The Ultimate Art Supply Essentials List ✨

Written By Daydreaming Muse

Helloooooo queridas 💋 queridos ❤️ querides 🌹


In this next chapter of Memoirs of A Daydreaming Muse 🥀

I wanted to share a list of the top art supply essentials to keep in your personal art studio ✨

Whether you’re just starting your art journey or are a seasoned doodler, having the right tools makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve discovered which supplies truly help me create with ease, comfort, and joy—from sketching quietly at home to drawing live at events. So today, I’m sharing my Ultimate Art Supply Essentials List—the must-have items that keep my art practice flowing and creativity thriving.



✨ Quick note: This post contains affiliate links. That means if you decide to snag something through my links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support my creative journey!

🫶🏼🎀🌸☁️✨️




Drawing Basics


These are the essentials for sketching, shading, and experimenting with lines and textures. I LOVE experimenting ⚗️✨ and I love to have options 😌💫

Even a small selection can keep your creativity flowing…

And then you can be like TWICE and look at your drawing supplies like: 

“I’m picky when I choose, voulez-vous, could be you, oh” 


🥰


🍭🍭🍭



1. Drawing Pencils 


The backbone of every artist’s toolkit. A simple HB and 2B are perfect to start, then expand if you want deeper shades or lighter lines. For beginners, I recommend the budget-friendly Blick Studio Drawing Pencils—perfect for getting started without breaking the bank. For a more premium option, the Wolff Graphite Sketch Set is of incredible quality for serious shading and line work. 




2. Charcoal Pencils 


Great for experimenting with texture, depth, and dramatic shading. Just one or two is enough to start exploring. For a classic option, I recommend General’s Charcoal Pencils —perfect for traditional charcoal work, though they can be messier. For a slightly different experience, Wolff’s Carbon Pencils combine graphite and charcoal for smoother lines and less fall-out, making them easier to handle.



3. Erasers


Mistakes are just opportunities for creativity! A few key types can cover almost everything: the kneaded gray eraser is soft and perfect for lifting graphite or charcoal without damaging your paper; a vinyl eraser gives precise, clean corrections; and a gum eraser is gentle and crumbly, great for soft erasing and blending textures. Even just one or two of these will keep you covered 😊



4. Sharpeners/Blade/Sandpaper Block


Keep your tools sharp and ready—

smooth lines start with sharp points. A classic handheld sharpener is a must for  everyday use, while an X-Acto blade gives you more control for custom points (great for charcoal or carbon pencils). And if you want to go pro, a sandpaper block helps you refine tips and control the shape of your pencils. Bonus: I love this pencil sharpening tutorial by Happy D. Artist for learning pro techniques!



5. Drawing Papers


Quality matters!

The surface you draw on can completely change your results. Here are the main types.


  • Newsprint- Affordable and perfect for quick sketches or warm-ups. Most traditional art classes use this for practice.


  • Sketch Paper- Lightweight and great for pencils, but not built to handle heavy mediums like ink or watercolor. For that, look for mixed media paper or sketch pads made specifically for your medium. 

 

  • Drawing Paper- Heavier with more texture (“tooth”), great for layering and shading—best for finished pieces.


  • Toned Paper- Comes in grays or tans, perfect for working with both highlights and shadows. 




6. Sketchbooks


Your portable art diary. A sketchbook is where you explore ideas, doodle freely, or dedicate yourself to practice. 


  • Everyday Sketchbooks- Great for quick drawings, notes, or experimenting. Any will do, but the Soho Urban Artist sketchbooks are a favorite for their variety of sizes and sturdy quality.


  • Many brands make sketchbooks tailored for specific mediums (like watercolor, markers, or toned paper). For example, Soho Urban Artist offers watercolor sketch pads that let you experiment with washes on the go.  


💡Tip: Choose a size that feels comfortable for you—pocket-sized for travel, or larger formats for more detailed work.




Painting Tools 


My favorite!!🥰 These supplies help you add color, texture, and dimension to your art. Experimenting with different mediums expands your creative range!




