Each drawing tool has unique differences so it’s important to understand which is best suited to your needs. Here’s a guide to the main types of drawing tools and how they can shape your artistic experience.

Graphite - understanding pencil grades

Derwent Graphic pencils

Not all pencils are created equal. Some are buttery-soft and make deliciously dark marks; others are firmer, giving you neat, pale lines perfect for sketching outlines. Artist’s pencils are graded based on the hardness of the graphite inside them.

H pencils (hard): These pencils make lighter, finer lines. The higher the number, the harder (and lighter) the pencil (e.g., 2H, 4H, 6H). They're great for fine details, delicate shading and initial sketching.

B pencils (black): These are softer and create darker, richer marks. The higher the number, the softer (and darker) the pencil (e.g., 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B). They’re perfect for bold lines, deep shading and expressive work.

HB pencils: Sitting right in the middle, HB pencils are a balance between hard and soft. Think of them as your everyday pencil (like a typical school pencil in the UK).

Beginners top tip: Most beginners find a small range from 2H to 6B ideal for a start. Drawing with pencils is about practice, patience and a lot of play. Your first sketches won’t be perfect, and they’re not meant to be. The key is to enjoy the process, explore your style and discover the magic of seeing your ideas come to life on the page.

Essential pencils for beginners

You don't need a full set of pencils to get started, here's a basic kit.

• 2H - Light sketching and layout work
• HB - General drawing and writing
• 2B - Medium dark lines and shading
• 4B - Deep shading and blending
• 6B - Strong, expressive lines and deep shadows

Common beginner mistakes when using pencils

• Pressing too hard: Light layers give you more control
• Skipping grades: Jumping from 2H to 6B without steps inbetween can make drawings look harsh
• Using a blunt pencil: Sharpen regularly! Crisp points make crisp lines
• Over-erasing: This can damage your paper and muddy your drawing, erase thoughtfully

Coloured pencils - adding colour to your art

Coloured pencils are one of the most accessible and versatile tools for beginner artists. Whether you're sketching landscapes, shading portraits or just doodling in your sketchbook, they’re perfect for adding vibrant life to your drawings.

Why choose coloured pencils?

• Easy to use: no mess, no setup, just grab and draw
• Portable: take them anywhere, they're great for sketching on the go
• Layer-friendly: you can build colour slowly, giving you lots of control
• Precise: ideal for detailed work like eyes, textures, and patterns

Coloured pencils may seem simple at first glance, but there are three main types that each offer unique qualities for different styles and techniques. Knowing the difference between wax-based, oil-based, and watercolour pencils will help you make the most of your tools.

Wax-based coloured pencils

Best for: Soft, smooth blending and vibrant colour layering. Wax-based pencils are by far the most popular and widely available type. These pencils use a wax binder to hold the pigment together, which makes them creamy, rich in colour, and easy to layer. They're ideal for beginners because of their forgiving nature, you can build colours gradually without committing too quickly.

Key features:

• Smooth and creamy texture: great for blending
• Soft cores: lay down colour easily with minimal pressure
• Excellent for layering: build depth and richness gradually
• Watch out for waxy bloom: a foggy or cloudy layer can appear on top of heavily layered areas. You can gently wipe this away or prevent it with a light spray fixative.
• Breakage: The softer core can break if sharpened too roughly

If you're new to drawing, don't stop here! Explore our other beginner-friendly guides to learn all you need to progress and develop your drawing skills.

Oil-based coloured pencils

Best for: Detailed work, durability, and fine layering. Oil-based pencils use oil as a binder instead of wax, giving them a harder core and a drier, more controlled feel. This makes them ideal for artists who enjoy detailed rendering or realism. They’re also less prone to wax bloom and hold a point longer. Perfect for intricate areas like hair, eyes, or textures.

Key features:

• Harder core: sharper points for fine lines and detail
• Less smudging: cleaner application than wax-based pencils
• Durable: longer-lasting and more resistant to breakage
• Requires more effort: blending takes more work than with wax-based pencils
• Layering is slower: colour builds more subtly, which can be good or bad depending on your style

Watercolour pencils

Derwent Watercolour pencils

While there is no single ‘best’ type of coloured pencil, what you enjoy drawing and how you like to work will affect your choices.

