I've got a budget of around $50 USD. I want to get them something that'll be helpful but I'm not sure exactly what. Do I get charcoal sticks or just pencils? Do I get colours as well?
Any advice would be great.
Posted Nov 18, 2018, 2:45 AM UTC
I think that the paper is also an important aspect of drawing. Maybe you can buy a few sketchbooks because everyone has type of paper that they prefer to draw on. Plus, Bristol paper is a little expensive but it's really sturdy. There are types of paper that handle color pencils really well, and the good color pencils are really cheap during sales that are coming up soon.
But 50 dollars can get him a decent drawing tablet that really opens up a lot of possibilities. (Unless he has one already or doesn't like drawing digitally. But I find it's best for artists to get a drawing tablet ASAP...)
Yeah he is aware that art (as a profession) is 90% digital but he doesn't have a proper computer for it just yet. I did think about sketchbooks too, but I'd like to be able to get a few different things within that budget.
I want to second the multiple types of paper (if you go the non digital route). There are some I absolutely hate the feel of or am unhappy with how it takes the media, and the best way to find what you like is trial and error. But it can get expensive. Oddly enough some of the larger Walmarts (of you're in the US) have a few sketch books that aren't bad and can be a cheaper option too. Some folks that are just starting also like super cheap news print as well.
If they don't have a sketching board, that might be helpful if you know they like to sketch outdoors and don't have one yet.
Nice sketchpad, pencils, and marker.
Not one of those leather bound specialty ones though, something they can get sloppy with.Pencils .....mechanical are nice for not needing sharpener but don't shade very well. Kneaded eraser
Also I would get 1 or 2 copic type markers w a light grey tone.....for value sketching.
It is great that you are supporting them in this way As they have just started, your gift can be simple. They will discover the materials they prefer as they go. Perhaps consider the basics, and an extra something that will ‘fuel’ them. Simple sketch pad, simple pencil set that travels well and offers a bit of experimental verity, something like link below (sorry for long link). A kneaded eraser is a must, which this set has. Also a sharpener that will hold the shavings. This will allow room in your budget for a super simple carry sleeve for all these items. If they already have a carry bag, consider adding a Comissioning assignment to your gift. The items should bring you NO MORE than $15-20. Commission them for a $30 work. This will fuel them to use the supplies and begin with good footing to consider their work profitable and worthy. (To give the gift of confidence to an artist is a great gift indeed) Good luck!
Ooh, commissioning them is something I hadn't thought of! That sounds like a good idea. Great advice, thank you.
a bigger sketchbook...11"x14" at least
everyone needs a good kneaded eraser (not the daler rowney Walmart one...mine basically disintegrated)
something not many people think about is a spray fixative or sealer to keep your work from smudging all over
sometimes a nice compass like the Masterbow can be handy for measuring consistent distances and angles
a fun, but unconventional tool is water soluble graphite. It's a lot of fun to play with.
a huge stack of loose leaf papper to practice on or a roll of drawing paper
I like the charcoal pencils that you peel like china markers. Tombow markers are great for doodling. Moleskin sketchbooks are the best.
Some pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B), a sharpener, eraser, ruler, a set of fineliners (Pigma Microns or Steadtler), a sketchbook and a pen/pencil case.
Hadn't considered fineliners! That'd be good too.