Are you considering a budget-friendly art kit for a budding artist or perhaps for yourself? The allure of a multi-piece collection at a low price can be incredibly strong, often promising a comprehensive set of art supplies without breaking the bank. However, as Rae discusses in the accompanying video, the reality of many cheap art kits can be starkly different from their attractive packaging and piece count. A closer look reveals that what appears to be a bargain might instead be a source of artistic frustration and a false economy.
The marketplace is flooded with what are often referred to as children’s art kits, typically boasting dozens of components for a minimal cost. For instance, the kit reviewed in the video, a 72-piece set from a major retailer, was acquired for just $14. Such an offering is understandably appealing to parents, new artists, or anyone working with a limited budget. The initial perception is that a vast array of creative possibilities is being unlocked for a small investment.
The Allure of the Affordable Art Kit
The primary motivation behind purchasing an inexpensive art kit is almost universally cost. Art supplies, particularly those of professional quality, can indeed be a significant financial commitment. Therefore, the prospect of obtaining a large quantity of materials for a fraction of the price of individual, higher-end items seems like a sensible solution. This approach is often taken by those who are exploring a new hobby, or by parents seeking to foster their children’s creativity without a substantial outlay.
However, this perceived value can quickly dissipate upon actual use. The video’s experience with the $14 kit highlights a common pitfall: the ‘false economy.’ This concept suggests that while the initial purchase price is low, the dissatisfaction and poor performance of the items lead to wasted money, as the user may ultimately need to replace the subpar supplies with better ones. This means the initial savings are negated by subsequent purchases, leading to a higher overall cost and a less enjoyable creative journey.
Unpacking the “Worst”: A Deep Dive into Inferior Art Supplies
A detailed examination of the individual components within such a cheap art kit often reveals significant quality control issues and design compromises. The intention behind including a high number of pieces, while visually impressive, can be to mask the substandard quality of each individual item. The video provides a thorough critique of several common art materials found in these kits.
The Curious Case of the Microscopic Paper
One of the first issues encountered in the reviewed kit was the paper. Instead of providing standard-sized sheets, the kit included paper described as “microscopic” in scale. Furthermore, the paper quality was found to be akin to basic printer paper, merely cut into small rectangles to inflate the piece count. This choice of material and size presents several challenges for artists, especially children.
For young learners, developing fine motor skills and spatial awareness is crucial. Attempting to draw on extremely small surfaces can hinder this development, leading to frustration rather than encouragement. Large, accessible surfaces are generally recommended for children to freely express themselves. Moreover, the low-quality, thin nature of the paper prevents it from holding up to various mediums, particularly wet ones like markers or watercolor, which can cause buckling, tearing, or bleeding. Consequently, the paper, a fundamental element of any art activity, is rendered largely impractical.
Crayons: A Messy Encounter
The crayons included in the kit were another point of contention. Compared to a benchmark brand like Crayola, these crayons were notably shorter and thinner, making them more prone to breakage during use. The wax composition was also identified as being exceptionally soft, resulting in a dull, ‘chewed-up’ appearance even before significant use. This characteristic is often indicative of a higher proportion of filler materials rather than pure, pigmented wax.
Performance-wise, these crayons were described as scratchy and clumpy, failing to deliver a smooth, even application of color. Perhaps most notably, they left behind numerous flakes and chunks, creating a messy work surface that can detract from the artistic process. For children, this messiness can be distracting and discouraging, transforming a creative endeavor into a cleanup chore. The lack of vibrant pigment and the messy residue make these crayons less effective tools for color exploration and layering, which are key aspects of crayon art.
Colored Pencils: A Glimmer of Hope, Yet Flawed
Among the items in the kit, the colored pencils were surprisingly deemed the “best” of the lot, though this was a relative assessment. They were described as thin and half-sized, a common characteristic of budget kits. While the colors were generally accurate to their labels, a critical flaw was observed with the yellow colored pencil, which appeared neon rather than a standard primary yellow. This detail, though seemingly minor, reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of basic color theory.
Yellow is one of the three primary colors (red, yellow, blue), meaning it cannot be created by mixing other colors. A true, balanced yellow is essential for mixing a wide range of secondary and tertiary colors. A neon yellow skews the entire palette, making it difficult for artists, especially beginner artists, to achieve desired color combinations or to learn proper color mixing techniques. This oversight suggests a lack of foundational knowledge in art material creation, which can severely limit a user’s ability to create harmonious artwork.
Markers: Streaky, Frustrating, and Prone to Failure
The markers from the reviewed art kit garnered significant criticism, living up to the common complaints associated with cheap alternatives. Issues began with the physical design, specifically the caps, which featured ridges that were uncomfortable and even painful to remove. Functionally, the markers were highly streaky, producing uneven lines and patchy fills, a stark contrast to the smooth coverage typically offered by quality markers like those from Crayola.
Moreover, a significant structural failure was reported: the felt tip of a red marker detached and retracted into the casing after only seconds of use, rendering it effectively useless without manual intervention. This type of failure highlights poor construction and materials. Streaky application and mechanical failure are highly frustrating for any artist, let alone a child learning to control their tools. These deficiencies inhibit smooth line work, consistent coloring, and overall artistic enjoyment, making the markers a considerable disappointment.