Many artists even combine types in one piece! If you’re starting fresh, a small set of wax-based pencils is a great place to begin. If you are looking for more precision, try oil-based. Watercolour pencils also offer a gentle step into the world of watercolour art.

Best for: Versatility and a painted look with pencil control. Watercolour pencils combine the control of drawing with the fluidity of watercolour painting. Used dry, they behave like standard coloured pencils.

With a touch of water and a brush, the pigment dissolves into paint. This allows for smooth washes, gradients, and painterly effects. They're a fantastic introduction to watercolour techniques without needing a full paint set.

Key features:

• Dual use: can be used dry or wet
• Excellent for blending: water activation allows soft transitions and unique effects
• Great for mixed media: works well with ink, graphite, and traditional watercolours
• Paper matters: use thicker, watercolour-friendly paper to avoid warping when adding water
• Control can be tricky: blending with water takes practice, and results may be less predictable than with dry pencils.

Drawing with ink - a guide to pen types

Discover the pens that bring bold lines, crisp details, and expressive strokes to your art. Pens are powerful, versatile, and perfect for adding a whole new dimension to your art.

Whether you're sketching urban landscapes, creating intricate patterns, or outlining a pencil drawing, pens offer unmatched clarity and precision. Knowing the different types of pens and how they work on paper can help you choose the right one for your style and skill.

Key benefits

• Permanent, bold lines: great for clean outlines and confident strokes
• No smudging: unlike graphite or charcoal, ink stays in place
• Wide variety of line styles: from delicate hatching to thick, expressive marks
• Pairs well with other media: use under watercolour or over pencil sketches.

Fineliners

Sakura Pigma Micron, black 0.5mm

Fineliners are pens with firm, felt or plastic tips that deliver consistent, clean lines. They're often available in a range of nib sizes, from ultra-fine (0.03mm) to bold (0.8mm and up). Great for outlining, stippling, hatching, or crosshatching, they’re a favourite for comics, zines, and ink drawings.

Best for: Precision, linework, technical drawing, and inking illustrations.

Key features:

• Waterproof and fade-resistant ink (check the label)
• Ideal for combining with watercolour or markers

Brush pens

Pentel Fude brush pen

Brush pens have a flexible tip, ranging from soft bristles to felt tips, that mimics a paintbrush. They allow for variation in line thickness with a single stroke. They're perfect for dynamic, fluid drawings, inking comics, or adding flair to your sketchbook.

Best for: Expressive lines, hand lettering, calligraphy, and bold sketching.

Key features:

• Wide range of line weights in one pen
• Available with waterproof or water-soluble ink
• Some refillable; others disposable

Dip pens (nib pens)

e+m Artist Nibholder pen

Dip pens are a classic tool made of a metal nib attached to a handle (or penholder). You dip them into bottled ink and draw, reloading the nib as you go. They give control over line width, but need a steady hand and some practice. Perfect for those who love an old-school, tactile experience.

Best for: Traditional inking, calligraphy and stylised illustrations.

Key features:

• Customisable with different nib shapes and sizes
• Requires bottled ink (India ink, acrylic ink, etc.)
• Not portable or ideal for quick sketching.

Technical pens

Rotring Isograph technical drawing pen

Technical pens (like the famous Rotring Isograph) are ultraprecise and are commonly used in architecture and design. They have refillable ink reservoirs and mechanical nibs that deliver a uniform line regardless of pressure. These pens are durable but need regular cleaning.

Best for: Drafting, architectural drawing and consistent linework.

Key features:

• Fixed line width (e.g. 0.1mm, 0.5mm)
• Refillable and long-lasting
• Ideal for highly detailed or repetitive work

Gel and ballpoint pens

Ballpoint Q-connect gel pen

Don't underestimate the humble gel or ballpoint pen! While they’re not traditional art tools, these everyday writing pens are great for on-the-go sketches and tonal drawing. Ballpoints are especially good for building up soft shading through layering, while gel pens offer bold colour and smooth flow.

Best for: Everyday sketching, journaling, and casual inking.

Key features:

• Affordable and widely available
• Great drawing practice
• Surprisingly good for realism and texture

Choosing the right pen

The best way to find your perfect drawing pen is to try a few! Every artist’s preference is different. Fineliners are perfect for control, while brush pens give a looser style. Dip pens give you that vintage feel, and even a simple ballpoint can surprise you.

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