SUPPLY RECOMMENDATIONS

Are you curious which art supplies and tools I prefer? Check out my full guide below.
These are all items I personally use and love for creating art, teaching, running a creative business, and living a busy life. I hope you find this helpful!

This page contains some affiliate links, which means if you purchase an item, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I only recommend products I not only use myself, but ones I love.

JUMP TO

Art Supplies

Tech Supplies

Inspiration

Software+Apps

Life Supplies

Filming Supplies

Art Supplies

Sketch Pencils

With a variety of hardness options, I can choose the look of my sketches and fine-tune my drawings. These high-quality sketching pencils are my faves.

Art Markers

Sometimes I just want to draw with paint, and for that, I adore these Arteza acrylic markers. The colors are vibrant and the flow is smooth and even. Plus I have more control.

Precision Eraser

Everyone makes mistakes, but erasing without precision makes a mess. I love this eraser for removing pre-drawn watercolor outlines with no stray marks.

Sta-Wet Palette

I can’t always finish my paintings in a day, but this handy palette saves my color mixes with no drying out or loss of quality. I really can’t recommend it enough.

Acrylics

I love color options, and I often use these acrylic paints right out of the tube—no mixing needed! They also blend wonderfully, and go on smoothly and evenly.

Mixed Media Pad

I use these multi-purpose sheets all the time. They’re a cost-effective option for a variety of mediums that stand the test of time. They make colors true, too.

Small Brushes

Using good brushes makes a big difference for my art. These detail paintbrushes give me lots of control, and Arteza’s product quality is always excellent.

Paint Pencils

These watercolor pencils are amazing! They’re perfect for tracing and blending. The line look smooths away and disappears with a light water wash.

Water Pens

I’ve tried several water brush pens, and this set by Arteza is by far the best. They never leak, and give me more control with my watercolor illustrations.

Watercolors

Windsor & Newton is the industry standard for high-quality watercolors. This paint set was my first purchase, and I’ve bought many more since then.

Sketchbook Pad

I care about the quality of my sketches, so I trust Arteza to give me a great price for the best ones out there. I’ve even used this paper for finished paintings.

Paintbrushes

I love Arteza products, especially their brushes. This brush set fulfills most of my needs, and has never let me down. They’re easy to use, and a cinch to clean.

Transfer Paper

I love this transfer paper because I can move my printed Procreate sketches onto paper, canvas, and wood, then paint! Bonus: I’ve reused the same sheet 10 times.

Gouache

Holbein is top-of-the-line gouache used by professionals, and I can see why. These gouache paints are an excellent starter set with a wide variety of rich, vibrant colors.

Watercolor Pad

It’s all about the tools, and this is the best watercolor paper I’ve found. It’s top-notch quality with great tooth, and little to no buckling even with lots of water.

Tech Supplies

Tablet

I love my 13” M4 iPad Pro for digital drawing. I can skip scanning drawings into my computer to save time, and it’s just really fun and easy to use.

Drawing Gloves

I love using Paperlike drawing gloves any time I draw on my iPad. They keep me from making any accidental stray marks, and they double as screen cleaners!

Tablet Cover

I cover my slippery iPad glass screen with Paperlike: a screen protector and film that feels like I’m drawing on real paper. It has just the right texture and grip.

Device Cleaner

I only clean my laptop, monitor and phone screens (and really, the whole device) with iKlear: the industry leading gentle, safe, and powerful dirt and skin oil remover.

Laptop Sleeve

I love the durable, vibrant laptop sleeve from Society6. This one has my Abstract Cutouts pattern for a modern, artsy flair with top-of-the-line protection.

Laptop Bag

I love the retro style of my laptop backpack. It’s got tons of pockets, padding for protection, and vegan leather straps and trim. Plus it’s easy on my back and shoulders.

Scanner

For incredibly accurate, highly detailed scans, I use an Epson Perfection V39 II to do the job right every time. With a resolution up to 4800 dpi, I never lose quality.

Keyboard

I use an Apple wireless keyboard because it plays very nicely with my Mac. It’s lightweight, it’s a breeze to transport, it’s easy to clean, and it charges super fast.

USB Hub

I have several devices that require a USB-A connection, but my laptop only has USB-C ports. I use this versatile little hub as an adapter, and it works perfectly!

