Illustration and Drawing Supplies

Drawing Supplies

There are a variety of drawing mediums to choose from. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve, different mediums offer different effects and capabilities. Learn about some of the popular drawing mediums below:

Charcoal: Charcoal is made from burned carbonized wood and produces rich black velvety marks. It is easily smudged, blendable, and predominantly used for sketching and expressive works. Charcoal has varying hardness levels and is available in three main formats - compressed, vine or willow sticks, and pencils.




Graphite: Graphite is a form of carbon that produces a metallic gray color. It is harder than charcoal and creates smoother and more precise lines making it great for technical and detailed drawings. Graphite has varying hardness levels and is commonly available in two forms - graphite pencils and sticks.




Pencils: There are a variety of pencils developed specially for sketching and drawing. The lead core in drawing pencils is typically made from graphite or charcoal. From quick sketches to precise technical drawings, learn how to choose a drawing pencil perfect for your work of art.




Colored Pencils: Colored pencils are drawing pencils that provide a full-color spectrum. They are available in soft or hard cores and are an ideal choice for coloring, shading, or intricate drawings.




Markers: Art markers are ideal for adding vibrant colors and detailed illustrations. Markers produce different results depending on their ink type. Alcohol-based markers dry quickly and produce vibrant, blendable colors. Water-based markers are more affordable than alcohol markers and are less likely to bleed and smudge, but their color isn’t as vibrant. Lastly, paint-based markers and pens are great for achieving an opaque coverage and can be used on a variety of surfaces.




Pens: Pens are ideal for intricate line work, calligraphy, or creating vibrant ink illustrations. Among the popular drawing pens are fineliners, rollerballs, and fountain pens, with each offering its own distinctive line style. Most pens come pre-assembled, but there are customizable options available – particularly with calligraphy pens. You can customize different aspects of the pen, from the nib to the ink, crafting a pen that is tailored to your preferences. Artist inks are highly pigmented and perfect for calligraphy or detailed line art.




Pastels: Pastels are compressed pigment sticks that combine the qualities of drawing and painting. There are four types of pastels to choose from. Soft pastels are easy to blend, making them ideal for smooth, broad strokes, while hard pastels are less blendable but better for controlled lines. Pastel pencils are best for intricate, detailed work. Oil pastels offer a smooth lay down and give a painting effect, but do not blend with other pastel types.




Crayons: Drawing crayons are not just for kids! Along with the iconic Crayola crayons, high-quality, artist-grade wax-based crayons or water-soluble crayons offer rich colors perfect for vibrant illustrations. Ideal for quick sketches or layered work, crayons provide a smooth, waxy finish to your pieces.

Drawing Paper

Drawing paper is designed to complement various drawing mediums and techniques. Each drawing surface has its own unique composition that varies in texture, weight, and tone. Charcoal and pastel paper usually have a rough toothy texture, while marker and pen paper have a smooth surface. In terms of varying surface weights, illustration art boards and bristol are thick drawing surfaces while sketching paper is a lower-weight paper used for quick drawings. Drawing paper is available in numerous formats, including pads, sketchbooks, sheets, and rolls.

Drawing Tools & Accessories

Drawing tools can greatly enhance your creative process. Erasers can be used to correct mistakes, add highlights, or create textures, while pencil sharpeners keep your pencils sharp and ready for detailed work. Drawing boards provide portable support when drawing and help protect your work when traveling. Popular precision drawing tools include rulers, straightedges, and reference tools. Pencil pouches and marker organizers help keep your workspace organized and supplies portable.