Ever stared at a wall of art supplies, feeling completely lost? You see colorful pencils, stacks of paper, and tubes of paint, but which ones should you actually buy? Choosing the right drawing supplies can feel like a confusing maze. It’s frustrating when you want to create amazing art, but the wrong tools make the process difficult or don’t give you the results you hoped for.
Good supplies make a huge difference in how your drawings look and how much fun you have creating them. This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down the essentials—from the best pencils for shading to the perfect paper that won’t tear. You will learn exactly what you need to start drawing confidently, whether you are a beginner or looking to upgrade your current kit.
Keep reading to discover our top picks and essential tips. Let’s uncover the secrets to building your perfect drawing toolkit!
Top Drawing Supplies Recommendations
- 【Color Pencil Set】: 72 pack vibrant color pencils.
- 【Premium Colored Pencils】: Each pencil body has a unique number and color name for easy color identification.color pencil is made of high-quality basswood, which is very easy to sharpen.
- 【Soft Core】: Colored pencils have soft Core,The silky smooth,velvety soft pencil leads lay down lots of vivid color,the colored core are highly pigmented, Perfect for coloring & drawing etc.Break-resistant cores produce incredible tone, perfect for blending and layering multiple colors
- 【72 Color】:contains 72 different color,You can find any color you need in these to enrich your coloring book.Perfect set for adults kids beginners.Perfect for drawing, sketching, adult coloring book.
- 【School Supplies】:Prepare the classroom for creative art projects and homework assignments.
- 【Professional Complete Artist Drawing Supplies Sketching Kit】Professional and Complete drawing set comes with a 100 Sheets 3-Color sketch pad, you can start drawing and sketching as soon as you open this deluxe drawing kit! This is All-in-one 176-piece drawing and sketch supplies kit for artists of all skill levels. The art set has 76-piece art tools and accessories plus a 100 sheets 3-color sketchbook, total 176 pieces!
- 【All in one Art Kit】The Premium drawing pencils set includes 12 graphite pencils, 12 colored pencils，12 watercolor Pencils, 12 charcoal Pencils，3 white charcoal pencils, 12 metallic pencils, 3 blending paper stumps, refillable water brush pen, travel Case and more! Each pencil is marked with color name & number, and pre-sharpened. 76pcs art tools accessories plus a 100 sheets sketchpad, total 176 pcs! Perfect for drawing, sketching, shading, blending.
- 【Extra Large Art Sketch Kit Drawing Set】These Professional art kits also include 1 sandpaper block, 1 pencil extender，1 paint brush, 1 sharpener, 1 art knife, 1 eraser pencil, 3 blending paper stumps, 1 refillable water brush pen, 1 vinyl eraser etc. The 12 premium graphite pencils are 2H、3H、4H、5H 、HB、B、2B、3B、4B、5B、6B、8B, the sketching pencils ranging in size from the thickest 8B to the finest 5H for exact drawing lines. This drawing set will be the perfect choice for you to start your art.
- 【Premium Drawing Kit with Unique 100 Sheets 3-Color Drawing Book】The sketch pad is 6"x9", spiral bound, 100GSM, 100 Sheets (72 Sheets white, 14 Sheets toned tan, 14 Sheets black), the 3 colors sketch paper in one sketchbook will meet your needs for different colors of sketch paper. makes your drawings pop and vibrant, this professional art drawing kit is sure to become your one-stop solution for all your drawing and sketching needs.
- 【With Portable Travel Size Case】: Lightweight travel-friendly carrying case keeps all the artist supplies and drawing stuff well organized and not taking up much space, which is convenient for you to do sketching, drawing anytime and anywhere. This sketch art pencils set is great art supplies for adults.
- 【Premium Materials】Blending Stumps made of high-quality soft paper and sponge, this blending sticks resists paper flaking, allows repeated sharpening, and offers long-lasting durability. Its smooth tip suits all types of drawing.
- 【Multi-functional Art Supplies】Blending stumps and tortillions set includes 144 drawing pencils in 12 different sizes and 2 bending sponge pens. Suitable for charcoal, graphite, and colored pencils, it meets daily usage and replacement needs, making it an essential sketching tool.
- 【Enhance Artistic Expression】This blending stumps for drawing brush effortlessly softens lines and merges colors, precisely rendering muted and soft tones. It significantly elevates the texture and detail depth of your sketches and paintings.
