Planning is an element that should always take preference before proceeding down any line of work and this is especially true with artists. The first option for a budding artist to get started is to ensure that you have created a working space for your needs. This really needs to be comfortable and quiet as this is where your creative talents need to be expressed.

Creating a working space that is inviting and inspiring is essential. Put in place photographs that inspire you, some affirmations, quotes, things that make you laugh, some flowers. Maybe even a CD or iPod player to listen to music. Pick out a set of painting clothes or a classy dress (whatever you prefer). It's important to have a daily routine: prepare yourself by putting on your painting clothes, putting your hair up, and preparing your environment. Keep your area organized and inviting!

Now, for our art materials list, there is a wide range of possibilities. For artists, some of us are multimedia artists, photographers, illustrators, painters, sketch-artists, or a mix of them all. So obviously the materials list will change according to the type of art you do.

• Pencils: art pencils can range from 6B to 6H giving artists a range of light to dark, though mechanical pencils are great for detail
• Sharpener: I like the old fashioned ones- you never know what pencil shavings could add to an art piece
• Grip Erasers: there is a wide variety of erasers, they always frustrate me, smearing instead of erasing, these are the best
• Notebook: notebooks come in all sizes, all forms, I don't recommend a tiny one, give yourself lots of room on the page
• Great Pens: there is something different between normal pens and inkjet pens, high quality pens are important!
• Colored pencils/pens: colored pencils and pens are great to use for brainstorming, give yourself the luxury!
• Canvas/watercolor paper: there is so much to learn about types of paper and canvas making, these aren't bad deals to start with
• Acrylic/gouache paint/watercolor paint: you can choose what type of paint you'd like to start with, I use all three!
• Paintbrushes (small, normal, wide sizes): paintbrushes, like pens, are important, its important to have nice paintbrushes
• Scratch Paper: good for sketching, planning, collage-ing with, leave it lying around so that when an idea hits you, there is paper
• Empty jars for water: easy to come by, check your recycling or your cabinet for chipped mugs
• A plate (as a palette)/Palette Paper: palette paper is awesome, you can have one for watercolor, one for acrylic, one for oil
• Palette Knives: great for mixing, in fact some artists paint only with palette knives, or the backs of their paint brushes
• Glue Stick/Tape: handy for collage-ing and brainstorming
• Picture-taking device: useful for your daily journaling, for uploading photos if you start a blog
• Art Table: what an awesome contraption I just found on Amazon.com, plus little places to put your supplies...

These are items that you will find detrimental to helping your creativity. Utilise such stationery and tools to the best of your abilities, combine this with ensuring your work space is continually clean and clutter free.

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