ArtSnacks Review: Is This Art Supply Subscription Box Worth It?

Are you an artist or creative looking to shake up your supply stash and get fresh inspiration delivered monthly? Then you‘ll definitely want to check out ArtSnacks. This popular art subscription box service is on a mission to help artists discover amazing new materials and get their creative juices flowing.

I‘ve put together a detailed ArtSnacks review to give you the full scoop on what they offer, the quality of the products, how much it costs, and more. By the end, you‘ll have all the info you need to decide if treating yourself or the artist in your life to this fun subscription is worth it. Let‘s dive in!

What Is ArtSnacks & How Does It Work?

First, a quick overview for those new to ArtSnacks. This subscription box company was founded in 2013 by siblings and lifelong art lovers Sarah and Lee Rubenstein. Their goal was to make art supplies and creative inspiration accessible to everyone in a convenient, budget-friendly way.

Each month, ArtSnacks members receive a curated selection of 4-5 full-size, premium art products from trusted brands. Boxes span a range of mediums and could include tools for drawing, painting, hand lettering, mixed media, and more. Expect to find products like:

• Artist-quality markers
• Brush pens
• Colored pencils
• Watercolors and gouache
• Sketchbooks and paper
• Paint brushes
• Unique tools and accessories

Part of the fun is the surprise factor – you never know exactly what you‘ll get in each "snack box"! The ArtSnacks team thoughtfully curates each collection so the products complement each other. They also aim to stretch your creative boundaries by including both everyday essentials and more unconventional materials you might not discover or buy for yourself otherwise.

In addition to the physical goodies, your subscription also includes access to ArtSnacks Mix. This free mobile app and online community allows you to connect with fellow artists around the world, participate in challenges and events, and get video tutorials and project ideas to accompany each box.

ArtSnacks offers two subscription options:

• A Month-to-Month Plan for $24/month (U.S.) or $34/month (international), which you can cancel anytime.
• A Prepaid Plan at a small discount when you commit to 6 or 12 months up front. The 6-month plan costs $132 ($22/box) and the 12-month is $240 ($20/box).

Shipping is always free within the U.S. ArtSnacks also has an online shop where you can buy individual products, many of which have been featured in past boxes.

ArtSnacks Products Review

To give you a better sense of the quality and type of products ArtSnacks sends, let‘s take a closer look at a few subscriber favorites that are also sold in their shop:

Sakura Pigma Micron Pens

These professional-quality fine liners are a go-to for precise line work, illustration, and hand lettering. The archival-quality ink is fade resistant, bleed free, and won‘t smudge when used with watercolors and markers. You get a full set with nib sizes ranging from 0.20mm to bold brush, allowing for a variety of line widths and effects.

Microns are a staple that belong in every artist‘s toolkit, so their inclusion in ArtSnacks boxes is always appreciated by subscribers. Even if you already own some, the sleek blacked-out barrels exclusive to this set will make you feel extra inspired when doodling or sketching on the go.

Van Gogh Watercolor Pocket Box

Featuring a carefully selected range of 12 vibrant colors, a handy built-in mixing tray, and a travel water brush, this pocket-sized paint kit is perfect for urban sketching and painting outdoors. The professional-grade pigments are richly saturated and easily lift and blend on the paper.

Subscribers rave about the buttery smooth consistency and how long the pans last even with regular use. If you‘re new to watercolor, this set is an unintimidating way to get started. The included colors lean bright and cheery, instantly sparking joy and creativity when you open the tin.

Caran d‘Ache Neocolor II Water-Soluble Pastels

More like a crayon-pastel hybrid than traditional soft pastels, Neocolor IIs are prized for their versatility. You can use them dry for buildup of bright color, wet them slightly for more painterly effects, or dip them in water for intense saturation. The final artwork is permanent, lightfast, and can be done on a variety of papers.

Subscribers appreciate ArtSnacks for pushing them to experiment with an unfamiliar medium they ended up falling in love with. The Neocolor IIs are quick to use and a fun cross between drawing and painting. You‘ll enjoy layering and blending the colors and seeing what effects you can achieve with water.

What Do Customers Think of ArtSnacks?

Now that we‘ve looked at some product examples, let‘s see what ArtSnacks subscribers have to say about their experience overall. I looked at reviews from a variety of sources to get a balanced perspective:

• ArtSnacks website: 4.7/5 rating based on 2,000+ reviews
• Cratejoy: 4/5 rating, 30+ reviews
• Facebook: 4.9/5 rating, 70+ reviews
• My Subscription Addiction: 4.5/5 editor‘s rating

The vast majority of customers report positive experiences with ArtSnacks and say they look forward to their box arriving every month. Common praise includes:

• High-quality, professional-grade supplies from premium brands
• Opportunity to try new tools and techniques without the risk of buying full-price items
• Well-curated mix of practical essentials and fun novelty items
• Excitement and renewed creative inspiration from each delivery
• Valuable for building a diverse art supply collection over time
• Affordable way to get full-size products for less than retail cost
• Free shipping and easy to manage subscription
• Excellent customer service and responsiveness to issues
• Active online community enhances the experience

In terms of complaints, a few subscribers felt the contents didn‘t vary enough from month to month or were too heavily focused on drawing over painting and other mediums. Some also thought $24/month was a bit pricey, especially when a box contained more basic supplies they already owned.

