Three Art Essentials I’d Never Be Without

Here are the small, affordable and simple pieces of equipment which have significantly improved my creative process. I use all of these on a regular basis and wouldn’t be without them, even when I travel.

1. Mechanical Pencil (0.35mm)

Finally, a sharp point! Prior to this, I’d brought many pencils from various brands and either they’d constantly break whilst sharpening, or the point would become flat within five minutes of use. Not to mention, pencil shreds everywhere and lead marks on my hands.

The mechanical pencil retains its point even when used with firm pressure. When required, you simply click the top to dispense more lead – don’t click it more than once, or the lead will be too long and will snap. You can select your preferred pencil width size ranging from 0.35mm to 1.0, 1.0 being the thickest. Mine is an ultra fine 0.35mm which is perfect for detailed work and transferring – link below.

Rotring ‘Tikky Colour-Coded Mechanical Pencil’ 0.35mm – Black Barrel – via Amazon*

2. Electric Battery-Operated Eraser

I know, I know. I can see you rolling your eyes, but trust me on this one. When I first came across this, I was curious but it turned out to be one of the best things I’ve discovered.

Now, let’s manage expectations. Don’t expect this eraser to achieve the impossible; it will not delete every ink stain and erase all the mistakes of your past. It’s just an eraser. However, the electric element simplifies the tedious task of erasing, and minimises the risk of damaging your work.

Since I use tracing paper when I’m constructing a piece, this is crucial for me. The electric eraser doesn’t tug or damage my page – as normal erasers do – and actually allows me more control over what I want to erase. Please note, it’s not fine-pointed (which I expected from it initially) but because it’s electric, I can hold it over one small part of my design and it will erase.

Initially, I just didn’t get the point. Sure, it spins and makes a whirring sound – but after you’ve used it several times, you’ll never go back to a manual eraser again. Also this thing lasts; the rubber ