Permanent No-Buy Q&A. New supplies? Gifts? Still going to make art?

[@sinch4044]

this video is such a relief. it has become so oppressively frustrating trying to find the art and artfulness in the channels of 'artists' that mainly are actually just product buying + product swatching channels. being inundated with so much consumerist crap dressed up as content i, as an artist, should be watching to improve my practice, slowly over time has influence on my buying habits. i already tend to fixate on collecting and cataloguing, but the current atmosphere in the art community and on youtube specifically puts a bigger pressure on it.

[@rayne6737]

I watch a few who do buys occasionally. By watching just these few I keep up on most new things but don’t get a lot of the same thing over and over.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I've felt the same way and even though it is the art haul videos that gain my channel the most views and subscribers, it's just not worth it for me. I have to live my life happily and with a purpose and buying supplies all the time makes me UNhappy when I can't get to using them all.

[@jillkama7614]

I have come to hate haul and unboxing videos. Having a no buy and using what you have is the way to go! Thanks for all u do, you are wonderful

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Aw, thanks!

[@xiola]

Me too... I've actually unfollowed some channels I was really enjoying because they started doing these huge T3MU hauls and I just couldn't support it anymore! x_x

[@angellie5367]

Hi Miranda, great video. I'm starting to use up my supplies after watching your gigantic haul and interview with Lindsay. While doing watercolour month, I realised that you're absolutely right, I need to use those supplies that I love more often. I enjoyed using them through that one month painting challenge 😊. And, yes, I love the feeling of squeezing out paint to pan and tossed the tube away 😅...sort of achievement 😂. Keep it up, and I look forward to more videos like this 🎉

[@LeesChannel]

It seems like the no-buy has changed a little bit. I was excited to see you use up your paints, and eventually start branching out to your underutilized colors as your favorites disappeared. It would be fascinating to watch, and unorthodox or experimental limited color palettes are one of my favorite things to watch, so like I had said, I would be incredibly interested to see things gradually go down that path as the standard colors start going away.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I am doing that with one of my watercolor palettes. It's getting interesting.

[@LeesChannel]

@@MirandaWatsonArt The Himi Mia?

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@LeesChannel yes. 🙂

[@AlexisCassandraArt]

Miranda I think this was a good decision, we have art supplies to last decades😂 I think because hauls and swatching do well on art KZbin channels, us artist KZbinrs collect EVEN MORE supplies than we would normally. I have so much, and I haven’t been creating a lot of art lately, so I’m increasingly aware of my sitting supplies collecting dust! Anyway I respect this choice, and I think the rules you have make sense. This is a great way to force yourself to actually use up a lot of your supplies!!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thanks, Alexis! I'm really curious how long it will take to actually start using things up completely. I think it's going to be a long time!

[@BeckyTregear]

I’m with you in the long lists of “ideas” that take years to eventuate. 😂 But it’s better to have too many ideas than not enough…endless potential videos. ❤

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

So true!

[@PaintinHiding]

i absolutely love everything about this video. massive respect towards this endeavour but also... i love that you took the time to explain your thoughts behind each "exception". everyone's no buy will look a little different so i'm glad that this video serves as an example for some people who don't know where to start. what a great role model, great reasonings and explanations as well.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Aw, thanks Vee. Your comments warm my heart. I'm also looking forward to finding out all that good information. :-D

[@Julie-vy3oz]

I appreciate this conversation. I do love “my favorite supplies” videos and seeing how artists use their supplies. Like many have commented, I’ve slowed way down and will buy an open stock “treat “ sometimes. I’ve been culling items I have and don’t “love” and giving them away. My motivation is impending retirement and potentially moving and downsizing. Thanks for the motivation!

[@FaithAnnNB]

@@Julie-vy3oz The thought of retiring in the next few years is what motivated me to buy for a brief period (until I came to my senses lol); I thought I should stock up on some things while I had more income and then everything would be available when I have more time to enjoy them during retirement. Since it doesn’t take long to have enough watercolour to last a VERY long time, I did give up that “retirement savings” approach lol.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, Favorite Supplies videos are among my favorite. It's great that you are becoming more particular about what you purchase and giving things away that you don't love. Win for everyone.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Well, you'll now have plenty to last you through retirement, Faith! That's one good way to look at it. Plus it was fun, right?

[@Julie-vy3oz]

@@FaithAnnNB ha! I can relate. I did similar during the COVID height-thus my need to not buy now!