Monitor

I adore my Apple Studio Display for accurate color, stunning visual quality, and a rapid refresh rate. Monitors are so important for artists—this one is worth the cost.

Lap Desk

Sometimes I want to indulge myself and work from my sofa, or my bed. This great lap desk makes it easy and comfortable. It’s lightweight and a pleasure to use.

Headphones

My Apple AirPods come with a charging case, and they stay in my ears. The sound quality is top-notch and they pair with both my Android and Apple devices.

Lumbar Roll

This lumbar roll forces me to sit up straight, and it also adds some extra support to my lower back. I don’t really need it with my chair but every extra comfort helps!

Apple Pencil Pro

The pressure sensitivity of the improved Apple Pencil Pro is super powerful. I also love the new squeeze and hover functionality! I don’t know what I did before this!

iPad Case

My iPad case protects from drops and spills, and it doubles as a stand. It doesn’t interfere with the Apple Pencil Pro magnet either, so I can use it seamlessly.

Drawing Tablet

When I draw using my laptop, I love my Wacom Intuos Pro Tablet. It uses bluetooth, and there are lots of settings so I can adjust for my personal preferences.

Laptop Stand

I discovered that this laptop stand’s high-tilt angle is much more flattering for Zoom calls! It also keeps my laptop cool and off my desk for space optimization.

Phone Cases

I sell my art on phone cases at ArtsCase, I bought one and love it! The colors are vivid, they fit dozens of models, and I’ve dropped my phone multiple times without a scratch.

Printer

For vibrant, high-quality prints, I love my Canon Pixma. I bought this way back in 2015 and it’s still going strong! Plus it uses invividual color ink cartridges, so I save money!

Mouse Pad

I love my mouse pad with built-in gel wrist rest. I can spend hours on my computer without experiencing any uncomfortable hand or arm fatigue.

Light Box

Maybe I’m old school, but I appreciate a good light box. Sometimes I just want to trace on paper, and my LitEnergy is huge, bright, and slim for easy storage.

Task Lamp

I love the adjustable light and arm on this high-quality task lamp. I can control the brightness, and it clamps to my desk so it saves valuable table space.

Laptop

I’m a huge fan of my Apple MacBook Pro. I love its processing power and portability, and I make sure to get AppleCare+ to have my back in case anything goes wrong.

Hard Drive

I trust my Western Digital external hard drive to ensure my files are backed up and safe. It transfers files quickly, and works seamlessly with Apple’s Time Machine.

Mouse

My Apple Magic Mouse works intuitively with my every gesture. It’s sensitive and of course, pairs perfectly with my MacBook Pro to respond quickly to my commands.

Phone

I switched to a Google Pixel in 2018, and I don’t regret it. The Pixel works seamlessly internationally with Google Fi, and it has an amazing camera, too!

Office Chair

I can sit in my Aeron Chair for hours and never get sore. They may be expensive, but my comfort while working is priceless, and they’re worth every penny!

Software + Apps

Online Learning

I credit SkillShare for teaching me everything I know about surface design and art marketing, and I’m a Top Teacher! My link here gets you a 30 day free trial.

eRank

Want to boost your art sales? eRank helps you find the best keywords, track trends, and see what shoppers are searching for so you can make smarter listing choices and grow your shop.

TeePublic

A great place to sell your art on t-shirts, home decor and more, TeePublic makes it easy for artists to upload, share, and earn income.

Pattern Tester + Mockups

PatternPal Pro is a web-based Print Approval Lab for surface pattern designers: no Photoshop needed! You can even snag mockups. Try it free without signing up.

Email Newsletter

Flodesk is my go-to email newsletter tool. It’s easy, and has beautiful templates, plus you can schedule future emails. Use my link and get 50% off your first year!

Gelato

Put your art on everything from tote bags to calendars with print on demand from Gelato. It’s super easy to link directly to your Etsy, Shopify or other shops.

ShopMy

Earn affiliate income by promoting your shops like Spoonflower, Redbubble, Zazzle and more! It’s a quick, easy way to earn money.

PlaceIt

PlaceIt has thousands of beautiful photo and video lifestyle product mockups that really make my art shine on Etsy. They even have mockups with cats in them!

PaddyPost

I use PaddyPost, a social media scheduler that lets you manage multiple accounts across different platforms for a one-time $47 fee.

