Walking into an art supply store for the first time can feel overwhelming. Rows upon rows of pencils, papers, erasers, and tools—each promising to unlock your artistic potential. With so many options and varying price points, how do you know what's truly essential and what's just marketing hype?
This comprehensive guide will demystify the world of drawing materials, helping you make informed decisions that suit your skill level, artistic goals, and budget. Whether you're a complete beginner picking up your first pencil or an experienced artist looking to upgrade your toolkit, this guide will help you invest wisely in materials that will genuinely enhance your artistic journey.
Understanding Quality vs. Price in Art Materials
Before diving into specific materials, it's crucial to understand the relationship between quality and price in art supplies. Unlike many consumer products, the quality difference between budget and professional art materials can dramatically affect your results and learning experience.
Why Quality Matters
- Consistency: Professional materials perform predictably, allowing you to focus on technique rather than fighting unpredictable tools
- Durability: Quality materials last longer, making them more economical in the long run
- Archival properties: Better materials won't yellow, fade, or deteriorate over time
- Performance: Professional tools allow for finer control and better results
- Learning efficiency: Quality tools don't hold back your progress
The Smart Shopping Strategy
The key is knowing where to invest and where to save:
- Invest in: Tools you use daily (pencils, primary drawing paper, main eraser)
- Save on: Specialty items you'll use occasionally (specific grades of pencils, experimental papers)
- Upgrade gradually: Start with good basics and upgrade as your skills and needs develop
Essential Drawing Pencils: Your Primary Tools
Pencils are the foundation of most drawing practices, and understanding the grading system is crucial for making informed choices.
Understanding Pencil Grades
Pencils are graded on a scale that indicates hardness (H) and darkness (B):
- H Pencils (Hard): 9H to H - Light, precise lines, harder graphite
- HB: The middle ground, equivalent to a standard #2 pencil
- B Pencils (Soft): B to 9B - Dark, rich lines, softer graphite
- F: Fine point, between HB and H
Essential Pencil Set for Beginners
Start with these five essential grades that cover most drawing needs:
- 2H: Light construction lines, initial sketches
- HB: General sketching, medium tones
- 2B: Darker lines, shading
- 4B: Rich darks, deep shadows
- 6B: Very dark accents, dramatic contrast
Recommended Pencil Brands
Professional Grade:
- Faber-Castell 9000 Series: Excellent consistency, smooth feel, widely available in Australia
- Staedtler Mars Lumograph: Precise, clean lines, great for technical work
- Derwent Graphic: Rich, smooth graphite, excellent for artistic work
Student Grade (Great Value):
- Faber-Castell Goldfaber: Good quality at affordable price
- Staedtler Noris: Reliable, consistent, budget-friendly
- Derwent Academy: Decent quality for learning
Mechanical Pencils: Precision Tools
For precise work and consistent line weights:
- 0.5mm: Most versatile size for general drawing
- 0.3mm: Fine detail work
- 0.7mm: Broader strokes, less likely to break
- Recommended brands: Pentel Graph Gear, Uni Kuru Toga, Staedtler 925
Drawing Papers: Your Canvas
Paper choice dramatically affects your drawing experience and final results. Understanding paper characteristics helps you choose the right surface for your style and medium.
Paper Weight and Thickness
- 70-90gsm: Thin paper, suitable for quick sketches only
- 120-160gsm: Medium weight, good for practice and studies
- 180-300gsm: Heavy weight, ideal for finished artwork
- 300gsm+: Very heavy, professional quality for archival work
Paper Texture (Tooth)
- Smooth (Hot-pressed): Fine detail work, precise lines, minimal texture
- Medium (Cold-pressed): Versatile, slight texture helps hold graphite
- Rough: Heavy texture, good for expressive, loose drawing styles
Essential Paper Types
For Graphite Pencil Drawing:
- Canson XL Drawing Paper: Affordable, good quality for practice
- Strathmore 400 Series Drawing: Excellent student-grade paper
- Fabriano Academia: Professional quality at reasonable price
- Arches 1557: Premium option for serious work
For Mixed Media:
- Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media: Handles multiple mediums well
- Canson XL Mixed Media: Budget-friendly versatile option
Newsprint for Practice:
- Cheap paper perfect for gesture drawing and daily practice
- Not archival, but excellent for building skills without expense anxiety
"The right paper can make a mediocre pencil perform well, while poor paper can make even the finest pencils frustrating to use. Invest in good paper—it's the foundation of every drawing." - Michael Roberts, Drawing Materials Specialist
Erasers: Correction and Creation Tools
Modern erasers aren't just for fixing mistakes—they're active drawing tools that can create highlights, textures, and subtle effects.