[@shadowguard3578]

You read my questions, thanks! I’m all for a no buy but with exceptions, for instance a person runs out of something and it needs to be replaced etc. I’m on my temporary watercolor no buy but broke it about two or three months ago, and again on my travels LOL. When I travel I put a temporary suspension on my no buy. 😁

[@jennw6809]

I thought I'd weigh in on your question about Qor vs Mission Gold pure pigments... I have both and they are both wonderful, but I agree with Miranda -- in the US, the Mission Gold set is a great deal on Amazon, especially the 24 set. But, I've bought a handful of open stock tubes not in my set, and paid more than I spent on the set. And, the Mission Gold are probably the least flowy or explosive paints I have, and the Qor are the most. Mission Gold will flow, but you have to have the paper wetness *just right.* Both are highly, highly pigmented, excellent quality paints. So it really comes down to what do you want out of your paint?

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I like the travel exception, and I read that and decided to do that for my Canada trip, but I can't really find anything that I would want so far, which is good! I did buy a T-shirt that I can draw on, but that's it. I was hoping to find Stoneground paints or something special like that, but no luck.

[@sueallen1945]

I love this! I am finding it hard myself to cut back on my buying. I feel the more I buy the less experience and expertise I’ll have on any medium.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I agree!

[@eviedivadoodles]

Love this! I am guilty of buying supplies, though it has been significantly less since January. Instead, I try to dive into using a material each month to understand it more and decide it if is something to permanently add to my toolkit, or whether it’s best being sold on or donated. I also love how you are steadfast in allowing yourself to replace your most used art materials. Like you say, it’s not about torturing yourself, but making sure you’re using what actually works for you. And if it’s run out, and you need it in your art, it makes sense to refresh your supply.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thanks, Eve! I was definitely thinking about doing something similar to you and your monthly material idea, but I'm worried I'll get bored even if I really think it's a great idea. I guess I'll just have to try it to find out. A month does go by rather quickly, so it would probably work. I love watching yours each month.

[@ritawilbur6128]

Congratulations on your no-buy mission! Personally, I wouldn't go that far, but I haven't too badly abused buying supplies. I did in the beginning. I do think when you're just starting out, you don't really know what is out there and what you will love. My cousin, who taught art in college, advised me not to limit myself but to try "everything." Problem is, of course, that art supplies can be big business, and they keep coming up with new stuff - mostly novelty items - for people to buy, but which they don't really end up using. And KZbin, unfortunately, only contributes to this overconsumption. In fact it fuels it. I can't help but think it's not a coincidence that after you announced your "no buy," now companies want to send you products for free. They want YOU to do their advertising for them! One of the ways I satisfy my urge to buy without getting a whole bunch of new stuff: I started with a 36 set of Prismacolor pencils. Now when I get the urge to buy, I can go get a couple new pencils open stock. So I get new stuff, but it's not stuff I'll never use. I now have probably 70-80 pencils. It's way too many! But it's manageable. I also have about 17 Caran d'Ache Luminance pencils, and while those are sold open stock too, I have banned myself from buying more. The reason is because I really value having a limited palette. It forces me to be more creative in my color choices. For a similar reason, I just don't buy new watercolor paint. I have plenty already that will last me a long time. But I do always need to buy more kneadable erasers. Both my kids have ADHD and they LOVE those erasers for tactile reasons, so they run off with them no matter where I try to hide them.... I really love the idea of an art swap group! Someone should set that up - maybe someone already has? I have sent things to people in the past, but I definitely have more stuff I could contribute.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

I think the buying open-stock idea makes perfect sense. It's great to add on or replace what you already use and love. I can't say that I would be willing to start up the art swap group, but I'll consider the idea. I'm kind of overbooked right now but I really love the concept. Food for thought!

[@ritawilbur6128]

@@MirandaWatsonArt I wasn't saying you should start it! But someone should. Maybe me? Uhhhmmmmm.....

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@ritawilbur6128 I'd be good with you starting it, lol!

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@MirandaWatsonArt Hi, MIranda! Rita said, _"I can't help but think it's not a coincidence that after you announced your "no buy," now companies want to send you products for free. They want YOU to do their advertising for them!."_ ... and it is exactly the same thought that went through my head while watching this video. I haven't written my own comment yet, cos my head's a bit full of some quite serious other stuff, and I'd like to take time to skip back through what you've said, and which I mentally 'earmarked' to come back and comment and have now forgotten! . But speed-reading through other comments in these odd moments really helps me! Rita's comment which I've quotes is one of those helps! 😊

[@Patti5d]

Your hair looks great! Nice color for you!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thank you!

