The Tools I Wish I Had When I First Started Sketching

When I first started sketching back in 2019, I didn’t know much about art supplies. Honestly, I just picked up whatever pencil I had lying around at home and started drawing guns and random stuff. I was in class 9 at that time, and sketching was more of a curiosity than a serious thing. If I look back now, I realize that many tools could have made my sketches look cleaner, smoother, and, honestly, more enjoyable.

That’s why I thought of writing this, to share the tools I wish I had when I first started. If you’re just starting your own art journey, this might save you some confusion and help you grow faster.

1. A Good Set of Graphite Pencils

When I started, I literally had one regular pencil. That was it. I didn’t even know pencils had different shades like 2B, 4B, 6B, and so on. A proper graphite set would have helped me understand light and dark, shading, and depth much earlier.

Now I use sets like the Derwent Graphic Pencil Set, which has everything from 9H to 9B. With that range, I can easily go from light outlines to deep shadows without struggling. If I had this setback then, my early sketches would have looked way better and less flat.

2. Charcoal Pencils for Bold Shading

For a long time, I didn’t even touch charcoal because I thought it was “messy.” However, when I finally tried it, I was amazed to see that it completely transformed my sketches. Charcoal is amazing for bold shading, adding drama, and creating contrast.

The thing is, beginners often start only with graphite and stay stuck there. But a small charcoal set, like the Qionew Professional Charcoal Pencil Set, would have made my drawings more powerful and expressive right from the start.

3. Sketch Paper That Doesn’t Smudge

When I first sketched, I drew on regular notebook paper. Big mistake. My drawings smudged everywhere, and the paper tore if I erased too much. Proper sketch paper has a texture (tooth) that holds graphite and charcoal better.

Now I use sketch pads like Brusto Sketch Paper, and the difference is massive. Lines look cleaner, blending is smoother, and the final result actually feels like “art” instead of a school doodle.

4. Blending Tools (Not Just Fingers)

In school, I used to blend with my fingers. It worked, but it made the paper oily and uneven. I didn’t even know blending stumps or brushes existed.

Today, I use makeup brushes for blending graphite and charcoal, and honestly, they’re magic. Smooth gradients, no smudges, and my hands stay clean. If I had known this hack earlier, I would have saved so many messy sketches.

5. A Beginner-Friendly Sketch Kit

Instead of buying each thing separately, I wish I had started with an all-in-one beginner kit. Something like the URBANFIX 35-Piece Sketch Kit, which comes with pencils, erasers, blending tools, and even a carry bag. For someone who’s just starting, it’s the best way to test different tools without wasting time searching for each item.

Final Thoughts

When I started sketching in 2019, I didn’t know any of this. I just grabbed one pencil and kept drawing. And maybe that’s the beauty of art, you don’t need perfect tools to begin. But if you want to learn faster, avoid frustration, and enjoy the process more, having the right supplies makes a world of difference.

So if you’re starting today, don’t repeat my mistakes. Get yourself some good graphite pencils, a charcoal set, proper sketch paper, and blending tools. Even just 10 minutes a day with the right tools can boost your creativity and make your sketches feel alive.

👉 I’ve added some tools below that I personally use or wish I had when I started. You can check them out:

• Qionew Professional Charcoal Pencils Set

• Derwent Graphite Pencil Set (24 pieces)

• URBANFIX 35-Piece Sketch Kit

• Brusto Sketch Paper Pad

• Makeup Brush Set for Blending

Start small, sketch daily, and remember, every artist grows with practice. The right tools just make the journey smoother.