Adding to Your Artist Toolbox

Tools and Techniques You Didn’t Know You Needed

You probably have a set of tools you use all the time—the ones you reach for without even thinking. Maybe it’s your favorite brush, the tablet pen that feels just right in your hand, or a camera that’s become second nature to you. But here’s the thing: there’s a world of tools and techniques out there that you might not have tried yet. Some of them could completely shift the way you work. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been making art forever, there’s always room to try something new.

Sometimes the most game-changing tools aren’t the ones you’ll find in the bestsellers section of your local art store. They might show up in the hardware aisle, on a random website, or even tucked away in your own house. Let’s start with some physical tools you can bring into your studio, and then we’ll dive into techniques that could change the way you think about making art.

Have you ever used a digital projector in your studio? It’s not just for office meetings or school presentations. If you’re working on large-scale pieces or need to transfer detailed designs, a projector can save you so much time. Instead of drawing everything by hand, you can project an image onto your surface and trace it. It’s quick, easy, and leaves you with more energy for the fun parts of creating. You can also play around with the size and placement of your image to see what works best before you commit.

Another tool that doesn’t get enough love is the brayer. It’s mostly used in printmaking, but it’s great for other kinds of art, too. A brayer can help you create layers and textures that brushes just can’t replicate. Rolling paint or ink onto a surface with a brayer can lead to unexpected, exciting results. It’s the kind of tool that encourages experimentation—and sometimes, experimenting is where you discover your best ideas.

Let’s talk about materials for a second. Have you tried cold wax medium? It’s usually paired with oil paint, but you can use it for so much more. It gives your work a unique texture that’s somewhere between matte and glossy. You can layer it, scrape it, or mix it with other materials. If you work in mixed media, cold wax might be the secret ingredient you didn’t know you were missing.

Then there’s the idea of working on unconventional surfaces. Sure, canvas and paper are great, but what about trying metal, wood, or fabric? For example, aluminum panels offer a smooth, sturdy surface that holds up beautifully to paint, ink, or collage. Each surface brings its own personality to your work. Metal might inspire you to lean into bold, reflective elements, while fabric might lead you toward something softer and more tactile.

For those of you who create digitally, let’s not forget about software. You probably already know Photoshop or Procreate, but there are so many other programs out there. Apps like Rebelle can mimic traditional media in a way that feels almost real. If you’ve ever struggled to get that perfect watercolor effect digitally, a program like Rebelle might be a game changer.

Sometimes it’s not about what you use but how you use it. Techniques are tools in their own way, and learning a new one can open up a lot of possibilities. One technique I’ve been playing with recently is reverse painting. Instead of starting with your background and working your way forward, you do the opposite. It takes a little getting used to, but it forces you to rethink how you approach composition and light. If you’ve been feeling stuck, something like this can really shake things up.

Another cool technique to try is cyanotype printing. It’s a photographic process that uses sunlight to create beautiful blue-toned images. While it’s usually thought of as a photography technique, it works well with other mediums, too. You can print on paper, fabric, or even wood. There’s something magical about the way cyanotypes turn out, and they’re surprisingly easy to do.

Of course, not all tools are physical. Some of the most important tools are in your head. The way you think about your work can have a huge impact on what you create. One mindset that’s helped me a lot is embracing intentional failure. It sounds strange, but hear me out: if you deliberately try things that might not work, you take the pressure off yourself. You might stumble onto something amazing. And even if you don’t, you’ll learn something along the way.

If you’re feeling like your creative toolbox needs an upgrade, start by figuring out where you feel stuck. Is it the materials you’re using? The techniques? The surfaces? Or maybe it’s just your mindset? Once you know what’s holding you back, you can start experimenting with new tools and ideas. Sometimes all it takes is one small change to open up a whole new direction.

The best thing about art is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Every tool, material, or technique you add to your practice becomes part of your unique style. And sometimes, the things you didn’t know you needed end up being the most essential. So, next time you’re in your studio, give yourself permission to try something different. You might just surprise yourself.