Printify

I use Printify to sell my art on Etsy, on products from tees to holiday ornaments. I don’t have to have stock or ship, they fulfill my orders and handle everything.

Filming Supplies

Microphone

The sound quality with my studio microphone is crisp and balanced. I also love how easy it is to leave mounted to my desk and swing it to the side when I’m not using it.

Camera

You don’t need a fancy camera for filming. I use a Logitech 4K webcam for my classes (and Zooms). It has auto adjustments so I can preview the view on my monitor.

Phone Mount

If you have any sort of traditional tripod, like the GorillaPod, you’ll want this handy little phone mount that just screws onto the top. It holds most phones, even big ones.

Uniqu Lamp

I actually use two overhead lamps for filming. I love the stability and lightweight portability of the Uniqu Lamp, plus it comes with a remote control that tucks away nicely!

Lapel Mic

SkillShare recommended this Lavalier lapel mic when I went through the teacher coaching program, because the quality and portability is outstanding.

Canvas Lamp

The Canvas Lamp is a game-changer for overhead phone filming. It’s easily repositionable, smooth, and super stable - no more shaky videos!

Key Light

Recommended by the SkillShare community is the Elgato Key Light, which has bright, even lighting. Color and temp can be adjusted through a phone app, too!

Soundproofing

My art/filming studio is in an open loft. While beautiful, I have very little control over background noise. The soundproof tiles I use work great to muffle the world.

Light Diffuser

This light diffuser cloth is a life saver! It turns harsh window light into soft light, and it eliminates glare and harsh shadows. I pinned mine over a skylight.

Free Music

I get one free track per month from Uppbeat. Their library has music that’s great for classes, plus it’s allowed on YouTube and SkillShare with an artist credit.

Bendy Tripod

I love being able to easily angle and wrap my GorillaPod around stuff, and the level really helps a lot. It’s also great to travel with—it’s very durable and compact.

Inspiration

Pattern Inspo

The Complete Pattern Directory is my fave book for pattern ideas. Understanding the roots of pattern structure is essential for surface designers.

Daily Art Inspo

Whenever I experience anxiety staring at a blank page, I grab this incredible resource full of fun art prompts and exercises that get my creativity flowing.

Creativity 101

There’s nothing new under the sun. Once you embrace that, you can learn how to put your own voice into your art. This little book will improve your process.

Public Domain

I’ve spent hours perusing The Public Doman Review. It’s full of unusual antique images and fascinating articles. It’s a rabbit hole you’ll enjoy falling into!

Find Your Voice

Lisa Congdon’s words of wisdom in this book are priceless, practical and actionable. Her perspective and experience have guided me in the right creative direction.

Ornament Bible

The Grammar of Ornament is a great resource for the history of decorative arts and ornamental design. It’s a must-have reference book for any artist!

Life Supplies

Dry Shampoo

I love Billie Floof for a quick hair refresh when I don’t have time for a full wash. It has a dark tint that blends easily, and it’s light enough for everyday use.

White Noise

I’ve been using my Dohm white noise machine for over 10 years to help me sleep. It also helps me concentrate when I’m working by blocking out background noise.

My Credit Card

My Bilt Card has the best rewards return rate, and they give me a routing/checking account number to pay for stuff (like rent) I can’t normally use a credit card for.

Hair Care

I’m kind of obsessed with Hairstory. It’s changed my hair care routine for the better by simplifying everything, and every day is a good hair day now!

Eye Mask

Speaking of sleep, this inexpensive but effective little light-blocking eye mask helps me practice good sleep hygiene. I even use it when traveling for confort and rest.

Work Pillow

I admit it, sometimes I just want to stay in bed with my coffee and work on my laptop. This awesome back rest pillow is comfortable and supportive enough for lazy days.

Pet Supplies

As a cat fanatic, I choose Chewy for everything from food to prescriptions. Their autoship saves me so much time, I get everything when I need it, effortlessly! Use my link here and get 35% off your first autoship order.

Amazon Visa

I use Amazon for everything, and my Amazon Prime Visa rewards me with unlimited 5% back on all my Amazon purchases. It’s paid for itself several times over!

Swimwear

Rayze Swimwear uses my Bauhaus pattern on their swimsuits. I wore mine on a recent trip to Greece and I was blown away by their quality and comfort.