As an artist, having access to high-quality art supplies is essential for creating and refining your craft. However, sourcing and purchasing these supplies can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you’re looking for specialty or high-end materials. This is where art supply subscription boxes come in! Subscription boxes offer a convenient and affordable way to receive a variety of art supplies right to your doorstep. They can also provide an element of surprise and discovery, as you never know exactly what you’ll receive in each box.
In recent years, the popularity of art supply subscription boxes has skyrocketed, and there are now many options available to artists of all levels and mediums. These boxes typically contain a range of supplies, including paints, pens, pencils, markers, and paper, among other materials. Some subscription boxes also include instructional materials, project ideas, or access to online tutorials and forums, which can be helpful for artists looking to learn and connect with other creatives. Here are five of the best art supply subscription boxes available!
1. SketchBox
SketchBox is a monthly subscription box that delivers a variety of art supplies to your door. Each box is carefully curated to provide you with high-quality art materials, including pens, pencils, paints, and more. One of the standout features of SketchBox is its commitment to ensuring you know how to utilize everything you receive in your box. Each box comes with an educational video that demonstrates the supplies, teaches techniques, and allows you to follow along with their artist to make a full piece of art. SketchBox also offers a “Premium” subscription option, which includes higher-end art supplies.
Key Highlights:
- Provides educational videos to ensure you know how to use the products
- Offers a “Premium” subscription option if you prefer higher quality products
- They specially curate their selection of high-quality art supplies
2. ArtSnacks
ArtSnacks is another popular monthly art supply subscription box utilized by artists around the world! Each box includes a curated selection of four to five art supplies, as well as a “menu” card that includes information about each item. ArtSnacks prides itself on including high-quality, artist-approved supplies in its boxes. They also have a strong online community where subscribers can share their artwork and connect with other artists, they even encourage artists to create an original work of art using only the supplies in their monthly box and share it with the rest of the ArtSnacks Community, which they call the #ArtSnacksChallenge.
Key Highlights:
- Strong and active online community
- Offers various types of boxes in case you specialize in a certain medium
- Includes a “menu” card with information about each item
3. The Artisan Box
The Artisan Box is a quarterly subscription box that focuses on providing subscribers with artisanal, handmade art supplies from around the world. Each box includes a curated selection of four to five items, such as handmade paper, hand-dyed yarn, or artisanal watercolors, and helps support thousands of artisans from over 40 countries! The Artisan Box also includes information about the artisans who created the supplies, so subscribers can learn more about their craft and they offer tiered subscription durations so you can find something that works for you.
Key Highlights:
- Focuses on artisanal, handmade supplies from over 40 countries
- Includes information about the artisans who created the supplies
- Offers tiered subscription options
4. Paletteful Packs
Paletteful Packs is a monthly subscription box that offers three different subscription options: “Premier Pack,” “Young Artist,” and “Petite Pack.” The Premier Pack includes a variety of high-quality art supplies, while the Young Artist and Petite Pack are designed for younger or beginning artists. One of the standout features of Paletteful Packs is their commitment to sustainability. They use recycled and eco-friendly packaging materials whenever possible, and they also offer a “Reduced Packaging” option for subscribers who want to receive their supplies with minimal packaging.
Key Highlights:
- Three subscription options to choose from depending on your needs
- Focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness
- Includes a “Reduced Packaging” option
5. Maker Crate
Maker Crate is a monthly subscription box that is specifically designed for makers and DIY enthusiasts. Each box includes a project kit that contains all the materials and instructions needed to complete a specific project, such as macrame plant hangers or DIY candles. Maker Crate also includes access to online tutorials and community forums, so subscribers can connect with other makers and get inspiration for their next project. It’s a fun box to get monthly if you’re interested in trying new things or exploring new hobbies!
Key Highlights:
- Includes project kits with all necessary materials and instructions
- Access to online tutorials and community forums
- Designed for makers and DIY enthusiasts
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, art supply subscription boxes are a great way to receive high-quality art supplies on a regular basis if you’re looking to expand your skills or the products you use. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, there’s a subscription box out there that will meet your needs. From SketchBox’s commitment to showcasing emerging artists to Maker Crate’s focus on DIY projects, there’s something for everyone in the world of art supply subscription boxes!
FAQ’S
What types of art supplies can I expect to receive in an art subscription box?
Art subscription boxes can include a wide variety of art supplies, such as paints, markers, pens, pencils, paper, and more. The specific contents of each box will vary depending on the subscription service and the theme of the box. Some boxes may also include instructional materials or project ideas.
Can I customize the art supplies I receive in an art subscription box?
Most art subscription boxes do not offer customization options, as the contents of each box are carefully curated by the subscription service. However, some subscription services may allow you to choose between different subscription options (e.g. a beginner’s box vs. a more advanced box) or offer add-on items that you can purchase separately.
Can I cancel my art subscription box at any time?
Most art subscription boxes offer the option to cancel at any time, although the specifics of the cancellation policy may vary by service. Some services may require you to cancel a certain number of days before your next shipment in order to avoid being charged for that shipment.
How much do art subscription boxes cost?
The cost of art subscription boxes can vary widely depending on the service and the specific subscription option you choose. Some boxes may cost as little as $10 per month, while others may cost upwards of $50 or more. It’s important to research the pricing of each service before making a decision, as well as any additional shipping or handling fees.
Are art subscription boxes a good value?
Whether or not an art subscription box is a good value will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re someone who likes to experiment with new art supplies and wants to be exposed to a variety of materials, an art subscription box could be of great value. However, if you only need a few specific supplies or prefer to choose your own materials, you may be better off buying individual supplies as needed. It’s also important to consider the cost of the subscription compared to the value of the supplies you’ll receive, as well as any additional perks or benefits (e.g. access to online tutorials or a strong community of artists).