[@Azkademon]

Great Q&A but I'd die before I ever reached a 'no buy' myself, I only get supplies (if I'm lucky) for my birthday and xmas, I'm also inflicted with 2 life long health conditions which are not curable hence I'd properly die before I reach a no buy, I totally missed the community comment to ask a question but I loved hearing all the answers to the ones asked, I look forward to seeing the art your going to make with all the supplies you already have, awe Jack and his stick!! Bless him! :D

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, I would bet there are many people out there just like you where a no-buy would NOT make sense. Life is too short not to enjoy it.

[@Azkademon]

@@MirandaWatsonArt So true!! Life is far to short ☺

[@FaithAnnNB]

I was feeling overwhelmed/guilty with my stash of art supplies because I had a couple of years where I was collecting more than using. My job can be stressful (like a lot of jobs!) and I was working a lot of hours, so I think perusing for supplies and treating myself was a way to stay connected to art, even though I wasn’t finding time to paint. So, I cut back in 2023 but the cut back wasn’t enough (it didn’t “stick” for the entire year 😅). This year, I got much more serious about not buying new things and I feel I’ve done okay-ish. My exceptions: - if I run out of a “main” gouache colour, I can replace it (gouache is a newer medium for me and I don’t have as much); Jackson’s had a sale on gouache and I ordered some colours I needed a few months ago - I knew we were going to the UK and I wanted to buy a couple of “art supply souvenirs” - I always receive gift cards for my local art store (Christmas/birthday), so I can use those for whatever I like I have only had one purchase that didn’t fit the above. Amazon had a sale on the portable painter classic and micro set and these are hard to get in Canada since Portable Painter no longer ships here. I feel that extra palettes help me organize and use my existing supplies, so I didn’t feel too much guilt when I bought them 😂. Loved hearing about your no-buy… good luck with it!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Your new plan sounds perfect! And I would have bought the Portable Painters, too, if I were you in that situation. Thanks, FaithAnn!

[@revondamehovic3132]

Its nice to really enjoy the art supplies we already have ❤.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes!

[@karenirving7088]

I've just started a no - buy. I have enough! I want to enjoy using my supplies.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Wonderful! I love hearing this.

[@PaintinHiding]

11:30 i'm so happy you love mijello too! (sorry for multiple comments haha)

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes - it's a beautiful paint.

[@jrm2716]

Would you consider doing periotic (sp?) Empties videos? Cosmetic channels do it, or used to. They review something after they used something up. I would find this interesting. Honestly, I am really looking forward to tagging along with you on this new refreshing journey you are on.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, I definitely want to do empties videos! I also love watching them, although very few art channels do them. Kindra is one that I can think of and I think Helen Cryer will probably end up doing some in the future, hopefully.

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i love the blessings i have from getting art supplies,i am getting the Artistro 24 6ml full pans ,i got them on prime day yesterday,thank you i like your videos

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

When it give you joy, that is the best thing.

[@veystone2580]

I think that a "permanent" no buy, FOR ME, would help me immensely, in the following matter. I want to own ONLY what I really "like", use, and need. I can't imagine artists from waaaay back in the day, having SO MUCH "CRAP". Perhaps they had a lot, but a lot of whatever they used and needed! Idk, that's just me thinking. But surely, it's a great way to improve our skills and expand our horizons if we "marry" our liked, used, and needed art supplies. Don't you think?! A "permanent" no buy for me would be "permanent" for a while in this sense: I would make a schedule to use whatever medium for quite a while, without grabbing anything else, but noticing, which things I wanted to grab. I also would notice which colors, tools, and surfaces, I gravitate to again and again, no matter the subject I'm working on. That will allow me to FULLY understand MYSELF. Then I could put away whatever colors or tools or anything I didn't use during that time. And I will repeat this process with every medium I have. By the end, I will know FOR SURE, what things I like, use, and need. But then I will have to learn to differentiate between like and need. (I'm currently on that process) Cause, oh how many things I have that I like, but I dont need!!! Therefore I rarely use them or dont use them at all but I keep because I like! But if I dont use them, why keep 'em at all!? The struggle is real. 😅 Anyway, after all that purging and learning, a process that will probably take me months to tackle completely, I will end up with a pile of supplies that I can get rid of, and THEN I will be able, FINALLY, to keep buying only what I need and use. And just thinking about it makes me feel lighter at heart... at ease. I had been thinking about going down this road for 3 years now, but instead I have kept buying and buying, and now I feel overwhelmed. When I first saw your video about your permanent no buy, and then the one with Lindsay, you got me thinking and I felt compelled to CONTINUE my version, and I have been doing it on and off for around 3 to 4 months, maybe? But now I'm on it on daily basis. I don't know how much longer it will take me, but I have been learning a lot, and have been avoiding art haul videos, instead I have been focusing on reviews and usage of what I already have. Still need to find how to really use, incorporate, and enjoy the Neocolor I, cause so far I havent find a way I like. I will be so sad to see them go.... This is so hard. But at the end I know it will be worthy!!! For now I have a huge box full of art supplies I will be donating as soon as I finish this journey! Hope your journey goes well too! ❤

