Tools & Resources
Technology & Equipment
Here's the list of favorite supplies that I recommend for all my students.
* THESE ARE ESSENTIAL TOOLS *
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
For my programs, you'll need
the full version of Adobe Illustrator,
not the iPad version.
SKETCHBOOK
Grab your own favorite. I love Canson sketchbooks. Just make sure yours contains plain white pages - no lines or dots.
PENS & PENCILS
I prefer very dark black fine liners so that I can get different line weights in my work. Try the Molotow series.
CAMERA
You don't need a fancy camera - your smartphone works great. However, if you love to take inspirational photos, a nice camera is wonderful.
* THESE TOOLS ARE OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED *
TRACING PAPER
When you want to refine your work, using tracing paper is a great way to leverage what you've already created and just make minor adjustments.
THE IPAD PRO
Over time, you may find that investing in an iPad Pro and Apple pencil gives you more flexibility to work easily from anywhere. They are so light.
DRAWING TABLET
Wacom tablets are less expensive than iPads. These are great options to explore when you don't want to keep drawing using your mouse.
SCANNER
If you find that using your smartphone to take photos of your sketches doesn't quite do them justice, here's a great scanner/printer combo to try.
LIGHTBOX
Using a lightbox to trace over your sketches is a nice addition to your creative tool kit. However, you can also just use a window in good light.
Quick Disclosure: Some of the products listed on this page include affiliate links which means if you purchase an item, it doesn't cost you anything more, but I may get a small commission. I only recommend things I personally use and love myself.
Watercolor Supplies
These are my current favorite watercolor supplies. There are so many options. Feel free to use your own.
WATERCOLOR BRUSHES
I like this set of brushes from Princeton. You get enough variety to achieve thick and thin brush strokes.
WATERCOLOR PAPER
You'll want to experiment with both hot and cold press watercolor paper. The link below takes you to Arches hot press which I like best.
WATERCOLOR PAINTS
I love this travel set by Derwent. Enough colors and an area for mixing that makes painting from anywhere a delight.
Books on Creativity and Entrepreneurship
These are some of my favorite books. Some provide me with creative inspiration and others provide great business advice for creative entrepreneurs.
Welcome!
I'm Anne LaFollette, surface pattern designer, artist & creative entrepreneur
I'm passionate about sharing my love of surface pattern design and helping you pursue your unique creative gifts. You probably know my story. I had a long successful corporate career until I didn't. I got laid off completely unexpectedly in my late 50s. I never went to art school but was always creative and decided: It's Never Too Late To Create®. That's why I'm here. To support you if you also wanted to go to art school but weren't allowed to. Or if you've always been creative but haven't had a guide or a roadmap to follow to get your beautiful work out into the world. Let's have fun together!