1. Brush Set


From fine detail to broad washes, a versatile brush set makes painting effortless! There’s a variety to choose from and you really only need like 2-3 main brushes. You can then expand to however many types of brushes you need 💝


✨ A Note on Brush Quality

Brush quality does make a difference, but don’t let anyone convince you that your art is “less than” just because you’re not using the fanciest tools.


👀👀👀👀👀


But anyways……


Many artists create incredible works with budget brushes—it’s all about how you use them. Work with what you can afford and upgrade when it makes sense for you.


  • Budget-Friendly & Reliable:



  • Plastic waterbrush pens (Soho Urban Artist, Meeden, Derwent, Pentel, etc.) — portable and fun for watercolor or ink washes, but better suited for travel or light use since they wear down faster. 


  • Mid-Range(My favorites):



  • Good Quality WIthout Overspending:


  • Royal & Langnickel — not quite as refined as Velvettouch, but a solid option that balances affordability with performance.


💡Tip: Start small. A good round brush, a flat brush, and a detail liner brush can cover most of your needs when beginning.



2. Tombow Dual Brush Markers


Perfect for calligraphy, hand lettering, or vibrant mixed-media projects. 

There’s a water-based option and alcohol-based option. Both are fabulous to work with! I personally love experimenting with layering colors and blending shades—it’s such a fun way to make your sketches pop 🪩✨




3. Palette/Mixing Tools


Even the simplest paints need a little organization to create perfect shades. A sturdy palette makes color mixing smoother, and a palette knife helps you blend cleanly without staining your brushes.


  • Palettes: Daiso has A LOT of fabulous porcelain options to use 😉 And for only $2 a piece! But you can also find affordable plastic and metal palettes online.

I really like using porcelain 🥰

why? because it’s pretty and makes me feel fancy 💋


  • Palette Knives: Plastic knives are budget-friendly and great for beginners, but stainless steel knives are thinner, more flexible, and perfect if you’re working with a watercolor block or need precision. I personally love stainless steel for the smooth lift and control it gives 😊




4. Watercolor Set


Watercolors are pure magic✨They can be as simple as a childhood Crayola palette or as refined as professional artist pigments. Honestly, one of my all-time favorite paintings was made with Crayola Watercolors ❤️ proof that it’s not about the price tag but how you use them!


  • Beginner-Friendly:


🌈 Crayola Watercolor Set- vibrant colors, easy to use, and surprisingly mixable. Perfect if you’re just starting out or want to revisit the joy of childhood points.


  • Mid-Range/Travel-Friendly:

 

🎨 Kuretake GANSAI TAMBI Watercolor Paint Set- rich, creamy Japanese paints with a gorgeous traditional feel.


🖌️ Chrometek Watercolor Set- compact and portable, with both palette and watercolor pen options (similar to TomBow). Perfect for on-the-go painting!


  • Professional Favorites:


💧 Dr Ph Martin’s Radiant Concentrated Watercolors— 

my personal favorite 💙 The pigments are so vibrant, but note: They’re liquid-based and not the most travel-friendly.


🌠 Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors- incredible pigment variety and mixing ability.


🍯 Sennelier Watercolors- honey-based, luminous, and luxurious

(but definitely on the pricier side🥲)




5. Gouache Set


Opaque magic for bold, vibrant designs that really pop 💗 Gouache is a dreamy medium that gives you watercolor’s softness with acrylic’s opacity. It’s one of those tools that instantly elevates your art once you play with it. 


  • Budget-Friendly Options:


  • Arteza Gouache- creamy, reliable, and perfect for practice or fun projects.


  • Himi Gouache- super popular (and adorable pastel packaging 💝) 

with lots of colors to experiment with.

  • Professional Options:





✨ The difference is real, budget sets might give you more colors, but the quality can feel chalkier or less pigmented. Professional gouache, on the other hand, delivers buttery smooth textures and stunning depth of color. If you’re curious, try investing in just the primary colors or 1-2 individual tubes from a pro brand—you’ll experience the true magic of gouache without going all-in.




