Smart Art is a subscription box that sends you an inspiring selection of art supplies every month. Each box includes materials that introduce you to a brand new medium, along with project ideas and tips.
Every Smart Art box will feature 8 to 11 full and trial sized products, a suggested project, and a helpful pamphlet that teaches you the basics of each specific medium. Each month will highlight a different artist and give you tips on how to emulate their particular style. All of the supplies are from top quality, high end brands. Boxes are suitable for any skill level — from advanced artists to newbs like me.
Subscriptions are $49.95/month, but you can use coupon code “INSPIRATION” to get 20% off your subscription for life!
Note: I received my box at the end of February, but I’m not sure which month’s it is. All of the reviews I found for February showed a different box, so I’ll just go with March. 😉
Let’s see what’s in the box!
The box was pretty heavy and featured a white and purple Smart Art logo sticker.
This month’s box was a tribute to Greek pottery and featured scratchboard as the selected medium.
The pamphlet featured a little history on Greek pottery, as well as scratchboard tips and pointers, and a list of all of the supplies included.
Ampersand Scratchbord 5 x 7 Scratchboard 3-Pack ($10.38) – I haven’t used a scratchboard since elementary school, but my (much more artistic) husband actually bought one for a project a few years ago. I’m glad they included a 3-pack so we can both try them out. The boards are made with a layer of white kaolin clay coated with black India ink and are 1/8″ thick.
Practice Scratchboard Samples ($1?) – They also included a few small black, gold, silver, and multi-color scratchboard samples for practice. I’ll most definitely be needing these.
Scratch-Art Brush ($3.70) – A wood-handled scratch brush with 8 stainless steel bristles. This is used to add texture to your scratch art. It’s great for making hair, fur, grass, and anything else that needs wispy details.
Scratch-Art Knife Heads and Handle ($7.80) – A set of 7 interchangeable “knives” are included, along with a sturdy ergonomic handle. These are used to carve a variety of different lines into your scratchboard.
Daler-Rowney Acrylic Artists Ink Set ($8.29) – These water-resistant acrylic paints were included for those who want to experiment by adding color to their scratchboards. You can layer the paints to scratch through, or just use them to simply add some strokes of color to the finished product.
Carbon Paper ($1?) – When I first opened the box I did notice that carbon paper was listed on the sheet, though I didn’t see it inside. A couple days later I received an envelope from Smart Art… I opened it up, and there was the missing carbon paper. I didn’t even have to ask. Nice! This paper is used to transfer your designs onto your scratchboard without making any unwanted marks. Kinda like a tattoo transfer. 😉
While I’m not the best artist, I really like the concept of the Smart Art box. It’s cool that it introduces you to a different medium each month and gives you all the supplies you need to try it for yourself. Value-wise, it was a bit lower than I’d expect (roughly $32). However, that’s using Amazon and sale prices from a discount art supply site, so perhaps the retail cost is higher. Also, if you use the 20% discount code, you’ll pay $39.96/month instead of the regular $49.95.
As I just mentioned above, if you’d like to sign up for Smart Art, you can save 20% for LIFE when you use coupon code “INSPIRATION” at checkout!
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Disclosure: I received this box for review purposes. I was not compensated in any way. All opinions are my own. Post may contain affiliate and/or referral links.
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