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đ Creative Business Tools I Love
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items Running a creative business isnât just about talentâitâs about having the right tools to make life easier! Whether youâre a graphic designer, print-on-demand seller, or digital artist, these are the game-changing tools I use (or seriously want) to st...
Sections
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đ Boss Mode: Must-Read Books for Creative Entrepreneurs
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đ¨ Must-Have Art Supplies â Tools I Actually Use & Love!
đ Boss Mode: Must-Read Books for Creative Entrepreneurs
Fuel your creativity and grow your business with these inspiring reads! Whether youâre looking for new skills, fresh ideas, or just a creative boost, these books are packed with valuable insights for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. From drawin...
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Iâve been a fan of Lisa Bardot for yearsâher art, her teaching style, and her ability to make digital drawing feel fun and approachable are just incredible. So when she released Digital Drawing, I knew it was going to be a game-changerâand it absolut...
Drawing Digital: Complete Guide for iPad
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If youâve ever wanted to learn modern calligraphy or hand lettering, this book by June & Lucy is the perfect place to start! Itâs super beginner-friendly, breaking down strokes, techniques, and styles in a way that feels easy and fun to follow.
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Ultimate Guide to Calligraphy & Hand Lettering
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If youâre into surface pattern design (or want to be), this book is a goldmine of inspiration and knowledge! đ⨠Manon Jodoin features insights from 18 contemporary pattern designers, showing how different layouts can elevate your seamless patterns a...
18 Contemporary Surface Pattern Designers
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If you've ever dreamed of designing your own fabric, this book by Kim Kight is an absolute must-have! đ Whether you're interested in traditional or digital techniques, it walks you through everythingâfrom creating patterns to printing and even selli...
A Field Guide to Fabric Design & Techniques
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This book is truly amazingâand I mean AMAZING. 𤊠Itâs thick, packed, and overflowing with 1,500 patterns from different ages, cultures, and design styles. If youâre a surface designer, artist, or just someone who loves patterns, this is an absolute ...
The Complete Pattern Directory: 1500 Designs
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While this book is a little dated (it was written in 2015), itâs still a solid read for anyone wanting to get into Spoonflower and learn the basics of designing fabric, wallpaper, and gift wrap. đ¨â¨
It covers everything from creating seamless patter...
The Spoonflower Handbook: DIY Fabric & Wallpaper
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This book is such a fun read and packed with great ideas for anyone who loves acrylic painting and wants to explore new techniques. đ¨â¨ Jo Toye makes abstract painting feel playful and approachable, sharing innovative methods that help you step outsi...
Abstract Explorations in Acrylic Painting
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This book is another fun read for anyone who loves acrylic painting or wants to level up their skills! đď¸â¨ Gill Barron packs it with tons of techniques, tips, and creative ideas, making it a great go-to resource whether youâre a beginner or a more e...
Compendium of Acrylic Painting Techniques
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If youâve ever wanted to get into hand lettering, this book is a great place to start! đ⨠Gabri Joy Kirkendall breaks down fun techniques, tips, and ideas to help you create beautiful, artistic letteringâwhether youâre a total beginner or looking to...
Creative Lettering and Beyond: Tips & Techniques
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If youâve ever wanted to try modern calligraphy, this is the perfect workbook to start with! Chalkfulloflove makes learning hand lettering fun and approachable, walking you through each step in an easy-to-follow way.
What I love most is that itâs sp...
Hand Lettering 101: Calligraphy Workbook
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Von Glitschka is just THE BEST when it comes to vector art, and this book is seriously next-level! đĽ If you want to master precision vector work and learn from one of the industryâs best, this book is a must-read.
Itâs super detailed, walking you t...
Vector Basic Training: Systematic Creative Process
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This book is a classic for anyone in a creative careerâand for good reason. Austin Kleon breaks down 10 game-changing insights about being an artist, finding inspiration, and making creativity a way of life.
Itâs quick, fun, and packed with wisdom t...
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Creative Tips
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If youâve ever said, âI wish I could drawâ, this book proves that you absolutely can! đ¨â¨ Mark Kistler makes learning to draw fun, simple, and totally doable, even if youâre starting from scratch.
With easy-to-follow lessons and step-by-step exercis...
You Can Draw in 30 Days: Fun & Easy Guide
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Okay, hear me outâyes, itâs an empty book with blank pages and simple drawing prompts. But itâs actually genius. 𤯠If youâve ever sat down to draw and thought, âI have no idea what to sketch,â this book solves that problem instantly.
With 642 fun, ...
642 Things to Draw: Inspirational Sketchbook
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Yes, itâs another empty book with blank pages and promptsâbut if youâve ever struggled with what to draw, you already know how brilliant this idea is. More prompts = more creativity, less overthinking. đ¨â¨
This book is packed with 712 unique, fun, a...
712 More Things to Draw
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Yes, itâs technically for ages 8+, but honestly? I had a blast with this! đ¨â¨ Itâs a super fun and creative way to get your ideas flowing without the pressure of a blank page.
Each page has clever prompts and doodle-starters, making it easy to just ...