6. Acrylic Set


For rich color, layering, or texture that lasts 💜


Acrylic paint is one of the most versatile mediums out there—you can go from fine art to fun crafts with just a few colors. If you’re just starting out, affordable craft brands like Mondo Llama (from Target)

can be surprisingly satisfying—the colors are vibrant, and paired with something like Mod Podge, you can seal and protect your work beautifully.


But if you really experience the magic of acrylics, professional-grade brands make a huge difference in depth, texture, and longevity. Brands like Golden, Liquitex, and Winsor & Newton are well-loved by artists for their buttery consistency and rich pigments. A more budget-friendly option with good quality is Blick Studio Acrylics, which I’ve personally enjoyed 😊




7. Colored Pencils


So versatile and easy to use 🥰

Add detail, layering, and bright accents to sketches and mixed-media pieces.


Colored pencils hold a special place in my heart—Crayola was the very first art medium I ever used, and to this day, I still believe they’re one of the most reliable (or best-loved)

student-grade brands for kids and beginners. The colors are nicely pigmented, smooth, and simply fun to use.


For a step up while still keeping it budget-friendly, Arteza Professional Colored Pencils offer good variety and layering ability at an accessible price. 


But when it comes to professional-grade magic, nothing beats the buttery softness and blendability of Prismacolor Premier Soft Core Colored Pencils 💓 These are my go-to for creating vibrant, layered effects. Another top favorite of mine is Caran d’Ache Luminance 💖—not only are the colors luminous and lightfast, but I also really like them because they come from Switzerland 🇨🇭✨


Why do I like Switzerland??

Because of those furry tri-colored cuties

🥺🥹❤️⛑️✨

Aka the Bernese Mountain Dog and the St. Bernard 💝💫


Other amazing professional brands include Faber-Castell Polychromos and Derwent, but my personal top favorites are Prismacolor and Caran d’Ache for their quality and the joy they bring me every time I use them.


✨Whether you start with Crayola or jump into a professional set, colored pencils are a timeless tool for every artist’s collection. 


8. Soft Pastels


Perfect for blending, smudging, and experimenting with soft textures. Delightful and dreamy 🌸☁️✨


Soft pastels are one of the most playful and expressive mediums out there. They’re all about blending, layering, and creating that soft ethereal look. The colors are vibrant, the textures are buttery, and the possibilities are endless.


  • Budget-Friendly Picks: 

I really love the soft pastel sets from Soho Urban Artist 💖 They come in a variety of colors and are super fun to use. Mungyo is also a popular choice for beginners, and Blick Studio Pastel Sets are another affordable option with great quality.


  • Professional Options: 


Of course, the professional-grade brands beloved by many artists are Rembrandt and Sennelier. My personal favorite?

Sennelier 💛 

their colors are rich, buttery, and oh-so-dreamy.



9. Ink & Pens


Probably one of my top favorite tools 😆

Essential for line work, illustrations and adding crisp, permanent details. And sooooo many options to choose from 😊


For ink, I love the expressive quality of Sumi ink—my go-to brand is Yasutomo Sumi Ink. I also enjoy working with Soho Urban Artist India Ink, which is deep, rich, and reliable.


For pens, I honestly love the simplicity of a classic Bic pen 🖊️ and the smooth glide of the Uniball Air Porous Gel Pen Stick. They might be everyday tools, but in the right hands they can make beautiful art.


Some popular, artist-favorite options include:


I adore how serene it feels to work with ink

—there’s a meditative flow in every line 🖤




Workspace & Setup


Creating art isn’t just about the pencils and paints — your environment matters too!

A well-thought out workspace makes drawing and painting more comfortable, keeps your materials organized, and helps your creativity flow freely. Here are some essentials to set up your perfect creative corner: 




1. Easels 


I personally own two easels from Soho Urban Artist—a tabletop easel and a plein air easel. Both were affordable finds on sale at my local Jerry’s Artarama, and they’ve served me so well. Soho Urban Artist easels are also available online, including on Amazon.


Another great brand to check out is Meeden, which offers a variety of easel sizes and styles, from compact tabletop options to sturdier studio setups. 


