Inspire your Creativity
Personalise Your Phone Case with POSCA Markers DIY Tutorial
Looking to add a pop of personality to your phone? Grab your favourite POSCA markers and get creative! Whether your case is clear, matte, or glossy, POSCA paint sticks beautifully to plastic – no fuss, just fun. What You’ll Need: Plastic phone case (clear or coloured) POSCA Paint Markers – use a mix of fine and broad tips Soft cloth or tissue Water-based spray varnish (matte or gloss) Optional: Pencil and eraser Step 1: Prep the Surface No special primer is needed – just clean your phone case with a soft cloth to remove dust or grease. A clean surface...
Personalise Your Phone Case with POSCA Markers DIY Tutorial
Looking to add a pop of personality to your phone? Grab your favourite POSCA markers and get creative! Whether your case is clear, matte, or glossy, POSCA paint sticks beautifully...
How to Customise a Helmet with POSCA
Want to stand out on your bike or board? Customising your helmet is a fun and creative way to show off your personal style – and it’s easier than you think! With just a few tools and a trusty POSCA marker, you can turn any plain helmet into a wearable work of art. What You’ll Need: Bike or roller helmet POSCA PC-3M Paint Marker Tracing paper Uni-Ball mechanical pencil Solvent-free spray varnish (matte, gloss or satin) Step 1: Choose & Transfer Your Design Sketch your design on tracing paper with a mechanical pencil. Flip the paper and trace the reverse...
How to Customise a Helmet with POSCA
Want to stand out on your bike or board? Customising your helmet is a fun and creative way to show off your personal style – and it’s easier than you...
Custom Skateboard Art with POSCA
How to Design Your Own Deck! Personalise your ride with a one-of-a-kind deck design using POSCA paint markers! Whether you're skating the streets or hanging it on your wall, a custom-painted skateboard deck is the perfect way to showcase your style. What You’ll Need: Wooden skateboard deck POSCA Markers (PC-1M, PC-1MR, PC-3M, PC-5M) uni Pin Fineliners (0.03mm – 0.8mm) Pencil Matte or Gloss Spray Sealer Optional: White acrylic paint or gesso and brushes Soft cloth Fine grit sandpaper Step 1: Prep the Deck Wipe down the area you'll paint with a damp cloth to remove any dust. If needed, sand...
Custom Skateboard Art with POSCA
How to Design Your Own Deck! Personalise your ride with a one-of-a-kind deck design using POSCA paint markers! Whether you're skating the streets or hanging it on your wall, a...
A Step-by-Step Guide to Rock Painting
Rock Your Art with POSCA! Rock painting is such a fun and creative way to personalise your space, give unique handmade gifts, or just unwind with a colourful project. With POSCA paint markers, you’ll get vibrant, opaque colour that works beautifully on stone – no mess, no fuss. What You’ll Need: Smooth, clean rocks Soft cloth or wipes POSCA Paint Markers (Recommended tips: PC-1MR, PC-1M, PC-3M, PC-5M) uni Pin Fineliner (Available in 0.03mm to 0.8mm) Spray varnish – Micador Crystal Clear or Krylon Clear Glaze Step 1: Prep Your Surface Give your rocks a quick wipe with a cloth to...
A Step-by-Step Guide to Rock Painting
Rock Your Art with POSCA! Rock painting is such a fun and creative way to personalise your space, give unique handmade gifts, or just unwind with a colourful project. With...
Colour Blending Tips with Prismacolor
Did you know the human eye can detect over 10 million colours? Wild, right? Of course, most of us don’t own that many coloured pencils. But with a little blending know-how, you can create just about any hue you need – even with a limited set. Whether you’re shading skin tones, adding depth to a flower petal, or giving an apple some realistic sheen, blending is the key to unlocking beautiful, lifelike colour. Why Blend? Create custom shades not available in your pencil set Add soft transitions between colours Mimic natural light and shadows Achieve realistic detail in your artwork Everyday...
Colour Blending Tips with Prismacolor
Did you know the human eye can detect over 10 million colours? Wild, right? Of course, most of us don’t own that many coloured pencils. But with a little blending know-how,...
A Beginner's Guide to Pigment Codes in Artist Paints
If you've ever squinted at the tiny letters and numbers on a paint tube and thought, "What on earth does PR102 mean?" – you're not alone! Those little codes are part of a fascinating system that helps demystify what's actually in your paint. Let’s take a closer look at what pigment codes are, how to read them, and why they matter. What Is a Pigment? Pigments are coloured powders that give paint its hue. Unlike dyes, which dissolve completely in a medium, pigments are insoluble – they stay suspended in the binder (like linseed oil, gum arabic or acrylic polymer)....
A Beginner's Guide to Pigment Codes in Artist Paints
If you've ever squinted at the tiny letters and numbers on a paint tube and thought, "What on earth does PR102 mean?" – you're not alone! Those little codes are...
Brands Championing Sustainability
13 Art Supply Brands Leading the Way in Sustainability As environmental awareness grows, many artists are looking for materials that align with their values, without compromising on quality. The good news? Some of the biggest names in the art world are taking serious steps to reduce their environmental impact. From recyclable packaging to non-toxic formulations and responsible sourcing, here are 12 art supply brands doing their part for the planet; and helping you make greener choices in the studio. Known for their sketchbooks and drawing pads, Strathmore offers a wide range of recycled paper products made with post-consumer fibre. Their...
Brands Championing Sustainability
13 Art Supply Brands Leading the Way in Sustainability As environmental awareness grows, many artists are looking for materials that align with their values, without compromising on quality. The good...
A Guide to Common Pigment Names
A Quick Guide to Pigment Terms Every Artist Should Know! Ever looked at a paint tube and thought, “What on earth is Perylene?” You’re not alone! Artist paints often come with fancy names that hint at the pigment’s origin, chemistry, or hue family. Understanding these terms can help you make more informed choices when building your palette. Below, we’ve broken down some common paint tube terms so you can paint smarter – not harder. Alizarin A deep red pigment originally derived from madder root; often seen as Alizarin Crimson. It’s known for its rich, transparent colour, though traditional versions can...
A Guide to Common Pigment Names
A Quick Guide to Pigment Terms Every Artist Should Know! Ever looked at a paint tube and thought, “What on earth is Perylene?” You’re not alone! Artist paints often come...
Local Exhibition Spotlight: Springbrook and Beyond by John Bell
Brisbane-based artist John Bell returns with a stunning new exhibition, Springbrook and Beyond, showcasing his deep connection to the lush, untamed rainforests of South East Queensland. For years, Bell has been captivated by the tangled beauty of the hinterland, particularly the Springbrook mountain region, where he finds endless inspiration and quiet reflection. This latest body of work is a heartfelt homage to the wild landscapes that continue to fuel his creativity. Drawing from decades of artistic practice and a rich history within Brisbane’s art community, Bell presents a mix of figurative, landscape and abstract pieces that speak to the raw...
Local Exhibition Spotlight: Springbrook and Beyond by John Bell
Brisbane-based artist John Bell returns with a stunning new exhibition, Springbrook and Beyond, showcasing his deep connection to the lush, untamed rainforests of South East Queensland. For years, Bell has...
The Acrylic Paint Starter Kit
What Colours Do You Really Need? Starting out with acrylic paints can be exciting – but also a little overwhelming with all the colour choices. Do you need every shade on the shelf? Not quite! With a smart starter palette, you can mix a surprising range of colours and get painting straight away. Here’s our tried-and-true guide to building your first acrylic palette – with two options depending on how simple or versatile you want your setup to be. Option 1: Essential 6-Colour Starter Kit (Left to right) Titanium White Use it to lighten colours, create tints, or paint...
The Acrylic Paint Starter Kit
What Colours Do You Really Need? Starting out with acrylic paints can be exciting – but also a little overwhelming with all the colour choices. Do you need every shade...
Top Tips for Writing Your Artist Bio (and Statement!)
Whether you're applying for a grant, exhibiting your work, or creating an online portfolio, a well-written artist bio and statement are vital. These tools don’t just tick a box; they’re your chance to help others understand your creative world and what drives it. Let’s break down the best tips for writing an engaging and professional artist bio and statement, inspired by advice from the National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA). What’s the Difference Between an Artist Bio and an Artist Statement? Your artist statement is a short piece of writing that explains the ideas, themes, and methods behind your work....
Top Tips for Writing Your Artist Bio (and Statement!)
Whether you're applying for a grant, exhibiting your work, or creating an online portfolio, a well-written artist bio and statement are vital. These tools don’t just tick a box; they’re...
Beginner Hand Lettering Techniques with Prismacolor
Hand lettering has made a massive comeback in recent years – and it’s not just a trend. The beauty of it lies in how personal and expressive it can be. Whether you're jazzing up wedding invitations or creating Instagram-worthy quote art, hand lettering allows you to ditch the fonts and let your creativity shine. If you’re just getting started or want to level up your lettering skills, there are a few key techniques that will give your pieces that polished, professional look. Let’s break them down! The Foundations: Brushstrokes & Structure Before we get fancy with flourishes, let’s talk basics....
Beginner Hand Lettering Techniques with Prismacolor
Hand lettering has made a massive comeback in recent years – and it’s not just a trend. The beauty of it lies in how personal and expressive it can be....
How to Master Wet-on-Wet with a Mop Brush
Looking to create dreamy, flowing watercolour effects? A mop brush is your best mate when it comes to mastering the wet-on-wet technique. Its soft, rounded bristles are ideal for laying down big, even washes – no streaks or hard edges in sight. Here’s how to make the most of it: Start by loading your mop brush with plenty of water and a diluted mix of your chosen watercolour. Work onto damp or wet paper; that’s where the real magic happens. The wetter the surface, the more the paint will bloom and blend. Use broad, gentle strokes to spread the colour....
How to Master Wet-on-Wet with a Mop Brush
Looking to create dreamy, flowing watercolour effects? A mop brush is your best mate when it comes to mastering the wet-on-wet technique. Its soft, rounded bristles are ideal for laying...
Which Mediums Will Help My Oil Paint Dry Faster?
If you’ve ever waited days (or even weeks!) for an oil painting to dry, you’re not alone. While oil paints are known for their rich colour and smooth blending, they do have one major downside: drying time. Straight from the tube, oil paint can take several days to become touch-dry, sometimes longer in humid or cool conditions. The good news? You can speed things up without sacrificing that beautiful oil finish. Let’s explore a few options to help your oils dry faster; from smart paint choices to mixing in the right mediums. Speed Things Up with Alkyd Mediums One of...
Which Mediums Will Help My Oil Paint Dry Faster?
If you’ve ever waited days (or even weeks!) for an oil painting to dry, you’re not alone. While oil paints are known for their rich colour and smooth blending, they...
Mont Marte Acrylic Paint Range Comparison
Not sure which Mont Marte acrylic is right for you? Watch this quick video to compare Acrylic Colour, Satin Acrylic and Dimension ranges side by side!
Mont Marte Acrylic Paint Range Comparison
Not sure which Mont Marte acrylic is right for you? Watch this quick video to compare Acrylic Colour, Satin Acrylic and Dimension ranges side by side!
STAEDTLER Secondary School Artist of the Year Competition Returns for 2025
A fantastic opportunity for young artists in Years 7–12 to showcase their talent and win amazing prizes! STAEDTLER’s Artist of the Year Secondary School art competition is back for its 8th year, and it's bigger than ever! Open to all students in Years 7 to 12, the competition offers a platform for young creatives to share their artwork for the chance to win from a pool of 15 major prizes. There are two categories to enter: Junior (Years 7–9) Senior (Years 10–12) Each category will award prizes to the top 3 entries; with the first-place winner in both Junior and Senior...
STAEDTLER Secondary School Artist of the Year Competition Returns for 2025
A fantastic opportunity for young artists in Years 7–12 to showcase their talent and win amazing prizes! STAEDTLER’s Artist of the Year Secondary School art competition is back for its...
How to Do an Acrylic Pour Painting
Tips for Pouring, Collage & Texture Looking to try acrylic pouring but not sure where to start? In this video tutorial, acrylic artist Marla Morrison walks you through the process of creating stunning poured paintings while combining collage and textured elements. Whether you’re brand new to fluid art or looking to take your acrylic pouring to the next level, this video is packed with practical tips for developing your technique and adding depth to your work. Acrylic Pouring Techniques to Try Marla explores several creative acrylic pouring techniques, from simple fluid pours to more controlled applications. She also shares tips...
How to Do an Acrylic Pour Painting
Tips for Pouring, Collage & Texture Looking to try acrylic pouring but not sure where to start? In this video tutorial, acrylic artist Marla Morrison walks you through the process...
How to Layer Watercolours Without Making Them Muddy
Top Tips for Clear, Vibrant Washes Watercolours are known for their luminous, transparent quality; but if you've ever tried layering colours and ended up with a murky mess, you're not alone. Muddy colours usually happen when pigments mix unintentionally or when layering isn't fully dry. Here are our top tips to keep your layers fresh, not flat. 1. Let Each Layer Dry Completely This is rule number one. If you paint over a layer that's still damp, colours will bleed and blend, often resulting in dull or muddy hues. Use a hairdryer if you're in a rush, just keep it...
How to Layer Watercolours Without Making Them Muddy
Top Tips for Clear, Vibrant Washes Watercolours are known for their luminous, transparent quality; but if you've ever tried layering colours and ended up with a murky mess, you're not...
Experience the Beauty of Matisse Fluid Acrylic!
Experience the Beauty of Matisse Fluids – A Journey Through Colour & Flow Unleash your creative potential with Matisse Fluid Acrylics in this vibrant video showcase. ‘Experience the Beauty of Matisse Fluids’ offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Australia’s finest acrylic ranges – known for its exceptional pigment load, fluid consistency, and dynamic versatility. From paint pouring and calligraphy to airbrushing and marbling techniques, this visual guide demonstrates how Matisse Fluids glide across surfaces, blend seamlessly, and interact with various mediums. See them in action on canvas, paper, and more – with insights into drying times, layering potential, and...
Experience the Beauty of Matisse Fluid Acrylic!
Experience the Beauty of Matisse Fluids – A Journey Through Colour & Flow Unleash your creative potential with Matisse Fluid Acrylics in this vibrant video showcase. ‘Experience the Beauty of...
Choosing the Right Winsor & Newton Oil Paint
Winsor and Newton Oil Paints: Artists’, Artisan or Winton? With so many oil paints on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming – especially when they all come from a brand as trusted as Winsor & Newton. Whether you're a professional artist looking for premium performance, someone wanting a safer studio setup, or you're just starting out and exploring oil paints, Winsor & Newton has a range suited to every style and skill level. In this post, we’ll break down the key features of the three main ranges: Artists' Oil Colour, Artisan Water Mixable Oil Colour, and Winton...
Choosing the Right Winsor & Newton Oil Paint
Winsor and Newton Oil Paints: Artists’, Artisan or Winton? With so many oil paints on the market, finding the right one can be overwhelming – especially when they all come...
5 Creative Ways to Use Fluid Acrylic Paints (That Aren’t Pouring)
When most people think of fluid acrylics, their minds go straight to pouring, but these versatile paints can do so much more! Whether you’re a fine detail lover, a mixed media experimenter or somewhere in between, fluid paints deserve a spot in your toolkit. Here are our top 5 ways to use them creatively, no pouring cup required. 1. Ink Like Washes Fluid acrylics can be thinned with water or acrylic medium to create stunning transparent washes, just like watercolour or ink. They’re perfect for laying down luminous backgrounds, soft gradients or glazing over dry paint to add depth. 2. Fine...
5 Creative Ways to Use Fluid Acrylic Paints (That Aren’t Pouring)
When most people think of fluid acrylics, their minds go straight to pouring, but these versatile paints can do so much more! Whether you’re a fine detail lover, a mixed media...