Polychromos in my opinion. And yes, I am guilty of buying to much art supplies ( and don’t even ask about the craft supplies …) I try to fight hoarding them with some „rules“ 1. You can only use one at a time, so chose the best you have 2. You are worth using them no matter how „talented“ „good“ or whatever artist you are because art is not about the result but the process, expressing your inner self and you a worth to chose whatever tool works best for you 3. Find out how the supplies suit your way best, e.g. I need my supplies out of the box to use them. Maybe you enjoy a big set of paints or pencils or (like me) you are better of using your supplies when you have a limited palette aproach. 4. When you don’t use it find a new home, gift it, sell it, donate it. Or share them with the little artists around you 😃 They are made for using them not for lying in your drawers.

[@helgaleifsdottir5191]

I am an art supplies hoarder. Got plenty of watercolor paint, Schminke, and plenty of Acrylic professional paint, and a lot of other art supplies. The most costly supplies I am afraid to use. Every artbook, or Patreon on KZbin (I loved seeing the big art supplies hauls) , demands to buy more art supplies. I am also for the past year, too anxious to paint and I got an illness that limits my painting time. Now I am on a "NO buy art supplies" journey. I do not have the money or the space for the arty stuff that I never use.. This is like a crazy addiction. Thank you Theo for addressing this subject.

[@dopamineTV]

gave you a like as soon as you said “there is no reason to sugarcoat this” 👍

[@derwood206]

I like how you say "I feel good looking at this". I know that feeling SO WELL as I buy another watercolor tube of paint or palette or brush...oh, and the smell of opening a new pack of colored pencils! :). (Maybe I should just get a cedar). I have both Faber Castell Polychromous and Prismacolor and eyeing Caran D'Ache but I definitely don't "need" them. Resisting for now. (but if anyone asks me what I want for a present I know what to say...ha :) What a NICE set of DaVinci brushes! Feeling SAS=sy.

[@susankaempfer8427]

Yeah. But it’s comforting to know that in the event of a zombie apocalypse I‘ll still be able to paint…

[@justacatwhocantype]

I have been doing a bit of hoarding recently, yes. While this was never my thing in the past, and I was always quite happy just owning what I actually needed to work with, during the pandemic I changed. I suddenly had so much time to spend at home, and I started watching a lot of art related content... You know where this is going. While I discovered some supplies that I genuinely am glad to have found and love to use, I mostly purchased a bunch of supplies that I have paid way to little attention to and do not actually need, at least not at this point in time. I have had a serious talk about this with myself and have decided to spend this year only buying things that I need, like when I need to replace a specific color or something like that.

[@robinwild1]

Gosh, after reading the comments, I must be one of the few who truly can’t overbuy. In fact, it drives me nuts watching KZbin art videos when it is just about pushing supplies as I don’t have the dollars for anything but the basics, and cheap basics at that. For example, I have to use the cheapest watercolour paper, crappy Cotman watercolours, Walmart brushes, etc. But I guess this topic is about hoarding, right? I guess what I am saying is consider yourself fortunate if you have the opportunity to hoard. Be grateful for your supplies.

[@thisnthat42]

I try not to buy anything unnecessarily. I did a big house declutter a few years ago so I’m mindful about what comes into the house now. I got rid of duplicate art supplies but I’m still experimenting so I still own various different mediums, some of which I’m not as keen on but while I’m still learning they stay. I try not to go after whatever is currently trending on KZbin. For example those metallic watercolours I’ve seen a lot of people buy are gorgeous looking but I can’t think what I would use them for so they would just sit in the cupboard and get looked at once in a while. On the other hand I don’t want to be too strict with myself and not try out something which I may end up loving. I mainly try to avoid buying different brands of the same medium. I think it’s easy to end up with duplicates over the years as you slowly upgrade your supplies. That’s when for me, it’s a good idea to start donating the older stuff to others who can use them.

[@edzejandehaan9265]

I have put the brakes on buying art supplies. I have quite some stuff, so I really don't need any more to create art. There is one exception: I am "allowed" to upgrade my current student grade watercolor paints to artist grade, but no hurry there.(I am a bit jealous of those nice watercolor sets you show there...) Living in the Icelandic country side does help, no well stocked tempting art stores in the vicinity, and online ordering is quite a pain. So temptations are kept in check...

[@linzenota]

I've definitely become an art supply hoarder, mainly because when I find supplies I like I fall for the "complete set syndrome" and want them all in every color before I've used up the first one. The upside is I at least have more than enough to where when my friends come over, they know they can use and try out what I have to try before they buy anything.

[@loveandlife4222]

You have very nice “extra” supplies. I would definitely keep them all. I am trying to buy all of the things I think I need because my husband will be retiring soon and our income will be reduced. 😁

[@cindyhorton6980]

I am in the same boat!! Lol Have a great day!❤️

[@annjohnson73]

Me too!! My hubby talks about retiring in 8 years. Also, the prices are going through the roof...so I feel I need to get everything I need before I’m priced out. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@CineNOV579]

I think most if not all artists have this issue. There’s just so many wonderful things to buy 😅 I suffered the most with color pens and sketchbooks. But eventually the same kind of items started piling up and I only triggered my anxiety and buyers guilt. Nowadays, I am trying to finish ALL my books before I buy anything again. Wish me luck ✌🏻

[@ArtySubu]

Yes, very tempted always to buy things but over the past few years only replacing what finishes and very few new things. My favourite supplies are gouache and Polychromos pencils.

[@deborahgiles8214]

I love this topic! It's so easy and fun to buy attractive, different art supplies. No wonder so many of us succumb from time to time. Once we possess these things, many of us feel that niggling worry of possible future scarcity (plus the endowment effect) which can turn getting rid of excess supplies into a strangely emotionally-charged process. Drawers got full and I had to make sure that anything new coming in had to be balanced by something old being taken out and even stuck to a no-new-supplies policy for a couple of years EXCEPT to replace or buy an item needed to complete an already-started project. It was, to me, an empowering mindset and worked well. Things got used up and projects got completed. It was great. I also know I will do better using new supplies if I swatch them properly so I make a point of taking care of that. When I know better how they work, I can more easily integrate new things into the supplies I typically use. These steps don't eliminate the problem but do improve the situation. It was fun to see your extra, un/under-used supplies. 😉

[@geckonia]

FOUNTAIN PEN INK!!! I have enough for 22 lifetimes 🤣 those iroshizuku bottles are just so beautiful. I’ll try to cure my ASAS next year. 🥳

[@teohyc]

I have those too but sold them away eventually 😂

[@maryalgar8779]

There are worse "addictions" :) Whether you are a knitter, person who enjoys sewing, artist etc., there is a tendency to buy more than we actually currently need. Someone mentioned art books - I think that is a good investment and, if you don't like them or decide you no longer want them, gift them to your local library.

[@teacharliechaplin2324]

We actually went through our stash last October and donated what I won’t use to my daughter’s school’s art department. A lot of it was acrylics and alcohol markers that I had gotten in art subscription boxes and a brand of watercolour tubes that I didn’t need and wouldn’t use and I hadn’t opened those tubes because I had the same colours from other brands. Art subscription boxes can be great for introducing you to a new product that you would have otherwise bought, and I know that other people would have been excited to get alcohol markers and heavy body acrylics and they wouldn’t have been as pleased with charcoals and chalks as I was. At least they went to a good home and I know that the teacher in the art department can make sure that they get used and they can get donated to one of the students that maybe does want to try these things. So at least they went to a good home and the art teacher was grateful; I got a lovely thank you note.

[@tessa6307]

This is too true. I started buying my art supplies second hand a couple years ago. This honesty made my hoarding worse because when something cool comes up on eBay or Facebook it gives me a sense of urgency I don’t have if I was just buying from blick or Jackson’s. I’ve gotten some joy out of sharing my unused supplies with neighbors and friends. I still have quite the hoard of supplies that I’ll probably never use it up, but I truly enjoy using all of them in turn.

[@dees3179]

When I started out I fell victim to gear acquisition syndrome also. For me, it was specifically driven by the ‘better value’ offered by larger sets. But then I found I was ending up with items I didn’t really like. So now my rule is that if I am interested in a supply I can purchase a presentative sample, I.e. a red, yellow, blue..and then only buy more of them if I really like them. The supplies I thought I would never use I gave to a colleague who is an excellent artist with different taste in supplies for him to play with, with the understanding that anything he didn’t like he similarly passed on to someone else to try. Recently I’ve seen a lot more KZbinr artists trade supplies amongst themselves to try which is a nicer way to go about it and has the advantage of continually introducing me to new artists. I thinks it’s also important to acknowledge that collecting art supplies can be a valid hobby, just like collecting anything else. But it’s mentally healthier to acknowledge which it is we are doing.

[@jeanettegillings7202]

I do buy art products and I know that I dont always need them (or even use them)...but I rarely have buyers remorse... I'm trying to make more effort to use what I have before I buy more... but it's hard! Great video Teoh...thanks for your insight.

[@cmeblu75]

If you think polychromos are wonderful you’d love their watercolor counterpart the albrecht Durer watercolor pencils are a dream

[@elainecosta6084]

So is it called sas? Yes I am sassy and I have no regrets *LoL*!! Jokings apart, yes, as your illustration on an old review of Daniel Smith essential set, I hoard art supplies! And I feel good to see at my goodies like a pair of M Graham watercolor and a small cache of Schmincke paints. I feel like it's a personal achievent because it's so hard/expensive to make art at my country. I devoted time and efford to grab good supplies and here is the reward, a fine watercolor paint that can do what I expect them to do, not to mention the wonderful mixes it can deliver (not fully explored yet). So at moment I'm happy with my small coloful treasure cache. Just need to keep my eyes out of art supply store... I shall not look at it very often 😅😅😅

[@sailorfan86]

I’ve hoarded Art supplies. Of every possible medium. And YES, it mostly sits around. I’m slowly but surely using them. But decided that 2022 is a No Buy Paint year. Did I buy a few thing? Yes I did. Mostly Sketchbooks & papers except paints.

