I've given that some thought. That's why I'm hesitant to buy the sets. They seem to all be kind of redundant with the colors, products, etc. It's difficult having to order everything & not see it firsthand. I live in a rural area, so I'm sort of restricted to this option. I just gotta take the manufacturers word for it somewhat. That's why I've considered just getting a variety of light, med, & dark colored pigments, so that I can mix them for the appropriate hue. I just get stuck wondering whether I'll need the fixative, thinner, mud/dust effects, splashes, etc. they offer. If it's clever advertising, then they've done a good job.