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Traditional Art Supplies: The Essentials

NOTE: The recommendations included within this section include affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these links, I will receive a small percentage of the sale. Buying through these links helps support my channel!

Featured in my Art Supply Essentials video.

Paper
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Let’s start with paper! Any paper will do, but you might find two types useful:

Smooth newsprint
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This stuff is typically pretty cheap – check your local art shop, but here’s an Amazon search too. Make sure you get smooth newsprint; rough is not fun!
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Sketchbooks / sketchpads
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The Strathmore sketch pad I show in the video. Plain sketch paper, 100 pages.
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An equivalent sketchpad by Canson. Get whichever one is cheaper!
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Pencils
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Sweet. Now for pencils, any HB / No.2 pencil is fine! If you want some “art” ones, check your local art shop, but here’s a few I’ve liked:

Pencils! I don’t really have anythign exciting to write here.
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If you wanna try different hardnesses, here’s an small pack. But you probably don’t need more than HB, really. (It’s weirdly hard to find non-variety packs on Amazon. Check your local art shop!)
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Sharpeners
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Can’t have a pencil without a sharpener!

Good, cheap.
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Kinda neat because you can adjust the angle for a different kind of point. Not too expensive when on sale, but don’t spend a lot if you don’t need to.
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Lead Holders
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The fancy mechanical pencil version with thick leads.

Love this lead holder. It’s got a little indicator that you can change so you know what kind of lead is inside! And it feels nice to hold.

Note the lead diameter: 2mm is probably what you’re after.

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Some HB refills. Yay!
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A tiny little sharpener. Don’t lose it!
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Fineliners
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Nice art pens! Search around for more.

These are usually only sold in packs online. Check your local art shop for smaller quantities!
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Erasers
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Nothing too fancy here.

Basic eraser. Does the job.
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Kneaded eraser. Does the job slightly differently. The case helps keep the eraser from drying out and sticking to things.
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More recommendations coming soon! Hope this helps.