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Finding Art Supply Stores Online
The good news is that there are many art supply stores available today, so you will always be able to find exactly the materials you're looking for sometimes and save 25% to 40% off list price and sometimes get free shipping. The bad news is that everyday low prices for art supplies and materials have different characteristics and qualities, and it can be difficult to sort through so many fine art mediums. That is why it's important to understand some of the main ways in which art supply stores can differ and how you can go about your shopping experience in order to find your best buys with great customer service much like a walk in retail store. New artists sometimes make a mistake when shopping for art supplies online, in thinking that all stores, suppliers and outlets are going to have the same level of customer service. However, the opposite is much closer to the truth, because they are all a little bit different. The customers they cater to can range from interest in kids art, budget student quality to specific brands like Utrecht or info on art lessons and workshops as opposed to something very general like a gift card. You'll see that even at the broadest levels, art supply stores offer different kinds of materials and artist supplies. Some stores will focus on offering complete online art supply that deals with:
Others will be focused on classes and crafts for school. All kinds of art will have their own specific outlets that specialize in offering tips using materials for that individual aspect of creativity and artwork such as drafting or drawing. More specifically, different stores within that kind of broad category will have different art supplies online available as well. Some will favor particular brands like Prismacolor and will only carry their products. Others may produce their own artist goods and supplies and sell it at a discount under their own brand like Cheap Joes, Jerry's Artarama or Dick Blick, and others may try to carry all of the big names and companies. Therefore it's important for you to know which brands you are familiar and comfortable with, and what other factors are important to you and your art before you buy so you know where to get started with your search. Of course, different art supply stores will also have different price ranges. You'll see right away that some stores are very upper end and offer the finest oils, brushes, easels and canvas at higher prices to match their quality. Other stores may offer materials and supplies in bulk quantities with discounts, free shipping, or may offer more generic student brands. All seem to have a "Contact Us" for checking order status and shipping info. You'll have to set a budget for yourself and watch for clearance sales before you shop so you know that you'll be comfortable making your purchase while not spending too much of your cash. This is just a general overview of what you need to know about the many art supply stores that are around today. As mentioned, on the upside you'll always be able to find what you're looking for and there is no shortage of art supplies online with everything from Crayola markers to complete art sets for you to choose from. The downside is just finding the perfect match from all of this chaos and clutter so you stick within your price range, find products that are perfectly aligned to your needs and allow you to work and create as successfully as possible. |
