Mixed Media Sketchbook Materials: What to Buy as a Beginner
If you have ever stood in an art shop feeling overwhelmed, this guide is for you. A mixed media sketchbook is one of the most forgiving places to begin, because you can use pencil, pen, watercolour, colour pencils and even markers on the same page. The trick is knowing what is worth buying first.
The short answer: buy one sturdy mixed media sketchbook, a pencil, a waterproof fineliner and one colour medium you feel drawn to, such as watercolour or colour pencils. Add more only when you feel pulled to.
a mixed media sketchbook for beginners
It is simply a sketchbook with thicker paper, so it can cope with both wet and dry materials. Ordinary drawing paper tends to buckle and tear when you add water, and markers can bleed through to the next page. Mixed media paper handles all of it much better.
1. The sketchbook
Look for paper that is around 200 gsm or heavier. The weight is usually printed on the cover or the first page. A smaller size, such as A5, feels less scary to fill. Most importantly, choose a sketchbook you are not afraid of. A cheaper one often gets used far more than a beautiful one.
2. A pencil and an eraser
Any sketching pencil will do. Keep an eraser close, but try not to rub out too much. Mistakes are useful in a sketchbook.
3. A waterproof fineliner
A waterproof pen means you can paint over your drawing without the ink running. This is the heart of the line and wash technique. I use Staedtler waterproof fineliners, but any waterproof pen works. If you would like to go deeper, Line and Wash Painting is my dedicated course.
4. Watercolours
A small pan set and one round brush is plenty. My personal favourites are Winsor & Newton and Daler-Rowney paints, but this is not an exclusive list, and I always encourage using what you already own first. Not sure whether to choose watercolour or gouache? Read Shall I use watercolour or gouache? or start with Learn to paint with watercolours.
5. Colour pencils
Colour pencils are small, calming and easy to carry around. Faber-Castell Polychromos and Derwent are two favourites, but any good quality coloured pencils will work. Smooth paper helps. This post: Colour pencil drawing for beginners, tells you all about it!
6. Markers, if you want them
Alcohol markers and acrylic paint pens are playful extras, not essentials. I use a mix of Ohuhu and Arrtx, among others. Alcohol markers can bleed through thinner paper, so test on a back page first. Here is my complete guide to alcohol markers for beginners.
A simple starter kit
One mixed media sketchbook (A5 or A4, around 200 gsm or heavier)
A sketching pencil and an eraser
A waterproof fineliner
A small watercolour set and a round brush, or a set of colour pencils
That is genuinely all you need to begin.
What you can leave on the shelf for now
Large sets of paints, pens or pencils
Several different sketchbooks at once
Expensive materials before you know what you enjoy
Try before you buy
Not sure what you like or hopw to start with a mixed media sketchbook for beginners? In the Sketchbook Circle we use a wide range of materials, so you can experiment before you spend. If you would like to start with the bare minimum, the Sketch Hub only needs a pen, pencil or brush pen. You can also browse my courses when you are ready to go deeper.