✨ A quick note for beginners: You don’t need a fancy studio easel right away. A tabletop easel (or even working flat on a sturdy desk) is perfectly fine when starting out. But having an easel can help more than you think—it encourages better posture and also helps you step back and see your work from the right perspective as you draw.




2. Drawing Boards


Perfect for flat sketching or portable setups. Keeps your work stable wherever you go.


I personally use a Richeson drawing board that I picked up at my local Blick store, and it’s held up beautifully. While art stores usually carry the standard options, you’ll often find an even wider variety of sizes and styles on Amazon. 


💡Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Many artists head to local hardware stores and repurpose smooth wooden panels, MDF boards, or other flat surfaces as their drawing boards, or other flat surfaces as their drawing boards . Sometimes a DIY solution is not only budget-friendly but also perfectly tailored to your needs. 




3. Lighting


Good lighting is everything! Natural light is best, but a bright, adjustable lamp saves your eyes and shows true colors.


I love creating near a window where sunlight can spill in—it feels magical ✨

and gives me a dose of vitamin D. Plus, as Daydreaming Muse, looking out the window during my creative process gives me moments of introspection 🌸☁️🛸✨

(a little trait I actually share with my youngest brother 💚 though that’s a story for another time!).


For evenings or cloudy days, I like to use:


  • A small lamp clipped to the top of my easel for direct lighting.


  • An overhead lamp with a phone attachment—perfect for recording your process.


  • A HUSKY work light (my go-to for markets or late-night projects). It’s super bright, has 3 color temperatures, and 3 brightness adjustments, making it really versatile. I did get mine at a Home Depot but here is another work light available on amazon. It’s very similar to the work light from HUSKY! 




4. Masking/Painter’s Tape


I typically reach for the classic Scotch Blue Painter’s Tape, but many artists and framers recommend using an acid-free tape that won’t damage your artwork over time.


✨Pro tip: Whenever you’re working on something you’d like to keep or frame, try to use acid-free or archival materials—

this little detail makes a big difference in preserving your work for years to come. 




5. Comfy Chair/Seating


Your back deserves love!💖 Comfort keeps long sessions sustainable. 


Do you absolutely need a fancy drafting chair with lumbar support? Nope. You can totally get work done in a regular chair (I’ve done it plenty of times). But let’s be honest: self-care matters—and comfort makes a huge difference when you’re sitting for hours.


As someone who’s had a spine injury (it took three years to fully recover 🥲), I promise you that investing in quality seating is so worth it. A comfy chair supports your focus, your posture, and your overall creative flow.


✨I’ll be linking a sweet drafting chair with lumbar support from Amazon—

because your back deserves nothing less than VIP treatment 🛡️




Organization & Storage 


Please. Por Favor. Remember to get some storage gear for your art studio 🙏🏼

Or else you’ll be leaving piles of paper all over the floor and you’ll probably still end up with papers on the floor either way 😅 remembering to get some storage containers will help keep your creative space organized and inviting 💐




1. Pencil Case/Organizer


Having dedicated storage for your supplies makes life soooo much easier. I keep an organizer by my painting desk for studio pencils, pens, and colored pencils, and a separate organizer of pens at my journaling/admin desk. Now, you don’t have to organize things the way I do 😆 I just love having my workspace structured.


For traveling, though, a good pencil case is essential. I usually grab mine at Daiso—they’re around $2 each, super affordable, and come in tons of styles. Could you use a ziplock bag or just let your pencils float around in your bag??

Sure! But i’m just saying, I have unintentionally jabbed a few arms with my pencils poking out my bag 😭 and i’ve jabbed myself on accident too 🥲


So with that being said , I recommend investing in a hard pencil case or at least a sturdy pouch that pencils won't poke through. If you want to be extra organized, you can either:


  • Use separate pouches for each type of tool (pencils, pens, markers, brushes, etc.)




To tell you the truth? I never travel light 🙂

I need my art supplies with me 24/7.


😆




2. Portfolios (large & small)


This one is pretty straightforward—there are tons of options depending on your needs and budget. Blick sells sturdy, economical cardboard portfolios that I’ve personally used, and they’ve held up pretty well 😊 My artwork and extra papers are still in good shape.