Doodle Journal: My Life in Scribbles
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Another fun one from Brandiâand yes, itâs technically for ages 8+, but if you love hand lettering and just want to have fun with it, this book is so worth it! đ¨â¨
Itâs packed with 10 different lettering styles, plus all the tools you needâmarkers, c...
Lettering: in Crazy Cool Quirky Style
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This book was TRULY inspirational for me! đĄâ¨ Itâs packed with so many tips, tricks, and lettering styles that I would have never thought of on my own. If you love hand lettering and want to explore new techniques from a variety of artists, this book...
Creative Lettering: Tips from Top Artists
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If you loved Creative Lettering, this is the perfect follow-up! đ⨠Jenny Doh brings together even more talented artists sharing their unique lettering styles, tips, and techniquesâand once again, itâs packed with ideas I would have never thought of ...
More Creative Lettering: Tips from Artists
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This has got to be the most fun creative book I own! đ¤Šâ¨ Stephanie Corfee makes illustration feel playful, exciting, and totally approachable, no matter your skill level.
Itâs packed with inspiring prompts, step-by-step projects, and whimsical techn...
Creative Illustration & Beyond: Tips & Techniques
đ¨ Must-Have Art Supplies â Tools I Actually Use & Love!
When it comes to art supplies, I know the struggleâthereâs so much out there and not everything lives up to the hype. Thatâs why I put this list together, featuring only the tools I actually use and recommend from my own stash. From sketchbooks and p...
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These acrylic paint pens are a total game-changer for anyone who loves rock painting, wood art, glass, ceramics, or canvas projects. đ¨â¨ The dual-tip design gives you both precision and coverage, making them super versatile for detailed work or bold ...
Betem 24 Colors Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens
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No fancy, overpriced brushes in this house! đ If youâre looking for a solid set of budget-friendly paintbrushes that actually hold up, these BOSOBO brushes are a great pick.
You get 20 brushes in different sizes, and they work well for acrylic, wat...
BOSOBO 20 Pcs Round Tip Paint Brushes Set
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Okay, lookâmy kids kept stealing all my scissors, and I could NEVER find a pair when I needed them. THIS solved that problem. đ
With 25 pairs of sharp, multipurpose scissors, I now have a stash in every room, every drawer, and every art supply binâ...
Niutop 25-Pack 8" Multipurpose Fabric Scissors
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This little 17-piece sketching kit is seriously amazing for the price! đ¨â¨ I love the clay eraser (perfect for lifting highlights), and the blenders work great for smooth shading and smudging.
It comes with a solid range of pencils (graphite & c...
Amazon Basics 17-Piece Sketching Pencil Kit
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Okay, Iâll admit itâI keep losing this glove (ADHD brain đ¤Śââď¸), but itâs so good that Iâve purchased it three times now. If you do a lot of drawing on an iPad or graphics tablet, this thing is a lifesaver.
It prevents smudging, reduces friction, an...
HUION Artist Glove for Drawing Tablet - CR-01
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These little 5x7 canvas panels are super affordable and perfect if youâre mistake-prone like me đ or just want to flesh out an idea on something cheap before committing to a larger, more expensive canvas.
They hold acrylic, oil, gouache, and temper...
ARTEZA 5x7 Canvas Boards, Pack of 14
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These acrylic paint pens are so fun and versatile! đ¨â¨ With dual tips (fine for details & brush for broader strokes), theyâre perfect for decorating Easter eggs, painting rocks, customizing mugs, or adding designs to wood, canvas, and more!
The ...
YHC 48 Colors Dual Tip Acrylic Paint Pens
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If youâre into palette knife painting, mixed media, or just want to experiment with texture, this 11-piece set is such a great buy! đ¨â¨
The stainless steel blades are sturdy yet flexible, making them perfect for spreading, mixing, and layering paint...
CONDA 11PC Stainless Steel Palette Knife Set
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This tray is so frigginâ handy, and honestly, itâs great for kids too! đ Whether youâre using acrylics or oils, this neutral gray palette gives you truer color mixing and is super easy to clean.
The best part? Dried acrylic paint peels right off, s...
Soho Urban Artist Neutral Gray Palette 11"x15"
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If you go through a ton of canvases like I do, this 14-pack of 8x10 panels is a fantastic deal! đ¨â¨ Theyâre sturdy, pre-primed, and hold paint beautifully, making them great for acrylics, oils, gouache, and mixed media.
I love using these for practi...
ARTEZA 8x10 Canvas Boards, Pack of 14
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If you need a little more space to work, this 11x14 pack is perfect for everything from practice pieces to finished artwork. đ¨â¨ The pre-primed surface takes acrylics, oils, and gouache beautifully, and theyâre thin enough to frame easily when you're...
ARTEZA 11x14 Canvas Boards, Pack of 14
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Look, I have so many friggen holders, but I keep buying more because theyâre just that useful. đ¤ˇââď¸ If youâre tired of digging through drawers for the right marker, pen, or brush, this 96-slot organizer is a lifesaver.
Itâs easy to assemble, keeps ...
