HOW TO | Creating on a budget
In an age of ever-rising prices, it can be difficult to create on a budget. The list of new equipment is growing, and it can be frustrating to be limited by the affordability of your art. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you along the way.
Getting started
Before jumping headlong into the world of finances and savings, a little context is in order. Depending on the type of art you practice, the expenses and costs you need to budget vary enormously. Whether you're a painter, screenwriter or dancer, your needs will be very different. So take each piece of advice with a grain of salt, and adapt it according to what resonates with you.
Making a budget
It is easy to get lost in the shuffle of expenses and lose sight of what you can afford and what is too much. That's why it's a good idea to make a budget. Setting an amount not to exceed, or creating a system that helps you keep an eye on your spending, can help you avoid feeling trapped by your desire to save. It's also important to assess your needs. Gadgets and other novelties may seem tempting, but are often unnecessary.
Prefer used to new
The feeling of returning from a store or boutique with your brand new products, removing their packaging, cutting off their labels and smelling like new is an incredible feeling. Yet this feeling can quickly be replaced by the feeling of saving money without restricting yourself. In fact, favouring used materials is a very good way of reducing your expenses. Thrift stores and second-hand materials markets are great alternatives to the often more expensive big franchises. What's more, you're likely to make some unexpected finds! Reusing materials, painting on old canvases or creating connections to exchange materials with other cost-conscious creators are all good ways to save money.
Maintenance
Replacing your equipment can be a process that hits your wallet hard. In that case, why not try to put off the inevitable for as long as possible. Every piece of equipment or tool has its own lifespan; however, by maintaining your possessions and looking after your gear, you can extend that lifespan and sometimes even double it. A good pair of shoes or a good paintbrush can follow you through a good part of your artistic journey, you just have to take good care of them.
Quality before quantity
When we're trying to save money, it is very tempting to opt for less expensive products. This can be a good reflex, as long as you don't fall into the quality trap. A poorly-made product will certainly be cheaper at first glance, but if the frequency with which it has to be replaced is high, it is not such a good deal. More durable materials, though more expensive, are often the best option. Over time, you will see the value.
Doing your research
A product's label is designed to lure you in and give you the illusion that you have all the information about it. However, it fails to give you all the negative points and potential problems of use. It is vital to research the products you're interested in before you buy them in-store. Looking at other consumers' reviews can help you make an informed decision and avoid spending money on a product that doesn't perform as expected. However, be careful about the sources you use. These days, the internet is full of misinformation, so it's advisable to use several links and websites to avoid these risks.
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Relevant sources and articles
Here is a list of general tips that will help you save money while giving just as good a return, and avoid overly severe restrictions. If you'd like more, please feel free to consult the links below. These go into more depth on the methods specific to each discipline.
10 conseils pour économiser de l’argent sur les fournitures d’arts & 7 façons d’économiser de l’argent sur ses fournitures de peinture
Author: René Milone
Language: French
Reading time: 4 minutes and 5 minutes and 30 seconds respectively
Target audience: Painters, Sketchers, Artists
Comments: These two sections written by the same author offer excellent, precise advice for visual arts enthusiasts.
Read the full article (10 conseils)
Read the full article (7 façons)
7 ways to save money
Author: Financial and Consumer Services Commission
Language: English and French
Reading time: 9 minutes and 30 seconds
Target audience: Artists
Comments: Articles on ways to save money in everyday life. Relevant text for finding ways to save money in the broadest sense of the word.
Comment établir un budget prévisionnel pour un spectacle vivant?
Author: Weezevent
Language: French
Reading time: 4 minutes
Target audience: Directors, Actors, Artists
Comments: Articles providing information on how to organize a show on a budget.