If you want to learn how to draw, here are some helpful tips on which materials to get started with.
In this article, I’ll go through the basic materials for pencil drawing.
If you’re interested in other techniques such as soft pastels, you can see the course here: Soft Pastels Explained – Free Online Course in Dry Pastel
What Materials Are Used for Drawing?
Technically, you can draw with anything — but I still recommend getting some proper tools so you don’t end up limited by poor-quality supplies.
Suggested Materials
- Pencils in hardness grades 2H (or H), 2B, and (6B or 8B)
- Pencil sharpener
- Kneaded eraser (a soft, moldable type of eraser)
- Blending stump
- Fixative spray
- Drawing paper thicker than regular copy paper, ideally A3 size
- Optional: sketchbook
- Optional: drawing board with clips
Why Use Different Pencils?
A 2H or H pencil gives a light gray tone and is great for outlines or light sketching. If you don’t press too hard, it’s easy to erase again.
A 2B pencil is softer and good for most uses. It lays down enough material to shade and shape without immediately going dark. If you only buy one pencil, start with a 2B.
A 6B or 8B pencil is very soft. If you’re a bit cautious when drawing, go for 8B — it releases more pigment and is perfect for dark shadows or quick sketching.
Mechanical vs. Wooden Pencils
A mechanical pencil has a fixed line width, while a sharpened wooden pencil allows you to tilt and vary the thickness of your strokes.
If you use a mechanical pencil, choose one with at least a 0.9 mm lead. Larger leads are great for exercises that shouldn’t smudge too easily, though they may require special sharpeners — or simply fine sandpaper to reshape the tip. With practice, you can keep your pencil sharp by never drawing directly with the very tip.
For wooden pencils, use a good sharpener or hobby knife (though that takes practice).
Whatever you choose, store your pencils carefully. Dropped pencils can break inside. A soft pencil case is best for protecting them.
What Is a Kneaded Eraser?
A kneaded eraser is a soft eraser that lifts graphite by dabbing rather than rubbing. It doesn’t leave residue or smudge the paper, unlike cheap erasers.
After use, knead it in your hands — the graphite mixes into the material, revealing a fresh surface for reuse.
Some prefer beginners to draw without erasers to keep the artistic spontaneity, but many find too many lines frustrating. So go ahead and use kneaded eraser — just avoid standard ones that smear and damage the paper.
A kneaded eraser is perfect for removing fingerprints or small marks. Shape it to a fine point for precise control.
What Is a Blending Stump?
A blending stump is a pointed stick made of tightly rolled paper used to smudge and blend graphite smoothly. It gives warm, soft tones and is more precise than using your fingers or cotton.
It’s not essential like a 2B pencil or kneaded eraser, but it’s a useful and enjoyable tool to have.
Fixative
Fixative is important because pencil drawings always smudge. To preserve your work, spray it with fixative. It’s not necessary for practice sketches, but it’s a must for finished drawings.
Fixative comes in a spray can — always use it outdoors or under ventilation (like a range hood). It’s not healthy to inhale.
Another advantage: you can draw on top of it. It allows for layering dark tones even when the paper is saturated, as the slightly sticky surface grabs more pigment. Apply several thin layers for the best results.
Pencil Sets with Eraser, Stump, and Sharpener
Buying a complete set can often be cheaper than purchasing each item separately.
These sets usually include more than you need but cost less overall. Cheap kneaded erasers work as well as expensive ones, and blending stumps hardly vary in quality. Poor pencils, however, can have inaccurate hardness levels — so buy from a trusted brand or art supply store.
Drawing Paper: What to Choose?
Paper can be a science in itself, but as a beginner, just keep a few key points in mind.
First and foremost — buy plenty, so you don’t feel you need to save on practice.
It’s better to buy cheap paper — but lots of it!
Paper Thickness
Drawing paper should be thick enough to withstand pressure and movement without tearing. It’s also more pleasant to work on than thin sheets.
Aim for around 170 gsm (grams per square meter). You can use lighter (like 120 gsm), but thicker paper is often more satisfying.
Heavier paper costs more, so find a balance between comfort and budget.
I often buy large batches from Grafical, which brings the price down to about 1 DKK per sheet.
Paper Surface
Paper can range from smooth to very rough. Beginners should avoid very rough paper, as it’s harder to control your strokes. Most affordable drawing paper has a lightly textured surface — ideal for practice.
The surface should be matte or semi-matte, never glossy, so it can hold pigment properly.
Paper Color
Most drawing paper is off-white, which complements the gray tones of graphite. You can also use cartridge paper (kardus) — inexpensive, beautiful, and available in soft grays or other hues.
Some artists find greater joy drawing on tinted paper, while others prefer bright white for contrast. Try both — drawing should always be enjoyable!
Loose Sheets, Pad, or Roll?
I prefer loose sheets because they’re cheaper and easier to handle than pads.
Paper rolls are usually poor quality or too thick to mount easily. Only consider them for very large works — and buy them in-store so you can check the texture first.
For outdoor sketching, I often use smaller A4 pads for convenience.
Sketchbook for Drawing
I recommend the black sketchbooks from Flying Tiger — inexpensive and nearly professional in paper quality. I’ve used them exclusively for 20 years, and the pages have stayed white, unlike my older “professional” sketchbooks that have yellowed over time.
I prefer the square 21×21 cm format — it feels open and balanced while still leaving room for notes. Always keep a sketchbook with you; inspiration strikes when you least expect it.
Fun fact: My old professional sketchbook turned yellow with age — the cheap Tiger book still looks brand new.
Drawing Board with Clips
A drawing board is useful at home or outdoors — it keeps your work stable without smudging from your hands.
You can easily make your own board from a smooth 5 mm panel slightly larger than A3. Attach paper clips or clamps to hold the paper in place.
Commercial drawing boards are fine too, though most are A4. Having one on hand is great for sketching outside or at museums.
Now You’re Ready for the Next Step!
