Pencil Drawing Supply List & Tips

If drawing brings you the same sense of calm and creativity that it brings me, you’re in the right place. I’ve always loved the process of slowing down and capturing depth, emotion, and beauty through graphite.

In this space, I share my favorite techniques, tools, and tips—many of which I’ve refined over years of practice—to help you create artwork that feels both intentional and expressive. 

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to elevate your skills, my goal is to inspire you to enjoy the process as much as the finished piece.

List Of Supplies: 

• Drawing Pencil Set - These are a must-have for both beginners and advanced artists. I’ve been using the same set for over 15 years, and they’ve truly stood the test of time. A quality pencil set can last for years when properly cared for. These pencils are ideal for creating depth, shading, and dimension in your artwork, as they typically come in a wide range of grades—from light, delicate tones to rich, dark values.
  
• Mechanical Pencils - I use mechanical pencils during the early stages of my drawings because they don’t require sharpening. This makes them an efficient tool for creating initial grid lines and outlining shapes. Their light, consistent lines are also easy to erase once they’re no longer needed. 
• Mixed Media Art Paper - I love this paper. It’s the perfect size for portraits, and the slightly thicker weight makes it more durable than standard sketch paper. It holds up beautifully to heavy erasing and repeated shading, so you don’t have to worry about it crumpling—even when you’re really working the details.
• Kneadable Eraser - These erasers are perfect for lifting graphite gradually rather than removing it all at once. I usually use a gentle dabbing technique to add highlights and softness to areas like the nose, cheeks, and forehead in portraits.
• Mr. Pen Erasers - A must-have for drawing. These erasers are incredibly easy to use and perfect for removing shading to create crisp highlights and fine details in your artwork.
• Blending Stumps - These work great for blending and smoothing areas after adding graphite to create depth. They’re especially useful for smaller details where your fingers are too large to blend with precision.
• Graphite Lube - This is perfect for filling in backgrounds. It helps preserve your pencils and create a smoother, more even finish with fewer visible marks compared to layering graphite directly from a pencil. Use a light hand when applying, as it's very fine and dusty - be sure to turn off any fans before you start. I prefer using a blending stump to spread it evenly across the paper for the best results. 
• Acrylic Ruler - A great tool for creating clean, precise grids when sketching out the initial outline of your subject. It helps ensure accurate proportions and placement before you begin adding details.
• Utility Knife - This is what I use to sharpen my pencils. It’s perfect for creating an extra-fine graphite tip, giving you more control for detailed lines, shading, and precision work.
  
• Paint Brushes - I never used the paintbrush as a drawing tool until about three years ago, and I honestly wish I’d discovered it sooner. I had no idea how effective it could be for blending and softening the edges of shading and fine details. It’s surprisingly simple—there isn’t much of a trick to it. When I want to smooth things out, I just gently brush over the drawing, slowly blending until the transitions feel right. The results are amazing, and it works far better than I ever expected.

Here is the youtube reel for some quick inspiration before you get started!

If you’d like a more detailed tutorial or class on the tips above in a YouTube video, let me know! If enough people are interested, I’ll film one during my next drawing.

If you made it this far, don't for get to follow me on your preferred social media platform and share your finished projects with me by tagging me in your posts! My social media links are located in the footer at the bottom of each page. 

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