Portfolios also come in a variety of sizes, so it’s worth thinking about how you’ll use them. Small portfolios are great for carrying sketches or finished works to meet-ups, classes, or client presentations. Large portfolios are perfect for storing finished pieces flat and safe at home or in your studio. 


That said, you may eventually want to upgrade to something a little more elegant and aesthetic (to make your artwork look so fancy and distinguished you know??✨)

Just make sure whichever one you choose is archival so your work stays safe for the long run.




3. Paper Storage (flat files or folders)


Paper storage is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your drawings, sketches, and loose sheets organized. It’s also perfect for important artist documents—think CVs, contracts, rate sheets, and other business paperwork. Tuck away your government documents in here too 😆


If you want to go pro with it, an actual steel flat file cabinet is the dream—it’s the classic studio upgrade for artists who work on paper, But let’s be real… those beauties can be very expensive 🥲 My ideal filing cabinet would be this gorgeous Richeson Oak Flat File which can be found on Blick’s website. So I'll link it here in case you still want to add it to your artist wishlist 😉


In the meantime, folders, accordion files, or stackable storage bins make great budget-friendly options. They keep papers neat, prevent bending, and allow you to easily categorize by medium or purpose.




4. Brush Holders/Jars


For water jars and storage, I still reuse the cutest yogurt pots from La Fermiere 🌼

They’re sturdy, ceramic, and way too pretty to toss out—so they’ve become my go-to water cups and brush/pen holders 😊


Now when it comes to cleaning my brushes, I still keep forgetting to get an actual paint brush cleaner cup 😅 it’s a wonderful and practical addition to any home studio.


But ideally, you want the bristles facing down as they dry—this keeps water from seeping into the ferrule (the metal part) and loosening the glue that holds everything together. That’s where a brush holder or brush drying rack comes in handy. 



6. Rolling Cart


Rolling carts are a lifesaver for keeping supplies organized without cluttering your desk or studio surfaces. They’re especially great if you’re working in a small space or sharing your creative corner with other activities (like a bedroom, office, or family space).


You can tuck paints, brushes, sketchbooks, or even your tech accessories into the tiers—then just roll it out of the way when you’re done. Easy, flexible, and way less messy 😉




Tech Essentials


Technology can support your creative flow, from capturing references to keeping your devices charged during long art sessions.





1. Portable Charger/Charging Station


A reliable portable charger is a must-have for artists on the go. Whether you’re sketching outdoors, illustrating at an event, or simply spending hours away from home, your phone or tablet is often just as essential as your paints and brushes. From snapping reference photos to filming behind-the-scenes reels. Keeping your devices powered ensures you won’t miss a moment of inspiration—or a potential client inquiry 😉





2. Tablet or iPad + Stylus


I’m a Samsung girlie 💜—it’s a bit more affordable, easy to use, and I have a soft spot for South Korea 🇰🇷💕 (future post on this later!)  I’m currently using a Samsung Chromebook for blogging and an old-school Samsung tablet 😆

Honestly, despite their age, they’ve been amazing for my creative work! The newer models, like the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ 10.9”  in Lavender, come with upgrades that make sketching, storing reference photos, and even light website work even easier—definitely worth checking out. A tablet is a lifesaver for planning compositions, handling art emergencies, or just having a portable creative workspace wherever you go. 

but of course, use any tablet of your choice 😊 A tablet is a must-have for keeping all your reference photos handy. I also love using it to make quick updates to my artist website or handle small tasks on the go. 



✨ Note: You’ll see both a Renewed and Used version available on Amazon. The Renewed on is usually inspected, guaranteed, and backed by Amazon’s return policy—so it gives a little extra piece of mind. The Used one can be cheaper and still a great find, but it really depends on the seller’s condition. Totally up to what you’re comfortable with!




3. Camscanner/Scanner 


I actually get most of my paintings scanned professionally at Phoenix Photo Lab & Studio Rental (they’re seriously the BEST—the prints come out so stunning, just like the original 💕) But for smaller artwork, sketches, or when I just need a quick digital copy, I love using CamScanner on my phone. 


