Money saving tips: Materials & equipment

Depending on your course, you may need to purchase equipment or materials for your projects. Here are our top tips for saving some cash without cutting corners. 

1. Prioritise essential supplies

Focus on investing in quality items that you'll use frequently and avoid splurging on specialised tools or big quantities of materials that may go unused. 

 💡 Stock up at the Falmouth Campus Art Shop and keep an eye out for regular sales and discounts 

2. Shop second-hand

Second-hand supplies can not only save you money but also add character and uniqueness to your work. 

💡 Pay a visit to the Kernow Library of Things (KLOTH) in Penryn to choose from a whole array of items you can borrow 

💡 Find pre-loved tools and supplies still in good condition at the Swap Shop on campus 

💡 Prowl the car boot sales and charity shops

💡 Browse eBay, Gumtree, Freecycle, Facebook Marketplace before looking for brand-new supplies 

3. Collaborate and share with others

Share tools and supplies with people on your course or trade with others in your studios. Getting together with a group of people, buying art materials in bulk and splitting the costs evenly can also result in lower spending for everyone. 

💡 Connect with other artists in the local area through Facebook groups

4. Take advantage of student discounts

Need to buy some brand new supplies for a project or something you're working on? Most stores will offer a student discount. Always carry your student ID and ask about discounts before making a purchase. 

💡 Find all the latest student deals, discounts and giveaways on Save The Student 

5. Recycle and repurpose items

You can repurpose many things you see around the house to use in your artwork or to use as an art supply. Making use of old materials that cannot be recycled any other way not only gives you a chance to be more creative and think outside the box, but it also allows you to create unique artwork.