Everything I Use in My Art Studio: Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials ✿

A quiet little collection of the art studio essentials, art supplies I use, creative tools, packaging materials, desk setup finds, and everyday objects that have genuinely stayed part of my process over time.

One of the questions I get asked most often is:

“What do you actually use in your art studio?”

And honestly, I understand why people ask.

When I first started building my creative space, I spent so much time trying to figure out which supplies were actually worth investing in and which ones were just beautifully marketed online. Over the years I’ve tested inexpensive materials, upgraded a few favorites, bought things impulsively because they looked aesthetic, and slowly discovered what genuinely works for the kind of art and atmosphere I enjoy creating.

So instead of making a generic “best art supplies” list, I wanted this post to feel more personal — almost like inviting you into my studio and sharing the tools that quietly support my everyday creative life.

Finding good art supplies online can honestly feel overwhelming. Every brand claims to be the best, every product has mixed reviews, and sometimes the most expensive option still ends up untouched in a drawer. These are simply the materials, tools, and studio objects that have consistently stayed on my desk because they make creating feel easier, softer, or more enjoyable.

Some are professional-grade. Some are surprisingly affordable. Some are slightly imperfect but still worth keeping around.

And because a lot of you ask for exact links after my reels and studio videos, I’ll slowly keep adding the specific products I use throughout this post ✿

Section 1 — Paints & Colors I Keep Returning To (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Paints are probably the most emotional part of my studio.

Sometimes, I tend to gravitate toward muted botanicals, earthy greens, dusty blues, warm neutrals, and soft layered textures rather than very bright saturated palettes. So over time, I’ve naturally leaned toward materials that blend gently and layer beautifully.

Watercolors (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Artist Watercolor Tubes

Why I use them: These are usually what I reach for when I’m painting postcards, botanical studies, or soft layered washes.

What I love: The transparency and softness of the colors feel much easier to control compared to very chalky student-grade paints.

Best for: Artists who enjoy layering and softer watercolor textures.

Little note: Some professional watercolor tubes are definitely expensive, especially certain pigments, so I still mix them with more affordable colors sometimes.

I’ve linked the exact watercolor tubes I use here if you’d like to have a look.

HIMI Jelly Gouache (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use it: I usually use gouache for flatter illustrations, sketchbook experiments, and tiny design ideas.

What I love: The creamy consistency is genuinely fun to work with and feels less intimidating than traditional gouache.

Best for: Beginners and artists who enjoy matte illustrations.

Little note: The containers can dry out slightly over time if not sealed properly.

This is one of the sets I keep repurchasing because it makes experimenting feel easy.

Acrylic Paints & Mediums (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

I didn’t expect to enjoy acrylics as much as I do now.

For a long time, I found them difficult because they dried too fast, but once I started using mediums properly, the experience completely changed.

Acrylic Gel Medium (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use it: I mix this into paintings whenever I want more texture or smoother blending.

What I love: It adds body without making the paint feel muddy.

Best for: Artists who enjoy layered acrylic work or collage textures.

Little note: Not necessary for beginners unless you enjoy texture-heavy painting.

I usually keep this right next to my palette while working.

Gesso (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use it: I prime almost every canvas or wooden surface before painting.

What I love: It gives the surface a smoother grip and helps paint sit better.

Best for: Anyone painting on raw canvas, boards, or textured surfaces.

Little note: Some cheaper gesso brands feel too watery, so I prefer slightly thicker ones.

I’ve linked the one I currently use here.

Oil Paints (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Oil painting is still something I approach slowly and patiently.

It’s probably the medium that taught me the most about layering and slowing down.

Oil Painting Mediums (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use them: Mostly for glazing, smoother blending, and extending paint movement.

What I love: They make oil paints feel richer and easier to manipulate.

Best for: Artists who enjoy slower, detailed painting sessions.

Little note: Drying time can definitely test your patience.

If I had to repurchase only one oil medium, it would probably be linseed oil because I use it constantly.

Section 2 — Brushes & Art Tools (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

I used to think brushes didn’t matter very much.

Now I realise the right brush can completely change how a painting feels.

I usually keep:

• round watercolor brushes,

• Angular acrylic brushes,

• mop brush,

• detail brushes,

• palette knives,

• mixing palettes,

• and eraser

within arm’s reach while working.

Detail Liner Brushes (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use them: For tiny details and finishing lines.

What I love: They make delicate detailing feel much easier.

Best for: Illustrators and detail-heavy artists.

Little note: Cheap liner brushes lose shape quickly, so this is one area where spending slightly more helps.

Acrylic Transparent Mixing Palette (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use it: I discovered the Acrylic Transparent Mixing Palette while trying to avoid stained plastic palettes.

