Materials, Supplies , and Books
Keep it Simple
Getting Started: Learn what to buy, low budget, great supplies.
LEVEL
1
TIME
10 min.
TECHNICAL
1/5
OBSERVATION
0/5
OUTCOME
Supply
One of the best things about learning to draw is how little you need to begin. Unlike many other disciplines, drawing doesn’t require expensive equipment or a full studio setup. With just a few carefully chosen tools, you can start practicing immediately and focus on what truly matters: observation, consistency, and progress.
Keeping your materials simple also removes friction, you spend less time worrying about supplies and more time actually drawing.
Starter Kit (Minimal & Effective)
1. Paper for your portfolio: Strathmore 400 Series Drawing Paper Pad , Pad 18x24" - (24 Sheets)
2. Paper for your exercises: Strathmore 300 Series, Sketch Pad 9x12" - (100 Sheets)
3. Eraser: Faber-Castell kneaded eraser
4. Tapes to hold your paper in place: Art Alternatives Masking Tape
5. Reshape your paper or adjust your composition: X-Acto knife , Angled blade - 2 inch
6. Best charcoal batons: Fine Art Charcoal, NITRAM, HB to 2B sticks
7. Great charcoal pencils: General's products hard, soft and extra soft pencils
8. Graphite pencils: any HB pencils.
With a total budget often under $100, you already have everything you need to begin seriously. The goal is not to accumulate tools but to build skill through daily practice.