My Top Art supplies Part 1: A list of my favorite tools for sketching and inking

Finding the right art supplies can make a huge difference in your workflow and improve how enjoyable the process is. However, with the amount of products available it can quickly become a overwhelming and expensive journey to finding which supplies are right for you. Though all the art supplies on this list is strictly my own opinion, it can at least give you a head start when it comes to finding things you like!

For Sketching

Favorite Mechanical Pencil

My favorite mechanical pencil is the PaperMate Clear Point 0.5mm pencil. It's really durable unlike nearly every other pencil I've used, and it also has a twist up eraser so it doesn't have the problem of the eraser getting stuck when it gets too short. Speaking of which, the top with the eraser comes off so you can replace the lead, meaning that even if you can't get your eraser out, you can still replace the lead which was something I couldn't do with my NicPro mechanical pencil set.

They tend to be on sale on Amazon, which is where I got mine, but they also have it at Target and Walmart based off a quick search!

Drawing Pencils

Most of the drawing pencils I have were gifted to me, and I never actually bought a set on my own. Though the set I've been using that I really like is the Norberg & Linden XL Drawing set. It basically comes with everything you need to start sketching, graphite, or charcoal art. It also comes with all types of drawing pencils, so you can start experimenting from the get go. This is the only set I've used, but I imagine there are other sets infinitely better than this one, if you're on a bit of a budget then it may be best to look for a set that only comes with drawing pencils. I would recommend drawing pencils to any artist because they don't smudge over time like how the lead form mechanical pencils do.

Lead (for mechanical pencils)

As for lead, I've tried many different brands but my favorite so far is June Gold. From my experience, they glide on the paper, don't break as easily, and are very dark in color in comparison to other brands. The only problem I've experienced is that it tends to smudge between sketchbook pages, but honestly that's the problem with using mechanical pencils in general. It's just a little more noticeable with this brand since it's a bit darker. June Gold lead is very cheap, and you can typically find them in large packs on Amazon, I still have the set I bought! They also have multiple lead sizes, so you can easily find one that fits your pencil!

Sharpener

There's only one sharpener I use now and it's the Staedtler Double Hole Pencil Sharpener. It takes no time at all to sharpen my pencils and they rarely break while sharpening. It's honestly so much better than the Prismacolor sharpener I have, so do yourself a favor and just get this one!

Eraser

The best eraser I’ve used by far is the Pentel Hi-Polymer Eraser. It’s the only eraser I’ve used that not only erases thoroughly and doesn’t stain my paper over time. A pack of them are pretty inexpensive on Amazon, and they’re large in size so they last a while.

Kneaded Eraser

I don’t use kneaded eraser often, but they are really useful when it comes to erasing smaller details in more elaborate illustrations. The one liked most is the Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser. It works well, lasts long, and comes with a little case so it doesn’t dry out. There may be better brands out there, but this just the most affordable and convenient for me!

For Inking

My Go-To Pen

My favorite go-to pen is the Sakura Pigma Micron PN. It has a plastic nib tip so you can control the line weight, which nearly eliminates the need of using any other inking pen so it would be a great choice if you’re only looking to invest in a few pens. The ink is also really dark in comparison to some of my other inking pens, and it just feels wonderful to draw with! It is a bit pricey but it is well worth the cost.

Fine Liners

The other inking pens that I use often are the Staedtler Pigment Liners. I typically use these pens for finer details I can’t get with my Sakura Pigma, so I only really use the 00.5, 0.1, & 0.2 sizes. They are a joy to draw with and the ink comes out really smooth, my only gripe is that the ink is no where near as dark as my Sakura Pigma PN, and in my opinion there’s a noticeable difference between them in my drawings. These are the only fine liners I’ve ever used so there are probably much better brands out there, but I’ve had these pens for years and the only one that’s drying out is the 00.5mm size, so if you’re looking for something to last a while this is definitely a good choice!

Sketchbooks & Paper Pads

Casual Sketchbook

The sketchbook I used and loved the most is easily the Canson XL Mixed Media Sketchbook. The pages have some texture but not enough to get in the way of colored pencils or inking pens. The pages also have some weight to it, so if you wanted to experiment with paint or other mediums, it could take the punishment. I wouldn’t recommend it for full-blown mixed media illustrations but it definitely can handle lots of sketching, inking, and a little bit of painting! It’s also pretty inexpensive for the smaller sizes (I usually got the 7x10 size) so it’s perfect if you just want something you can draw everyday in!

Mixed Media Sketchbook

My absolute favorite go-to paper pad/sketchbook is the Strathmore 300 Series Mixed Media Paper Pad. The paper is smooth making it a joy to sketch and erase on, and in my case, can easily be used for watercolors. The paper is pretty think so you experience a whole lot of warping when using watercolors either. It’s a bit pricey for the larger sizes (I have a 9x12) but I honestly love this sketchbook and can pretty much do anything in it!

Fun fact: All my stickers, keychains, and digital products are designed in this sketchbook!

Heavy Duty Mixed Media Paper Pad

And finally, the paper pad I use for full on paintings and illustrations is the Strathmore Mixed Media Vellum Paper Pad. It has an impressive paper weight of 300 gsm (184 lbs.!) meaning that you can go wild and the paper won’t get damaged. I do experience warping but the quality of the paper itself doesn’t change and my paintings come out really nice! It’s much more affordable than the previously mentioned sketchbook but the caveat is that only comes with 15 sheets. But if you’re anything like me and don’t do full paintings often, it isn’t something to worry about!

Fun fact: This is what I use to paint what will later become prints!

And there it is! A full list of the things I use that can help you get started with inking and sketching! Of course, these are only my opinions based off the art supplies I use/used but using these products have made making art easier for me! I still encourage you to do your own research and find what works for you!

As always, thanks so much for reading especially to those who have made it this far~ Please check out my art shop, and consider subscribing to my newsletter for some exclusive content!

God Bless~