It can be confusing for new artists to decide what art supplies would work best for their talents. Knowing when to use cheaper supplies and when to invest in more expensive products can help ensure a better outcome in a project.

Cheap art supplies are generally used by beginners and for experimentation in the early stages of an artist. These supplies do not come with the best pigment, textures or smoothness, but makes it easier to figure out what medium suits one best without the worries of money, according to iamart.org.

Examples of inexpensive supplies include colored pencils from Crayola, drawing sets from Artist’s Loft and watercolor kits from Prang, with prices ranging from $15 to $30 depending on the product. These can be used for warm-up skills and sketches, according to artsuppliesonline.us.

“I think more basic supplies like pencils, erasers, paper, and even colored pencils do not necessarily need to be expensive,” art teacher Julie Short said.

Once an artist feels ready for more advanced work, spending more on products will improve the overall appearance of a finished piece. Higher-grade materials produce a higher-quality pigment concentration as well as an easier ability to blend colors smoothly, according to iamart.org.

Professional colored pencils from Prismacolor and Faber-Castell are designed for more complicated layering. Prices range from $40 to $50. Specialty paper for watercolor paints are able to hold the heavier weight that water would break on regular paper while also avoiding warping of the final product, according to muzartschools.com.

Paints are where it may be the most responsible choice to splurge on. Brands such as Golden and Winsor & Newton offer the best quality and longevity over time. Higher-end brushes from companies like Da Vinci or Rapheal are also provide a better cushion and the bristles are less likely to split, which causes them to last longer if cared for properly, muzartschools.com.