Materials
These are the materials I genuinely use and enjoy in my own sketchbooks - from simple beginner essentials to a few favourite extras I’ve collected over the years.
You absolutely do not need expensive materials to enjoy sketching and painting.
Start simple, use what you already have, and slowly build your toolkit over time if you’d like to.
For anyone wanting a closer look, I’ve also created a full Materials Hub with links to many of the tools I use regularly.
Day One Tools
These are your absolute essentials. If you’re just starting out, this is the simple kit I recommend — reliable, affordable, and enough for most step-by-step Sketch Club projects.
Expand Your Toolkit
Once you've found your feet, you might enjoy exploring different brushes, papers, colours and extras. There's no pressure to buy everything — simply add tools as your confidence and curiosity grow.