One of the most common questions I get is about my supplies, and honestly, buying low-quality supplies will likely result in frustration faster than anything! This  list will get you pointed in the right direction so you don't have to waste your precious pennies on things that won't work like you want.  

If you know anything about me, you know that I am a bit particular about the quality of the supplies I source/use, but these are some of my faves:

Note: this list is constantly being added to/evolving...check back for more recommendations!

 

Palomino Blackwing Pencils

These pencils cost a pretty penny, but hear me out! You simply CANNOT buy a better graphite pencil. Don't purchase if you don't want to get sucked in. You've been warned!

 

Blackwing Point Guard

Planning on stashing pre-sharpened pencils in your bag? Protect the tips with these pretty things. 

 

Blackwing Pencil Sharpener

Not all pencil sharpeners are created equal. Promise.

 

Staedtler Norica HB Pencils

Graphite Pencils are a must, and I use them always! Any regular old pencil will work, but I am partial to HB weight and white erasers. 

 

Staedtler Stick Eraser Holder and Refills

I'm a sucker for a great eraser, and Staedtler Stick erasers are easily my fave. White erasers tend to erase more cleanly than typical rubber, and they're softer on your paper, too. It's a win-win.

 

Tombow Fudenosuke Brush Pen, 2-Pack

Tombow Fudes are such great pens! Fudes have a brush tip and are fabulous for creating that gorgeous downstroke/upstroke dichotomy that makes calligraphy look so beautiful! They come in two different options, Hard Tip and Soft Tip. I tend to pick up the Soft Tip a bit more often because I like the way the brush tip gives, but I recommend them both.

 

 

Metallic Pens

This could be a blog post all it's own, but here are my never-fails:

Gold: Deco Color Liquid Gold (don't even bother with other gold pens...this one wins, hands down!)

 

Silver: Molotow Liquid Chrome. The name says it all...there is literally nothing like it out there. Plus, All Molotow pens are refillable, so don't throw it out when it's empty!

 

Copper: DecoColor Liquid Copper is the best I've found.

 

White Pens

Again, Molotow wins in the paint pen category. I love the Signal White for a true white paint, but for pens, Sakura Gelly Roll pens in white are my go-to for dark paper.

 

Arches Cold Press Watercolor Paper

I have yet to find a better watercolor paper than this one. I love it so much! Cold Press is textured and I use it for most of my watercolor work, but I will sometimes use Hot Press (smooth) for working with markers/pens. It has a great weight to it, and is the perfect amount of thirsty for my paint.

 

HP Premium Choice Laser Paper

The drawback of having awesome pens is that you reeeeeeallllly don't want to destroy those tips! The felt tip will shred with your first use if you are using regular old copy paper. This paper solves that problem! You touch it and you'll feel the difference, it's so smooth!  

 

Strathmore 200 Series Tracing Pad

Another alternative to the copy paper above is tracing paper. Not just for little kids learning how to draw shapes, tracing paper is perfect to take you from draft to draft of your work with minimal cost, but maximum effectiveness! Bonus points for it being a smooth finish, so your pens are still happy and work properly at the end of the day.  

 

Light Box

Once the layout is perfect and I'm ready for a final draft (particularly on long pieces), I often will pull out my light box to watercolor/write over onto the product. This saves me pesky pencil marks and keeps the final piece pristine and perfect for hanging.

 

Pentel Aquash Water Brush Pen, Medium

Aquash water brushes are easily my favorite go-to! They work just like a paintbrush, but you can fill them with water for easy watercolor use, or with paint/ink for an awesome travel solution. The fine tip is my favorite, but the bigger tips are great for large scale use as well.

 

Ohuhu Water Coloring Brush Pens

For additional options of brush tip, these Ohuhu ones have been my favorite. The flat brush makes florals and embellishments much easier than a round tip.  

 

Apple iPad Pro

Without a doubt, I could not run my business the way I do without my Apple iPad Pro. It is the backbone of my entire workspace, and I would be lost without it!

 

Glowforge

My Glowforge printer has to be one of the most fun supplies! I love being able to print custom items for clients and personalize one-of-a-kind materials to add to my shop. If you are interested in one, use this link to get up to $500 off.

 

Dubsado

While pens and paper are the basis of my business, there are is also a go-to digital tool that helps keep my business going - Dubsado! Dubsado helps me send over contract and invoices to clients for custom projects and special collaborations. It is a CRM platform that keeps all of the information on your clients in one place. So helpful for organization! You can get 20% your first subscription period with this link. 

 

What else would you like to know? What supplies can I help you with? Comment below.

***This post contains affiliate links, but each and every item has been vetted by me, and are actual items I use in running my biz.***