Starting Your First Sketching Kit – My Favorite Beginner Tools for Sketchbook Art

Key Takeaways:

• A simple, practical guide to starting your first sketching kit

• Artist-tested tools perfect for beginners exploring ink and watercolor

• Supplies available locally in Germany (great for EU-based artists!)

• A mix of affordable and high-quality materials that last

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. All reviews and recommendations are based on my personal experience as an illustrator.

If you're just starting out with sketching, the world of art supplies can feel like a maze. I remember it well — I collected so many tools, always curious if something better was out there. But over time, I discovered that a good sketching kit doesn’t have to be complicated.

You don’t need a hundred tools to make beautiful art. You just need the right few.

In this post, I’m sharing the exact tools I use for sketchbook work — perfect if you’re getting into urban sketching, journaling, or just want to draw more regularly. These are the supplies I take with me whether I’m sketching in a café, at a park, or even live at events.

I have shared this before on my IG. As mentioned, I can get all these from my local art supply store in Erlangen called HAAS.

I am residing in Germany so many of my products are made in Germany. Somehow I am blessed with the fate of living in this country. what a life pathway.

🖋 Ink: Rohrer & Klingner Sketch Ink This waterproof ink is one of my absolute essentials. It flows beautifully from the pen, dries quickly, and holds up well with watercolor. A little bottle goes a long way. Bonus: it’s made in Germany and easy to find in local art stores.

✒️ Pen: Lamy Safari (M nib) This pen was one of my best art investments. It’s affordable, stylish, and writes with a smooth, bold line. I use the medium (M) nib for expressive linework. Don’t forget the Lamy converter so you can use bottled ink like the Sketch Ink above!

🖌 Brush: Pentel Water Brush Ideal for beginners who don’t want to fuss with jars of water. This brush holds water in the handle, so you can use it on the go. It’s light, mess-free, and still my go-to when I sketch outside.

✏️ Pencil: Blackwing Blackwing pencils are soft, smooth, and glide like butter on paper. If you enjoy the feel of writing, you’ll love drawing with one of these. (They’re also beautiful to look at!)

🧽 Eraser: Kneadable Eraser by Faber-Castell This gentle eraser is flexible and clean — perfect for lifting graphite without damaging your paper. Fun fact: it’s made in Malaysia, my home country! I love that connection.

📖 Sketchbook: Hahnemühle Watercolor Sketchbook (Aquarellpapier) I’ve tried many sketchbooks, but this one is beginner-friendly, durable, and holds watercolor beautifully. Hahnemühle is also a German brand with a long history of quality.

🎨 Watercolors: Schmincke Watercolor Set If you’re looking to invest in your first proper watercolor set, Schmincke is worth every cent. The colors are rich, the pans last forever, and the pigments work well with ink.

Where I Shop My Supplies in Germany

I’m based in Erlangen and often get my tools from my local art supply store, HAAS. They have a fantastic selection, knowledgeable staff, and that charming in-person experience you just can’t get online.

If you’re in Germany, check your local stores — it’s a lovely way to support small businesses and discover new supplies.

Why a Quality Kit Matters to Me

As someone who sketches live at weddings, events, and in public spaces, my tools have to be reliable. But beyond that, they hold memories. One day, I want to flip through my sketchbooks as an old lady and smile — remembering not just what I drew, but how it felt to draw it.

That’s why I believe in choosing quality over quantity. A good kit doesn’t have to be expensive — just thoughtful.

🎁 Want to Bring Illustration Into Your Brand or Event?

I’m Fizah, a live event illustrator and visual storyteller. I help brands and individuals bring their moments and products to life through hand-drawn sketches.

I offer:

• Custom Product Illustrations – Perfect for gifting, storytelling, or editorial use

• Live Sketching at Events – Memorable experiences for guests, clients, or partners

• Commissioned Artworks – Thoughtful pieces created just for you or your team

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Get in Touch – Let’s Create Something Together

About the Author Fizah is a live event illustrator and visual storyteller based in Bavaria, Germany. She captures meaningful moments and beautiful objects in ink and watercolor — creating keepsakes and brand visuals for clients across Germany and beyond.