Someone asked about the tools I use to write and create art so I thought I’d let you know.
Some tools are crap.
I cannot even imagine how anyone writes with this monster:
That’s a stock photo. I don’t even have one of these pens in my house to take a photo of it. This monstrous industrial BAD PEN drags, has a tiresome grip, and was made for someone who probably endured immense personal trauma in their life, someone who was hurt so deeply that they can no longer remember simple joys of having a nice pen.
Obviously, the design of this pen hurts me on a personal level.
Tools mostly for writing:
1. A good pen. I like the Uniball Vision Micro. Good grip. Good flow.
2. A good journal. I like the Apica Twin Ring. Nice size. Creamy paper.
3. Index cards. I have bought all the colours and sizes but I landed on white oversize index cards.
4. Blog. I started with Blogger, moved to WordPress, and am currently with Kajabi because of the slick design and amazing learning platform for teaching my ecourses. Seems there is a big overhaul every decade or so. It makes me restless and angry. Sometimes I salivate over Wix templates. If you have an opinion on this, please let me know. (Also that Kajabi link is an affiliate link for a very nice promotion going on now. I’m not going to always go on about Kajabi, but this month, you’ll save more so if you’re interested… now you know.)
5. Word processing. I go between Google Docs and Microsoft Word. I’m leaning more toward Google Docs.
6. Printer. There is always something to print out, even in this digital age. Sometimes it’s a manuscript because it’s easier to spot errors, sometimes it’s a contract (ya!), sometimes it’s FREE colouring book pages. An inkjet printer will give you a soft watercolour feel. A laser printer will give you a sharp brightly coloured result. Both are infuriating and glorious in their own way.
Tools mostly for art:
7. Colourful things. In this case, you really need to consider HOW you want to apply colour to whatever it is you’re making. I started in an art class with oils and canvas. That was great because I had a car to schlep my stuff back and forth. Also, oil is stinky so it was nice to paint and clean up in a studio away from my house. Later, I moved onto acrylics, which are not as stinky but by then I was doing more painting at home. When I moved to Paris, I painted with watercolours and paper because both are small and light. I was living out of my backpack so watercolours made sense. I still paint with my original set, purchased in the gift shop of the National Gallery in London. I’ve added a few bits and pieces, but a decade and three books filled with painting later… still the same set. As for choosing the set, I find that the more you spend, the happier the result. HOT TIP: It lasts longer if you don’t let your toddler use it.
8. Paint brushes. I use two. A thin one and a thick one. I’ve donated all the rest to Amélie and her creations. She’s psyched. The more you hold a tool, the more you understand it, just like you always pick your favourite ladle and spatula in the kitchen. The same is true with paint brushes. I added the palette knife since this is the tool I used most with oils and acrylics. I mixed paints and used it for painting. I could paint the whole world with a palette knife.
(The brushes are taped together but still going strong.)
9. Bone paper folder. As shown above on top of the aforementioned jumbo index cards. I’m surprised at how often I reach for this bone paper folder. It is especially nice for folding note cards. A crisp fold like that pleases the OCD part of my brain.
10. Scissors. One for cutting important things, one for opening packages. I labelled them with the OLD and NEW. I don’t want the sharp one getting dulled by the shipping material of online purchases.
BONUS TOOL:
11. Art Editor. I use PicMonkey, but people rave about Canva as well. Nearly everything you’ve ever seen from me has went through some digital jiggery pokery online. I’ve abandoned Adobe products because they are too pricey for my needs.
And that’s it! I didn’t add all brand names because you need to feel out what works for you with the life you are living now and the art you want to create.
Hop to it!