Hello, friends! Welcome back to the third installment of the lauren lately series, where I share one thing I have been inspired by lately, major life events, fun new online finds, or really anything I feel like sharing:)
Today I would like to talk about the topic of using the proper tools.
While this post will focus in on watercolor tools, this topic is what I like to call a “universal truth”–apply it to your own craft, your life, etc. It’s a principle that fits in any aspect of your life.
Until a few months ago, I had been using a cheap watercolor pad and a set of watercolor cakes that were purchased at a big box craft store for under $10. Not quite the crayola set you use in elementary school, but definitely not high quality. However, I figured this was “enough” for me right now, as I learn and try to develop as an artist. I didn’t want to spend money on an expensive paint set until I felt like I deserved it–until my art was good enough.
Pictured above: the exact watercolor cakes that made me question if I should even bother painting.
But here’s the deal: using garbage art tools caused me so much artistic frustration. My colors were muted, the paper would pill, and more often than not I’d quit before finishing a piece because I was so frustrated. How could I get better if I was using tools that not only didn’t work properly, but which also made me want to stop trying to paint at all?
Here’s the deal: I’m not advocating that you go out and buy top of the line, premium artist quality materials, because things get pricey fast. (hello, $200 paint set…) I am, however, advocating that you invest in yourself.
As a poor starving student, I could not go out and purchase top-of-the-line materials. But I did my homework and I found some nice mid-range watercolor tubes ($20) that are perfect for what I need at this point. I found some lovely watercolor paper ($15) that does not pill the second I add water to the page. (I will never go back!) Believe that you deserve quality tools. For me, making this small sacrifice to purchase nicer tools made all the difference. Not only in my art, but also in my mindset.
Pictured above: This National Forest Play Set project was a period of extreme artistic growth for me in many different ways (more on that here). Take a moment to compare these two cabins with me… hmm… are you seeing what I’m seeing? When I went back and re-painted with my new paints, there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that I had made the right choice in purchasing my new paint set.
Even after purchasing my nice materials, I still catch myself saying something like, “this paper is too nice to use”, or “I’ll just warm up on the old paint pad”–and I have to quickly snap myself out of this. Like I said, switching my tools helped me switch my mindset. When I pull out my nice paints and that beautiful, buttery-soft watercolor paper, I believe that I can create beautiful things. I believe in my art, and the experience just flows.
So, hey you! Believe in yourself! Invest in yourself! And after believing and investing in yourself, don’t back out and let those beautiful new tools get dusty on the shelf until you’re “good enough” to use them. Get them out and use them to create something, every day.
Have a lovely little day!
Lauren
Ps-Want more little peeks into my brain?
lauren lately
vol. 1: Creative frustration
vol. 2: Trying something new
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