Three best art supplies for the low-energy artist

Consistency can be hard. 

Even though I love drawing and painting, I used to go months without making art. I would spend hours in art stores, treat myself to new supplies, and then only use them once. 

It wasn’t that I stopped liking art, or didn’t enjoy using my supplies. I stopped creating because I had no energy to create. 

But, consistency is an important part of improving any skill, and this includes creativity.

So for the last several months, I’ve made it a goal to draw everyday for at least 5 minutes. 

Through this process, I learned that one of my greatest obstacles that prevents me from creating is the set-up process. The thought of setting up my paints, easel, water, and brushes is exhausting - exhausting enough to stop myself from creating entirely.

Instead of being hard on myself for being tired, or giving up on creating, I decided to skip the set-up process.

How you ask? By using my favourite art supplies that require virtually no set-up:

  1. Markers

  2. Pencil crayons

  3. iPad or drawing tablet

1. Markers - With markers all you need to do is pick them up. No need to sharpen them, fill them, or sit at a desk (aka bed friendly). They are perfect for doodles, colouring pages, and creating layered drawings.

2. Pencil crayons - Pencil crayons have a similar vibe to markers - they only need to be picked up to be used. One downside is that they do require sharpening (which sucks if you have lost your pencil sharpener like I have). But you can always drop the dull pencil crayon mid-sketch and grab a sharper one. I bet the colour combo would look cool. 

3. iPad or drawing tablet - My iPad is truly one of the best things I have invested in specifically for my art. Procreate, the app that most digital artists use, gives you access to digital brushes and every colour, and all you need to do is pick up a pencil. This is my go-to drawing device, especially when I’m laying on the couch or getting ready for bed. I know they are pretty expensive, but I really do recommend an iPad or drawing tablet for anyone interested in creating more frequently!

With these 3 tools, consistency in my art practice has never been greater, and it can help you too! If you are looking for ways to get yourself creating more, any of these tools are worth a shot.

If you need somewhere to start when it comes to creating more, try working your way through a colouring sheet! If you’d like to support me and purchase one of my printable colouring sheets, check out my shop catalogue here.

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