Sketchbook Drawing Tools
While I primarily work in digital painting with Procreate on the iPad Pro, my sketchbook practice is very important to my process. I've tried many combinations of drawing tools and notebooks, and I finally found a pairing I really love and wish to share. Here is what I'm currently using for sketchbook drawing:
1. Faber Castell PITT Artist Pen Brushes: Made from permanent india ink so your sketchbooks actually have archival quality. Lovely color selection, doesn't bleed through the notebook I use. Not too expensive, about $3.50 each at your local Blick art store.
2. Derwent Drawing Pencils: I've tried many drawing colored pencils and these are my favorite so far. They have a limited but beautiful range of natural colors. I find having just a few pencils helps keep my sketchbook cohesive. Also available for individual purchase.
3. Watercolor Pencils: This is a recent discovery for me—it pairs perfectly with my drawing pencils and gives me the benefits of watercolor in a dry media format. I use a small brush and a tiny amount of water so it's very easy to clean up. I don't have a favorite brand yet, but have been enjoying trying Prismacolor and Faber Castell Albrecht Durer so far.
3. Midori MD Notebook: Affordable notebooks with a unique waxed paper that hols the PITT brush pen inks really well. No bleed even though the papers are thin. Comes in a few different sizes, I like the larger sizes but honestly use them all. The Traveler's Notebook (same company) has MD Paper refills that are fun to use.
4. Midori MD Notebook cover: This is a nice way to protect your MD notebooks, which have quite thin covers. You can also stick things in the flaps. I recently upgraded to leather covers, but the paper ones work just fine.
5. Canvas Pen Roll: I really like pen rolls for keeping my pens organized by color. This one comes in nice colors and is also affordable.
That's it! I like keeping it simple. It helps me focus on the practice, and I can bring these tools anywhere. I keep a simplified version in my daily sling, and include a generic sienna-colored gel pen for quicker linework while out and about.
Find more detailed information and artist resources in Mimochai Studio 💛 -M
