My Must-Have Traditional Art Supplies

I thought it would be fun to share my current favorite traditional art supplies. I switch very regularly between traditional and digital art. However, like most artists, I started as a traditional only artist. Even went to college for two years to strictly watercolor. I have obviously branched out A LOT since then, so let me know if you would like a video and blog about my favorite digital art tools!

Sketchbooks

I typically break sketchbooks into two categories. Fancy and not-fancy. I like to use fancy sketchbooks for more finalized illustrations because those normally have nicer paper and cost me way more money. My not-fancy is typically cheaper, so I feel less worried about “wasting” paper. A lot of artists refer to these types of sketchbooks as their ugly sketchbooks. Basically, a place to make a mess and get your thoughts out without any judgment or thoughts of sharing them.

Mossery sketchbook - Watercolor & Mixed Media

My favorite fancy sketchbooks are from Mossery! I use watercolor and mixed media paper. I also use their planners, so I have quite a few laying around. However, it did take me a while to decide to invest in one! There are plenty of other fancy sketchbooks out there for cheaper if you aren’t ready to dish out money. The shipping to the US is a bit expensive too, but personally, I think they are super worth it. I love their size, paper quality, and cover options.

UCreate sketchbooks

I actually found this sketchbook at a yardsale for the first time, but this company spends NO money on branding. I fell in love with this sketchbook almost immediately. It’s the biggest one I’ve used since high school, so it felt new and fun for me. It took me 6 months to finally stumble across it again at Staples. I literally screamed when I found it because I thought I would never be able to find another one once I filled up my current one. Since then, I’ve bought the smaller version that I do a lot of sketches in that I post on my Instagram stories. The paper is cheap enough to make me less scared to be messy but nice enough that it can hold up to most dry media. I have painted it with gouache with minimal blocking, but I typically only use markers and pencils in it for doodling. You can find it at most office supply stores!

Organization

I’m only really showing organization stuff I use for travel, but I’m happy to share what I use to organize in the studio. Just let me know by commenting here or on the Youtube video!

Blue Q Bags

You’ve probably at least seen these at those quirky local shops, but Blue Q is my favorite for carrying art supplies around. They are recycled plastic-like material, so they are easy to clean if you get any pencil shavings or ink marks. I also love all of the designs they have!

Colored Pencil Organizer

I have no idea what brand this is, but I will link a similar one here. I love this colored pencil bag because it keeps them from smashing into each other in a bag, which can cause broken leads. It looks super organized because the person I bought it from kept it all pretty. I just try to put everything back in the same place. I’m not normally this organized.

Favorite Paint

I have used almost every paint medium since becoming an artist. I’ve tried acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, and even hand-mixed egg tempera. I definitely have given my heart to gouache for the time being. It’s just so amazing to work with and I love how matte it is.

Holbein Acrylic Gouache

I have only ever used two different brands of gouache, but I have really had no interest in trying any other once I found Holbein Acrylic Gouache. Since it has an acrylic base, it cannot be re-activated with water. I love layering, so it’s perfect for me. I also just love the saturation I can get. It’s just SO nice.

Favorite Pencils

I like to use colored pencils to add final details to pieces. I rarely use them as my sole medium, but I definitely love looking at full colored pencil art pieces. They look so magical!

Prismacolor PREMIER COLORED Pencils

Prismacolor Premier pencils are my favorite colored pencils because they are so buttery. I can really lay down smooth, thick strokes with them. When I first got started, I used to use the student grade! They are a really nice starter set for beginners.

Prismacolor Col-Erase Pencils

The Prismacolor Col-Erase pencils are my favorite sketch layer pencils! I’ve been sketching with a marker more recently, but when I’m getting ready to start a painting, I lay down my sketch layer with these! I like that they come in a lot of different colors and can be erased.

PENTEL P209 Mechanical Pencil

I cannot tell you why these are my favorite, but you will never catch me using another mechanical pencil. I love the color, the size, and the lead of the Pentel P209 pencil. I actually found these because a family member gave me some they had from work, so thanks, Chris!

T'GAAL Angle Adjustable Pencil Sharpener

I highly recommend this sharpener if you use colored pencils at all! It’s so nice to be able to control the length of your pencil tip. If you’ve ever had a pencil that keeps breaking, then you would appreciate this sharpener! You can dial it to one and get a shorter tip that is less likely to break. Also, it’s pink, so I love that.

Favorite Markers

I just started obsessing over markers. I don’t use them for my final artwork, but they have become a daily part of my art practice. I use markers to sketch, write notes, and add doodles to my planner.

TOMBOW Dual BRUSH markers

I got a set of these Tombow Dual Brush Markers as a gift a very long time ago. I barely used them, but I like to hoard art supplies. Fast forward a couple of years later, I started using them in my sketchbook and became obsessed! Dylan M also helped my obsession blossom with her awesome pieces and Skillshare classes. Now I use them for live pet portrait art, my sketchbook, and in my planner for doodles. They are super versatile! I definitely recommend trying them out.

TOMBOW Fudenosuke markers

This is another one of those supplies that I just love ridiculous amounts for no reason that I can put into actual words. I use my Fudenosuke markers every day to sketch, write notes, and doodle. They are just a really nice ink and texture. I will say that they seem to run out of ink a little fast for me! I haven’t thrown them away though because they still have awesome texture to use in sketches, but I do have to buy replacements more frequently than most markers I use.

Prismacolor Premier Markers

As I mentioned, I only really use the black Prismacolor Premier marker, but I love it! The blunt tip on the marker is wonderful. I also love the formula. I don’t use alcohol-based markers often, however, they work great with my Tombows Dual Brush markers that are water-based!

Some Extras

These are my favorite little extras, but honestly, anything that works for you is a winner! Just thought I’d share them in case you are interested.

MT WASHI TAPE

I used to use just any washi tape until I got this MT washi with my Mossery art kit. It keeps my lines SO crisp and isn’t too rough on most papers I use. I definitely only use this washi when I am painting now!

EPURE MAPED ERASER

Apparently, these aren’t sold anywhere anymore? I think I got it at an art store in college but wanted to mention my other favorite erasers as an alternative! My other favorite is the Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser. It’s really nice quality for cheap. I also like the General’s Art Eraser. I basically just like any color-free erasers that won’t rip the paper or leave any color residue.

Be sure to check out the vlog to get more information on all the supplies I mentioned above! I’ve really been enjoying making these blogs to accompany my video, so hope you like them too. 😊 Thanks for being here! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter for more fun content!