Materials & Tools

When I got started I was overwhelmed with the amount of art supplies at my local store, now that I'm well on my journey and finding my preferences, I want to share this list of curated materials that work for me right now. I'm always experimenting, so this list evolves as I discover new tools and techniques!

Pens & Ink

Staedtler Pigment Liners My reliable workhorses for detailed line work and technical drawing. They come in various tip sizes and the ink is waterproof, which is perfect when I want to add watercolor washes over pen work.

Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliners Similar to the Staedtlers but a little cheaper. I also find that the ink depletes pretty fast. Yet I still love them as they go very fine and have a brush pen option available as well. You can get some pencil like effects with these too.

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen If I want to go big and bold, this is what I reach for. The medium nib gives nice line variation depending on angle and pressure, and it's reliable enough for travel sketching. Snagged one up for 13 euros in a sale (it's a pink one but who cares). I use it with black ink cartridges and I also have a converter that I use waterproof ink in.

Bic Crystal 1.6mm Don't underestimate the humble ballpoint! This chunky and gunky Bic is perfect for bold, confident strokes and quick gesture drawings. It forces you to be decisive with your marks, and at under €2, you can't beat the price.

Graphite & Pencils

Faber-Castell Graphite Set (HB to 8B) A solid range that covers everything from light construction lines (HB, 2B) to rich, dark shadows (6B, 8B). The HB is probably my most-used pencil for general sketching. Good quality without breaking the bank.

Faber-Castell Mechanical Pencil Perfect for on the go: no need for a sharpener and a built-in eraser, or for when I just want a quick underdrawing to ink over later.

Watercolors

Winsor & Newton Cotman Sketchers Pocket Box This little tin has been everywhere with me! It's compact enough for travel but has a good range of colors. The quality is decent for the price point, and the built-in mixing areas are handy. Perfect starter set that's grown with me. Toss out the white pan and replace it with Payne's Gray, and you'll have everything you need for urban sketching!

Cheap Local Art Store Brushes Honestly, I'm still learning what makes a good brush, so I haven't invested in expensive ones yet. I bought a cheap set from Aliexpress that folds together in a neat little pouch for on the go and I have a regular starter set from my arts supply store. A size 6, 8 and 12. I don't do detail, I only do expressive big washes

Paper & Surfaces

Mixed Bag Approach I'm still experimenting to find my preferences, so I buy whatever catches my eye at the art supply store. Currently working with a mix of:

  • A5 and A4 sketchbooks in various bindings (spiral, bound, hardcover)
  • Different paper weights and textures - smooth for detailed pen work, textured for watercolor
  • Mixed media paper when I want to combine pen and watercolor
  • Cheap copy paper for quick practice and gesture drawings

My philosophy: the best paper is the paper you'll actually use! I'd rather draw on mediocre paper than not draw at all because I'm "saving" the good stuff.

Storage & Organization

Simple Setup I have a small pencil case that I fill with the materials I want to use that day when I go out. At home, everything lives in a couple boxes in the closet behind my desk, easy to reach. Nothing fancy—function over form for now!

Budget Tips

Starting out, I focused on getting one good tool from each category rather than buying complete sets. The Lamy fountain pen and Cotman watercolor set were my "investment" pieces, while I went budget on everything else. You can create amazing art with basic materials—technique matters more than expensive tools. I bought cheap sets of pencils and pens at local discount stores and upgraded when I used them a lot. The pencils got upgraded to Faber Castell's as I use them, the markers are drying out so won't get replaced. Doesn't matter, I experimented with them and they fulfilled their purpose.

What's Next?

I'm curious about trying gouache and maybe some colored pencils. I've also been eyeing Pentel's Pocket Brush Pen and Fude. The material journey is part of the fun!