This is on my mind because last night I found myself sorting my art and drafting supplies left over from college. I found myself wondering if I could have spent less money on all of it without diminishing the quality of the experience. Mrs. Hungryjoe and I were broke as a joke at the time, after all. I’m sure I overspent on some items. However, a hugely important part of our first and second year was experimenting with different tools. Learning things like the way different types of instrument make marks on different types of paper. Learning when to use a marker, when to use a pencil, and how to use tools like gel pens to add highlights. How many days did we spend just learning to make a proper line with lead holder on trace paper? Those experiences matter.
I am in favor of anything that expands access to art. It’s helpful encouragement to let people know they can get started on a shoestring. But I hope people will also experiment and learn why there’s such a vast array of possible supplies and materials, and what those are good for.