- 【Bending Sponge Pens】This Bending Sponge Pens features a dual-tip design. The sponge end excels at shadow transitions and detail work, while the felt tip masterfully handles color blending, enabling you to achieve flawless artistic expression.
- 【Suitable All Drawing Needs】Blending stumps bulk for artists and students of all skill levels, this blending stump set handles both intricate details and broad washes with equal ease. It's particularly for students, artists, and beginners tackling sketching or detailed work.
- 【Professional And Complete Drawing Sketching Set】: 76 Pack Art Pencil Set Include 3 White Charcoal Pencils, 7 Black Charcoal Pencils, 2 Colored Charcoal Pencils,12 Watercolor Pencils,12 Oil Based Colored Pencils, 15 Wooden Graphite Sketching Pencils, 12 Metallic Coloring Pencils, 1 Woodless Graphite Pencil 6B, Each pencil is marked with color name and model, Perfect for drawing, sketching, shading, layering, blending, and more
- 【Extra Drawing Sketching Supplies Kit 】: Along with 1 Refillable Water Brush Pen, 1 Vinyl Eraser, 1 Kneaded Eraser, 1 Sandpaper Pencil Pointer, 3 Paper Blending Stumps, 1 Travel Case,1 Paintbrush, All the basics drawing set in a portable zip-up case to ensure all drawing tools in organized and easy carrying. You can find the sketch kit you need at any time without clutter
- 【Premium Drawing Kit with Unique 3-Color Sketch Pad】 6 x 9", SPIRAL BOUND, 100GSM, 50 Pages (30 pages white, 10 pages toned tan, 10 pages black), Different colors of sketch paper are suitable for different styles of drawing, one sketchbook can meet your needs for different colors of sketch paper, no need to spend more money to buy different colors of sketchbooks
- 【Drawing Supplies Pencils kit with 7-step drawing tutorial on “how to draw”】, give you a uniquely comprehensive guide to getting you started with your first steps in the art world, start creating your artwork NOW and taking your art to the next level
- 【High Quality Drawing Set】 Non-toxic and eco-friendly, conform to strict ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards, art pencils set are made of natural and environmentally friendly material, The special process makes the lead core extra smooth, durable, and break resistant, easy to sharpen and erase, ideal for the graphic designer, draft, and realistic sketches, perfect for details, shading, and layering, you can easily move from thick blending to fine, detailed illustrations to deep shading
- 【Complete and Professional Art Drawing Supplies Pencils Set with Sketch Pad】, 15 graphite sketch pencils for drawing (5H, 4H, 3H, 2H, HB, F, B, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, 8B, 10B, 12B), 3 black and 3 white charcoal pencils, 3 graphite and 3 charcoal sticks, 4 willow charcoal, 3 blending stumps, 1 kneaded and 1 vinyl eraser, 1 sandpaper block, 6 soft pastels sticks, 2 sharpeners,1 Woodless graphite pencil 6B, 1 pencil extender, 1 art knife
- 【Premium Drawing Set With Unique 3-Color Sketchbook】 6 x 9", 100GSM, 50 Pages (30 pages white, 10 pages toned tan, 10 pages black) , Different colors of sketch paper are suitable for different styles of drawing, one sketchbook can meet your needs for different colors of sketch paper, no need to spend more money to buy different colors of sketchbooks
- 【Shading Pencil Set for Sketching and Drawing with a ten-step drawing tutorial on “how to draw a dog”】, give you a uniquely comprehensive guide to getting you started with your first steps in the art world, start creating your artwork NOW and taking your art to the next level
- 【High Quality Drawing Pencils Set】 Non-toxic and eco-friendly pencils conform to strict ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards. sketch pencils are made of natural and environmentally friendly material, The special process makes the lead core extra smooth, durable, and break resistant, easy to sharpen and erase, ideal for the graphic designer, draft, and realistic sketches, perfect for details, shading, and layering, you can easily move from thick blending to fine, detailed illustrations to deep shading
- 【Portable Travel Size Pencil Case】 the drawing stuff come with a portable travel case, when you travel you can take wherever you want to go, all the art tools are organized and protected very well in the travel case, this drawing supplies sketch art pencils set for advanced artist, adults, teenagers, beginners, kids, art students, hobbyists, starter, boys, girls, on Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthday, Graduation, New Year, Valentine's Day and Easter Day
