As I’m also very interested in other artists’ tools I also want to share with you my favorite art supplies for traditional and digital art.
Tools for Drawing
Faber Castell Pigment Liner and Pitt Artist Pens
These pens come are quite affordable and come in various sizes. I usually use the 0.1 or 0.05 nibs for my detailed pieces. They are waterproof and light-fast, though the pigment lifts a tiny bit while erasing.
Pentel Brush Pen
It’s perfect for creating dynamic lineworks or fill in bigger sections e.g. in a blackwork piece.
Koh-i-noor Technical Ink
I currently use this with my Pentel Brush Pen. It’s a matt, deep black ink and although it’s waterproof, it does not clog the brush. However, it contains some harsh chemicals, so I try not to wash it down the drain.
Faber Castell Polychromos Color Pencils
I own a small custom set of muted colors and they go perfectly with my themes and the Schmincke Watercolors. The pigments are rich and go smooth onto the paper.
Paper
From time to time I try different papers, but I most often use heavier copy paper or marker paper.
Tools for Painting
Schmincke High Granulating Watercolors
These are some high-quality paints with beautiful pigments.
Lukas Watercolors
This pallet was my first “better” set and I still enjoy using it a lot.
Lukas Gouache
A solid set of paints for a small price, great for practicing.
Paper
Cold-pressed papers are my go-to. The slightly textured surface brings character to the piece and is also smooth enough for working out details. My current favorite is Hahnemühle Britannia 300g/m².
Tools for Digital Art
GIMP
A free open-source software. I use it to edit my scans and photographs.
Krita
Another free open-source software, I use for coloring my ink works or to paint something from scratch.
Wacom Bamboo Tablet
I got this one as a teenager and it’s always been a great companion on my small digital adventures. Couldn’t wish for more 🙂
Other Tech
Nikon D5100
It’s a quite old model, but I love it nonetheless. It’s my go-to camera when I photograph my work or when I’m out and about in the woods. I use a 18-55mm lens, which I combine with some stick-on macro-lenses to magnify mushrooms, mosses and lichen.
Portable microscope
For a really close look, I always take a portable microscope with me. It connects to the phone and helps me to observe all the tiny textures and details.
CanoScann LiDE 300
I recently switched to this stand-alone scanner to scan my artwork. It’s very handy and works like a charm combined with free open-source scanning software like XSane.