However, the vast majority of reviewers feel ArtSnacks‘ thoughtful curation and premium offerings are well worth the cost. Many also note that the element of surprise and introduction to supplies they wouldn‘t normally seek out is a big part of the box‘s value and appeal.

How Does ArtSnacks Compare to SketchBox?

Wondering how ArtSnacks stacks up against other art supply subscriptions? SketchBox is their most similar competitor. Both offer monthly deliveries of 4-5 full-size items and an online community, but there are a few key differences:

• Price: ArtSnacks starts at $24/month while SketchBox starts at $35/month for a Basic Box (4-5 items) and $60/month for a Premium Box (6-8 items).
• Customization: SketchBox allows you to choose a medium (drawing, painting, mixed media, etc.) for an extra $5/month. ArtSnacks does not offer customization.
• Community features: Both have subscriber Facebook groups and forums, but ArtSnacks‘ app is more robust with challenges, live events, and tutorials.
• Shop: ArtSnacks sells individual past products in their shop. SketchBox has a supply shop but does not sell items from their boxes.
• Frequency: ArtSnacks ships once per month. SketchBox ships every 1, 2, or 3 months.

Overall, if you‘re looking for the most affordable option, widest range of products, and best community experience, ArtSnacks is the way to go. But if you prefer to customize your medium and/or receive boxes less frequently, SketchBox may be a better fit.

Is ArtSnacks Worth It?

Now for the big question – is ArtSnacks truly worth the money for artists and art lovers? In my opinion, the answer is a resounding yes!

When you break down the $24 membership cost, it‘s just $6 per full-size item – an excellent deal for the premium, professional-quality products ArtSnacks delivers. Buying the same supplies individually would cost much more. Plus you‘re paying for the priceless experience of receiving a fun surprise in the mail each month and discovering tools that reignite your passion for making art.

I love that ArtSnacks makes the often intimidating world of art supplies accessible to all levels. Their boxes provide an affordable way to sample the best products on the market and slowly build a high-quality collection. And the active subscriber community means you‘ll never run out of ideas and inspiration to put your new art goodies to use.

If you‘re feeling stuck in a creative rut, want to treat a budding or seasoned artist in your life, or simply love trying new art and craft materials, ArtSnacks is absolutely worth checking out. While $24+/month is an investment, the joy and artistic growth the boxes spark make it a worthwhile one for many creatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about ArtSnacks? Here are answers to some of the most common subscriber inquiries:

Can I preview what‘s in my box each month?
Part of ArtSnacks‘ appeal is the surprise factor, so the contents are kept secret until your box ships. However, they release a spoiler and unboxing video for each collection on their social media if you want a sneak peek.

What‘s the typical value of a box?
The retail cost of an average ArtSnacks box with 4-5 full-size items ranges from $30-$40. You‘re essentially getting a 20-40% discount on top-quality supplies.

What if I receive an item I already own?
ArtSnacks does not allow supply substitutions or returns. However, they make an effort not to repeat exact items too often. Having duplicates of pens and paint you love is never a bad thing!

Is it easy to cancel?
Yes, you can cancel your Month-to-Month plan at any time from your online account. Prepaid 6- and 12-month subscriptions are non-refundable but you can cancel renewal.

How long does shipping take?
Boxes ship out worldwide on the 15th of each month. U.S. orders arrive within 5-7 business days. International orders can take up to several weeks depending on customs.

The Final Word on ArtSnacks

Whether you‘re a beginner looking to grow your skills or a seasoned artist wanting to shake up your creative routine, ArtSnacks offers a convenient, affordable, and fun way to explore top-notch art supplies. The element of surprise and delight you experience with each delivery is sure to get your artistic wheels turning.

If expanding your creative toolbox with minimal risk sounds appealing, I highly recommend giving ArtSnacks a try. With their quality products, reasonable price, free shipping, and awesome subscriber perks, you really can‘t go wrong.

To score an extra discount on your first box, use the code TAKE10 for 10% off at checkout. You just may find yourself looking forward to the 15th of every month more than your birthday!

Have you tried ArtSnacks before? I‘d love to hear about your experience and favorite discoveries in the comments. Thanks for reading and happy art making!