I'm sure so many illustrators can relate, the one thing more fun than travelling is art supplies and stationary shopping when you travel. Early this year, I went back to my hometown Taichung, Taiwan and while I was there I couldn't resist buying some cute stuff every time I passed by a stationary or art supplies store. No, actually. That's a lie. I actually Googled the stationary and art supplies stores intentionally to "come across" them. I mean, same thing.

Anyway, so this post will just be me sharing the cool stores and items that I got from my trip. Hope you enjoy :)

Style Art Store 時代中西畫材

Location: No. 45 Sanmin Rd Sec 3 Central District, Taichung City 400 Taiwan

Website: https://styleart.com.tw

What I got there:

1. Sennelier Ink Brush Pens (in 4 colours: cobalt blue hue, Sennelier yellow, primary yellow and Venetian red)

I was actually looking for the Kuretake ZIG pens when I went into this store, as I wanted to find more colours to add to my collection. However, I saw these and thought I'd give them a try, as they are ink brush pens with a slightly larger brush size which would really help with laying down background washes.

2. Mijello Mission Titanium Class Gouache (12 colours set + small tube of Ivory Black)

And these were on sale, so I grabbed a set to try. I have a few colours of the Windsor Newton gouache as well as a mini set of 12 colours by Holbein. The Mijello gouache is less expensive, and I really love how creamy it is. I may write a review post one day, once I've used it for a few more paintings.

3. Brush Case

Now, this is a really handy brush case. It's got a little drawstring at the bottom which you can pull and secure to fold it so that stands upright. Very useful for travelling and just storage in general.

Nenn-Yi Stationary Store 能藝文具 

Location: No. 6 Ground Floor, Minsheng Rd, Lane 368, Alley 2, West District, Taichung City 40354 Taiwan

Website: https://www.nennyih.com.tw

What I got there:

1. Kuretake ZIG Clean Colour Brush Markers

These markers are absolutely amazing for quick sketches or for testing out colour combinations. (See here for my previous review of the Kuretake brush markers). I got them in a few colours that I was missing in my original set.

9x9 Stationary Store 九乘九文具專家

Location: No. 201, Section 3, Wenxin Rd, Xitun District, Taichung City, 407 Taiwan

Website: https://9x9stationery.com.tw

What I got there:

1. Scissors

I got a pair of tiny scissors for cutting details and another pair of non-stick scissors for cutting washi tape

2. Washi Tape

And yes, I got washi tape too, different colour ones and also ones with cute patterns.

3. Stickers

Because I couldn't resist the cute designs!!!

4. A Bullet Journal Planner

I'm not really a bullet journalling person, but the little whale was too cute and I just couldn't resist not buying

5. Mechanical Pencils

Handy and practical. The one on the right in the picture even comes with a little sharpener at the end so you can sharpen the tip ;)

6. Pencil storage cases & clips

Last, but not least, some more useful stationary that I absolutely do not need more of, but really could not resist buying more.

Anyway, so safe to say, I had a really great trip and came home with heaps of goodies :)