TOOLS & MATERIALS

You will want to start with a few basic tools, which I’ll discuss over the next few pages, but keep in mind that part of the fun of creating is figuring out what works best for you. Also, remember that you can build your collection over time and don’t need to own all of these items before learning to draw.

BUY THE BEST MATERIALS YOU CAN AFFORD; THEY WILL LAST LONGER, AND THE QUALITY WILL BE BETTER.

Pencils

I start all of my pieces with a sketch using a traditional or a mechanical pencil. The latter is the most-used tool in my collection; I use one every single day. I have both 0.3 and 0.5mm mechanical pencils, and I prefer to use HB lead, which is wonderful for detail work and light sketching on watercolor paper or in a sketchbook. Mechanical pencils come with built-in erasers, making them ideal travel tools.

Nib Pen & Ink

The nib pen produces a variety of interesting marks and inconsistent lines, so it works well for experimentation and can create exciting results. I like to use a nib pen over paint or by itself to give a loose, hand-drawn look to my art.

Black Fineliner Pens

This tool is excellent for creating consistent lines and final detail work. I like to use a size 02, but I also keep sizes 03 and 05 handy for creating slightly thicker lines.

Erasers

I use a standard block eraser for larger areas and a stick eraser for detail work. With a stick eraser, you can erase tiny portions without ruining the paper or smudging the rest of your artwork.

Paintbrushes

I use fine-tipped brushes in sizes 0 and 00 for my detail work, and I keep slightly larger flat brushes on hand as well for filling in larger areas. For background washes and to create more coverage, I use a very large flat brush in size 18.

Gouache

Gouache is my favorite type of paint and my first choice for adding color to my artwork. Like watercolor, gouache is water-based, but it produces an opaque look with a matte finish and bold, intense colors. If gouache dries on the palette, it can be watered down and reused.

Acrylic-Based Gouache

Acrylic-based gouache, which is similar to both gouache and acrylic paints, produces an opaque look and intense color, dries with a matte finish, and is water-soluble when wet. Unlike gouache, it becomes water-resistant once dry, so it works well for layering colors, as it won’t budge or bleed. Once dry on the palette, it’s no longer water-soluble, so I recommend using a moisture-retaining palette (here) to minimize waste.

Colored Pencils

I like to use colored pencils alone or over paint to add texture. There are so many colors available; you can really play around with colored pencils. Use artist-grade pencils, as they are softer and creamier.

WHEN CHOOSING PAINTS AND COLORED PENCILS, RATHER THAN BUYING A SET, SELECT THE COLORS INDIVIDUALLY ACCORDING TO YOUR FAVORITES. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT YOU USE ALL OF YOUR COLORS!

Paper

For fineliner pen and pencil work, I like to use a smooth, acid-free drawing pad with 200gsm paper. Its smooth surface allows the pen to glide effortlessly, producing excellent results.

With paint, I prefer hot-pressed, 300gsm paper. It comes in pads, as large sheets that can be cut down, and as paper blocks, which have paper that’s glued on all four sides. This reduces the risk of the paper warping when painted on; you can use a palette knife to separate the sheets once the paint is dry.

THE SMOOTH SURFACE OF HOT-PRESSED PAPER IS IDEAL FOR ARTWORK THAT WILL BE SCANNED ONTO YOUR COMPUTER.

Palettes

Have several palettes on hand. I like to use ceramic dishes and the large plastic palettes found in art stores.

Moisture-Retaining Palette

Designed to keep paints moist and usable for weeks, this palette works well with acrylic-based gouache (here). To make your own, soak a thin sponge or a sheet of watercolor paper in water, and then place greaseproof paper on top. Pour your paints onto the greaseproof paper and use the palette as you normally would, with the water soaking into the paper. When you finish painting, place a lid over the palette to keep the paints inside moist.

MORE USEFUL ITEMS

When I travel, I store my brushes in a bamboo brush roll, which allows the brushes to breathe and protects them during transport. Some rolls come with built-in fabric pockets that separate the brushes.

Other items I always have with me include:

• A ruler

• A pencil sharpener

• Paper towels for soaking up excess water on a paintbrush

• Scratch paper (I use leftover watercolor paper to test my colors before painting)

• Masking tape for taping down the edges of sheets of paper

• Glass jars or ceramic cups to hold clean water for painting

• A light box for transferring images

I STORE MY BRUSHES HORIZONTALLY ON MY BAMBOO BRUSH ROLL. THIS WAY, WATER DOESN’T DRIP DOWN THE BRUSH HANDLES, MINIMIZING THE RISK OF DAMAGE.