Making a Splash!
I always use the highest quality professional-grade products when creating artwork for potential sale, which makes a huge difference -- especially when watercolor is your main medium. Ninety-percent of the time, I go with Arches 140 lb. acid-free 100% cotton cold pressed watercolor paper (although sometimes I'll opt for a rougher surface or thicker 300 lb. paper, depending upon the specific project.) I also use Daniel Smith brand watercolor paints for the most part. Their quality and color choice is always exceptional and I have to admit, I'm a little bit addicted. (Maybe obsessed?!)
As opposed to oil or acrylics, you can achieve some pretty incredible effects by manipulating watercolor paint with all sorts of things. My go-to is masking fluid or frisket, which is a liquid latex that preserves the white paper when dry. Salt or droplets of rubbing alcohol create great textures. I've recently started experimenting with crackle medium, usually used in furniture painting, and I'm loving the results. I also use other everyday items like crinkled-up plastic wrap to create craggy rocks or icy cliffs, say, or cheesecloth to achieve the texture of sheer curtains. I'm sure there are many more yet to discover!