Hey everyone!
As art and design students, we all know how quickly the cost of supplies can add up. Whether you’re painting, sketching, or working on a big design project, finding affordable art equipment is key. Here’s a list of some budget-friendly stores around the UK where you can grab your essentials without breaking the bank, along with some tips on how to make the most out of your supplies!
Affordable Art Supply Stores in the UK
- Cass Art
Locations: London, Brighton, Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, and more.
Cass Art has a good range of quality art supplies at decent prices. They often have student discounts, so don’t forget to bring your student ID! - The Works
Locations: Nationwide.
The Works is great for basic art supplies like sketchbooks, paints, and craft materials. Their prices are super low, making it perfect for those on a tight budget. - Hobbycraft
Locations: Nationwide.
Hobbycraft offers a wide variety of art and craft supplies. Look out for their sales and student discounts, especially on essentials like canvases and paintbrushes. - Jackson’s Art Supplies
Location: Online and London.
Jackson’s offers an extensive range of products, from professional-grade to student-friendly options. Their website often has sales, and you can find great deals on bulk items. - Cowling & Wilcox
Locations: London and online.
They have a wide selection of art supplies, often with good deals on bundles and student discounts. Perfect for when you need quality materials but don’t want to overspend. - Fred Aldous
Locations: Manchester and Leeds.
A well-known name in the art world, Fred Aldous has a good mix of affordable and high-end supplies. Check out their sales section for some great bargains.
Tips to Avoid Wasting Supplies
- Plan Your Projects
Before buying supplies, make a list of what you need. This helps avoid impulse buys that you might not end up using. - Buy in Bulk
For items you use a lot (like paper, paint, or pencils), buying in bulk can save you money in the long run. Just make sure it’s something you’ll definitely use. - Share with Friends
If you need expensive materials that you won’t use all of, see if you can split the cost with a classmate. This way, you both save money. - Repurpose and Reuse
Be creative with leftovers from previous projects. Old canvases, scraps of fabric, or even used sketchbooks can be transformed into something new. - Look for Second-Hand Supplies
Check out local charity shops, online marketplaces like eBay, or Facebook groups for second-hand art supplies. You can often find great deals on barely-used materials. - Take Care of Your Tools
Properly clean and store your brushes, pencils, and other tools to extend their life. It saves you from having to replace them too often. - Use Every Last Drop
Make sure to use up all your materials before buying more. Whether it’s squeezing out every bit of paint or using every page of a sketchbook, it all adds up!
Hope this helps you all save some cash while still creating amazing art. If you have any other tips or know of more affordable stores, drop them in the comments!
I totally get you—art supplies can add up so fast! For recycled paper check out Eco Craft or Seawhite for affordable, eco-friendly sketchbooks. For paints, try Cass Art’s own brand—they have some sustainable options at good prices. Also, places like Gumtree or local charity shops can be great for second-hand supplies