When you’re first getting into art, the list of potential supplies can feel endless—and expensive. But the truth is, you don’t need much to get started. In fact, starting with a small set of high-quality essentials is often more productive than buying every product on the shelf. The best art grows from consistency, not quantity.
Your absolute core kit should include a sketchbook, a range of graphite pencils (2H to 6B), a kneaded eraser, and at least one fineliner pen. These tools are versatile, portable, and perfect for learning foundational skills like line control, shading, and composition. For the sketchbook, look for a mixed media option around 150–200gsm. It handles both dry and light wet media, offering flexibility as you explore.
Add a ruler and a pencil sharpener (preferably manual with a metal blade) to keep your tools accurate and functional. Optional, but highly recommended: a white gel pen for highlights and a blending stump for smooth shading.
These basics will help you focus on technique rather than materials. Too many options can lead to distraction. With a tight, focused kit, you’re more likely to practice regularly—and that’s where real improvement happens.
Many professional artists still use these exact tools daily. Why? Because they’re timeless. Master these, and you’ll have the skills to handle any medium later.
Once you’re comfortable drawing, you’ll naturally want to explore color. But jumping into paint, markers, pastels, and digital all at once isn’t just expensive—it’s confusing. The smartest move is to choose one color medium that matches your interests, budget, and workspace.
If you enjoy layering and subtle transitions, start with colored pencils. They’re clean, affordable, and great for both detail and expressive work. Prismacolor (soft) and Faber-Castell (harder, more lightfast) are excellent beginner-friendly brands.
For something more fluid, watercolor is a beautiful, meditative medium that teaches transparency, color mixing, and flow. All you need is a small palette, a couple of round brushes (sizes 6 and 10 are versatile), and watercolor paper (at least 200gsm). Brands like Sakura and Winsor & Newton offer excellent student-grade options.
Interested in bold colors and smooth blends? Alcohol-based markers like Copic, Ohuhu, or Spectrum Noir are ideal for stylized art, comics, and quick rendering. Start with a grayscale set or a basic skin tone pack before investing in full color ranges.
Want a bit of everything? Gouache is a perfect hybrid. It behaves like watercolor but is opaque and vibrant like acrylic. It’s great for sketchbooks, quick studies, and even digital scanning.
Pick just one to begin with. Learn how it behaves, how to layer it, how it interacts with paper. That familiarity will give you more freedom than any 120-piece art set ever could.
One of the most common beginner mistakes is using the wrong surface for the chosen medium. That’s not your fault—it’s rarely explained clearly. But the paper or canvas you use is just as important as the brush or pencil in your hand.
Let’s break it down.
If you’re drawing with graphite or ink, a smooth Bristol board or a standard sketchpad (100–120gsm) works well. Colored pencils perform best on lightly textured paper (toothier), which helps grip the pigment.
Watercolor demands special treatment: use only cold-press or hot-press watercolor paper (200–300gsm). Cold-press has texture and holds water beautifully. Hot-press is smooth and better for detail. Never use printer paper or standard sketchbooks—it’ll buckle or bleed.
For gouache or acrylics, opt for mixed media paper, canvas boards, or acrylic pads. Acrylics especially need a surface that can handle their thickness and fast drying time. Gouache can go on almost any heavyweight paper, but you’ll get better results with watercolor or Bristol stock.
Brushes also matter. Synthetic brushes work well for most beginners and are budget-friendly. For watercolor or gouache, start with round brushes (sizes 2, 6, and 10) and a flat brush for washes. For acrylics, look for stiffer bristles and experiment with both flat and filbert shapes.
Your tools should support, not sabotage, your work. When paper absorbs the right amount of pigment and your brush holds paint evenly, the act of painting becomes smoother—and far more enjoyable.
You don’t need to break the bank to improve your art setup. Sometimes, it’s the small, affordable extras that make the biggest difference—especially when it comes to comfort, organization, and precision.
A good pencil case or supply organizer keeps your tools easy to reach. This might seem minor, but it saves you time and reduces friction. If your space is messy or your materials are scattered, you’re less likely to sit down and create.
Painter’s tape or washi tape is fantastic for clean edges and holding paper in place. It’s especially useful for watercolor and mixed media. No more warping or accidental movement.
Swatch cards or color charts help you track what each tool can do. If you’re working with markers, watercolors, or colored pencils, having a visual reference of each shade can make your process faster and more intentional.
Palette knives (for acrylics and oils) or a wet palette can help manage paint more effectively. Even if you’re working digitally, having a clean workspace and physical references—like textures, objects, or previous sketches—helps inform your decisions.
Lighting also matters. If you don’t have access to daylight, invest in a daylight-balanced desk lamp. It prevents eye strain and ensures you see true colors—critical if you’re working with paint or color pencils.
Finally, don’t overlook paper towels, rags, or a spray bottle for rehydrating paints or cleaning tools. These small items keep your workflow clean and consistent.
In the age of unboxings, reviews, and endless product recommendations, it’s tempting to fill your cart with every art supply under the sun. But smart artists know that creativity grows best when it’s focused. That’s why the best way to build your toolkit is slowly, based on experience—not impulse.
Start with the essentials, then reflect. Which tools do you reach for most? What feels intuitive? What’s getting in your way? Every time you complete a project or a page, take a moment to assess: did I miss a tool? Would a certain brush shape have helped? Was the paper too thin?
Let these answers guide your next purchase. Maybe you realize you want softer pencils. Maybe you crave smoother ink lines or brighter pigments. When your buying choices solve specific problems, they’re more likely to help you grow.
This approach also saves money. Instead of wasting funds on giant sets you never touch, you invest in tools that serve your actual process. That’s how professional artists work—they don’t collect supplies; they build systems.
Also: don’t feel guilty about using “student-grade” materials. Many are excellent and more than sufficient for learning. You don’t need museum-quality paints to improve your technique.
The best toolkit is one that evolves with you—thoughtfully, intentionally, and with joy. Trust your hands. Trust the process. And above all, keep making.
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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