The Grand Finale: Questionable “Watercolor”
Perhaps the most egregious example of poor quality in the kit was the watercolor set. Even the accompanying brush was flawed, being too large for its packaging and permanently bent, rendering it impractical for use. The watercolor paints themselves were described as not behaving like traditional watercolor at all. True watercolor is characterized by its transparency, its ability to be layered, and how it seeps into the paper fibers to create soft, translucent washes.
Conversely, the kit’s “watercolor” behaved more like gouache, a paint that is opaque and sits on top of the paper rather than soaking in. While gouache is a legitimate medium, it requires different techniques and expectations. This misrepresentation in a beginner’s kit is problematic. Furthermore, the paint dried with a weird, flaky white crust and left a grainy, sandy texture on the paper. Mysterious floating particles were observed in the paint water, resembling a “petri dish,” suggesting contamination or improperly mixed pigment. Such issues make it virtually impossible to achieve any semblance of traditional watercolor effects, ultimately stifling learning and creative expression in this medium.
The True Cost of Cheap Art Supplies: Beyond the Price Tag
The frustrations detailed in the video and this analysis extend beyond mere inconvenience. For children and beginner artists, working with substandard art supplies can have a detrimental impact on their creative development and enthusiasm. When tools are difficult to use, perform poorly, or even break, the user may become discouraged, believing that their lack of skill is the problem, rather than the inadequacy of the materials. This can lead to a premature abandonment of artistic pursuits.
The video provides a compelling visual comparison: a strawberry drawn with the kit’s supplies versus one drawn with quality colored pencils. The difference is stark, highlighting how good tools can facilitate better results, allowing the artist’s skill to shine through. Quality art materials are designed to work predictably and effectively, enabling artists to focus on technique and expression. This investment in proper tools can foster confidence, encourage experimentation, and ultimately lead to a more rewarding creative journey. In the long run, avoiding the “false economy” of a truly cheap art kit pays dividends in enjoyment and artistic growth.
Investing Wisely: Finding Quality on a Budget
Despite the pitfalls of ultra-cheap art kits, it is entirely possible to acquire quality art supplies without an exorbitant budget. The key lies in prioritizing quality over sheer quantity and making informed choices. Instead of purchasing large, multi-medium kits, it is often more beneficial to invest in a smaller selection of higher-quality individual items or curated sets from reputable brands. For example, a basic set of Crayola crayons, a few decent colored pencils, or a small pan of student-grade watercolor paints can provide a far superior experience than a 72-piece art kit of questionable provenance.
Focusing on core mediums that truly appeal to the artist can maximize value. Many art stores offer student-grade supplies that strike a good balance between cost and performance. Looking for sales, utilizing student discounts, or even exploring art supply subscription boxes can also provide access to better materials at a reasonable price point. The video creator, Rae, specifically mentions offering a list of recommended art supplies under $20 and a “Broke Artist playlist” filled with tips and hacks, which are excellent resources for budget-conscious creators seeking genuine value.
Beyond Art: Protecting Your Tech with Style
Just as quality is paramount in art materials, it is also essential in protecting our valuable technology. The video was sponsored by Casetify, a brand renowned for its durable and stylish tech accessories. Casetify phone cases, such as their iPhone 14 Impact Case Series, are engineered with advanced protection features, including a 20% increase in safeguarding thanks to their proprietary EcoShock technology. These cases are rigorously tested and certified to be drop-safe from heights of up to 11.5 feet, which is five times the military standard for durability.
Beyond their robust protection, Casetify cases are also designed with sustainability in mind, being made from plant-based and recycled materials. This commitment to environmental responsibility is paired with a sleek, thin profile, ensuring that the cases are comfortable to hold and easily fit into pockets. A significant aspect highlighted for artists is Casetify’s Artist program, which fosters collaborations with a diverse global community of artists. This initiative not only provides unique designs but also actively supports artist communities. With over 2,000 designs and customizable options available, there is a Casetify case to suit every individual style and preference. Viewers of the video can also avail a 15% discount on their orders using the provided link, representing another opportunity to invest in quality and value.
In essence, whether it is for art supplies or phone protection, making informed decisions and opting for quality over superficial quantity is consistently the more rewarding path. The experience with a truly cheap art kit often underscores that the initial savings are quickly overshadowed by frustration and a hindrance to creative development.
Beyond the Worst: Your Art Supply Grievances Answered
What is the main problem with very cheap art kits?
Very cheap art kits often provide many items at a low price, but the materials are usually low-quality. This can lead to frustration and a ‘false economy’ because you might end up replacing the poor supplies later.
Why is the paper in cheap art kits often not suitable for beginners?
The paper in cheap kits is typically small and thin, similar to basic printer paper. This makes it difficult for beginners to draw freely and causes wet mediums like markers or watercolors to buckle, tear, or bleed through.
What issues might I experience with crayons or markers in a budget art kit?
Crayons in budget kits can be soft, break easily, and leave messy flakes, while markers often produce streaky colors or have tips that fail quickly. These problems make it hard to get smooth, consistent results.
How can poor-quality art supplies affect a beginner artist?
Poor-quality supplies can discourage beginner artists by making them feel their lack of skill is the problem, rather than the tools. This can lead to frustration and even giving up on artistic pursuits prematurely.
How can a beginner find good art supplies without spending too much money?
Instead of large, cheap kits, beginners should invest in a smaller selection of higher-quality individual items or student-grade sets from trusted brands. Focusing on quality over quantity provides a much better experience and value.