U.S. Art Supply 96 Slot Marker & Brush Holder
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I LOVE these glitter pens! đď¸â¨ They flow so smoothly, and the colors are bold, vibrant, and actually sparkleâeven in coloring books. And so what if Iâm 43 and still love to color? đ
This set comes with 40 glitter colors + 40 refills, so they last ...
Shuttle Art 80 Pack Glitter Gel Pens Set
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Look, Iâm an artistâof course, I need more canvas! đ This 10-pack of 8x10 stretched canvases is perfect for everything from serious paintings to fun practice sessions.
The triple-primed cotton surface takes acrylics, oils, gouache, and even mixed m...
PHOENIX 8x10 Inch Canvas 10 Pack, 100% Cotton
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This stuff is seriously some of the BEST budget-friendly craft paint out there. đ¨â¨ The colors are bright, smooth, and super versatile, making them perfect for wood, canvas, Styrofoam, terra cotta, and more.
I love that it dries to a matte finish, a...
Apple Barrel Vibrant Spectrum Acrylic Paint 16ct
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This little watercolor journal is so much fun for painting on the go! đ¨â¨ Whether youâre spending a relaxing day at the park, traveling, or just want something portable, this 5.5x5.5â sketchbook is the perfect size to throw in your bag.
The 140 lb (...
Square Watercolor Journal, 5.5x5.5", 24 Sheets
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If you want something a bit bigger for travel-friendly watercolor painting, this 5.5â x 8.5â hardcover sketchbook is a fantastic choice! đ¨â¨ Itâs sturdy, well-made, and perfect for both watercolor and mixed media.
The 110 lb (230 GSM) cold-pressed p...
U.S. Art Supply Watercolor Book, 2 Pack
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Iâve lost count of how many times Iâve repurchased this Canson XL Watercolor Padâitâs just that good! đ¨â¨ The 9x12 size is perfect, and the cold-press texture holds up to watercolor, acrylic, ink, markers, and more.
The heavyweight paper can handle ...
Canson XL Watercolor Pad, 30 Sheets, 9x12
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These paperfeel nibs are amazingâespecially when paired with a paper-feel screen protector on an iPad! đ¨â¨ If you love the feel of traditional sketching, these give you just the right amount of texture and resistance, making it so much smoother and m...
MJKOR Soft Damping Tips for Apple Pencil
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If you do a lot of drawing on an iPad, this silicone comfort grip is a game-changer! đ¨â¨ It makes holding an Apple Pencil feel so much better, reducing hand fatigue and giving you a more comfortable grip for long drawing sessions.
The soft, premium ...
NimbleGrip Silicone Ergonomic Holder for Apple Pencil
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If you paint regularly, you NEED this in your art stash. Seriously. I cannot live without this stuff when it comes to keeping brushes clean and in great shape. đ¨â¨
It works on oils, acrylics, and watercolors and even brings old, hardened brushes bac...
General Pencil 105-BP Brush Cleaner & Preserver
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Okay, lookâI know these are pricey. Boy, do I know. But if youâre serious about your art and want top-tier colored pencils, Prismacolors are a MUST. đ¨â¨
These have buttery smooth, richly pigmented colors that blend like an absolute dream. The soft, ...
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils
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I wonât sharpen my Prismacolors with anything elseâthis sharpener is just that good. âď¸đĽ It keeps the soft cores from breaking, gives you a perfect point, and doesnât eat through your pencils like cheap sharpeners do.
And letâs talk about the blend...
Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencil Set
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If youâre an artist, you need this in your studio. This thing is a BEAST. đĽ It sharpens fast, handles constant use like a champ, and never over-sharpens thanks to the Pencil Saver feature.
The quiet but powerful motor makes it perfect for colored p...
X-ACTO Electric Pencil Sharpener, Black
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Okay, I know, I know. Another set of expensive colored pencils?! But hear me outâthese are cheaper than Prismacolor and WAY better than Crayola, so they deserve a spot on this list! đ
These Polychromos pencils have buttery smooth, richly pigmented ...
Faber-Castel Polychromos 60 Colored Pencils
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Seriously, these eraser pencils are AMAZING. It was love at first use, and now I canât imagine my art stash without them! đ¨â¨
Theyâre perfect for precision erasing, cleaning up fine details, and even creating unique eraser effects in sketches. They ...
Faber-Castel Eraser Pencils, 2-Pack
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If you use Prismacolors, you NEED this accessory kit. It has everything to help you blend, erase, and extend the life of your pencils. đ¨â¨
The colorless blender pencil & dual-tip blender marker make it super easy to soften edges and transition c...
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil Kit, 7-Pc
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This was the first Prismacolor set I ever purchasedâa starter set thatâs way less pricey than the BIG mama jammas. đ And let me tell you, once I tried them, it was game over.
The buttery smooth color laydown, rich pigments, and effortless blending ...
Prismacolor Premier Soft Core 72 Colored Pencils
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There is NOTHING better than this pencil right here. My absolute go-to for serious pencil workâwhether Iâm sketching, drafting, or doing precise line work. âď¸â¨
The 2mm lead gives you the perfect balance of control and smoothness, and the built-in le...
Staedtler Mars 780 2mm Mechanical Pencil