You can choose your favorite images to see detail drawing instructions:
You can choose your favorite images to see detail drawing instructions:
Starting your drawing journey doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. In fact, with just a few smart choices, you can gather a complete set of quality tools to practice with—without spending more than $50. This guide walks you through the essential drawing supplies for beginners, why each one matters, and affordable recommendations to get started.
This article is part of The Ultimate Guide to Drawing for Beginners – your step-by-step roadmap to building drawing skills from scratch
1. Graphite Pencil Set ($10–$15)
A good set of graphite pencils provides a range of hardness levels—from hard (2H, 4H) for light sketching to soft (4B, 6B) for dark, expressive shading. Multiple pencils let you explore different line weights and values, and using the right pencil for the right job can greatly enhance your control and results.
Recommended:
– Amazon Basics Sketching Pencil Set (~$10)
– Prismacolor Scholar Graphite Set (~$12)
Pro Tip: Don’t buy a massive set—6–8 pencils in varying hardness is more than enough to start. Stick to HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B for a good starter range.
Why It Matters: The pencil is your most important tool. Investing in a solid set allows you to experiment with light and dark values, line weight, texture, and shading without limitations.
2. Kneaded Eraser ($2–$5)
Unlike traditional erasers, a kneaded eraser is soft, moldable, and leaves no residue. It’s perfect for lifting graphite gently, creating highlights, and preserving your paper’s texture. It also lasts a long time since it can be reshaped and cleaned by simply pulling and folding it.
Recommended:
– Prismacolor Kneaded Rubber Eraser
– Faber-Castell Art Eraser Set
Bonus Use: Shape it into a fine tip to erase precise areas like highlights in hair, shiny reflections in eyes, or softly fade an edge.
Why It Matters: Proper erasing enhances your drawing’s contrast and realism. It’s not just for fixing mistakes—it’s a creative tool in itself.
3. Blending Tools ($3–$7)
Blending stumps (tortillons) help you smooth out shading and create seamless transitions between light and shadow. These tools are invaluable for creating realistic gradients, skin tones, and soft textures like clouds or fabric.
Recommended:
– General’s Blending Stump Set
– Arteza Blending Paper Stumps
DIY Option: Fold tissue or makeup sponges as a low-cost alternative. Even cotton swabs and a clean paintbrush can work.
Why It Matters: Blending helps take your drawing from flat to dimensional. Without proper blending, shading may appear choppy or patchy.
4. Sketchbook or Drawing Pad ($7–$12)
A decent-quality sketchbook is essential for practice. Look for acid-free, medium-to-heavyweight paper (at least 70–80 lb) that can handle erasing and layering. A good sketchbook encourages experimentation without worrying about ruining expensive paper.
Recommended:
– Strathmore 400 Series Sketchbook (8.5×11” or 9×12”)
– Canson XL Drawing Pad (50 sheets)
Pro Tip: Choose a sketchbook that lays flat so your wrist can move freely across the page. Spiral-bound pads are ideal for flipping through progress.
Why It Matters: Your sketchbook is your lab. You’ll use it to warm up, plan ideas, test techniques, and record progress.
5. Pencil Sharpener ($2–$5)
A sharp pencil is key to line control. Manual sharpeners work fine, but make sure they don’t chew up soft graphite. Keep your points consistent and clean for accurate lines.
Recommended:
– Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener
– Staedtler Metal Single-Hole Sharpener
Tip: Some artists use sandpaper blocks or razor blades for specialty sharpening.
Why It Matters: A dull pencil can make it harder to control your stroke, especially for detail work or clean edges. Frequent sharpening = consistent quality.
6. Ruler or Straightedge ($1–$3)
Useful for drawing guidelines, perspective grids, or geometric forms. Even a basic plastic ruler does the job. Transparent rulers are helpful so you can see your paper underneath while you work.
Recommended:
– Westcott Clear Ruler (12-inch)
– Any transparent, non-slip ruler
Tip: Consider a metal ruler if you’ll use blades or want more durability.
Why It Matters: A ruler helps build precision and structure in your compositions, especially for learning perspective and proportions.
7. Optional but Helpful: Mechanical Pencil ($3–$5)
While not strictly necessary, a 0.5mm or 0.7mm mechanical pencil is excellent for consistent line work, especially in sketching or detail-heavy subjects. It also never needs sharpening.
Recommended:
– Pentel GraphGear 500 or 1000
– Uni Kuru Toga
Note: Don’t forget spare lead (HB or 2B) and a separate eraser tip.
Why It Matters: Mechanical pencils are great for clean sketches, light underdrawings, or architectural lines. Their predictability and precision can improve your workflow.
Budget Breakdown Example
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Graphite Pencil Set | $12 |
| Kneaded Eraser | $3 |
| Blending Tools | $5 |
| Sketchbook | $10 |
| Pencil Sharpener | $3 |
| Ruler | $2 |
| Total | $35 |
This leaves room for extras like a mechanical pencil, colored pencils, or charcoal tools—all without exceeding the $50 mark.
🛒 Where to Shop: Check local art stores, office supply chains, or online marketplaces like Amazon, Blick Art Materials, or Jerry’s Artarama for bundle discounts.
Related Articles You’ll Find Helpful
The Ultimate Guide to Drawing for Beginners – Learn drawing step-by-step
How to Hold a Pencil for Drawing – Tips to hold a pencil correctly
Top 10 Mistakes New Artists Make and How to Fix Them – Avoid common pitfalls early
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a fancy studio or hundreds of dollars to start drawing. All you need is a few essential tools, a sketchbook, and the motivation to practice regularly. Choosing beginner-friendly, affordable materials gives you the freedom to explore and make mistakes—which is exactly how you grow.
Once you’ve got your starter kit, check out our Ultimate Guide to Drawing for Beginners to start building real skills with the tools you now have. And remember: even the simplest pencil can create incredible art in the right hands.
Next Step: Pair these supplies with daily practice from our 30-Day Drawing Challenge for Newbies and see how quickly your confidence builds.
Happy sketching!
