My Favorite
Drawing Supplies
Hey there, fellow “drawer-ers”! If you’re like me, you know the right supplies can make all the difference. So, I’ve rounded up my personal must-haves — from trusty pencils to secret tools like makeup sponges and toilet paper! Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this list will have you ready to create. Dive in, grab your faves, and let’s make some magic happen!
— Rylan Love
Pencils
Standard: Traditional graphite pencils in a range of hardness levels for every type of sketch and shading. Perfect for beginners and pros alike.
My Choice: Faber-Castell 9000 Graphite Pencil Set – A reliable set that covers all shading needs from light sketches to deep shadows.
Mechanical: Always sharp and ready to go, these pencils offer precision for detailed work without the hassle of sharpening.
My Choice: Uniball Kuru Toga Elite Mechanical Pencil – Keeps your lead always sharp with its unique rotating mechanism!
Don’t forget the Faber Castell 2B Lead Refills* to keep things going.
Paper
Sketch Paper: Lightweight and ideal for quick sketches or practice sessions. A must-have for daily drawing adventures!
My Choice: Strathmore Sketch Paper Pad – Smooth, acid-free, and perfect for everyday creativity.
Drawing Paper: Thicker, textured paper for more refined and finished pieces. Provides the perfect surface for blending and layering.
My Choices: Strathmore Drawing Paper Pad – Durable and smooth for everything from sketches to final masterpieces.
My Personal Favorite: Arches Hot Press Pad* for the perfect surface for pencils, pens, and even watercolors!
Erasers
Kneaded Eraser: Moldable and gentle, perfect for lifting graphite without damaging the paper. Essential for creating highlights (and a stress ball replacement!).
My Choice: Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser – Soft, pliable, and won't damage your masterpiece.
Rubber Eraser: A classic choice for erasing stronger pencil marks with ease.
My Choices: Faber Castell Eraser – Clean erasing with minimal residue.
Or try the TomBow Mono Sand Eraser* – Tough on marks, gentle on paper.
Pen Eraser: Precision erasing for those tiny details, corrections, or cleaning up inked drawings.
My Choice: Tombow MONO Zero Eraser – Ultra-fine tip for erasing just where you need it.
Electric Eraser: For ultimate control and accuracy in erasing, giving you sharp, clean edges.
My Choice: AFMAT Rechargeable Electric Eraser – A game-changer for detailed highlights and those tiny mistakes.
Pencil Sharpener
Mechanical Sharpener: Portable and convenient, great for quick sharpening on the go.
My Choice: Blackwing One-Step Long Point Sharpener – Compact, durable, and gives a perfect point every time.
Electric Sharpener: Fast and efficient, providing a perfect point every time for uninterrupted creativity.
My Choice: AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener – Heavy-duty and ideal for both standard and colored pencils.
Makeup Sponges
Great for smooth shading and blending without the mess. An unexpected but perfect tool for creating soft transitions and gradients.
My Choice: AOA Studio Collection Makeup Sponge Set – Soft, versatile, and perfect for blending large areas without the smudges!
Blending Stumps
Ideal for blending graphite, charcoal, or pastels to achieve smooth shading and depth in your artwork.
My Choice: Blending Stumps and Tortillions – Easy to clean and perfect for detailed blending work.
Graphite Powder
Perfect for creating large areas of smooth shading or unique textural effects. Add dimension and mood to your drawings.
My Choice: Lyra Graphite Crayons - 9B Graphite Stick – Crush 'em up for your own powder.
Plus, Drywall Sanding Paper makes turning these sticks into powder a breeze!
Toilet Paper
Surprisingly effective for blending graphite to create soft, smooth textures. Affordable and always handy!
My Choice: The Bathroom – Nothing beats free art supplies!
Tissue Paper
Gentle on your paper and great for blending without leaving streaks. Keeps your work looking clean and professional.
My Choice: Packaging Gift Wrap Tissue Paper – Soft and durable, perfect for smudging and blending without tearing.
Fixative Spray
Protect your finished drawings from smudging, fading, or yellowing. Keep your art in pristine condition for years to come.
My Choice: Krylon Workable Fixatif Spray – Keeps your artwork safe without that shiny, distracting gloss.
Ruler
Essential for drawing straight lines, measuring, and maintaining proportions in your artwork.
My Choice: Westcott Stainless Steel Office Ruler – Durable, accurate, and non-slip—because who needs a ruler that slips?
Storage Case
Keep all your art supplies organized and ready to go wherever inspiration strikes. Perfect for artists on the move!
My Choice: Big Pencil Case – Stylish, functional, and spacious enough for all your creative tools.