Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Dee
Are you an artist looking for a new drawing kit? In this blog post, we’ll discuss 13 of the best drawing kits on the market and what you need to consider before purchasing one.
From beginner-friendly sets to professional-grade equipment, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a seasoned sketcher or just starting out, keep reading for some helpful advice!
Looking for a drawing kit?
Are you an artist, designer, art student, crafter, or creative person who spends time drawing?
Or perhaps you have just started a sketching practice and are looking for tools to help you get started?
Whatever your reason, a drawing kit is an essential tool for anyone who enjoys art-making and sketching! In this article, you will find the top drawing kits available to get your sketching started!
Drawing is really the foundation of all of the visual arts. It’s one of the best ways our brains can interpret objects and subjects in the outside world – it’s not surprising that it is an incredibly enjoyable activity to engage in. But as we all know, drawing can also be very challenging!
Rendering shadows, creating the illusion of three-dimensionality, drawing realistic proportions, and getting perspective right, are some of the more challenging aspects of drawing.
The absolute best way to improve your drawing is to keep drawing…keep practicing!
[Related Article: How to Improve Your Drawing]
**This page may contain affiliate links to products I have used or recommend. If you purchase something from this page, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.**
13 Top Drawing Kits
Best Pencil Blending Kit
Spectrum Noir Pencil Blending Kit
Blending is one of the areas in drawing that many people struggle with. This kit is specifically a pencil blending kit and it provides all the necessary tools to improve your pencil blending!
It includes blending stumps, two sketching graphite pencils, a sandpaper paddle, an eraser, a sharpener, and it comes in a soft zippered case. A lovely lightweight and portable drawing kit with high-quality drawing pencils that you can use easily on the go!
Best Technical Drawing Pens
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens
For any artist, writer, or illustrator, having a dependable and high-quality pen is essential in order to produce their best work.
Sakura Pigma Micron Pens are some of the best technical drawing pens around and have been trusted for years to produce consistent and long-lasting results.
The ink in these pens is derived from a single pigment which ensures that the color will be uniform every time you use it.
It is also fadeproof, meaning that your work will not fade over time – even if it’s exposed to sunlight or UV light.
And because the ink is non-clogging, you’ll never have to worry about your pen drying out in the middle of a project.
Most Comprehensive Pencil Drawing Kit for Professional Artists
U.S. Art Supply 54-Piece Drawing & Sketching Art Set
U.S. Art Supply is well-known for their good quality art materials, and this drawing kit is of a professional standard.
This includes various art supplies to help you produce great drawings. In this 54-piece comprehensive professional art pencil kit, you will find Graphite drawing pencils, pencil sharpeners, a sketch pad, kneaded eraser, and more.
All of the tools are conveniently arranged in an elevated pop-up organizer in a zipped carrying case, allowing for easy access!
Best Drawing Kit for Kids ( and kids at heart).
Crayola Inspiration Art Case
This is a super fun art kit that includes markers, crayons, and graphite pencils in a huge range of colors!
This makes an ideal gift set for kids five years and up and has everything you need to get the creative juices flowing and get them drawing art!
Best Colored Pencil Drawing Kit
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
The Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are one of the best sets of colored pencils for various reasons.
First, the pigments used in the pencils are brilliant and light-resistant, meaning the colors will remain vibrant and true to life even after being blended or laid down on paper.
The cores of the pencils are also soft and thick, making them easy to blend without sacrificing rich color saturation.
In addition, the Prismacolor Premier pencils are break-resistant and slow to wear, meaning they will last longer than other pencils on the market.
Finally, the cedar casings of the pencils are lacquered to match the core color, giving them a uniform and sleek appearance.
Whether you’re a professional artist or a beginner, the Prismacolor Premier pencils are sure to meet your needs.
Artistik Colored Pencil Set
The Artistik Colored Pencil Kit is compact and easy to travel with because it neatly rolls up to protect your pencils and tools.
The kit comes with 36 artist-quality colored pencils in bright, vibrant colors, 8 sketching pencils, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener.
Best Drawing Kit for a Range of Drawing Mediums
Kalour Drawing Kit
The Kalour Drawing kit includes a wide range of drawing pencils: sketching pencils, colored pencils, metallic pencils, charcoal pencils, pastel pencils, watercolor pencils, blending stumps, erasers, and more.
This is a comprehensive drawing kit with 7 different kinds of drawing mediums so you can explore unlimited possibilities in your art!
Best Drawing Kit for Easel Drawing
29 Pieces Professional Sketching & Drawing Art Tool Kit
This canvas rolling pouch can be worn around your hips for easy access to pencils and other drawing tools.
This is especially useful if you are standing in your studio or art class in front of an easel, or if you are sketching en-Plein-air!
This set comes with a combination of graphite and charcoal pencils, an eraser, and a sharpener.
[Related Article: 101 Cool Designs to Draw | Easy Ideas for Drawing Fun!]
Best Drawing Kit for Beginners
FLOWood 58 Piece Sketching and Drawing Kit
This FLOwood deluxe drawing kit comes with a range of graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, pastel pencils, graphite sticks, charcoal sticks, color sticks, and 15 other tools that are necessary for drawing.
