My FAVORITE ART SUPPLIES AS A SURFACE PATTERN DESIGNER
The Right Creative tools make all the difference
Over the years, I’ve tested and sampled plenty of art supplies.
This list is my personal collection of my tried-and-true favorites that I use regularly to create my surface patterns.
All of my patterns start as a handmade artwork before I digitize them into vector designs, but there’s a couple of different mediums that I like to play with for that first hand-created step.
I’ve included the tools I use as a commercial illustrator, my favorite supplies for pen-and-ink drawing, my most trusted watercolor and gouache painting materials, and the supplies I use to carve and create my block-prints.
Friendly Note: This journal contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no additional cost to you. Every product included here is one I genuinely use, love, or recommend.
ILLUSTRATION AND DRAWING TOOLS
Moleskin notebook paper is the best, and this hard-cover notebook is one of my favorites because it’s easy for me to bring outside and still have a nice stable surface to draw on.
I prefer thin, dainty lines when I’m drawing, and these pens work great for all kinds of illustration projects.
You need a sturdy ruler for making clean lines. I like that this one’s metal and not likely to warp if I carry it in a bag.
I love exploring the geometric patterns found in nature, and I use this compass to help me make smooth, perfect circles.
Strathmore 300 Series Tracing Pad
I use this smooth parchment tracing paper when I’m sketching and making my first drafts of an idea.
Faber Castell Kneadable Eraser
No professional illustrator can be without their eraser! I love this one because it gives a precise, clean erase.
I’ll often use my lightbox to trace inspiration I’ve collected, like pressed flowers, leaves, and found papers.
Pen-and-Ink Drawing
A great starting set with a variety of nibs. I usually use these if I want the drawing to have a loose organic feel.
Winsor & Newton Black Indian Ink
I gravitate towards this rich black ink when illustrating waves, ripples, and other flowy textures.
GOUACHE AND WATERCOLOR PAINTING SUPPLIES
M. Graham and Co. Artist’s Gouache
I do most of my painting in gouache and love the high pigmentation and rich colors in M. Graham and Co paints.
Winsor & Newton Designer’s Gouache Set
I was introduced to this designer’s gouache set when I first started making commercial work, and it’s been a favorite ever since. With 10 tubes, you’ve got all the colors you need to create a rich palette.
Princeton Neptune Series Watercolor Brushes
This set gives you a solid collection of synthetic brushes, in a range of shapes.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set
This is my portable watercolor painting kit. Fine art pigments that are made to travel (mine goes mostly to the beach).
Canson Montval Watercolor Paper Pad
The texture of this watercolor paper is great. The paper feels substantial, and it holds up well to multiple washes.
I like simple and affordable paint palette trays. I buy these because they’re easy to clean and super portable.
FUMUUI Vegan Paint Brush Cleaner
I like this paint brush cleaner because it works well and is non-toxic, which I always try to look for.
A professional watercolor brush set made with natural fibers. I use these for both gouache and watercolor, and the brushes give me some of the best finesse in controlling the flow of the paint.
An extra large watercolor pad can be really helpful for imagining larger scale patterns and more detailed motifs.
LINOCUT BLOCK PRINTING SUPPLIES
Speedball Speedy-Carve Block Printing Set
The only “bad” review I have of this linocut block is that my son enjoys carving them as much as I do and is always sneaking them from my supply! This is my go-to block printing linocut, and you can get them in both 3×4 and 4×6.
Strathmore 300 Print-Making Paper Pad
A lightweight paper for relief printing. It has a great texture that I try to carry forward when I digitize the patterns later.
VERSAFINE CLAIR BLOCK PRINTING INK PADS
I use these ink stamp pads with my hand-carved block prints. They come in a lot of rich colors, but Twilight and Nocturne are two of my favorites.