What I love: Paint mixes stay accurate and feel more luxurious somehow.

Best for: Acrylics, oils and gouache artists.

Little note: Slightly fragile and breakable, so I’m always nervous while cleaning it.

Kneaded Eraser (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

This is one of those tiny tools I never expected to love this much.

I use it constantly while sketching because it lifts graphite softly without damaging paper.

I’ve linked the exact one I use here.

Section 3 — Sketchbooks, Papers & Painting Surfaces (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

I genuinely believe good paper changes the entire experience of creating art.

Some papers make you want to keep painting. Some make everything feel frustrating.

I rotate between:

• sketchbooks,

• mixed media books,

• toned paper,

• canvas rolls,

• and loose sheets.

Sketchbooks (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use them: Most of my painting ideas begin here before becoming finished pieces.

What I love: The portability makes creating feel less pressured.

Best for: Artists building a regular painting habit.

Little note: Some sketchbooks buckle slightly under heavy water layers.

This is something I reorder often because I fill them quickly.

loose Paper (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use it: Mostly for experimenting with ideas.

What I love: The cold-pressed paper texture adds character instantly.

Best for: Artists who enjoy experiencing and experimenting with ideas.

Little note: Texture can sometimes make fine detailing harder.

Section 4 — Packaging Supplies I Use for Your Orders (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Packing orders is honestly one of my favorite parts of running Bottle Brush Art.

There’s something deeply special about wrapping something that once existed quietly on my desk and sending it to someone else’s home.

I usually use:

• envelopes,

• washi tape,

• ribbons,

• twine,

• tissue paper,

• stickers,

• thank you card,

• and protective papers.

Envelopes (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use them: For postcards, bookmarks, and smaller orders.

What I love: They instantly make packaging feel softer and more handmade.

Best for: Artists and small businesses.

Little note: They can crease easily during shipping if they’re too thin.

I’ve linked the exact ones I reorder most often here.

Thank You Stickers & Washi Tape (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

I didn’t realize how much tiny packaging details change the experience until I started packing orders regularly.

These little details genuinely make orders feel warmer and more personal.

Section 5 — Studio Furniture & Workspace Finds (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

My studio is definitely not perfectly aesthetic all the time.

But I’ve slowly created small corners that make me want to sit down and create.

Desk (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use it: It’s large enough to spread supplies everywhere while still feeling cozy.

What I love: The warm wood tones make the space feel calmer.

Little note: Paint stains are permanent now — but honestly, I’ve started loving that.

Chair (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

These helped my workflow more than I expected.

Once seating became comfortable, I started creating more consistently.

I’ve linked a few Studio Furniture here in case it helps.

Section 6 — My Filming Setup (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

A lot of people assume art reels and videos require expensive equipment.

My setup is actually very simple.

I mostly use:

• a tripod,

• overhead phone mount,

• and natural light

Overhead Phone Mount (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

Why I use it: For filming painting processes and packing videos.

What I love: It makes overhead filming dramatically easier.

Little note: Takes a little adjusting at first.

This is probably one of the most useful content tools I own.

Section 7 — Favorite Stationery, Books & Tiny Creative Comforts (Favorite Art Supplies & Studio Essentials)

This section probably feels the most personal.

I love surrounding myself with tiny objects that make everyday creating feel softer.

Things like:

• washi tapes,

• pastel highlighters,

• memo pads,

• gel pens,

• art books,

• journaling supplies,

• tiny desk objects,

• candles,

• mugs,

• and organisers.

None of these are “necessary.”

But they make me want to sit down and spend time in my studio.

And honestly, that matters too.

Thank you for spending a little time inside my creative studio ✿

You can explore all the art supplies, studio essentials, creative tools, and favorite materials I mentioned throughout this post here: My Art Supply Studio Essentials

Final Thoughts ✿

These are simply the supplies, tools, and quiet little studio objects that have earned a permanent place in my creative routine over time.

Not because they’re trendy. Not because they’re perfect. Just because they consistently make creating feel easier, calmer, or more enjoyable for me.

I hope this post saves you some trial and error if you’ve been slowly building your own creative corner and wondering where to begin.

I’ll keep updating this list whenever I discover materials that genuinely become part of my everyday process ✿

(Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting my art and creative work ♡)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are expensive art supplies always better?

Not always. Some professional supplies genuinely perform better, especially pigments and paper quality, but there are also many affordable materials I still love using regularly.

What would I recommend buying first as a beginner?

A good sketchbook, a few reliable brushes, and a medium you genuinely enjoy using are usually enough to begin.

Which supplies do I personally reorder the most?

Sketchbooks, watercolor paper, packaging materials, liner brushes, and acrylic white paint tubes are probably the things I repurchase most often.