It can be quite inspiring and exciting to create art. However, it can be quite daunting to pay the cost of art supplies, especially when it comes to beginners looking for these types of supplies. With the rise of online shopping stores, it is now easier to find the right materials at the best prices, with no compromise on the quality front. Here is a complete beginner’s guide that can help you find the cheapest art supplies online in India without stretching your budget.

Know what you need before you start

Impulse buying is real, and you are sure to feel this when you scroll through pages of colorful paint brushes, sketch pens, and paints. However, before you start scrolling through art supply stores online, make a list of the things that you actually need. Categorize all your supplies, whether it comes to sketch pens, canvases, brushes, paint or any specialty item. With this simple step, you can stay absolutely focused and not give in to the temptation of adding needless items to your shopping cart.

Compare prices across multiple platforms

You can find the same items being sold at different platforms at different prices. Try to check out a wide variety of art supply stores and local art supply shops that have a good reputation. Use browser extensions or price comparison tools to find the best deals automatically. Do not forget to take shipping costs into consideration, as these can offset the price difference at times.

Look for Discount Codes and Sales

It is often that sales offers are available at online art stores for specific periods of time, particularly during back-to-school seasons or on holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Subscribe to newsletters so that you can get early alerts for sales and exclusive discount codes to reduce your purchase costs. You can also get a first-time buyer discount at many websites. Do not miss out on these discount offers. You can also discover hidden promo codes at some websites that offer art supplies at attractive prices.

Consider bulk buying for frequently used items

If you work on art projects regularly, you should consider purchasing certain supplies in bulk. You can find items like brushes, paper, and canvas available with big discounts when you purchase them in larger quantities. This can help you to save money and also ensure that you will not be at a loss for materials when your creative imagination runs riot.

Check for free shipping options

When you try to order art supplies online, shipping costs can be the deciding factor at times. Look for websites that extend free shipping offers over a specific amount. If you are just short of the amount that you need, consider adding a small art supply item that you will need eventually. It is better to do this rather than pay for shipping expenses.

Check the Reputation and Return Policies

Before you press the ‘buy’ button, go through the reviews posted by other artists who have bought the same item from the store. When you read about their experiences, you can get important insights into the durability, quality, and usefulness of the art supply that you intend to buy for yourself. You should also be aware of the return policy of the store. If the product that you order is not what you expected, the return policy will allow you to give it back with no hassles.

Join Online Art Communities for Tips

You can get useful tips and information on Facebook groups, DeviantArt forums, Reddit and other online art communities regarding art supplies that are available on the web. You can get help with understanding what kind of supplies you need as a beginner and which items can you can settle for at a later time, when you are more confident about your artistic abilities.

Look for Student or Teacher Discounts

If you happen to be a teacher or a student, you can find special discounts at many online art supply stores out there. You have to verify your status with a school email ID or a valid student id in these cases. In this way, you can reduce the cost of your art materials significantly.

Consult an experienced artist

If you have an artist in your vicinity or know of someone who has been pursuing art for some time, you can get some tips and advice from that person. It is one of the basic and easiest ways for you to get aware of the kind of supplies that can help you to create stunning artwork, without making a lot of expenses in the initial stages.

Final Thoughts

When you approach the process with careful planning and research, you do not have to spend a bomb on ordering your art supplies online. You should have a clear idea about what you need, compare prices, look for discounts, go through reviews etc., to make informed decisions and make purchases without stretching your budget.