Back in the day I used to soak up videos and blog posts about art making gear. Everyone’s equipment fascinated me. Part of this was curiosity about processes but also wanting to know HOW to use that equipment.

And when I write equipment I mean everything from paint to brushes to paper to cameras and software used to edit the very video I watched.Yes, I picked up an eScooter. Yes it’s probably too dangerous. But holy hell is it FUN!

I have a theory that most of us who get caught up in GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) are like me- just want to know all the things about the things we use to create. I want to know your processes so I can develop my processes.

As I work on my latest videos and possible zines, I have been asking myself how do I create and write a tutorial that doesn’t feed into the GAS making machine?

I have been asking myself the question: “What do I need to create?”

I ask this as I reach for materials.

I have access to every material I could possibly want and then some. If I don’t have it in my home studio I have it at work. If I don’t currently own it or have access to it I can order it and have it here in a few days.

GAS and SABLE (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy) are two reasons I started to tell myself and say in my videos and posts, “Use what you have.” “Buy singles when possible.”

But really when you dial it down to basics what do we need to create? I think this is going to vary for everyone.

I need a sketchbook of some sort and either a pencil or a pen.

That’s it.

It’s simple.

I also think I make some of my best art when I strip it down to simplicity, and allow myself to fully embrace that material. Then when I open up and add in color and wash and more, it feels decadent and alive.

Every art piece is a way to learn more about myself and my interaction with the world around me. Even when it’s “just” in my journal, it is important.

Anyway, the scripts (we can loosely call what I’m writing scripts) for my tutorials encourage people to strip back their practice to the most simple they feel comfortable. Pen. pencil. Simple. Add color to the mix later. Explore black and white then add color.

Simple.

The difficult thing is that simple is never easy.

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