Black Friday Deals for Artists You Shouldn’t Miss

As an artist, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of wanting quality art supplies, tech gadgets, or skill-building workshops—but hesitated due to high prices. We've all been there: carefully putting items back onto the shelf or abandoning that online cart at checkout. Luckily, this Black Friday is your chance to invest in your art without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a seasoned illustrator, an aspiring digital artist, or someone looking to boost your skills through art courses, Black Friday brings a wealth of deals tailored specifically for creatives like you. Let's dive into the best deals you should absolutely catch this year.

Must-Have Art Supplies

Black Friday is the ideal opportunity to stock up on essentials, or finally try out that premium paint you’ve been eyeing all year. Let’s look at a few practical deals that artists are buzzing about:

1. High-Quality Artist Brushes

If your brushes have seen better days (stiff bristles, anyone?), now is your chance. Black Friday sales often feature well-known brands such as Winsor & Newton, Princeton, and Da Vinci brushes at noticeably lower prices. These brushes help you achieve smoother strokes and cleaner edges, elevating your painting quality. Ideal for painters seeking more consistent results.

2. Premium Paint Sets

Whether you're an acrylic, oil, watercolor, or gouache artist, many brands—from Liquitex Basics Acrylics to Daniel Smith Watercolors—offer discounts on comprehensive kits during Black Friday. It’s perfect if you've wanted to experiment with new color ranges or upgrade to professional-grade paints without overspending.

3. Canvases & Sketchbooks

Buying in bulk typically feels expensive. But with sales from stores like Blick Art Materials or Michaels, you can snag canvas packs, quality sketchbooks (think brands like Strathmore or Canson), and mixed-media paper at a fraction of usual costs. It's the perfect way to restock your studio, ensuring you’re always ready when inspiration strikes.

"Last Black Friday, I stocked up on Fabriano sketchbooks and haven't had to buy paper since. It’s a relief to grab paper without worry when I want to practice gesture drawings or to sketch ideas at any moment." — Emily, Illustrator and Designer

Top Tech Gadgets for Artists

Blending digital and traditional art is now more accessible than ever. For artists who want to expand their creative boundaries, keep these gadgets on your radar:

1. Graphic Drawing Tablets

Brands such as Wacom, Huion, and XP-Pen often offer significant discounts on graphic tablets during Black Friday. Particularly great for digital illustrators or aspiring comic artists who want intuitive precision and ease-of-use without the hefty price. Look for a model with customizable keys and pressure sensitivity, making drawing feel natural and enjoyable.

2. Professional Digital Pens and Pencils

If you use tablets like the iPad Pro, Apple Pencil discounts appear frequently during Black Friday. Digital pencils offer a precise drawing experience, mimicking the feel of paper and pencil. Practical for illustrators who prefer more direct interaction with their canvas, this tool significantly improves your digital workflow.

3. Creative Software Discounts

Software subscription fees can add up quickly. Black Friday is your chance to find price drops or longer free trial periods on platforms like Adobe Creative Cloud, Procreate, and Clip Studio Paint. Especially beneficial if you're exploring digital art or refining a professional side hustle—software discounts significantly reduce entry barriers and help you experiment freely.

Art Courses and Workshop Discounts

Developing your artistic technique and niche is vital. Black Friday typically includes impressive discounts from leading online platforms:

1. Online Classes & Tutorials

Sites like Skillshare, Domestika, and Udemy offer steep reductions on annual subscriptions or individual courses taught by successful industry artists. It's perfect for those who are self-taught but want structured, instructor-guided classes without the stress of expensive tuition fees. Pick classes aligned with your artistic goals—like mastering watercolor, digital illustration, or lettering.

2. Regional Workshops & Bootcamps

Local art institutes, galleries, or studios may offer discounted in-person or virtual workshops during Black Friday promotions. These workshops provide immediate feedback, networking, and community—excellent for artists feeling isolated or those needing personalized guidance on specific techniques.

"The illustration class I took last year during a discount has greatly improved my portfolio—and helped me gain more freelance clients. Definitely worth the money." — Marcus, Freelance Illustrator

Art Print Sales and Custom Merchandise

As artists, showcasing and monetizing your art is crucial. Here’s where Black Friday helps substantially:

1. Print & Framing Services

Companies such as Printful, Society6, and Redbubble often have special Black Friday pricing on prints, canvases, and framing services. Perfect if you’re looking to showcase your art professionally or to gift custom-made pieces to friends and family this holiday season. Quality frames and prints elevate your art, turning it from a hobbyist piece into gallery-worthy decor.

2. Custom Apparel & Merchandise

Consider jumping into custom merchandise with discounted offerings from merch partners during Black Friday. From custom T-shirts to stickers and enamel pins, brands like Sticker Mule or Teespring offer accessible starting points. Ideal for artists who want to extend their brand reach or earn additional income and make their art wearable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Black Friday deals actually worth it for artists?

Absolutely. If you plan ahead and know exactly what you need, Black Friday deals can significantly reduce the costs associated with quality supplies and courses that elevate your art career.

Where can I find trustworthy Black Friday sales tailored for artists?

Reputable art supply stores (Blick, Michaels), digital art retailers (Wacom, Adobe), and popular online class providers (Skillshare, Domestika) often have reliable sales. Always check verified official websites and sign up for email notifications to ensure quality deals.

Should beginner artists also consider Black Friday deals?

Definitely! Black Friday is especially beneficial for beginners, allowing you to experiment freely and access quality materials and knowledge without the hefty upfront investment.

Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Art This Black Friday

This Black Friday is your perfect moment—not just for savings, but for taking your artistic skills and projects to the next level. Quality materials, top tech gear, enriching courses, or showcasing your creativity with outstanding merchandise—all these investments can propel your craft forward.

So, start making a wish-list now. Jot down items you've hesitated to purchase throughout the year, set your reminders, and seize the opportunity when deals arrive. Kickstart your art journey or boost your professional career without emptying your wallet.

Have you found any inspiring Black Friday deals before? Share your experience—we’d love to hear what has made a real difference for you as an artist!