Drawing supply list: Graphite

Below are some of the most commonly used drawing supplies for graphite and most of what you see below are items I will be using in our live events and classes. I linked the items below as well, but most of these things are available in most major craft and art stores or online. If you have any questions about specific supplies don't hesitate to email me or drop a comment below. I will be putting together supply lists for each drawing medium that I will be covering in our live classes, and I will do the same for painting mediums. While I do enjoy Prismacolor's drawing supplies, there are a lot of other great brands and companies out there too such as Staedtler, Derwent, Faber-Castell and many more. You can check out lots of other options here.  As far as pencils go, it's nice to have a little set or at least 5 to begin with. Usually I'll pick a 2H, HB, 2B, 4B and 6B but any range of graphite pencils can work. 

1. ​Workable Fixative
2. Kneaded eraser
3. Blending stumps 
4. Drawing pencils   
5. Handheld pencil sharpener  
6. Eraser shield  
7. Compass  
8.  White eraser

Below are some different types of papers that work well with graphite. You could draw on paper with graphite that is either smooth (hot press) or slightly bumpy (cold press). In each category there are several options. You could draw on thinner paper such as newsprint or sketchbook paper or heavier weight paper like watercolor paper or bristol. When you are finished drawing with graphite you can spray it with fixative to protect it from smudging. Canson, Strathmore and Bienfang all make really great art papers. For practice I will usually use newsprint paper, printer paper or thin sketchbook paper. If I am rendering a more complete drawing I like to use something smoother with some weight, like bristol or mix media paper.

What are some of your favorite graphite drawing materials or supplies? Let me know in the comments!