- ❤Muchcute 12 Black Drawing Pens: The professional micro pen kit contains assorted types of pen tips from 0.2mm to 3.0mm, plus a brush tip. No Bleed, No Smear and Waterproof. Perfect for drawing and writing. One set of pens for all your art creation needs. Whether you are an artist or a beginner, you can easily use it. Line Width & Cap Size: 0.2mm (005), 0.25mm (01), 0.3mm (02), 0.35mm (03), 0.40mm (04), 0.45mm (05), 0.50mm (08), 0.55mm (1.0), 1.0mm (1), 2.0mm (2), 3.0mm (3), Brush (BR)
- ❤Waterproof Archival Pigment Ink: Don't let bleed and smudges ruin your artwork. Our archival grade ink are no bleed through, no smear, waterproof, fade resistant, quick drying, water-resistant, sun proof, photo safe, non bleeding, acid free, non-toxic, odorless and last long. Environmental friendly and conforms to ASTM D-4236 & EN71-3 certificate. (Note: The ink will resist water when it's totally dry. This process usually takes a few seconds)
- ❤Smooth & Skip-Free Nylon Nib: Our nib is made of high quality nylon. The premium different tip sizes (needle medium thick & bursh) makes your writing extremely smooth and skip-free on journal, watercolor, trace, vellum or any other paper. (Note: To protect the extra fine point, do not press down the tips too hard while using)
- ❤Wide Use: Compatible with pencil, watercolor paint, alcohol marker and highlighter, etc. Perfect for artists, designers, writers, architects, illustrators & calligraphers. Great for bullet journaling, bible underlining, manga, sketch, anime, writing, zentangle, technical, doodle, planner, drafting, notebook, note taking, painting, coloring, lineart, graphic, design, illustration, architecture, lettering, marking, slick lining, tracing, scrapbooking, stippling, bujo, outliner, calligraphy, comic
- ❤Ideal Gift: The exquisite plastic packaging is also a storage case. Best gift for family, neighbors, friends. For using in home, school, office and travel. Great stationary, super pro craft pack, planner or journaling supplies, Birthday, Party, Anniversary, or any special Holiday
- Complete 15-Piece Blending Kit: This set includes 6 long blending stumps (sizes 1-6) and 6 short blending stumps (sizes 1-3, with 2 stumps per size), offering a variety of options for detailed shading and blending. It also comes with 2 sponge blending pens in different sizes and a sandpaper pencil sharpener to refine tips for precise work. Perfect for artists and hobbyists working across different media.
- Premium Compressed Paper Stumps: Made from high-density compressed paper, these blending stumps offer durability and a smooth blending experience. The tightly packed structure prevents deformation and ensures long-lasting use. The sturdy tips allow for precise shading, while the sleek design ensures comfortable handling for refined transitions between colors and textures.
- Versatile Sponge Blending Pens: Equipped with black sponge tips and white felt tips, these blending pens are designed for smooth and even blending. The ABS casing ensures durability and a comfortable grip. Ideal for blending pastel, charcoal, graphite, and other mediums, the pens help achieve seamless gradients and textures in your artwork without smudging or tearing the paper.
- Smooth Blending Across Media: These tools are perfect for softening lines, blending colors, and creating natural shadows or gradient effects. Compatible with various media like charcoal, pastels, graphite, colored pencils, and oil pastels, they help refine edges, enhance depth, and optimize color transitions in sketches, portraits, and pastel artworks.
- For Artists and Beginners Alike: Designed to replace finger smudging, this set ensures cleaner artwork and better control during blending. Whether you're a professional artist or a beginner, these tools help you achieve precise shading and smoother gradients, making them an essential addition to your creative toolkit. Perfect for practice, learning, and professional creations.
- Design, Fun Color (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 100 Pages - 02/24/2021 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Drawing Supplies
Picking the right drawing supplies can make your art pop! Whether you are just starting out or you are a seasoned artist, choosing the best tools matters. This guide will help you navigate the world of pencils, paper, and more.
Key Features to Look For
When buying drawing supplies, certain features really stand out. These features affect how your drawing looks and how easy it is to create. Always check for these things:
1. Pigment Quality and Lightfastness
- Pigment Quality: This means how rich and true the color or darkness is. High-quality pigments give you vibrant colors or deep blacks.
- Lightfastness: This is super important for keeping your art looking good over time. Lightfastness tells you how well the drawing resists fading when exposed to light. Look for pencils or pastels labeled as highly lightfast if you plan to display your work.