It comes in a portable wooden case which gives it an artistic-retro aesthetic!
Top Dipping Pen Drawing Kit
SIPLIV Plastic Professional Manga Gothic Pen
If you haven’t tried out drawing with pen and ink – now is the time! These Manga Gothic pens are ideal for line and contour drawing.
Cartoonists and artists who enjoy working with line work find this set does the trick. The pens are made from high-quality material, and are sturdy and durable.
Top Illustration Drawing Kit
Prismacolor Premier Advanced Hand Lettering Set with Illustration Markers
This Prisma dual-ended art marker set made it onto my list of top drawing kits because, while it’s commonly used for hand lettering, it’s also great for illustration and drawing! The markers include chisel and brush nibs, and they perform well for drawing designs. Pencils, illustration markers, dual-ended art markers, an eraser, and a tips & tricks brochure are included with the kit.
Top Charcoal Drawing Kit
Faber-Castell Charcoal Sketch Kit
Faber Castell is known for producing high-quality, reliable art products. This collection includes Faber-Castell Charcoal and Pitt Pastel Pencils, which are both flexible and versatile. Ideal for sketching, graphic design, and shading for beginners and professionals!
Best Drawing Kit for Highschool Art Students
YOTINO 35pcs Drawing and Sketching Pencil Set
This drawing kit is ideal for teens, novices, and experienced artists alike. Each pencil sketch kit includes all of the pencils, blenders, and tools needed to create professional-looking sketches.
Drawing pencils, charcoal pencils, white charcoal pencils, woodless graphite pencils, a black Inkonic Fineliner, paper blenders, a sharpener, erasers, and a hobby knife are included in this pencil drawing kit.
What is a drawing kit and why do you need one?
This is a collection of the essential tools and materials that you need for your drawing practice.
There are different types of drawing kits for specific techniques or mediums (For instance, someone may prefer to purchase a colored pencil drawing kit rather than a Pen and Ink drawing kit – depending on what sort of medium they use.).
A drawing kit usually comes with a protective case that you can easily carry around and store.
It makes your drawing practice easier because your drawing equipment and tools are in one spot – just slip it out of your bag, zip it open and start drawing.
Often, a drawing kit is more cost-effective than purchasing each piece of drawing equipment on its own – and it is really handy that it comes as a ready-to-use set!
My drawing kit goes with me to classes, on holiday, to the park, and is used heavily at home for drawing botanicals, still life’s, and a range of other subjects.
A drawing kit for beginners is great because it gives you everything you need to start practicing your drawing skills. That being said, a drawing kit is essential for professional artists too!
Remember you can always top it up once you use your pencils, markers, or other materials in the drawing kit.
A drawing kit may include the following tools and materials:
- Graphite or Lead Pencils 2H, H, HB,2B, 4B, 6B, 8B (or an even wider range in some of the larger drawing kits)
- An eraser (often, it is a standard rubber eraser, but some drawing kits include a kneadable putty eraser which is very handy because you can manipulate it to erase into tiny areas of your drawing.)
- Blending stump or Tortillons
- Woodless graphite pencils
- Oil Pastels
- Colored Pencils
- Markers
- Brush Pens
- Mechanical Pencil
- Fine Liner Pens
- Pastel Pencils
- Charcoal Pencils
- Pastels
- Crayons
- Ink and Fountain Pen
- Sandpaper block (this is a great tool you can use to keep your pencils, pastels, and other drawing media sharpened).
- Charcoal Pencils
What to Consider when Choosing a Drawing Kit
When you are ready to move from pencils and paper to a more professional set up, it is time to choose a drawings kit.
This is not as simple as it sounds because there are many kits on the market and they vary widely in quality and price.
If you take the time to choose the right one, you will be rewarded with a set that will serve you well for many years. Here are some things to consider when choosing a drawing kit.
Range of Medium
The drawing kit should contain the medium you most work in, and there must be a good range of colors or tones. If you only use pencils, you don’t need a set with paints and brushes.
But if you like to work in different mediums, then make sure the set you choose has a good selection.
Quality of Tools and Materials
You should try to choose a set made by a well-known brand. If you don’t recognize the brand, then definitely check out the product reviews to make sure you are choosing a good quality drawing pencil or other product that will do what you need it to!
Other Tools in the Kit
Consider what other tools are essential for your drawing practice. Perhaps you really need a drawing kit with a kneadable eraser or one that includes a large sharpener. Make sure the kit has everything you need so you don’t have to buy separate items later on.
Case
The drawing kit should have a durable and sturdy case that is large enough to hold your tools and materials. A flimsy case will fall apart quickly and won’t protect your investment. Choose something that is well-made and will stand up to years of use.
You deserve the best in your drawings, so take your time choosing a high-quality drawing kit. You can find the perfect set for your needs and budget with just a little research.
What are the different types of art pencils?
Pencils come in a variety of types, each of which is best suited for a specific purpose.
Graphite pencils, for example, are made with a lead that is primarily comprised of graphite and clay.
