The 9 essential tools for learning how to draw
“Good technique matters more than the supplies you use, but we also need to make sure your tools aren’t working against you. Take the path of least resistance by starting with the proper art-making-environment.
The amount of art supplies on the market is overwhelming. And although variety is quite compelling, your focus should be on art creation, not tool acquisition. A few good materials are far superior than a lot of mediocre ones.
If you were trying to become a great basketball player you wouldn’t need every snazzy new shoe on the market, just a decent pair, and mostly - a lot of practice on the court.”
Sketchifer
The online classes, and tutorials assume that you have everything on the list, so make sure you’re full stocked!
For quick sketches and finished work. This graphite set is all the pencils you’ll need to learn how to draw.
2. Newsprint
A large, affordable sketchbook designed for cranking out lots practice drawings. 18x24” for adults, or 14” x 17” for kids.
3. Bristol board
A heavyweight sketchbook that works great for highly polished, finished illustrations.
4. Drafting table
Drawning at an angle is a necessity for proper form. A clipboard with a chair and a desk is an inexpensive alternative.
5. Hobby knife
Allows you to “blade sharpen,” and utilize “overhand grip” the correct way to hold a pencil, that requires a long edge.
6. Extra hobby knife blades
A dull blade is less efficacious and more dangerous. Keep a few extra in stock!
7. Sandpaper block
Also necessary in the correct pencil sharpening process. Gets your pencil edge buttery smooth!
8. Block eraser
For learning opportunities.
9. Ruler
There’s no such thing as cheating, and this will make proper perspective drawing possible.
For some non-required but useful stuff check out “Art supplies you didn’t know you needed”, and if you’re taking one of our online courses, “Online art class essentials” is for you!
If you’re not yet enrolled, take a class with us, and become a master artist