Talked to a guy at a gallery opening who only uses 3 brushes

I was at this small gallery showing downtown last Saturday, just browsing the digital prints on display. This older artist was standing near his piece and I asked him what software he uses. He said Procreate like me, but then he told me he only ever uses three brushes. I was like wait, seriously? I have like 50 brush packs saved on my iPad. He explained that he spent years learning what each brush actually does instead of hunting for the perfect one. That hit me different because I've been buying every brush set on sale thinking it would make my art better. It made me realize I've been hiding behind tools instead of just practicing more. Has anyone else ever stripped down their workflow like that?

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1 Comment

paulw631mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, I gotta push back on this a little. I mean, good for that guy and all, but it sounds a bit like gatekeeping dressed up as wisdom. idk, maybe it's just me but having options isn't the same as hiding behind tools. I use like 15 brushes regularly and I still buy packs when something catches my eye, and my art has definitely gotten better over time. Sometimes a new brush actually does help you find a new technique or style you wouldn't have tried otherwise. I'm not saying he's wrong for him, but acting like buying brushes is some kind of crutch feels a little dramatic. You can be a good artist and still enjoy having a big toolbox.