I’m often asked what my favorite art supplies are, and what I use the most. It usually depends on my mood, and what I am creating at the moment. While I mostly draw and design digital art; I’ve been known to create jewelry, paint, and work with clay as well. Following is a list of my current favorite art supplies. I think you’ll enjoy trying them out. I’ll be sure to update this list as I try new things.
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Sketch Books and Paper
Currently I’m using a Strathmore 9×12 and Strathmore 11×14 sketch book. Both have a fine tooth surface and are perfect for pencil as well as pen drawings.
For watercolor painting, the Strathmore 9×12 Watercolor Pad is a good place to start. It’s perfect for larger projects. However, you can also cut the sheets down to size for smaller projects.
When I am printing greeting cards, gift tags, wall art, and more; I use Southworth Linen Coverstock. It’s acid-free, 65 lb cotton linen cover stock. One side has a slight tooth and the other side is smooth. It’s thick enough to handle watercolor paint and thin enough to go through most inkjet and laser printers.
Pencils
You might say I have a love affair with my Derwent Graphic Drawing Pencils and have had them since college. (I won’t say how long ago that was. Let’s just say these pencils last a LONG time.) The 12 count tin comes with a perfect variety of hard and soft pencils, for drawing and shading.
Derwent also makes some amazing watercolor pencils. The Derwent Inktense Drawing Pencils are perfect as colored pencils, but add water and you have an instant watercolor design. (See my color chart above.) These are so much fun to work with.
Chinagraph wax pencils are pencils that can be used on a variety of surfaces. I use the white ones for masking out white space when watercolor painting. These Sharpie China Markers are a great choice.
Pens
My current pen set is the Sakura 8 Piece Pigma Micron, Graphic and Brush Pen Set in black. This set comes with a brush and graphic pen in addition to 6 other multi-size pens. (Sizes 005, 01, 02, 03, 05, and 08.)
Sakura also makes an 8 Piece Pigma Micron Assorted Colors Pen Set. These pens are all 01 (.25mm) which makes a fine line. For a thicker line try the 8 Piece Pigma Micron Assorted Colors Pen Set, which are a size 05 (.45mm).
Markers
I really love any and all kinds of markers. I’ve been trying brush lettering lately and have enjoyed using the 8 Piece Pigma Micron Assorted Colors Pen Set as well as the 8 Piece Pigma Micron Assorted Colors Pen Set, which are a brush and fine tip pen in one. Prismacolor also makes great brush markers, in addition to their Double Ended Chisel and Fine Tip Markers.
American Tombow Inc. is a very popular choice in the brush lettering community. They sell a variety of other art supplies as well.
Paint markers are super fun to use and experiment with. I’ve found that Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers are perfect for creating “Sharpie Mugs”. You can use these markers to paint on ceramic mugs. When you are finished, bake the mugs and your design will withstand washing. They make perfect gifts.
Paints
There are so many paints on the market. I use Liquitex Basics for most of my acrylic painting. They are relatively inexpensive, but also good quality.
I’ve just started watercolor painting and am in the process of trying out different types of watercolor paints. So far I’ve tried the Artist’s Loft “necessities” brand and have been surprised at the quality for the price. The Sakura Koi Set is a great choice, if you are looking for a mid range watercolor set. If you are looking for a watercolor masking fluid, Winsor and Newton is a great choice.
As I mentioned, there are a lot of paints to choose from, so I’ll post an update when I find a favorite.
Above is a start to the numerous art supplies I use (on a daily basis) and love. I’ll update this post as I try new things and will add a tech/software section in the near future.
Happy Creating!!!
