Using up art supplies

It may feel as though buying something new will inspire you to become a better artist, but something more likely to get you to another level with your work is to set yourself goals based on using up art supplies. With something new, it’s too easy to get discouraged and think that whatever you decide to make won’t be good enough. “i’ll use that when I get better” are the words the doom countless tubes of paint, rolls of film, and boxes of pencils to an undisturbed existence in storage.

Using up art supplies is a great type of goal. You don’t need permission. It doesn’t cost anything. It will help you practice using the same materials for long enough to gain a little bit of mastery. It will keep you from being tentative with your use of materials. It might help you develop a habit or routine. It will give you a milestone when you otherwise might not notice your development.

You probably have a sketchbook somewhere half finished or perhaps with only a few pages used up. Perhaps there is a set of drawing pencils you purchased to practice drawing seriously, but have only ever sharpened on of them. Before you buy anything new, commit to completely using up one of these things.

If you think pencils take too long to use up, try working on larger drawings that will use them more quickly. If you don’t want to use that one notebook because you are saving it for a special occasion, either make today that special occasion or find something you aren’t sentimental about.

Practice isn’t about being precious. It’s about using your materials until they become familiar. If you only dabble, you aren’t going to get anywhere. If you are still using your first tubes of paint, get in there and paint until they are empty.