Confused about Choosing an Airbrush that is Right for You?I think it is fairly obvious that choosing an airbrush is essential to your success as an airbrush artist - and, it is also the hardest item to buy. Let's discuss the reasons why... PRICE Airbrushes range in price drastically - from $30 to $3000 - and with airbrushes the pricing rule is simple, you get what you pay for. Airbrushes are precision tools with dozens of little tiny parts that have to be carefully machined to fit perfectly together. The greater the precision, the greater the price. Think of an airbrush like a car... do you want a lemon or a lexus? Do you need a lexus? Probably not. But it would be nice to learn to "drive" with a tool that wasn't constantly breaking down and causing you problems, right? Do yourself a favor and spend some money when choosing an airbrush. Having a tool that works well is well worth the upfront cost. I recommend something in the $100 (US) range. If the $100 price tag made you flinch, remember this:
AVAILABILITY Do NOT... I repeat... DO NOT buy your airbrush from your local craft store!!! I have nothing against craft stores, but these folks know nothing about choosing an airbrush that is going to work for you. Don't believe me? Go in and ask them how many they sell in a year. Or ask one of the sales associates to explain to you how it works or what other supplies you'll need to go with it. Their answers will be poor at best. You are looking for a professional - someone who knows there stuff when it comes to airbrush equipment - and that professional is the internet! Yes. The best place to buy an airbrush is on the internet. There are many internet businesses that focus only on airbrush equipment - my favorite resource is Coast Airbrush. Going to a professional who has multiple suppliers of airbrushes and all sorts of airbrush equipment in stock will help you make the best decision possible. UNCERTAINTY I know, I know... "but which one do I buy!?!?" Airbrushes come in all sorts of configurations and styles and knowing which one is going to work for you before you even picked one up is ... well... impossible. How are you supposed to know? Here is what I recommend for beginners...
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE For me, choosing an airbrush was a, well, humbling experience. My first airbrush was the cheapest hunk of junk I could find. I actually bought it at a car parts store, if you can believe it! After being frustrated with that brush I went to the craft store and bought the only airbrush they had (which will remain nameless because it was SO bad) and ended up being frustrated with that too. Then I gave in and went to an art supply store and bought an IWATA HPC - it was miraculous compared to what I had been using and was a great brush to learn with. I used it with no problems for several years. Later I upgraded to an IWATA CS-SB, not because I was disappointed with my HPC, but because it was on SALE!! The new brush offers a little more precision and is a little sleeker. |