Every artistic journey begins with a line. Whether you’re interested in painting, comic illustration, or fashion design, sketching is where it all starts. That’s why your first investment should be in tools that make drawing enjoyable, consistent, and accessible. And no—you don’t need expensive gadgets. You need reliable basics that help build good habits.
Start with graphite pencils in a range of hardness: H pencils (harder) for light, crisp lines and B pencils (softer) for shading and depth. A simple 2H, HB, 2B, and 4B set covers most beginner needs. You’ll also want an eraser—a white plastic one for clean edits and a kneaded eraser for delicate adjustments. These small tools let you sketch, refine, and rework ideas without damaging the page.
Speaking of pages: invest in a sketchbook with at least 100gsm paper. A spiral-bound, medium-sized book is ideal for beginners—it lays flat, is easy to transport, and gives you plenty of space to experiment. If you plan to use ink or light washes, go for a mixed media paper (160gsm or higher).
Also consider getting a ruler, a mechanical pencil for precision work, and a fineliner pen for inking your best sketches. These tools aren’t glamorous, but they’re the quiet backbone of every strong drawing practice. Don’t overlook them.
Above all, remember: consistency matters more than complexity. Mastering simple tools will take you farther than dabbling in dozens of fancy ones.
Once you’re comfortable drawing, it’s natural to want to bring your sketches to life with color. But here’s where many beginners get stuck: they buy too many materials too fast and end up overwhelmed. The key is to choose one color medium to explore deeply before branching out.
Colored pencils are an excellent starting point. They’re portable, affordable, and forgiving. Brands like Prismacolor (softer) or Faber-Castell (harder, more precise) are popular among artists for their blendability and pigmentation. A basic 12 or 24-color set is more than enough to start.
If you’re drawn to painting, watercolors are beginner-friendly and relatively low-maintenance. All you need is a small palette, a brush or two, and watercolor paper (ideally 200gsm or more). You’ll learn about transparency, layering, and pigment flow—all essential skills for more advanced painting later. Avoid children’s paint sets—they often have poor pigment and unpredictable behavior. Instead, start with a student-grade set from brands like Winsor & Newton or Sakura.
Alcohol-based markers like Copic or Ohuhu are loved for their vibrant colors and smooth blending. They’re excellent for stylized illustrations and design work, though a bit pricier. Start with a basic skin tone or grayscale set and work your way up.
No matter what you choose, keep a swatch card of your colors. This helps you get to know how each medium behaves on paper and encourages you to experiment intentionally. Color is about discovery—don’t rush it.
Not all surfaces are created equal. A great drawing on the wrong paper can look washed out, and even the best paint will bleed through thin stock. That’s why understanding how to match materials with surfaces is essential for any beginner.
If you’re working with graphite or ink, a smooth Bristol board or heavyweight sketchbook paper (100–120gsm) will offer crisp lines and minimal smudging. For colored pencils, a slightly textured (toothier) surface helps grip the pigment and build layers. Strathmore and Canson offer excellent entry-level options.
Watercolor requires more specialized paper. Look for cold press (textured) sheets around 200–300gsm. These absorb water without warping and allow for proper blending and layering. Hot press (smooth) paper is great for detail work, but less forgiving for beginners.
As for brushes, it’s better to start with a few quality ones than a giant set of throwaways. For watercolor or gouache, round brushes in sizes 2, 6, and 10 cover most needs. Synthetic bristles are fine to start, and they’re more affordable. Flat brushes are useful for washes and backgrounds, while detail brushes help with fine lines and highlights.
If you’re using acrylic paint, opt for stiffer brushes and primed canvas paper or canvas boards. Acrylic dries quickly and bonds well to textured surfaces. Avoid watercolor paper here—it will buckle and degrade.
In short: let the material guide the surface. Match the tool to the paper or canvas it needs, and you’ll see a sharp difference in quality—no extra skill required.
There are tools that aren’t strictly essential, but make the artistic process smoother, more enjoyable, and more professional—even for beginners. These aren’t the flashy items you see on Instagram; they’re the under-the-radar supplies that serious artists swear by.
One of the first extras we recommend is a pencil sharpener—a quality one. Look for a metal handheld or a desk model with adjustable angles. Poorly sharpened pencils break more often and make it harder to control detail.
A palette is a must for anyone using paint. A ceramic or plastic palette is easy to clean and helps you learn to mix colors properly, instead of just using them straight from the tube. For acrylics, a wet palette keeps your paint from drying out too fast.
Painter’s tape or washi tape is another small but powerful tool. It helps secure paper to your workspace, keeps edges clean, and is great for creating clean borders. It’s especially useful when working with washes or large color blocks.
For ink and marker users, blending tools like colorless blenders or blending stumps add smoothness to your work. A small spray bottle can help rehydrate watercolors or keep your acrylics moist longer. And don’t underestimate the power of paper towels or rags—they help control water, clean brushes, and avoid spills.
While none of these tools are required on Day One, they slowly become indispensable as your skills and needs grow. Think of them as your second wave of upgrades—earned, not rushed.
Having the right tools is important—but where and how you use them matters just as much. One of the most overlooked aspects of getting started as an artist is setting up a creative space that supports your process and encourages regular practice.
You don’t need a full studio or expensive desk setup. A small, clean corner with good light and reachable tools is enough. What matters is consistency. When your materials are visible and organized, it’s easier to sit down and create—even for just 15 minutes a day.
Storage is key. Use jars, boxes, or drawer units to separate pencils, paints, and papers. A rolling cart is an excellent solution for small spaces—you can move it around and tuck it away when not in use. Labeling containers might feel like overkill at first, but it saves time and keeps your workflow smooth.
Lighting makes a huge difference. Natural light is ideal, but if you’re working in the evening, invest in a daylight-balanced LED lamp. It reduces eye strain and helps you see true colors.
Finally, nurture the right mindset. Don’t expect masterpieces from the start. Focus on showing up, trying things out, and getting to know your tools. Every page in your sketchbook—good or bad—is a stepping stone. Your first goal isn’t perfection—it’s momentum.
Once you build that rhythm, progress comes naturally. You’re not just buying supplies—you’re building a creative habit.
At The Sydney Art Store, we’re passionate about supporting artists at every stage of their creative journey. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or a hobbyist, we provide one of Australia’s widest selections of premium art supplies—carefully curated from the world’s leading brands.
From vibrant acrylics and richly pigmented oils to high-quality watercolours, papers, brushes, and tools, every product we carry is chosen for performance, reliability, and artistic integrity. We understand that having the right materials is more than a preference—it’s essential to bringing your vision to life.
With expert advice, competitive prices, and a commitment to customer care, The Sydney Art Store makes it easy to find the supplies you need and the inspiration you’re looking for. Whether you're building your studio or restocking your essentials, trust us to deliver the quality and service your art deserves.
Let your creativity flow—we’ll supply the rest.
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