I get asked about the art supplies I use to draw with on a daily basis so I thought it was due time to compile a list of my go to for art and design.  Please don’t consider this an advertisement for the brands in my list. I only use them because they meet the needs of my style and process. In the end you should look to use material that compliment your style and help your workflow become more efficient.

Drawing Pencil

Staedtler Non-Photo Blue Pencil

This is my preferred pencil when sketching art for marker renders. The lead is a light blue so it doesn’t show through the final colors as much and won’t smear under Copic ink. The only draw back is that the lead is very soft and wastes rather quickly so buy a few pencils if you can. You’ll need them if you draw daily.

Colored Pencils

Prismacolor Premier Pencils

These colored pencils have a soft lead which is good for blending and they come in a good assortment of colors. The color lays down well both under and over Copic Ink. I use them for small effect like highlights in hair, clothing or glow effects over Copic ink.

Paint Markers

Posca Markers

Poscas are neat paint markers that come in many sizes but a limited range of colors. These markers will practically cover any surface and I use them mostly for small details or intense color highlights like glow effects over Copic Ink. They can blend with Copic ink to an extent but just make sure you clean your Copic nibs after.

Markers

Copic Markers

Copics are versatile markers that come in a great assortment of color. (Probably the best assortment of any brand out there) I predominately use the Copic Sketch because of the brush nibs. These markers are pricey but will practically last forever. The markers are refillable and the nibs are replaceable. The ink blends very well and can coat paper like a watercolor or a gouache depending on your style.

Opaque Marker

Pen-touch Markers

This is a very useful white paint marker that I use for lightening local color in my renders. The paint seems to mix really well with Copic ink to create very dull specular areas around a bright highlight when rendering all kinds of surfaces like skin, cloth, or metal. It blends better than Poscas but aren’t as bright.

Watercolors

Kuratake Gansai Tambi Watercolors

These watercolors are very vibrant and I use them predominantly to create some of my smokey, backgrounds. The pigment is highly saturated so be careful not to load your water brush too much if you looking to lay down a more muted less saturated color.

Paper

Strathmore 400 Series 140# Vellum Surface

I use this paper because it’s a very thick stock with some tooth to the surface. This paper stands up well to the punishment from all the layering and constant blending I do in my work. It’s a little pricier than the 100# version and would only recommend it if you work with lots of ink and layers as I do. If that isn’t your style the 100# will also work well with Copic ink.