With the right art supplies in hand, a simple doodle can grow into a lifelong passion for art. Unleashing a child’s creativity starts with choosing the right tools, which can help kids discover their hidden talents and find healthy ways to express themselves, Here is what parents and teachers need to know about choosing the right art supplies.

1. Markers & Colored Pencils 

Kids unlock their creativity one drawing at a time. When you’re buying markers for them, remember that there are two main kinds.

• Water-based markers are more affordable, less messy and easier for young hands to hold. They’re also more common.
• Alcohol-based markers allow for much smoother blending and come in a wider range of colors, appealing to older students.

Colored pencils can be used for any kind of art style, from fine line to manga, but “student-grade” colored pencils are better for your budget. They contain wax that can be sharpened to a very fine point without crumbling, but because the wax in a drawing can “bloom” into a pale haze, you might want to try colored pencils made with other materials.

2. Paints

No semester of art class is complete if the students can’t unleash their inner Van Gogh! When the time comes to prep for class, keep these paint types in mind.

• Tempera paints are simple to use, fast-drying and vibrant. Because they’re also washable with water, they’re ideal paints for younger students.
• Watercolor paints dry quickly and are used on specific watercolor paper instead of canvas.
• Acrylic paints dry more slowly, giving students time to mix colors, and often come with superior pigment quality. The plastic in acrylic paint helps protect students’ art from the elements, so they can enjoy them for longer.
• Oil paints need more time than the others to dry and are more expensive than other paints, making them a more niche option for classroom art supplies.

3. Clay

Students don’t mind getting their hands dirty in art class. They often love playing with clay, and when you’re ready to introduce them to pottery, there are several materials you can use. Here are just a few.

• Earthenware is red with a rough texture. It fires at lower temperatures than other clays and is considered ideal for beginners.
• Stoneware is more durable than earthenware, making it another good option for young potters.
• Ball clay is slippery, making it less suited for beginners but a great material to use once they’ve developed their skills. 
• Porcelain clay can create elegant, even delicate, pottery, perfect for older students who want to demonstrate how far they’ve come.

Shipping clay can be very expensive. Finding clay at a local store can make it easier to get the amount of clay you need without breaking the bank.

4. Tablet & Stylus

Tablets and styluses are becoming more common for art students, who can use them to draw, paint, blend and more on a digital screen. Students benefit from developing practical and digital art skills at the same time. Plus, investing in tablets for students can help you save on tools and materials for years.

Tablets come with a wide variety of features, but the fewer the frills, the better, as that makes the device easier to learn. Look for a full HD display, simple software and a pressure-sensitive stylus for precise work.

5. Design Computers

Computers empower students to do everything from photo editing to 3D rendering. Every day, these tools grow in importance, and students will benefit greatly from hands-on experience in art class.

When purchasing a computer, consider how much processing power you need, and how you can reach those goals on a budget. For example, a laptop and desktop may cost the same, but the desktop may have more processing power.

Shop Art Supplies with Walmart Business

Stocking up for a big creative project is easy with a Walmart Business account. You can shop a wide variety of supplies at affordable prices. Spend $35 or more, and those items ship for free.

You can save even more with a Walmart Business+ membership. Not only does that unlock free delivery from a nearby store on orders over $35, but it also lets you earn 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on purchases worth more than $250. All told, you could save over $500 a year.

Save time, money and hassle buying art supplies when you join Walmart Business today.