I looove pencils, pens, paints and papers (as well as containers – container nerd alert).
So, I love trying any new art or design related products.
I’m currently in the process of reviewing what I use from a sustainable approach, so I have less waste and I’m using more eco conscious materials.
Pencils
I use the Staedtler Mars Technico Clutch Pencil – which is a 2mm mechanical pencil. I like the width of this pencil and the way it feels in my hand. I also like the point that the built-in sharpener gives – it’s nice and fine. You can change the lead weights so you can switch them around. But handy to also have a couple of pencils so you can have a H and a B on the go at the same time. I use this for my first outline sketch if I’m doing a pen or ink drawing.
I’ve also have a Staedtler Mars Micro that I use with a 0.5mm lead. I mostly use this for everyday writing (I prefer to use pencil) but it’s also good if I’m needing a finer line width.
If I’m doing a complete drawing in pencil, I use the Koh-I-Noor Progresso pencils – HB, 2B, 4B, 6B and 8B. I tend to press quite heavily naturally on my pencils so usually find myself using 2B and 4B the most.
Erasers
I use a couple of different erasers. The first one is the Tombow Mono Zero Elastomer Eraser which is a retractable eraser and has an ultra fine tip for erasing really small areas. Refill packs are available for these as well.
I also have Staedtler Mars Plastic eraser which is great for removing pencil marks from the paper. If you have gone over your pencil lines with ink - you have to be careful using this rubber because it sometimes takes off some of the ink.
Last one is the Faber-Castell Kneadable eraser which is great for lightening up or correcting pencil work. I find it great for removing pencil lines from underneath pen lines because its softer on the paper and the pen work – it doesn’t seem to lift off much of the ink.
Pens
Ok pens, my favourite!
I’ve tried a truckload of different pens. But my all-time favourite is the Copic Multi Liner. These pens have water-based pigment ink and are waterproof, archival and acid free. I use a combination of line widths depending on whether I’m working on a textile design or art piece, but my favourites are the 0.03 and the 0.05. Love a fine line! I find that these pens don’t bleed on the paper and have less drag if you are using a paper that has a little bit of texture to it.
If I’m using thicker markers, my go to is the Copic Sketch and Copic Ciao markers. These have dual nibs, a brush nib and a chisel tip. These have great colour options that are great for blending.
On a trip to Japan (the pen capital of the world in my opinion) in 2019 I found these Akashiya Sai Sketch Set pens. These are watercolour brush pens which are handmade and have a soft and flexible brush tip. You can use as full colour or dip the brush tip in water to dilute and blend the colour.
Paints
I love watercolour. I like the feel of it, how it blends and how unpredictable it can be sometimes. I’m still learning how to paint with watercolour but my go to brand is Windsor and Newton. I have a Cotman Half Pan Studio Set which has 45 half pans covering a range of colours. I generally use this set for my textile designs because it’s quick and easy to use and has a great range of colours and works out not to expensive.
For my watercolour or botanical art pieces I have collected a nice range of the Windsor and Newton Artists watercolours. I’ll go into more detail about these in another post.
Paper
I use a few different types of paper. When I drawing for textile designs – you can just use A4 or A3 photocopy or bond paper. I like to use the Eckersley’s Bleedproof pads. They have a smooth, bright white surface and I’ve found that the pens don’t bleed as much which gives a crisper line for scanning and cleaning in Photoshop.
For my watercolour work I use a combination of Arches Aquarelle Hot Pressed paper either by the sheet or in blocks. If I’m paining for a textile design I will use a cheaper option which is the Fabriano Studio Watercolor pads, hot pressed, A3 and 200gsm.
Brushes
I’ve got a bunch of different brushes that I’ve collected over the years. I mostly have synthetic/Taklon brushes (which are an alternative to animal hair). I have a combination of Windsor and Newton Cotman, Roymac, and Neef. Specifically for my watercolour art prints, I do have a handful of Windsor and Newton Professional watercolour sable brushes. I am on the lookout for some brushes with a really fine tip so if you have any recommendations I’d love hear them.