[@alinatr2693]

Art supply shopping is whole hobby for itself, I started to use my more expensive stuff,because it's there to use it!! If you don't use it,you can sell it on ebay. If you really have a huuuge colletion,try to only buy something new,if you get rid of something old

[@ritawilbur7343]

Oh yes for sure! I've only been doing art for about two years now, and at first I definitely was always buying whatever new shiny thing I saw on KZbin. But then, since I was just starting out, I do think it was legit for me to try a whole bunch of media. However, I've never suffered from "full set syndrome," where I have to buy the biggest set of a particular item. Early on I saw a video that said you really don't need more than a 36 set of colored pencils - and actually now I think 24 would be fine. Now what I do is I jhave a small set of something, then just buy a few additional colors open stock that I find useful - whether it's colored pencils, paints, etc. The great thing about this approach is that I can try out different brands. So if, for example, I want cobalt blue or perylene green, I'll buy one tube in a brand I haven't tried before.. I will say, though, that the only full set I've ever bought was the 48 Kuretake gansai tambi set about a year ago. I don't use it often, but oh -- it is SO PRETTY to look at!

[@margaretspringer9197]

I think I'm at the point of having too many art supplies (every medium but soft pastel), so I'm trying to stop buying them. I love having them and using them -- two separate pleasures, I think. KZbin videos, the pandemic, and aging and not being able to do as much are definitely factors, as is the fact that I have a whole room for art and art supplies (though they're starting to leak out into other rooms as well!).

[@annettefournier9655]

Paper. I love good paper. I have oils and acrylics and way to many watercolors. Pencil sets I only use the same 5 colors from. I don't use my watercolor pencils. Ugh. Yes too many supplies.

[@LCLand]

I learned long ago that it’s best to buy the best you can afford because you will be happiest using the product and will use more often. Shoes, clothes, art supplies. If you can afford all those crappy sets you can afford fewer premium quality art supplies and wouldn’t have so much junk….🤷🏻‍♀️

[@islandgirl75]

My rule is if it can't fit in 2 drawers and I haven't used the supplies in more than 6 months - I'll gift them. Also, I stopped buying stuff I know I won't need. There's just so much that we buy just because we can/we like it at the time. Thankfully, after sorting out the supplies I don't use regularly and storing them, my daughter has taken them to use and is doing a much better job of it than me! :D I did a huge cleanout of art supplies about 3 years ago and gave it to a colleague of mine who wasn't really able to buy supplies. I just gifted it all to him and I know it's in better hands than mine. This video just reminded me I should probably go through my supplies during the holidays. I'm pretty sure there are things hiding away again that could go to a better home. Stuff I still have that I've noticed I'm not using as regularly as before: - Alcohol inks - Liquid watercolors (Aqua drops) - Watercolor pens from Faber Castell - Drawing inks from Rohrer & Klingner ...although, I DO use this, I don't really know if I use them often enough to warrant staying with me. The thing I know I have a problem with: Paper hoarding. I LOVE paper - especially watercolor paper and bristol. Then I also do paper hoarding in the form of sketchbooks. But as I said, my daughter tends to inherit a lot of stuff because she uses the supplies every day so I know these items will be loved when she's ready.

[@oliferous]

If you EVER want to lighten your hoard and help out a poor artist in the process (that loves your channel/videos, longtime subscriber!) I would LOVE to trade or buy some WC paint from you! lol! Thank you for sharing, i used to have quite a large hoard before the pandemic but have since gone through and used almost all of it! I started using things I never liked before but because I was running low on my usual supplies and forced me to step out of my comfort zone which actually has resulted in a lot of fun and different types of work, in the end helping me grow on the whole as an artist. Especially at the beginning of the pandemic through the first year or so when we had so much time indoors. Not to mention your channel has helped me learn new techniques and I thank you for all the information you have shared! Thanks again for another great video!

[@stevesloan5935]

I need to see my stuff out. I'm considering getting a digital photo frame just for the purpose of displaying a slideshow of my art supply photos. Perhaps I will mix in text slides of art project ideas/ notes that I make of what I hope to create when I buy a new supply. In addition, I could put up a traditional vision board with upcoming art project ideas & related supplies. I may also group some supplies with a chart of art projects for them. Finally, I plan to explore how to group my supply types and workspace(s), so as to reduce the friction in getting started using them on any given day. One last thing: I may put some of the supplies in a separate "wait and see" bin, in a separate room, and if I don't pull them to use in a year, donate them.

[@little_renatinha]

that qor palette is my dream! enjoy all your art supplies, for you and for us!

[@PaulaBean]

Dropping QoR (aquazol) into conventional watercolors (gum arabic) wet-in-wet gives spectacular results. The aquazol interacts with the gum arabic in unpredictable ways.

[@JK_70]

Hahaha I feel so called out. Yes, I've got a hoard of watercolor, acrylics, colour pencils, stamps, inks... AliExpress can be way too tempting...