Let’s face it, making art can feel expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. The truth is, some of the best tools for your creative journey are completely free or super affordable. Whether you’re just picking up a pencil for the first time or you're deep into your art career, we’ve gathered our favorite budget-friendly tools, apps, books, and studio hacks that can seriously level up your work.
Want to go beyond tools and actually build your skills? Check out our on-demand classes for professional-level training in drawing, oil painting, mixed media, and more, all on your own schedule.
Apps for Artists
Your phone or tablet can be one of the most powerful tools in your art practice. These apps help you sketch, organize ideas, stay inspired, and share your work with the world; many of them are totally free.
1- Procreate Pocket
A portable version of the fan-favorite iPad app. Perfect for painting anywhere.
2 - Adobe Express
Make social graphics, flyers, or quick edits with ease.
3 - Canva
Design content for Instagram, your portfolio, or your website, no design degree required.
4 - Google Keep
Great for saving quick ideas or reference photos when inspiration strikes.
4 - Milanote
A visual planner that helps you organize series ideas, class content, and more.
5 - Pinterest
A never-ending stream of pose references, color schemes, and inspiration boards.
6 - Snapseed
Free photo editor for cleaning up and enhancing pics of your artwork.
7 - Artfol
A fresh, artist-focused platform with no ads or algorithms.
8 - Artwork Archive
Track your pieces, clients, and gallery shows. Starts free.
9 - Milan Art App
The perfect companion to our classes. Access your courses, videos, and training tools on the go. Free with any class purchase!
Books That Won’t Break the Bank
Learning from great minds doesn’t have to cost much, or anything at all. You can find these gems used, or check them out for free with the Libby app and a library card.
10 - War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The first book in this list deals primarily with ambition, how to recognize the obstacles in your life that threaten to block you from creating. “Resistance” is the looming force that is mentioned in this book, and Pressfield gives insight on integrating discipline into the creative process.
11 - Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield
This book for artists is the follow-up to the bestselling War of Art, and it’s about the differences between the amateur and professional. Turning Pro discusses the necessary sacrifices that it takes to move into the professional arena. It reminds the reader that success comes with focus and consistent hard work.
12 - Mastery by Robert Greene
Mastery, as its name would suggest, covers everything that goes into what it means to achieve greatness. Greene includes studies of the lives of Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, and nine contemporary masters, analyzing how their lives brought them to greatness.
13 - Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Dr. Betty Edwards
The best-selling drawing book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, has been a classic since it was published in 1979. Since then, the methods and tools in this book have been used all over the world to teach millions of people how to draw. Dr. Edwards’ studies and information especially help dispel the idea that people have to be born with “talent” in order to know how to draw. It’s one of the most famous books for artists on the market and for good reason.
14 - Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Steal Like an Artist covers ten principles to nurture creativity and live innovatively. This quick read includes illustrations and engaging artistic exercises. It’s a fast-paced, immersive reading experience.
15 - Libby App
Borrow all of the above and more, completely free from your local library.
Art Business & Productivity Tools
Making art is just one part of being an artist. These tools help you stay organized, manage your time, and share your work with confidence, all without spending a fortune.
16 - Trello
Visual boards for managing commissions, launches, or content ideas.
17 - Notion
Track your goals, build an art journal, or organize your supply list.
18 - Google Workspace
Use Docs, Sheets, and Calendar to stay on top of your business.
19 - ChatGPT (Free)
Need help with writing your artist statement, brainstorming titles, or drafting emails? Ask AI.
20 - Loom
Record process videos, tutorials, or quick updates for clients and students.
Free Photo Reference Sources
Need reference photos or figure drawing practice? These sites have thousands of high-quality, royalty-free images, and they’re all completely free.
21 - Unsplash
Stunning, high-res photos across every category.
22 - Pexels
A fantastic source for figure poses and natural lighting references.
23 - Pixabay
Everything from landscapes to animal close-ups.
24 - Line of Action
Build your drawing skills with timed gesture, anatomy, and portrait tools.
25 - SenshiStock Sketch App
Great for tricky angles, action poses, and expressive movement.
Affordable Art Supplies & Tools
You don’t need a high-end studio to create beautiful work. These supplies are inexpensive, easy to find, and artist-approved.
26 - Deli Mechanical Pencils
Surprisingly smooth and long-lasting.
27 - Pentel Pocket Brush Pen
Great for bold, dynamic lines and ink drawing.
28 - Strathmore 400 Sketchbooks
Solid quality for daily sketching or studies.
29 - Sakura Gelly Roll White Gel Pens
Add crisp highlights to mixed media pieces.
30 - Prismacolor Scholar Pencils
Affordable, blendable colored pencils that still deliver rich pigment.
31 - Artist Tape / Masking Tape
32 - Milan Art 5-Piece Pallet Knife Set
Designed and curated by Elli Milan herself, these palette knives not only look great, but will serve you well for years to come.
33 - Artist Recycled Cardboard
Turn old boxes into DIY palettes, texture plates, or stencils.
34 - Baby Wipes
Your best friend for cleaning brushes, hands, and messes.
35 - IKEA RÅSKOG Utility Cart
The go-to storage cart for mobile studio organization.
36 - Milan Art Proportion Tool
Want to scale up your drawings quickly and accurately? This beautifully crafted oak tool makes it easy. With adjustable ratios from 1:1 to 1:10, you can enlarge from photo to canvas with precision, eliminating the need for a grid. It’s a great way to train your eye and master scale. Also included in our Oil & Drawing Essentials Kit.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy tools to make incredible art. Start with what you have, explore what’s free, and add a few new favorites along the way.
Whether you're sketching in a coffee shop, painting commissions from your home studio, or dreaming about your first gallery show, there’s something in this list for you.
🎨 Want to build your skills using these tools? Join our on-demand art classes and learn from professional artists who’ve turned their passion into a career. Learn anywhere, anytime, and get full access to the Milan Art App, too.
Milan Art Institute
Empowering Artists to Inspire and Impact the World Through Art