This makes them ideal for drawing and sketching, as they produce a smooth, consistent line.
Solid graphite pencils are also made with a lead that contains graphite and clay, but they have a higher concentration of graphite, which makes them slightly darker and more intense.
Liquid graphite pencils have a lead that is primarily made of liquid graphite, making them ideal for detailed work or for creating extremely dark lines.
Charcoal pencils are made with a lead that is primarily made of charcoal, and they are often used by artists who want to create smudged or smoky effects.
Carbon pencils are made with a lead comprised primarily of carbon, and they are ideal for drawing on dark surfaces or creating very fine lines.
Colored pencils contain pigments instead of graphite or charcoal, and they can be used to add color to drawings or sketches.
Grease pencils are made with a waxy lead, and they are often used by architects or engineers for making temporary markings. Watercolor pencils contain water-soluble dyes, and they can be used to create watercolor paintings or effects.
Soft-core pencils have soft and pliable leads, making them ideal for coloring or shading.
Mechanical pencils have interchangeable leads that can be retracted into the body of the pencil, and they are often used by artists who need to make precise lines.
Technical pencils have leads that are specially designed for use with rulers or templates, and they are often used by architects or engineers.
Pastel pencils have leads that contain pigment-based powders, and they can be used to create soft, muted effects.
Woodless pencils do not have wood casings, meaning that the entire lead is visible; these pencils can be used to produce thick lines or broad strokes.
How to Maintain Drawing Equipment
Any artist will tell you that having quality drawing equipment is essential to producing quality art. But how do you maintain your drawing equipment so that it always performs at its best?
Here are a few tips:
Firstly, make sure to clean your pencils regularly.
Gather a soft cloth, some distilled water, and mild soap.
Wet the cloth with the distilled water and add a drop or two of soap.
Gently rub the cloth over the pencils, careful not to press too hard. Rinse the cloth and repeat if necessary.
Once you’re finished, dry the pencils with a clean, dry cloth.
Secondly, always use a sharpener designed specifically for drawing pencils.
This will help to keep them in good condition and prevent them from becoming blunt too quickly.
Thirdly, invest in a good eraser. A quality eraser will last longer and erase better than a cheap one. Plus, it’s worth spending a little extra to avoid smudging your artwork!
These simple tips will help you keep your drawing equipment in top condition – so you can continue creating beautiful art for years to come.
[Related article: Best iPad for Drawing (2023)]
What surface can you draw on?
As an artist, you can draw on a variety of surfaces to create your work. Paper is the most obvious choice, but drawing on fabric, wood, metal, glass, or even stone can also find interesting textures and colors.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to finding new surfaces to explore. Just keep in mind that some materials may be better suited for certain types of art supplies.
For example, soft pastels tend to work best on paper or another smooth surface, while charcoal or chalk can give a more interesting effect on a rougher texture like stone or wood.
So experiment and see what kinds of results you can achieve by using different surfaces. Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite material to work with.
Depending on your drawing medium, you can work on good-quality paper, card stock, cold-pressed or hot-pressed paper, or even in an art journal or sketchbook.
Every artist should have their own art journal or sketchbook to engage in regular drawing.
A sketchbook can be wonderfully portable and easy to use. Most importantly, it protects your drawings!
[The Best Sketchbooks for Mixed Media]
Different Drawing Techniques for Different Surfaces
When using a pencil, vary your pressure to create different shades of gray.
A light touch will create a faint line, while a heavy hand will result in a dark and bold stroke.
You can also achieve different effects by tilting the pencil on its side or using the eraser to create highlights.
Charcoal is ideal for creating shadowy and smoky images.
To produce a range of tones, experiment with different kinds of charcoal and paper textures. You can also use your fingers or a stump to blend and smooth out strokes.
Pastels are perfect for capturing light and color.
To create subtle gradations, lightly dust one area with color before layering on more pigment.
Try using your fingers or a blending tool to blend colors together for a more playful approach.
One great thing about ink is that it dries quickly, allowing you to work swiftly and make bold marks.
Experiment with line thickness, pressure, and speed to produce different effects. You can also try dipping the pen in water before beginning to draw; this will help the ink flow more smoothly.
Using a brush, you can create both thick and thin lines depending on how much pressure you apply.
To produce different tones, dilute the paint with water or add more pigment to the brush. You can also use different brushstrokes to create interesting textures and patterns.
When working with clay, you can use tools such as knives and needles to carve out details or make incisions on the clay surface.
You can also add texture by impressing patterns into the clay with stamps or other objects.
Finally, remember that you can always paint or glaze the clay once it has been fired to add color and shine.
With printmaking, you can create unique patterns and textures by carving into a block of wood or linoleum and then transferring the image onto paper using ink or paint.
You can also experiment with different papers and printing techniques to achieve different results.
Conclusion
If you are new to sketching, choosing all the materials you need to get started may be daunting. A drawing kit is a great way to get started with everything you need in one purchase.
This article reviewed the best drawing kits available on the market today. We hope this article helped guide your decision on which drawing kit is right for you so that you can start your sketching journey!
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