Sketching needs less equipment than most people think. A mark-making tool and a surface are enough to begin. As you gain experience, you can add tools for blending, erasing and different effects. This list is organized from the essentials to the optional extras.
The minimal kit
If you want to start today, you need only:
- One or two pencils (for example an HB and a 2B or similar)
- A sketchbook or pad of paper
- An eraser
- A sharpener, unless you use mechanical pencils
Everything else is a bonus.
Pencils and graphite grades
Graphite pencils are graded on the H and B scale. In general:
- H pencils are harder and make lighter, finer lines. They are useful for light guidelines and precise work.
- B pencils are softer and make darker, smoother lines. They are good for shading and expressive marks.
- HB and F sit in the middle and suit general writing and sketching.
A small set covering a hard, a middle and a soft grade, for example around 2H, HB and 2B to 4B, is plenty for most beginners. You do not need a full 20-pencil tin. Buying a few individual pencils and trying them first is a good approach.
Mechanical pencils are also popular for sketching. Models made for drawing often use thicker leads and come in various grades. They stay consistent without sharpening.
Charcoal and other dry media
- Charcoal pencils and sticks give deep, velvety darks and blend easily. They are smudgy, so keep tissues or wipes nearby.
- Compressed charcoal is denser and darker.
- Conte-style crayons and pastel pencils add warm earthy tones.
- Colored pencils are a good extra if you want light color notes. See the best paper for colored pencils for matching paper.
Charcoal works best on paper with some tooth so the pigment can grip.
Pens and fineliners
Ink adds contrast and commitment. Many sketchers like to combine pencil under-drawing with ink lines.
- Fineliners in a few sizes
- Brush pens for expressive lines
- A fountain pen for sketching with ink, if you enjoy it. Check that your paper can handle it. Our guide to the best paper for fountain pen writing has tips on feathering and bleed-through that also apply to sketch pages.
Look for pens labeled waterproof or pigment-based if you plan to add watercolor washes later.
Erasers and sharpeners
- Kneaded erasers can be shaped and pressed onto the page to lift graphite or charcoal gently. They do not leave crumbs.
- Plastic or vinyl erasers remove marks cleanly and can produce sharp highlights.
- Pencil-style erasers are good for small, precise areas.
- Sharpeners: a handheld sharpener works for wooden pencils, and a sandpaper block or craft knife can shape points if you like.
Blending tools
- Blending stumps and tortillons are tightly rolled paper tools that smooth graphite and charcoal.
- Tissue, cotton swabs and soft cloth can do a similar job.
- Your finger works too, though skin oils can leave marks on the page.
Sketchbooks and paper
Paper changes how every medium behaves.
- Sketch pads and books are usually made for pencil and light media. Thinner, lighter paper is fine for quick studies.
- Smooth surfaces are good for fine detail and ink.
- Textured (toothy) surfaces are good for charcoal and soft pencils.
- Heavier paper can take erasing, layering and light washes better.
- Toned paper lets you add highlights with a white pencil or pen.
- Size: a small book is easy to carry, while larger sheets give you more room to move your arm.
Paper weight is often given in gsm (our paper weight and GSM guide explains it), and a higher number usually means thicker paper. Choose by how you plan to work. If you will add water-based media, look for paper sold for mixed media or watercolor (see the best paper for watercolor and ink). If you want to experiment, buy a few small sketchbooks instead of one expensive one.
If you also keep a planner, a bullet journal or a lettering notebook, sketching ties in well. See our ideas for bullet journal pages to combine doodles with planning.
Extras worth considering
- Drawing board or clipboard to hold loose sheets steady
- Tracing paper for refining a drawing or transferring it
- Fixative spray to reduce smudging of finished charcoal or soft graphite (use according to the product instructions and with good ventilation)
- A portfolio folder to keep finished work flat
- Masking tape to attach paper to a board
- A ruler for perspective lines and layouts
- A small bag or pencil case for portability
- A lightbox if you trace often
A simple checklist
Start with:
- 2 to 3 graphite pencils in different grades
- 1 sketchbook
- 1 kneaded eraser and 1 plastic eraser
- A sharpener
Add as you go:
- Charcoal
- Blending stumps
- Fineliners
- Toned paper
- Fixative
- Drawing board
What do you use to draw?
People draw with pencils, pens, charcoal, markers, pastels and digital tablets. For learning, simple pencil and paper are usually recommended because they are inexpensive, forgiving and easy to carry.
About “7 types of painting” and “7 laws of drawing”
You may see these phrases online. There is no single agreed list for either, and different sources define them differently. Painting is often grouped by medium or style, such as watercolor, oil, acrylic, gouache, ink, pastel and encaustic. For drawing, teachers often cover ideas like line, shape, value, form, perspective, composition and edges. Treat any list as a helpful starting point rather than an official rulebook. For a sketching kit, the practical question is what media you want to try, and the list above should get you started.
FAQ
What do you need for sketching?
A pencil, paper and an eraser are enough. Add a sharpener and a few different pencil grades as you progress.
Which pencils should a beginner buy?
A small set in a hard, a medium and a soft grade is a good start.
What is the best sketchbook size?
A small book for carrying and a larger one for studio work is a common pairing. Choose what you will actually use.
Do I need expensive supplies?
No. Basic materials are fine for learning. You can upgrade tools slowly as you find what you prefer.
Can I use the same notebook for sketching and writing?
You can, if the paper suits both. Test your pens first. A well-chosen notebook can hold your notes, lettering practice and sketches together.