Almost every artist can recall a childhood memory involving a vast, colorful art kit. Often presented in a sleek, multi-tiered case, these kits promised endless creative possibilities with their array of crayons, colored pencils, markers, and watercolors. Yet, many of us, upon opening these treasures, quickly discovered a discrepancy between expectation and reality. These budget-friendly art supplies, while abundant, frequently disappointed aspiring young artists.
The video above delves into the stark realities of such a kit, specifically reviewing a widely available cheap children’s art set. As highlighted in the review, these kits, despite their enticing piece count and low price point, often fall short on fundamental quality. This blog post expands upon those observations, exploring why investing in even slightly better budget art materials can significantly enhance the artistic journey for beginners and seasoned creators alike.
Understanding the Allure of Budget Art Kits
The primary appeal of inexpensive art kits is undeniably their cost-effectiveness. Art supplies can become quite expensive, a fact recognized by many individuals operating within a strict budget. Consequently, these multi-piece sets, often priced under $20, appear to be an ideal solution for parents seeking to encourage creativity or for beginners wanting to experiment without significant financial commitment. This perceived value, however, is frequently undermined by the actual performance of the included materials.
Retailers aim to maximize profit margins by including the cheapest possible components. The sheer number of items, such as the 72 pieces found in the reviewed Walmart kit, is often a marketing tactic to distract from individual item quality. This strategy frequently results in a collection of tools that hinder artistic development rather than foster it, a critical consideration for those new to art.
Paper: The Foundation’s Flaws
The very foundation of any artwork, the paper, is often compromised in these inexpensive kits. As observed in the video, the included paper can be microscopically small and of low quality. Such tiny sheets, often merely cut-up printer paper, are unsuitable for developing motor skills or engaging in expansive creative endeavors, especially for children.
Furthermore, the poor quality of the paper affects how other media performs. Printer paper is not designed to withstand moisture from markers or watercolors, leading to buckling, bleeding, and tearing. Artists are routinely advised that using proper paper can elevate even basic drawing tools, suggesting a crucial area where these kits significantly fail.
Dissecting the Art Kit’s Components
Each type of art supply within these kits typically exhibits its own set of challenges, often a direct result of compromises in manufacturing and material selection. The discrepancies between these budget options and standard, affordable brands become evident upon closer inspection and use. Understanding these individual shortcomings is beneficial for making informed purchasing decisions.
Crayon Catastrophes: Texture and Pigment Issues
Crayons found in cheap art kits commonly present numerous difficulties, as discussed in the review. They are often notably shorter and thinner than a standard crayon, making them susceptible to breakage during normal use. The paper wrappers, too, frequently fail to extend to the crayon’s full length, indicating a lack of attention to detail and overall quality control.
A significant problem with these crayons is their overly soft wax composition. This softness leads to a clumpy, scratchy application that leaves behind a messy residue, detracting from the creative process. The low pigment load in these waxes also results in colors that appear dull and lack vibrancy when compared to higher-quality, yet still affordable, alternatives like Crayola crayons. These issues combined create a frustrating experience for any user.
Colored Pencil Conundrums: Pigment and Palette Problems
While often considered one of the ‘better’ components in these kits, even the colored pencils have notable drawbacks. Typically half-sized and thin, they can be difficult for small hands to grip effectively. Although the colors might be generally accurate, the presence of an unnaturally neon yellow, a primary color, signals a fundamental misunderstanding of basic color theory and palette construction.
The quality of the pigment and binder in these pencils is usually inferior. This results in less vibrant colors, poor blending capabilities, and reduced lightfastness, meaning the artwork may fade quickly over time. Artists require a reliable and balanced color palette to create diverse and meaningful pieces, a standard these kits often fail to meet.
Marker Mayhem: Streaks and Structural Failures
Markers from cheap art kits are frequently the primary source of frustration for many users, as indicated by common complaints. While some older kits required water, modern versions are expected to perform without additional preparation. The design itself can be problematic; caps with sharp ridges are known to cause discomfort when removed.
Performance-wise, these markers are often extremely streaky, providing uneven coverage that makes smooth coloring nearly impossible. Furthermore, structural integrity issues, such as the drawing nib or sponge part detaching or retracting into the casing, are common. This not only renders the marker unusable but also highlights poor manufacturing standards, leading to significant disappointment and interruption during artistic activity.
Watercolor Woes: Consistency and Contamination Concerns
The watercolor component in these kits is often described as the least functional art supply, frequently bearing little resemblance to actual watercolor paint. The accompanying brushes are often ill-fitting for the packaging and arrive with permanently bent bristles, making precise application impossible. Even if the brush quality were decent, its compromised shape limits usability.
The paint itself behaves more like gouache—a mix between acrylic and watercolor—sitting atop the paper rather than seeping into the fibers. Upon drying, these paints can leave behind a strange, flaky, white crust or a grainy, sandy texture. Furthermore, reports of foreign floaty particles and unmixed pigment indicate severe quality control issues, potentially signifying contamination or improper formulation. These significant problems make it incredibly challenging to achieve any desired artistic effect with these materials.
The True Cost of Low-Quality Art Supplies
While the initial monetary outlay for cheap children’s art kits is low, the true cost can be much higher in terms of frustration and discouraging artistic development. For children, grappling with materials that do not perform as expected can lead to a belief that they lack artistic talent, rather than recognizing the limitations of their tools. This can stifle nascent creativity and lead to a premature abandonment of artistic exploration.
Even for adult beginners, poor quality supplies can make learning techniques unnecessarily difficult. For instance, blending colors or achieving smooth washes becomes almost impossible with substandard pigments and binders. This creates an unfair barrier to entry, potentially deterring individuals from pursuing a rewarding hobby. Investing in reliable, even if slightly more expensive, starter sets is often a more economical and inspiring choice in the long run.
Choosing Better Budget Art Supplies
For those looking to avoid the pitfalls of extremely cheap children’s art kits, numerous excellent budget-friendly alternatives are available. Prioritizing quality over quantity is a key strategy for assembling a functional art kit. Instead of a massive set of mediocre items, a smaller collection of well-performing essentials can provide a much more positive experience.
When selecting crayons, colored pencils, or markers, reputable student-grade brands consistently offer better pigment quality, smoother application, and enhanced durability. For watercolors, pan sets from established brands provide much better solubility and vibrancy. Moreover, investing in a decent pad of mixed-media paper significantly improves the performance of various art mediums. These considered choices lay a much stronger foundation for creative expression and skill development, ensuring that art remains an enjoyable and enriching activity.
Your Gripes, Our Answers: An Art Supply Q&A
What are “budget art kits”?
Budget art kits are inexpensive, multi-piece sets often found for under $20. They typically contain various art supplies like crayons, markers, and watercolors, designed to be a cost-effective option for beginners.
Why should beginners be careful when buying very cheap art kits?
Very cheap art kits often contain low-quality supplies that can lead to frustration and make it difficult to learn art techniques. This can discourage new artists and hinder their creative development.
What are common problems with the supplies in cheap art kits?
Supplies in cheap kits often have issues like small, low-quality paper that bleeds, crayons that break easily and produce dull colors, streaky markers, and watercolors that don’t behave like actual paint.
What is the main problem with the paper included in cheap art kits?
The paper in these kits is usually small and low-quality, often resembling printer paper. This makes it unsuitable for many art mediums as it can buckle, bleed, or tear easily when wet.
What should I look for instead of a very cheap art kit?
Instead of a large, cheap kit, beginners should prioritize quality over quantity. It’s better to choose a smaller collection of well-performing, student-grade supplies from reputable brands, along with decent mixed-media paper.