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

This is such a lovely comment. Would you mind if I reposted it on my Community tab? I love everything about it.

[@sekkachigaming]

This is such a great idea! I had 2 attempts at no buy in the past 2 years, although mine was a complete no buy, not just art related. I haven't lasted as long as I planned on either attempt, but managed a few months each time. I think you video motivated me to try it again now until Christmas :)

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

You can do it! I have gone on an "everything" no-buy in the past (except food and gas, of course, and other essentials) and it was great! I did it for about 8 months and it was really interesting. I think I'm going to try it again here very soon.

[@MCM-ev4gp]

I'm on no buy all (except food and medication) since January. I started decluttering my house but art supplies are the most difficult to part with. The no buy encourages me to use up my supplies and helps me focusing on training myself. So video like this is very encouraging 😊❤

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

@@MCM-ev4gp thanks for sharing. It's very inspiring to hear about other people's journeys as well. Other than gifts for people and essentials, I'm trying the all-around no-buy as well. It's good for us, right?!

[@MadebyDawn23]

i am on a no buy sort of, i have been using up my my products giving them some love. I have my birthday coming up and i still accept gift from my family and friends. I think that is great idea to do come art supplies exchanges. I think the thing that is hurting in my no buy is that currently i am in an art block.

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Oh no, not art block, such a bummer! Glad you are on a sort-of-no-buy. Hope your art block ends soon!

[@MadebyDawn23]

@@MirandaWatsonArt i think it is paper im working with i bought the shizen handmade rough press watercolour paper, however it is too soft for my liking and i find it frustrating to work with especially because i work in such tight and control style. I believe it was designed for watercolourist that work much more looser

[@NanaBeth1]

WTG girl!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Thanks!

[@nanamiss1793]

You so beautiful even before your new hair looks 🌸🌹🌷

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Aw, thank you, that's so sweet of you. ❤

[@art-alchemy]

Hi Miranda, If you have so much product already. Then when you feel a rush to buy stuff just go through the items that you have not swatch yet or try. I sometimes do that with items I only swatch but have not taken them for a spin..its great. I enjoy trading and things like that. I wanted to ask you if you were willing to sell the Dina Wakley Big Mix Media Notebook. Let me know either way. Thanks Maria

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, exactly on the trying out my already-existing supplies. Sorry, not going to sell the Dina Wakley journal. :-)

[@art-alchemy]

@@MirandaWatsonArt Ok. Thank You!

[@Saahrish]

I have question, aren’t you worried about sizing on watercolor paper going bad? What would you do if that happened?

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yes, for sure and another great reason for the no-buy because I have paper that I've bought several years ago and I'm worried that it's going to start going bad. This no-buy will force me to get that used up and in priority order. Fingers crossed!

[@Saahrish]

@@MirandaWatsonArt all the best! I love seeing your cheerful self on KZbin.

[@karenirving7088]

Feel good that other people are starting to question whether KZbin is just a marketing platform for Amazon. Absolutely ridiculous the amount of unnecessary crap some people are buying when there are people in the world that can't afford food 😢

[@jennw6809]

As far as making supplies -- I started making soft pastels and I spent a lot on the materials -- because I tried one thing, then I heard about another way, which required a different material, etc -- and then I have not really been even making them! Does that surprise anyone? Not me!

[@MirandaWatsonArt]

Yeah, so far, making supplies is very low on my list. Thank goodness!

[@marybethsinn6792]

Alot of people who do videos do giveaways on the supplies they try out and don’t need