You do not need a studio full of supplies to start sketching. A small kit that travels with you will get more use than expensive tools that stay in a drawer. Here is what to put in it.
Sketchbook paper
Look for paper labelled sketching or drawing around 100–130 gsm. It should take erasing without tearing and feel slightly textured (called tooth) so graphite grips the surface.
- Spiral-bound — lies flat on a table or your knee.
- A5 or 5 × 8 in — portable without feeling cramped.
- Perforated pages — optional, but handy if you want to tear out studies.
Pencils
Graphite pencils are graded from hard (H) to soft (B). For sketching, three pencils are enough:
- HB — everyday lines and light shading.
- 2B — darker marks with less pressure, ideal for quick studies.
- 4B or 6B — deep shadows and expressive drawing.
Mechanical pencils work too — use 0.5 mm or 0.7 mm lead around HB hardness for consistent line weight.
Erasers and extras
A kneaded eraser lifts graphite gently and can be shaped to a point for highlights. A standard vinyl eraser handles clean corrections. Add a small pencil sharpener or craft knife, and optionally a blending stump for smooth shading.
Pen sketching (optional)
Many urban sketchers work entirely in ink. A waterproof fineliner (0.3–0.5 mm) or a simple ballpoint forces you to commit to lines and builds confidence fast. Pair it with a waterbrush and a small watercolour set if you want to add colour later.
Three kit levels
Minimal (under a bag pocket) — pocket sketchbook, one pen, one soft pencil, kneaded eraser. Fits anywhere; no excuses on travel days.
Standard (daily carry) — A5 sketchbook, HB + 2B + 4B, sharpener, vinyl and kneaded erasers, fineliner. Covers ninety percent of beginner practice.
Expanded (studio + field) — add blending stump, charcoal stick, small watercolour pan set, waterbrush, and a second sketchbook for ink-only work. Build this only when you feel a real gap — not because a list told you to.
Common mistakes
- Buying before using — a full tin of pencils stays shiny while one sketchbook gets worn. Start small.
- Paper too smooth — coated or slick paper fights graphite. Look for drawing or sketch paper with visible tooth.
- No sharpener — blunt tools teach bad habits. Always pack one.
- Kit too large to carry — if it does not leave the house, it does not count.
Keeping kit ready
Charge pens, sharpen pencils, and remove finished sketchbooks the night before a trip. A kit that is ready to open gets used ten times more than one you have to assemble from drawers.
Buy simple, use it often, and upgrade individual items only when you know what you are missing. The best sketch kit is the one that is already in your bag.