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SKETCHBOOKAPALOOZA!! (design, brainstorm, & catalogue your inspirations/ideas)

Purple Star emoji 28 items
What I use for concept development and inspo archiving - favs and essentials *** This list contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links - no additional charge to you.
Sections
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Books

 
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This item is non-negotiable!! Beautiful quality and long-lasting durability - my concept books from nearly 15 years ago are still in pristine condition even after repeated handling. The classic plain notebook in black is my go to, however they usuall...
Notebooks with Cover, Color and Size Alternatives
 
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A less expensive alternative to Moleskine, this sketchbook is great when you need to purchase multiples - especially if you’re on a student budget but still want good quality.
Canson Sketch & Art Books - Fine art
 
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Ideal for taking notes - dye samples, fittings, quick musings, or whatever you have going on. Small enough to fit in most bags. I recommend getting a few.
Sketchbook by Artist's Loft™, 4" x 4"
 
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This notebook comes in a number of variations, but the dotted rule style is a must-have for notes, doodles, and graphics involving scale/measurements.
Leuchtturm1917
 
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Everything Pantone is ✨💫 But this dotted rule mini notebook set is perfect for detailed notes - no need to purchase one for each category, simply get this set!
Pantone 10 Notebooks Set

Pens, Markers, Paint, Etc.

 
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Another must-have - I usually use these for inking fashion illustrations, but they are great for line work in general.
Pigma Micron
 
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Another inking favorite - different line weights in a single pen.
Pigma Brush
 
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Perfect for annotating directly onto masking tape for a bold graphic aesthetic.
Sharpie
 
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These water color sets by Artist’s Loft are budget friendly and perfect for brightening up any quick sketches.
Watercolor Paint
 
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This paint is great for adding highlights and sparkle effects to your illustrations - a tiny bit goes a long way.
Bleedproof White, 1.0 oz
 
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A variety of brushes just right for R&D.
Blick Essentials Craft Value Brush Set
 
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Great for drafting, these mechanical pencils are mandatory.
Mechanical pencils & leadholders for drawing, sketching and writing
 
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I’ve been using Prismacolor pencils, almost exclusively, for close to 20 years. Since shopping for individual pencils can become tedious, I usually opt for this exact set - complete with erasers and a sharpener.
Premier® Graphite Drawing Set
 
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Lightweight and versatile, keep a pair strictly for cutting paper, tape, or whatever is in your sketchbook. Always use a separate pair for fabric.
Fiskars® Everyday Titanium Scissors with SoftGrip® (8 in.)
 
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These fabric scissors are affordable and great for cutting swatches, sew-bys, and other types of samples - can be purchased in a pack with cute little nippers as well. (Recommendations of tools for heavier cutting projects will be featured in another...
WESTCOTT Sewing Scissors & Shears in Sewing & Cutting Tools(26)
 
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The original gel pens! I’ve used these pens for close to 30 years 🥲 They never disappoint and always add that extra special something whether it’s adding notes with metallic hues or inking an illustration with glitter blue rather than flat black.
Sakura Gelly Roll Classic Pens and Sets

Adhesives

 
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A must- have for collaging.
Scotch® Double-Sided Tape Dispensered Rolls | 3M United States
 
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Use to save fabric swatches, postcards, menus, or whatever. I like to attach the tape to the item I’m saving so that I can write notes on the tape. Scotch brand is preferable since it sticks well with a clean look.
Scotch™ Brand Masking Tapes | 3M United States

Bags

 
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Get this tote in the size large for the perfect carryall bag. Features a zipper closure (unlike many totes which feature a single snap or no closure at all).
The Tote Bag
 
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Lightweight and great for carrying your supplies. This bag comes with multiple zippered pockets and is expandable.
LeSportsac
 
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If you are a backpack person, I highly recommend investing in this backpack or another nylon backpack from this brand. Lightweight and comfortable, it’s great for school, traveling, and everyday use. I’ve carried this thing in rain and snow thanks to...
Marc By Marc Jacobs Backpack

Inspo - Requirements

 
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Great for curating the perfect soundtrack for each project - sort music into playlists and also watch the MVs. Low price monthly or annual subscription; they offer a discount for students.
YouTube Music
 
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Torrent no more! Choose from a vast library of films and TV shows for R&D purposes, vibe setting, or simply to take a break.
Netflix
 
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If it’s not on Netflix, it’s definitely here!
Prime Video
 
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When you need fuel for late nights and early mornings.. also because Starbucks isn’t open 247.
K-Express™ Single Serve Coffee Maker
 
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The best little pick-me-up or two or four.. Not near a location? Just order online!!
Ladurée
 
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I always use wired headphones. Perhaps, it’s because I’m a dinosaur. Nevertheless, you need to purchase of pair of these headphones. Don’t let the small size and light weight throw you off, these headphones pack a HUGE and FULL sound - perfect for ge...
Introducing SoundTrue Ultra In-ear Headphones
 
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This little adapter is such a game changer - for those of you with newer Apple devices without the aux port. Continue using your wired headphones or use to connect your phone to a microphone or other equipment needed for a sound / recording project.
Apple - USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter - White