Our mannequins provide an essential tool for artists and fashion designers to visualize and create their designs, with a range of realistic and adjustable models that cater to all styles and proportions.
Starting your artistic journey can feel overwhelming with so many supplies available, but building a solid foundation doesn't require breaking the bank. At Art Shed Brisbane, we believe every artist deserves the right tools to bring their creative vision to life. Here's our guide to the essential supplies that will set you up for success.
Erasers & Sharpeners: Your Precision Partners
Every artist makes mistakes, and that's where quality erasers become your best friend. A good eraser isn't just about removing errors; it's a creative tool in its own right. Kneaded erasers are particularly versatile, allowing you to lift graphite for highlights and blend tones. Vinyl erasers work brilliantly for clean, precise corrections without damaging your paper.
Don't overlook sharpeners either. A sharp pencil gives you control over line weight and detail. Invest in both handheld sharpeners for portability and desktop models for studio work. Pro tip: keep different sharpeners for different pencil grades to avoid contamination.
Rulers & Technical Drawing Tools: Foundation of Good Art
Precision isn't the enemy of creativity; it's creativity's best supporter. Rulers and technical drawing tools help you establish proper proportions, create clean geometric shapes, and maintain consistency across your work. A transparent ruler lets you see your artwork underneath, whilst a metal ruler doubles as a cutting edge for clean lines.
French curves and triangle sets open up possibilities for technical illustration and architectural sketching. Even if you're drawn to organic, freehand styles, understanding basic proportions and construction will elevate your work significantly.
Stencils: Consistency Meets Creativity
Stencils aren't just for beginners; professional artists use them to achieve consistent shapes, letters, and patterns efficiently. They're particularly valuable for creating backgrounds, repeating elements, or adding professional text to your artwork.
Letter stencils ensure readable titles and signatures, whilst shape stencils help with geometric compositions. Consider circle and ellipse guides for technical drawing or creating perfect planetary scenes and architectural elements.
Pencil Cases: Organisation Equals Inspiration
A cluttered workspace leads to a cluttered mind. A proper pencil case keeps your tools organised, protected, and easily accessible. Look for cases with multiple compartments to separate different pencil grades, prevent cross-contamination of erasers, and protect delicate tools like blending stumps.
Roll-up cases work brilliantly for artists on the go, whilst standing cases are perfect for studio setups. Remember, when your tools are organised and well-maintained, you spend more time creating and less time searching.
Mannequins: Understanding Form and Proportion
Drawing the human figure is one of art's greatest challenges, and wooden mannequins are invaluable references. These articulated figures help you understand how joints move, how clothing drapes, and how light falls on three-dimensional forms.
Start with a basic wooden figure for gesture and proportion studies. As you advance, consider hand models for detailed studies or even full-scale mannequins for life drawing practice. They're available 24/7, never get tired, and don't charge by the hour!
Building Your Toolkit Gradually
Remember, you don't need everything at once. Start with basics: a few quality pencils, a good eraser, a reliable sharpener, and a simple ruler. Add tools as your skills develop and your artistic interests become clearer.
Quality matters more than quantity. One excellent eraser will serve you better than five cheap ones that smudge and tear your paper. At Art Shed Brisbane, we're passionate about helping artists find tools that will grow with them, whether they're sketching their first portrait or preparing for art school.
Your artistic journey is unique, and your toolkit should reflect that. Visit us in-store or online to explore our full range of essential supplies, and don't hesitate to ask our team for personalised recommendations. After all, great art starts with great tools, and every artist deserves the best foundation for their creative adventures.
