These are the tools that form the core of the artist's working studio. Most artists will have plenty of these already, but here we narrow it down to the really good ones.

  1. Art sketchbook: Smooth surfaces are best for sketching with dry media (pencil, fineliners, fountain pens) and watercolour paper for wet media. We recommend Hahne Nostalgie for pencil and ink, and 100% cotton paper for watercolour. Or try these fun concertina formats for mixed media.

  2. Graphite pencils: We like the refined graphite of Blackwing and the precision of Japanese mechanical pencils. Pentel Graphgear 1000 is the choice for drafting, Pentel P200 series for quick thumbnails or the Pentel Twist-Erase with its comfort grip and large eraser. 

  3. Coloured pencil: Faber-Castell Polychromos for lightfast pigments with a non-wax binder, and Albrecht Durer for the same colour range in a soluble format.

  4. Pencil sharpener: Buy a brand from a manufacturer that actually makes sharpeners. The KUM 2-step long point sharpener removes timber with the first hole and tapers the point with the second. Spare blades available.

  5. Fineliner pens: Pigmented, waterproof, archival ink in a practical format. Try Pigma Micron for colour choice or Uni Pin for a longer lasting tip. Start with a set and top up inidividual pens as you use them.

  6. Fountain pens: Committing to ink adds instant boldness to your sketches. A fountain pen is refillable and available in a range of nib sizes. We recommend Twsbi Eco for fast sketching or the Sailor Fude for a slower pace, with variable line. See our Sketch Kits for pens paired with compatible waterproof inks.

  7. Dip pens & acrylic inks: Daler-Rowney FW inks are low cost, intensely pigmented and permanent on most surfaces. Use straight, intermixed or diluted and layered like watercolour. Apply with an eye dropper, dip pen, sponge or cheap brush. Not suitable for fountain pens. 

  8. Watercolour pigments: Buy artist grade, even if it means fewer colours. Daniel Smith include many granulators, Winsor & Newton produce even washes, and White Nights are the value range.

  9. Artist brushes: Choose your shape for the purpose - precise lines (pointed round, liner), blocking in colour (flats, daggers) or blending (squirrel or goat fibre). Natural fibres provide the best performance and synthetic mimics are vegan friendly. We like Princeton sets for beginners and Rosemary & Co for an excellent value professional range.

For tools specifically designed to use outdoors, see our Top 7 Sketching Tools. When you can take your tools anywhere, you get more chance to practice and improve.