2. Durability and Feel
- Pencil Hardness/Softness (Lead): Pencils use a scale from H (Hard) to B (Blackness/Soft). Hard leads make light, thin lines. Soft leads make dark, thick lines. Beginners often need a good mix of HB, 2B, and 4B.
- Eraser Performance: A good eraser removes marks cleanly without tearing the paper. Kneaded erasers are great for lifting graphite gently.
Important Materials in Drawing Supplies
The materials used define the quality and feel of your tools.
Graphite and Charcoal
Most traditional drawing relies on graphite (pencil lead) or charcoal. Good quality graphite uses pure carbon mixed with clay. Charcoal is burnt wood, which gives a very rich black. Higher-grade charcoal blends smoothly.
Paper Stock
Paper is your canvas! You must choose the right type for your medium.
- Weight (GSM): This measures how thick the paper is. Heavier paper (like 100 GSM or higher) handles heavy shading, ink, or wet media better. Thin paper wrinkles easily.
- Tooth: This refers to the texture of the paper’s surface. Smooth paper is good for fine detail. Paper with a rough “tooth” grabs onto charcoal or soft pastel dust, allowing for richer layers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand name; it’s about how the materials interact.
Improving Quality:
- Binding Strength: For colored pencils, strong binding prevents the lead from breaking inside the wood casing when you sharpen it.
- Binder Used: In pastels, the binder holds the pigment together. Oil pastels use wax/oil, making them creamy. Soft pastels use very little binder, making them dusty but richly pigmented.
Reducing Quality:
- Acidic Paper: Paper made with wood pulp that contains acid yellows and becomes brittle over time. Always choose “acid-free” or “archival” paper for lasting artwork.
- Waxy Cores in Pencils: Some cheaper colored pencils use too much wax, making it hard to layer colors effectively.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you want to draw before you buy.
Sketching and Practice
For quick sketches, you need inexpensive, readily available supplies. A set of basic graphite pencils (HB, 2B) and a multi-pack of smooth drawing paper work perfectly. These tools prioritize speed and ease of use.
Detailed Portraiture and Illustration
If you draw detailed faces or technical drawings, you need precision. Invest in high-grade, artist-quality colored pencils that layer well, and use smooth Bristol paper. The user experience here is about control and fine line work.
Expressive Shading and Life Drawing
For bold shadows and quick capture of form, charcoal and soft pastels are your friends. You will need paper with a heavy tooth to hold all that material. The experience is tactile; you feel the medium grab the paper.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drawing Supplies
Q: What is the difference between drawing paper and sketching paper?
A: Sketching paper is usually lighter and less expensive, perfect for quick ideas. Drawing paper is heavier and often has a better surface texture (tooth) to hold more medium, making it better for finished pieces.
Q: Should I buy a full set of 72 colored pencils right away?
A: No. Start with a smaller set of 12 or 24 high-quality pencils in colors you use most often. You can always add more colors later. Quality beats quantity when starting.
Q: What is “burnishing” in colored pencil drawing?
A: Burnishing is using a colorless blender or a very light-colored pencil to press down and blend multiple layers of color together. This creates a smooth, almost paint-like finish.
Q: Are kneaded erasers better than plastic erasers?
A: Yes, for graphite! Kneaded erasers lift graphite gently without rubbing the paper surface, which prevents smudging and paper damage. Plastic erasers rub the surface, which can sometimes wear the paper down.
Q: How do I prevent my charcoal drawings from smudging everywhere?
A: You must use a workable fixative spray. Spray a light coat over the finished drawing. This locks the charcoal in place. Be careful not to spray too much at once.
Q: What does ‘archival quality’ mean for paper?
A: Archival quality means the paper is acid-free and lignin-free. This means it will not turn yellow, brittle, or crumble over many years, keeping your artwork safe.
Q: Which pencil grade is best for general outlines?
A: The HB pencil is the standard middle ground. It is perfect for light outlines that you plan to cover up later with darker shading.
Q: Can I use watercolor paper for dry media?
A: You can, but it is often overkill. Watercolor paper is very heavy to handle water, so it is much thicker than needed for dry pencils. However, its heavy tooth holds a lot of pigment well.
Q: How should I store my pastels to keep them from breaking?
A: Store them in a flat, shallow box or tray. Do not stack soft pastels directly on top of each other, as the slightest bump can cause them to chip.
Q: What makes a woodless graphite pencil different?
A: A woodless pencil is pure graphite all the way through, covered only by a thin protective lacquer. This lets you use the entire stick for broad shading, unlike traditional pencils where you only use the core.