Types of Erasers and Their Uses
Kneaded Erasers:
- Best for: Lifting graphite, creating highlights, gentle corrections
- Advantages: Doesn't leave crumbs, moldable to any shape, long-lasting
- Recommended: Faber-Castell Kneaded Eraser, General's Kneaded Eraser
White Vinyl Erasers:
- Best for: Clean, complete removal of marks
- Advantages: Doesn't smudge, removes marks completely
- Recommended: Staedtler Mars Plastic, Sakura Sumo Grip
Gum Erasers:
- Best for: Gentle cleaning, removing surface graphite
- Advantages: Won't damage paper surface, good for large areas
Electric Erasers:
- Best for: Precise highlighting, detailed correction work
- When to invest: If you do a lot of detailed realistic work
- Recommended: Sakura Cordless Electric Eraser
Blending Tools: Smooth Transitions
Blending Stumps and Tortillons
- Tortillons: Tightly rolled paper, pointed tip, disposable
- Blending stumps: Compressed paper, pointed both ends, more durable
- Best brands: General Pencil, Derwent
Alternative Blending Tools
- Chamois cloth: For large area blending
- Cotton swabs: Soft blending for small areas
- Tissue paper: Quick, soft blending
- Fingers: Natural oils create smooth blends (not always archival)
Storage and Organisation
Protecting Your Investment
- Pencil cases: Protect points, prevent rolling
- Paper storage: Flat storage prevents warping
- Eraser containers: Keep erasers clean and prevent hardening
Portable Solutions
- Sketchbook recommendations: Moleskine, Leuchtturm1917, Stillman & Birn
- Travel pencil sets: Compact sets for drawing on the go
- Portable easels: For outdoor sketching sessions
Building Your Kit Gradually
Beginner's Essential Kit ($50-100 AUD)
- Pencils: Set of 5 (2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B) - $15-25
- Paper: Pad of medium-weight drawing paper - $15-20
- Erasers: Kneaded eraser and white vinyl eraser - $8-12
- Blending: Set of tortillons/stumps - $5-8
- Sketchbook: A5 or A4 spiral-bound - $10-15
- Storage: Simple pencil case - $8-15
Intermediate Upgrade ($150-250 AUD)
- Expanded pencil range: Full set 9H to 9B - $30-50
- Professional paper: Higher-quality drawing paper - $25-40
- Mechanical pencils: 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm - $30-60
- Electric eraser: For precise highlight work - $40-80
- Better storage: Professional pencil case or roll - $20-40
Professional Setup ($300-500+ AUD)
- Premium pencils: Professional-grade individual pencils - $60-100
- Archival paper: Museum-quality paper for finished works - $50-100
- Speciality tools: Various erasers, blending tools, rulers - $50-100
- Portable easel: For outdoor and studio work - $80-150
- Lighting: Desk lamp with daylight bulbs - $50-100
Where to Shop in Australia
Physical Stores
- Eckersley's Art & Craft: Comprehensive range, knowledgeable staff
- Art Scene: Professional supplies, multiple locations
- Riot Art & Craft: Good for student-grade materials
- Spotlight: Budget options and basics
Online Retailers
- Jackson's Art Supplies: Professional range, competitive prices
- Art Materials Australia: Local supplier, good service
- Amazon Australia: Convenient delivery, wide selection
- Dick Blick (international): Professional supplies, worth international shipping for large orders
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy in bulk: Paper and pencils are cheaper in larger quantities
- Student discounts: Many stores offer student pricing
- End-of-year sales: Stock up during back-to-school clearances
- Online deals: Compare prices across multiple retailers
- Sample first: Buy individual items before investing in sets
Maintaining Your Materials
Pencil Care
- Sharpening: Use quality sharpeners or craft knives for best points
- Storage: Keep pencils in cases to prevent damage
- Rotation: Use pencils evenly to maintain consistent performance
Paper Preservation
- Flat storage: Prevent warping and creasing
- Clean hands: Natural oils can affect paper over time
- Climate control: Avoid extreme humidity and temperature changes
Eraser Maintenance
- Kneaded erasers: Knead regularly to expose clean surfaces
- Vinyl erasers: Keep clean by erasing on scrap paper
- Storage: Keep in containers to prevent hardening
Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
1. Buying Too Much Too Soon
The mistake: Purchasing large sets of materials before understanding what you actually need.
The solution: Start with basics and add materials as your skills and interests develop.
2. Focusing Only on Price
The mistake: Choosing the cheapest option regardless of quality.
The solution: Balance cost with quality, investing more in frequently used items.
3. Ignoring Paper Quality
The mistake: Using poor-quality paper that frustrates the drawing process.
The solution: Invest in decent paper that enhances rather than hinders your work.
4. Not Experimenting
The mistake: Sticking with one brand or type without exploring options.
The solution: Try different materials to find what works best for your style.
Advanced Materials for Specialised Techniques
Charcoal Drawing
- Vine charcoal: Light, erasable, good for initial blocking
- Compressed charcoal: Rich blacks, various hardnesses
- Charcoal pencils: Precision with charcoal medium
- Special papers: Textured papers that hold charcoal well
Coloured Pencil Work
- Professional sets: Faber-Castell Polychromos, Caran d'Ache Luminance
- Blending solvents: Odourless mineral spirits for smooth blends
- Coloured paper: Toned papers for different effects
Technical Drawing
- Technical pens: Consistent line weights
- Rulers and curves: Precision measuring tools
- Drafting paper: Smooth surfaces for clean lines
Conclusion: Building Your Perfect Drawing Kit
Choosing the right drawing materials is a journey, not a destination. Your needs will evolve as your skills develop and your artistic interests become clearer. The key is to start with quality basics, understand how different materials affect your work, and gradually build a collection that truly serves your artistic vision.
Remember that expensive doesn't always mean better, and the most important factor is how the materials feel in your hands and how they help you express your ideas. Some of the world's greatest drawings were created with simple pencils on basic paper—technique and vision matter more than having the latest tools.
Start with the essentials, experiment with different brands and types, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from more experienced artists or knowledgeable art store staff. Most importantly, spend more time drawing than shopping for materials. The best way to understand what works for you is to use your tools regularly and push them to their limits.
Your drawing materials should enhance your creativity, not limit it. With the right tools and knowledge, you'll have everything you need to bring your artistic visions to life. At Varizutonsu Drawing Academy, we help our students understand not just technique, but also how to choose and use materials that will serve their artistic journey for years to come.