Essential art supplies for a successful return to school

In this article, you'll find our recommendations for preparing for your return to art school. However, don't hesitate to check with your school for the exact list of art supplies provided or required before purchasing.

Prepare your art supplies before going back to school

Anticipate your needs according to your journey

Before the start of the academic year, every student or art enthusiast should plan their art supplies according to their artistic specialization. Needs vary depending on the discipline: a painter won't choose the same materials as a draftsman. Thinking ahead prevents oversights and ensures a smoother start to the academic year. This approach is especially important for those preparing a graphic designer CV , as a good selection of supplies also reflects the technical skill and creativity expected in this profession.

Avoid unnecessary purchases

It's tempting to buy a lot of art supplies, especially when you're faced with shelves brimming with supplies. However, it's better to start with the essentials and then add to them as you go. This approach saves money while focusing on the tools you actually need.

Art Supplies Essentials

Drawing and sketching tools

Drawing remains the foundation of many artistic practices. Therefore, a good pencil, a quality eraser, and a sketchbook are essential. Felt-tip pens and technical pens can complement this art kit, particularly for graphic design students.

Painting supplies

For painting, a few varied brushes, a palette, and a canvas are all you need to get started. Students choose between watercolor, acrylic, or oil depending on their interest. These art materials provide a solid foundation for experimentation and progress from the start of the school year.

Practical accessories for everyday life

Additionally, don't neglect accessories like rulers, cutters, tape, and storage boxes. These small tools make everyday work easier and save time. When chosen well, they effectively complement basic art supplies.

Supplies according to artistic disciplines

For the visual arts

Fine art students should focus on a variety of media. Canvas, heavy paper, or cardboard offer multiple possibilities. Depending on the project, it's helpful to add kraft paper or tracing paper to explore transparency. This art material allows for experimentation with composition and layering, two essential aspects of creation.
Additionally, mediums like acrylic, watercolor, and ink enrich the visual work. Each medium offers a different texture and rendering. Students can explore fluidity, density, or transparency as they see fit. Finally, investing in a few brushes of various shapes helps develop a more personal style.

For graphic design and illustration

Graphic design and illustration require precise art materials because the result must be clean and controlled. Smooth-paper notebooks are essential for achieving clean lines. They also facilitate inking and the use of technical markers. These markers, available in several sizes, allow for varying outlines and details.

Additionally, some students choose to invest in a graphics tablet. This tool combines traditional drawing skills with digital capabilities. This combination allows them to adapt their creations to different media, whether for print or multimedia projects.

Finally, having the right equipment is essential not only for personal projects but also for graphic design internships , where the quality and precision of the tools used can make all the difference. This requirement is especially true for students in BTS (Advanced Vocational Training Certificate) programs in graphic design , who must learn to work with both traditional media and digital tools. The combination of paper and digital media therefore becomes an indispensable asset from the very start of the academic year.

For sculpture and volume

Sculpture requires specific art materials because it involves working with materials in three dimensions. Modeling tools, such as peepers and spatulas, facilitate precision and shaping. Wire and pliers are used to create solid armatures, essential for maintaining the structure.
When it comes to materials, clay remains a classic, as it's malleable and affordable. However, resin or plaster allow for more durable results. Each material opens up different perspectives and encourages experimentation. Thus, sculpture develops a tactile and spatial approach, complementary to more graphic disciplines.

Organize and maintain your art supplies

Time-saving storage tips

Proper organization allows you to work more efficiently. Compartmentalized boxes, specially designed pencil cases, or lockers make organization easier. Adopting these solutions makes it easier to quickly find each work tool.

Proper maintenance to extend lifespan

Maintaining your art supplies is essential. Regularly cleaning brushes, protecting notebooks, and sharpening pencils ensures longer life. With these habits, students can reduce unnecessary expenses and maintain efficient supplies year-round.

Where to buy your art supplies for back to school

Specialty stores

Specialty stores such as Le Géant des Beaux-Art and Rougier & Plé offer quality art supplies and personalized advice. Salespeople understand students' needs and provide effective guidance. Although prices are sometimes higher, the quality often justifies the investment. 

You can also purchase your supplies online. This option allows you to access a wide variety of products and easily compare prices. 

Good deals for students

Finally, some stores offer student discounts or back-to-school packs. These offers allow you to build a complete art kit at a lower cost.
Also check with your school; you can sometimes benefit from reduced prices thanks to partnerships or with your student card. Some specialized schools, such as school intuit lab, recognized for its training in design and visual communication, also recommends that their students prepare quality materials adapted to their projects.