A starter kit for anyone building their first serious set. What each piece is genuinely good for, and what is worth buying first.
A solid starting point for line work and detail. The archival ink is waterproof, so it won't smudge or bleed under washes. Sizes 01, 03 and 05 cover most needs.
SAKURA Pigma Micron Archival Black Pens
A good all-rounder sketchbook for anyone testing several mediums. The heavyweight paper takes watercolour, ink, marker and graphite without buckling.
Mixed Media - Strathmore Artist Papers
The best value entry into watercolour. Cotman is Winsor & Newton's student grade, but the pigment quality punches above its price. Worth starting here.
Professional & Cotman Watercolour Sets - Winsor & Newton
A versatile brush line for anyone building a first set. The synthetic bristles suit watercolour, acrylic and gouache, hold a point and spring back well. A round 4 and an 8 go a long way.
Princeton Velvetouch Synthetic Brushes and Sets | BLICK Art Materials
The standard for coloured pencil work. Soft wax cores layer and burnish smoothly for painterly results. A set of 24 is enough to start, then expand with open stock.
