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When you’re browsing the aisles of a well-stocked art supply store, you have an important decision to make: Do you opt for beginner-grade supplies (also known as student-grade) or professional-grade (sometimes called artist-grade)?
There’s nothing wrong with beginner-grade supplies, per se; in fact, they suit an essential purpose, allowing up-and-coming artists to experiment and grow without breaking the bank. However, if all you’ve known are beginner-grade supplies, you’re in for an awakening—one that can radically transform your creative life.
Essentially, Professional-grade art supplies are high-quality materials that offer superior performance, durability, and precision. They typically feature richer pigments, better craftsmanship, and greater longevity, enabling advanced techniques and polished results.
If you want to level up your art, here are five reasons to consider professional-grade supplies.
They Offer Superior Performance and Longevity
A basic three-speed bike from the hardware store can get you from point A to point B. But when you get in the saddle of a high-performance road bike, you can certainly tell the difference. This is an apt analogy for professional-grade materials. Professional-grade tools like brushes, palette knives and canvases last longer and allow an artist to leverage superior performance. They enable more precise control and greater consistency, which you can see in the final result.
They Feature Enhanced Vibrancy and Pigmentation
Artist-grade paints look like the artwork you see in a gallery—because they are the paints you see in a gallery. Professional paints, pencils and inks feature rich colours and vibrant pigmentation, representing an unmistakable upgrade from their student-grade counterparts.
You Can Access a Greater Range of Artistic Expression
When you have the right tools and pigments at your disposal, you can access a greater range of artistic expression. If you currently feel held back by your supplies—as though they can’t quite render your artistic vision faithfully—consider professional-grade supplies. You might be surprised at the new worlds they unlock.
Less Frustration Plus Fewer Replacements Equals More Creativity
Ideally, artistic expression should be fluid and forward-moving, an effortless spilling of ideas across the canvas. That process experiences serious setbacks if you a) are frustrated by your supplies or b) need to run to the store every other day for replacements. Professional-grade materials eliminate frustration, streamline the process, and let you remain in that creative space.
You Can Achieve Gallery-Ready Results
Professional-grade gesso, canvas, paints, and fixatives coalesce to produce a “gallery-ready” result. When artists talk about gallery-ready paintings, what they really mean is artwork that’s durable enough to stand the test of time and vibrant enough to catch the eyes of art enthusiasts.
How to Shop for Professional-Grade Supplies
You’ve read the benefits and are ready to elevate your artistic life. What’s next?
If you’re just starting out with professional-grade materials, it’s helpful to find an amply-supplied art store with a knowledgeable staff of art enthusiasts. If you live near an Above Ground Art Supplies location, that’s your best bet (though they also have an online store). Talk to a staff member about your goals and requirements, and ask them for brand and product recommendations to fit your budget. You can start small with a few choice supplies, then slowly expand your artist’s toolkit to include a wider array of professional-grade materials.
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