If you are stretching and preparing your own canvases for paintings, an effective and cost saving tip is to use an interior/exterior Double Velvet white PVA paint,instead of the acrylic Gesso that is usually recommended. The modern PVA's are good. I always apply an initial (double velvet PVA ) paint coat. Then when dry, give it a light sandpapering,and apply a final coat. After  another light sandpapering you are ready to paint your masterpiece!

An alternative method - or actually a further step - is to give your acryllic-primed canvas a coating of white oil paint. This is what I prefer! I find that it is non-absorbent and paint is more easily manipulated over this surface. You are able to paint finer details than on an acryllic surface. On the oil-primed surface your paint is not absorbed by the surface and you tend to use less paint. In addition to this you have an easier, smoother surface to paint on.

Keep up with new developments and trends, but remember it is vitally important to discover your own style and method of working, one that you are comfortable with and that distinguishes you uniquely as an artist. Remember be authentic! Read, study, experiment and learn all that you possibly can about your chosen field. Above all else, enjoy your artwork; it is a privilege to have such a precious talent that you can continually develop. Guard it, exercise it, and above all, treasure it!