Tier 1What you need to start
Graphite Pencils
These are the core of your drawing toolkit. Different grades of graphite allow you to control line darkness and shading, essential for creating depth and form.
- Beginner Graphite Sketching Pencils — A great low-risk option to experiment with a few essential grades (like HB, 2B, 4B, 6B) before investing further.(from $5)
- Artist Grade Graphite Drawing Pencils — This set offers a balanced range of hard (H) and soft (B) grades, providing the versatility needed for detailed work, smooth shading, and expressive lines – the standard for aspiring artists.(from $7)
- Professional Graphite Drawing Pencils — Experience unparalleled smoothness and a wider tonal range with these finely milled, artist-quality pencils, perfect for advanced shading techniques and achieving rich, deep blacks.(from $15)
Tier 1What you need to start
Drawing Paper
The surface you draw on significantly impacts your marks. Choose paper with the right weight and texture to prevent bleed-through and achieve desired effects.
- Affordable Sketchbook Paper — A great low-risk option to practice techniques and experiment without worrying about ruining expensive paper.(from $7)
- All-Purpose Drawing Paper Pad — This mid-weight paper offers a good balance of tooth and smoothness, making it ideal for a variety of dry media and the workhorse for most beginner drawing projects.(from $10)
- Premium Drawing Paper — With a heavier weight and superior surface, this paper handles heavy layering, blending, and erasing exceptionally well, offering a professional foundation for your best work.(from $14)
Tier 1What you need to start
Erasers
Essential for correction and creating highlights, different erasers offer varying levels of precision and cleaning power.
- Basic Rubber Eraser — A great low-risk option to get started with general erasing needs without concern for damaging the paper surface.(from $2)
- Artist Kneaded Eraser — This pliable eraser is the standard for artists, allowing you to lift graphite gently for subtle highlights and smudging without leaving residue.(from $3)
- Precision Eraser — For fine detail work and precise corrections, this pen-style eraser offers pinpoint accuracy, essential for refining highlights and cleaning up edges.(from $6)
Tier 1What you need to start
Pencil Sharpener
A sharp point is crucial for control and detail. Invest in a good sharpener that won't damage your pencils.
- Plastic Pencil Sharpener — A great low-risk option for basic sharpening, suitable for trying out different pencils without significant investment.(from $2)
- Metal Blade Pencil Sharpener — This robust sharpener provides a consistently sharp point with its durable blade, ensuring clean lines and precise detail for all your drawing needs.(from $4)
- Adjustable Dial Sharpener — Gain ultimate control over your pencil point with an adjustable dial, allowing you to choose from fine to extra-fine points for varied drawing techniques.(from $7)
Tier 2Nice to have next
Blending Tools
These tools help you smoothly blend graphite, creating soft transitions and realistic shading effects.
- Paper Blending Stumps — A great low-risk option to experiment with basic blending techniques before committing to more specialized tools.(from $4)
- Artist Blending Tortillons Set — This set offers various sizes of paper tortillons and stumps, providing excellent control for subtle blending and smooth tonal gradations.(from $5)
- Quality Blending Tortillons Set — For incredibly soft, diffused blending and achieving ethereal atmospheric effects, this fine brush offers a different tactile experience and smooth application.(from $8)
Tier 2Nice to have next
Drawing Board
Provides a firm, portable surface for drawing, especially useful when not at a desk.
- Lightweight Clipboard — A great low-risk option to try drawing on a stable, portable surface before investing in a more dedicated board.(from $6)
- Sturdy Drawing Board — This smooth, rigid board offers a reliable, flat surface for drawing anywhere, supporting your paper without flex or movement.(from $10)
- Adjustable Angle Drawing Board — Elevate your comfort and posture with an adjustable board, allowing you to set your preferred drawing angle for extended sessions.(from $33)