Beginner Drawing Supplies: What You Actually Need to Get Started

Starting to draw doesn’t require an overwhelming list of supplies. In fact, keeping things simple is often the best way to build confidence and enjoy the process. Whether you’re sketching casually, learning fundamentals, or returning to drawing after a break, a few reliable tools are all you need to begin.

Below is a beginner-friendly drawing supply list that focuses on quality, versatility, and ease of use—without unnecessary extras.

Graphite Pencils

A good set of graphite pencils gives you flexibility for light sketching, shading, and darker line work. Instead of buying individual pencils, a small range from hard to soft grades allows you to experiment with pressure and tone as you learn.

This is a pencil set I recommend for beginners because it offers a smooth drawing experience and a wide range of graphite softness, making it easy to move from simple outlines to expressive shading.

You can view this recommended pencil set here on Amazon.

Sketchbook for Drawing

A kneaded eraser is one of the most useful tools for drawing, especially when working with graphite or charcoal. Unlike standard erasers, it gently lifts pigment instead of rubbing it away, which helps preserve the paper surface.

Kneaded erasers are perfect for lightening areas, refining highlights, and correcting small details. They can be shaped to fit your needs and leave no crumbs behind.

This is the kneaded eraser I recommend for clean, controlled erasing.

You can view it here on Amazon.

If you enjoy clean outlines, journaling, or adding definition to your sketches, fineliner pens are a great addition. They’re commonly used for line art, sketching over pencil drawings, and mixed-media work.

Archival fineliners with multiple tip sizes allow you to vary line weight and detail while keeping your drawings crisp and consistent.

This fineliner set is a reliable option for beginners exploring ink and line work.

You can view it here on Amazon.

You can browse all of my favorite drawing supplies here.

Start Simple and Build From There

Not all coloring books feel the same. Some are overly complex, cramped, or stressful — which defeats the purpose. The books I feature are chosen for:

• Comfortable page layouts

• Single-sided pages (to reduce bleed-through)

• Clean, inviting illustrations

• A calming overall aesthetic

I aim to recommend coloring books that feel comforting, not demanding.

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Happy creating 🤍

Your sketchbook is where ideas form, techniques improve, and progress happens. For beginners, it’s important to choose paper that works well with dry media and can handle erasing without tearing or smudging.

A lightly textured, acid-free sketchbook is ideal for graphite, charcoal, pens, and colored pencils. Top-spiral binding is especially helpful for comfortable drawing whether you’re left- or right-handed.

This sketchbook is a dependable option for pencil drawing and everyday practice.

You can view this sketchbook here on Amazon.

Kneaded Eraser

Fineliner Pens (Optional)

Colored Pencils (Optional)

Colored pencils are a gentle way to introduce color into your drawings. They’re easy to control, blend smoothly, and work well in sketchbooks and coloring books alike.

Soft-core colored pencils are especially beginner-friendly, as they layer easily and don’t require heavy pressure. A smaller set with a balanced range of colors is more than enough to get started.

This colored pencil set is one I recommend for smooth shading and vibrant color.

You can view it here on Amazon.