Preparation
Drawing is an easy and creative way to decompress at the end of a long day, and unlike some arts and crafts activities that require an assortment of supplies, all you really need to start drawing is a reliable writing utensil and a piece of paper. “You can start with a pen or pencil on paper and experiment from there,” says Brooklyn-based artist Carly Wilhelm. “The most important tool is your imagination.” As you grow more comfortable with the sketching process, Boris Rasin, founder of Drawn Together NYC, says you’ll get a better idea of what drawing mediums and tools are best for you. “The more sketches you produce, the more you’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t,” he explains. “Every drawing tool has its own profile and you can get a great visual effect out of any material so long as it is appropriate for the project.”
Once you’ve found a medium or tool you love, Wilhelm says you can experiment with different types of instruments and drawing effects. “That being said, if all you have is your kid’s Crayola crayons, don’t expect them to blend or have every color,” she says. “Know your tool’s limitations and use that knowledge to your advantage.” Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind drawing at home. “I’m a firm believer in working with what you’ve got,” Wilhelm says. “For example, cotton swabs are excellent for blending and much more economical than buying smudge sticks from an art store.”
Mechanical Drawing Pencil: MozArt Supplies Mechanical Pencil SetSketch Pad: Strathmore 350-9 300 Series Sketch PadRubber Eraser: Staedtler Mars Plastic EraserPencil Sharpener: Staedtler Double-Hole Tub Pencil SharpenerDigital Drawing Tool: Apple Pencil
Curious which beginner-friendly drawing tools seasoned sketch artists say swear by? From tried-and-true sketchbooks to reliable kneaded erasers and more, Wilhelm and Rasin share their favorites ahead.
