Part two of my helpful tools for inspired and enthusiastic artists focuses on "Support Items". Just like in an RPG, you can't get much of anywhere with just a fist or sword--there are other things you need to make sure you survive that quest or dungeon and make it to the bosses. XD

Support tools and items provide that--without paper, a traditional artist has nothing to put their paints or pencils on. Without a drawing tablet or stylus--you're probably not going to get too far digitally (I know some people who can use a mouse or the touchpad, but it's not always easy).

While digitally, support tools are simpler to come by (fewer accessories needed for drawing), some tablets come with a lot of fancy gear--the Wacom Intuos I have (shown here) comes with a stylus that has DIFFERENT styles of tips which supposedly offer up different effects while drawing. I'm not talented enough to get the best of use out of such fanciness, but a good digital artist probably knows how. The program you choose to draw in, too, will always be something you may change and try new ones over the years. Anyone at all can start with MS Paint/Paint 3-D, which is default and free on most Microsoft running computers and laptops, but from there you can expand out into programs to pay for, which will have more features and benefits. Finding what you need can be trial and error, but many programs that you have to pay for may offer a free trial period for using them. Try before you buy. :)

Papers can range from so much--notebook paper to heavyweight cardstock. There are so many types of paper out there, but depending on the mediums you want to use most, you'll probably find yourself wanting specific papers. Higher priced papers are usually better quality and designed to work with the mediums you prefer. Bee Paper is one of my favorite artist papers--for awhile they were hard to find but now I've found Wal-Mart has begun carrying the brand. I like their mixed media to do stuff in mostly colored pencils--the paper's got a good tooth for pencils, to give a nice look and effect. But I do prefer Bristol (smooth, preferably) if I'm doing work with ink and markers.

There are also plenty of tools you'll want to keep on hand if you're a traditional artist--from tape to brushes, the tools you'll want will depend on the medium you want to focus on. Even if you're starting in watercolors or acrylics, just buying cheap dollar store markers and paints can help you get used to the feel of these mediums, before investing in higher quality products. Rulers and pencil-bags/pencil-boxes are something most artists may want to have. I got this pencil bag at TFCon in 2018--I like to put my favorite drawing pencil and top pens in it, to always have on hand and take on the go.

A lightbox is also another really good accessory that a traditional artist may want to invest in. Doodled something you really love on notebook paper or scrap paper? Want to try and make something more of it on better paper with better supplies? A lightbox can help you do that! Tracing paper and carbon paper can also be used in this way--however, keep in mind that carbon paper lines don't erase well........so if you choose this route, make sure you're putting down permanent lines you want! :)

Any questions about these useful tools--please feel free to throw them at me and we can chat more about them! :D

*Any item shown belongs to the property of corporations and owners and are used as a tutorial medium to inspire artists. :) *