If you want to invest in a home scanner, my first pick would be Canon—especially the Canon CanoScan LiDE 400. It’s slim, affordable, and does a great job capturing fine details. It’s not a replacement for pro scans, but it’s wonderful for everyday art digitizing at home.





Inspiration & Reference


Sometimes, the spark comes from looking at the right image, book, or even a collected object. Curating sources of inspiration keeps your creativity flowing. 




1. Reference Books & Anatomy Guides


Having a few go-to references and art books in your studio is essential, especially for figure drawing practice. They will help you study anatomy, experiment with styles, and find new ways to approach your art. 


I recommend keeping a mix of artist monographs like this really gorgeous book full of Gustav Klimt paintings 💛✨ 

and practical guides like this perspective drawing handbook 😊

This combination gives you both inspiration and hands-on techniques to strengthen your skills. 


✨ btw! Do share with me some of your favorite artist monographs in the comments!



2. Art Magazine & Zines


Magazines and zines are a quick and fun way to collect visual inspiration and see what other artists are creating. I don’t personally collect a lot 😅 but these are a few I enjoy:


  • Beautiful Bizarre Magazine- a stunning contemporary art magazine I follow on Instagram; full creative inspiration and unique artists.



  • Local Zines- I’ve found some amazing ones at my local Bookmans. Zines are great for discovering small, independent artists and unusual styles 💚


Even if you don’t collect them regularly, keeping a few around your studio can give you a burst of inspiration whenever you need it.  


3. Pinterest or Digital Mood Boards


You can find me on Pinterest as Daydreaming Muse 🌸☁️✨

I share my artwork, favorite inspirations, and all little things that make my creative heart happy ❤️

Check out my boards for ideas, and start your own mood boards to collect colors, poses, compositions, or anything that sparks your imagination! 





4. Nature Finds (pebbles, leaves, shells, flowers)


Sometimes the best inspiration comes straight from the world around you 

🪨🌿🐚🌺 Collect interestng pebbles, leaves, shells, flowers, or even sand textures—anything that catches your eye! These little treasures can spark ideas for shapes, patterns, textures, and color palettes in your artwork.


Even a quick walk outside can fill your sketchbook with inspiration. Nature is a treasure trove for artists—you just need to notice it 🌱




5. Personal Journal


A journal is more than just paper—it’s a safe space for your thoughts, ideas, emotions, and even quick sketches. Writing alongside your artwork helps you process inspiration, track progress, and connect more deeply with your creative journey.


I personally love picking up journals from Target for their stylish, heavy-duty options, and Daiso for lighter, everyday notebooks. But my top favorite has to be Fringe Studio journals✨ They’re durable, beautifully designed, and come in different sizes, making them perfect for both long entries and quick notes.


Your journal can also be a powerful tool during creative blocks. When painting feels stuck, try writing out your thoughts, describing colors or moods you want to capture, or even freewriting until ideas flow again. Think of your journal as a quiet partner in your art practice—always ready to hold your dreams, doodles, and sparks or inspiration.



✨ Bonus Journal Prompts for Artist:


  • Choose one color. Write a page about everything it makes you feel or remember.

 

  • Describe a place (real or imagined) where you’d love to paint.






Final Brushstrokes


Art is such a personal journey, and while supplies are just tools, the right ones can really make your creative process smoother, more joyful, and more you.

Whether you’re picking up your very first sketchbook or expanding your studio setup, remember — you don’t need everything at once. Start small, experiment, and let your collection grow alongside your art.



I’d love to know—what are your must-have art supplies? 💌 Drop a comment and share your favorites, or let me know if I missed one from your own essentials list!



And if any of these supplies caught your eye. I’ve added links to some of my personal favorites through Amazon and Blick 🎁 (these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—it helps me keep sharing content like this 💞).


Until next time my darlings 💋

keep creating, keep experimenting, keep daydreaming 🌌



Nos Vemos!!!


🌸☁️✨

Daydreaming Muse
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