Art Kit Essentials- Our Top 10 Lists!

An art kit is essential for many in this industry. Depending on your role and project, your art kit can vary in items. A Set Dresser's kit might look different from a Prop Fabricator's, and your needs on a film set might differ from your needs on a event site. Kits are ever-changing!

For those starting out, this can seem bit overwhelming. What are the basics? Do I need power tools? What kind of bag should I use?

Don't fret! Building your art kit isn't as scary as it seems. Think of it as your office/desk supplies. These are essential tools you need your work, and you might collect more things as time goes by.

Let's start with the basics!

No matter what your role is, it's a good idea to have some basic essentials that are always needed. These are simple, everyday items.

• Pens/pencils

• Sharpie markers (different thicknesses)

• Ruler

• Notebook

• Sketchbook

• Highlighters

It's important to note that everyone's kit looks different and your kit will also change/evolve over projects. To help give you some ideas, here are our Top 10 Kit Items:

*Links are suggestions/examples

Brandi's Top 10 Kit Items

• Butyl tape / Black and Clear

• Tape bungee

• Grip Clips

• Leatherman

• 5-in-1 tool

• Vinyl applicator squeegee

• Folding utility knife/razor knife

• Movie paints (nicotine spray, dirt spray)

• Dulling spray

• Laser pointer

• Mini scale ruler

Jamie's Top 10 Kit Items

• Work gloves

• Utility scissors

• Utility knife

• Cordless drill

• Measuring tape

• Leatherman/multi-tool

• Scale ruler

• Staple gun

• Various tapes

• Grid notebook

We also asked some of our industry colleague about what's in their personal kits as well! Take a look at some of their top 10 items:

Tony Lindas- Prop Master/Fabricator

• Cordless driver/drill w/ screw driver bits

• Hammer

• Utility scissors

• Wire cutters

• Multi tool (Leatherman or other)

• Utility knife, box cutter

• Snap blade knife

• Measuring tape

• Scale ruler

• Pocket notebook w/ pencils

Cassie Lopez- Set Decorator

• Butyl tape

• Cordless drill and driver

• Multi tool (Leatherman is my go to)

• Box cutter

• Measuring tape

• Various tapes (gaff, painters tape, VHB tape, electrical tape etc)

• General cleaning supplies (all purpose cleaners, Windex, microfiber rags, Goo Gone, Goof Off)

• Paints (acrylic, spray paints, dulling spray)

• Bailing wire

• Furniture markers for quick fixes

Art kits can vary in size based on needs. Everyone has a preference on what they use to carry/store their supplies. Here are some examples:

*Pictures are clickable links

Hip Pouch

Tool Bag

Rolling Bag

Backpack

We hope this helped give you a better understanding of art kits and some great suggestions for your own.

We'd love to know what you have in your kit! Comment and tell us your top "must-have" items!

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Here are some LA-based Expendable Shops where you can browse and find more art kit supplies:

Hollywood Expendables

www.hollywoodexpendables.com/

Cinelease

www.cinelease.com

Castex

www.castexrentals.com

Quixote

www.quixote.com

Studio Depot

www.studiodepot.com

Film Tools (Temporary Location)

www.filmtools.com