ArtSnacks 6th Birthday Box Review & Art Tests

Unboxing ArtSnacks' Special 6th Birthday Edition

When my delayed ArtSnacks birthday box finally arrived after postal chaos, the excitement was real. This isn't just any art subscription – it's their limited sixth-anniversary edition, complete with exclusive collectibles. After analyzing the contents and testing every supply, I'll show you exactly how these premium materials perform in real artwork. For artists debating whether this box delivers value beyond regular editions, I've documented surprising discoveries about the scented pencils and watercolor behavior you won't find elsewhere.

Exclusive Anniversary Collectibles

The standout item is the "Official Art Snacker" enamel pin featuring teal and yellow accents – a subtle nod to ArtSnacks' branding. Under studio lighting, its reflective finish elevates it beyond typical subscription freebies. Also included is a logo sticker in signature colors, maintaining the birthday theme without overt graphics. These aren't just trinkets; they're tangible markers of ArtSnacks' community growth over six years. The pineapple Dum-Dum sucker? A playful touch, though I'll forever avoid popcorn flavor!

Professional Art Supply Analysis

Premium Drawing Tools Tested

The box contained two Swiss Wood Caran d'Ache HB pencils ($5 each) – one in dark beechwood, the other pine. Sharpening revealed key differences:

• Dark beechwood emitted a distinct brown sugar scent when sharpened, with dense, smooth graphite ideal for detailed sketching
• Pine pencil offered a classic woody aroma and slightly grainier mark suitable for rough drafts

In side-by-side sketching tests on watercolor paper, the beechwood pencil provided superior line consistency for final artwork, while the pine version excelled at quick thumbnails. Though pricey, these aren't gimmicks – the ergonomic balance reduces hand fatigue during long sessions.

Liquid Watercolor Performance

ArtSnacks included two complementary water-based products:

1. Ecoline Liquid Watercolor (bottle #509 blue)
2. Ecoline Brush Pen (same pigment formula)

Swatching proved both deliver vibrant, translucent washes, but their applications differ dramatically. The bottled version creates seamless gradients when dropped wet-on-wet – perfect for backgrounds. The brush pen offers precise control for edge work, though it requires heavier paper to prevent bleeding. Crucially, both are fully reactivable – adding water days later re-liquefies the pigment without clumping.

Waterproof Ink Revelation

The King Art Inkline yellow pen seemed impractical initially (who uses yellow on white paper?). Testing revealed its hidden strength: waterproof formula perfect for underdrawings. When layered with Ecoline blue, it created natural pineapple textures without smudging. The see-through barrel showing the nib? That's not just cute – it helps monitor ink levels during detailed work.

Creating Art with the Birthday Supplies

Pineapple Illustration Breakthrough

Using all supplies together, I developed a repeatable technique for vibrant illustrations:

1. Sketch with Caran d'Ache beechwood pencil
2. Define key shapes with yellow Inkline pen
3. Apply Ecoline blue from brush pen over yellow areas to create organic greens
4. Build depth with layered liquid watercolor washes

Critical discovery: The watercolor paper included in the box outperformed my standard sheets. Its texture held precise pen lines while allowing smooth watercolor blends – proving surface choice dramatically affects medium performance.

Overcoming Creative Challenges

Initial thumbnail tests showed the pastel palette (yellow, beige, light blue) lacked contrast. The solution? Using undiluted Ecoline #509 blue as a "contrast anchor" in key areas. This professional color theory principle transformed the composition by:

• Making yellows appear brighter
• Giving the beige sand warmth
• Creating visual hierarchy

This approach rescued the artwork from mid-tone monotony – a common pitfall with limited palettes.

Expert Verdict & Artist Recommendations

Birthday Box Value Assessment

After creating a complete beach illustration (see full process above), I evaluated the box holistically:

• Exclusivity factor: The enamel pin alone justifies the premium for collectors
• Supply synergy: All components work together seamlessly (unlike some past boxes)
• Skill level suitability: Best for intermediate artists exploring mixed media

Compared to standard ArtSnacks boxes, this edition offers fewer items but higher curation. The watercolor and pencil pairing shows thoughtful selection rather than random assortment.

Pro Artist Tips

Based on my tests, maximize these supplies with:

1. Cold-press watercolor paper (avoid sketchbook paper to prevent Ecoline feathering)
2. Size 2 synthetic brush for controlled liquid watercolor application
3. Layering order: Waterproof ink first, then pencils, watercolor last

For beginners, I recommend practicing swatches before final artwork – the Ecoline's transparency requires planning white space preservation.

Final Takeaways

This limited edition excels for illustrators seeking vibrant, layerable media. The Caran d'Ache pencils and Ecoline duo create professional results when used strategically. While the $100+ total value seems fair, casual artists might prefer standard boxes for greater variety.

What's your biggest challenge with subscription art supplies? Share your experiences below – your insights help fellow artists navigate these curated collections!