Hey Lykkers! If you're a beginner diving into the world of hand-drawing, you've probably been overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools available.
There are so many options that it can be hard to know where to start.
Tools for sketching are often reviewed by specific user groups—like fountain pen collectors or professional watercolorists—so their advice might not always be relevant to someone looking for tools for design and illustration. Based on years of teaching experience, We have put together a guide that cuts through the confusion and focuses on tools that are widely loved and easy to access. This will hopefully help you make the right choices for your hand-drawing journey.
1. Fountain Pen Selection
Fountain pens are a bit of a hot topic in the drawing community. Some people love the tactile feel of their nibs, while others prefer a smoother writing experience. Pen barrel weight and nib thickness also vary greatly, and everyone has their preferences. When choosing a fountain pen, the weight of the pen barrel should be your first consideration—too heavy and it can affect the fluidity of your strokes.
The thickness of the barrel is just as important. If it's too thick, the pen won't be comfortable to hold for long periods. Also, the smoothness of the nib is key; a nib that's too smooth can lack control, while one with too much resistance might be difficult to use.
Here are a few of our favorite fountain pens that we often recommend:
• Pilot Custom 74 EF Nib
This pen has an excellent nib experience, offering precision at a reasonable price. Its extra-fine (EF) nib is perfect for detailed ink line work.
• Platinum 14k Gold Nib Fountain Pen
This pen, while discontinued, is a gem for those lucky enough to find it in vintage stationery shops. The springy nib is perfect for quick sketches, offering great feedback and comfort.
• Pilot Kakuno Fountain Pen
Designed for both beginners and seasoned artists, the Pilot Kakuno is affordable, well-crafted, and has a reliable nib that works wonderfully for sketching.
2. Choosing the Right Pencils
While we're on the subject of sketching tools, let's talk about pencils. A good pencil can make a big difference in your hand-drawing experience. Here are our top picks:
• Red Ring T1 Pencil
This pencil, with its amazing writing feel and precision, is a true classic. It was produced between 1987 and 1996, and although it's no longer in production, it's still available online through various collectors' websites. If you can find one, it's worth the investment.
• Red Ring T2 Pencil
This pencil is an upgrade from the T1, offering improved performance and reliability. It was produced between 1997 and 2007 and is quite affordable on the market today. It's made with high-quality plastic, which ensures a stable and smooth writing experience.
3. Watercolor Paints
Watercolor paints can be quite tricky to choose from. With so many options available, how do we know what's worth our time and money? The truth is, that many brands offer very similar quality. we recommend starting with a set that has 12 colors or more, and you can always adjust it to your liking.
Here's a little tip: you can customize your watercolor palette. we recommend buying a basic 12-color set, like Winsor & Newton or Schmincke, and then replacing the less frequently used colors with shades that you prefer. For example, you can swap out the white and one or two other colors, and add four or five colors that you like. This way, you can create your perfect set with 14 colors.
4. Choosing the Right Paper
Paper choice is crucial for your hand-drawing experience, especially when it comes to sketching and watercolor painting.
• Standard Practice Paper
we recommend using Double A printer paper for practice. It's affordable and quite durable. It's great for fountain pen sketching, and we suggest using paper that is at least 80gsm thick for the best results. However, paper that is 90gsm or thicker is even better. This paper is great for sketching, but do remember to protect it from moisture in humid climates, as the paper can absorb moisture and affect the flow of your pen.
• Watercolor Paper
When it comes to watercolor paper, we personally prefer textured, fine-grain paper. It's perfect for fountain pen sketches and allows your watercolor to blend beautifully. For smaller works, 200gsm watercolor paper is usually enough, but for larger pieces, go for 300gsm to avoid warping. Some great affordable options are the Bao Hong and Canson brands, which offer stable, high-quality textured papers.
5. Ink Choices
Ink is another key component in the hand-drawing process. Choosing the right ink can enhance your work, especially when you use it in combination with a good fountain pen or brush. Let's break it down:
• Black Ink
There are two main types of black ink: dye-based and carbon-based. Dye-based ink is great for smooth, uninterrupted writing or sketching and is less likely to clog your fountain pen. Carbon-based ink is more viscous, making it perfect for detailed pen-and-ink work that will not dissolve when exposed to water.
• Color Inks
Color inks add a whole new dimension to your work. Brown ink, for instance, is fantastic for line drawings that have a warm, artistic feel. There are many great brands, including Pilot and Diamine, that offer a range of beautiful brown hues. Brown ink brings a unique richness to your artwork, adding depth to your sketches.
Conclusion
There you have it, Lykkers! we hope this guide helps you pick the right tools for your drawing adventures. Remember, it's not about having the most expensive tools—it's about finding the ones that feel right for your style. Whether you're sketching with a fountain pen or painting with watercolors, the key is practice, and most importantly, enjoying the process. So, go ahead and try out these tools, and let's see where your creativity takes you!
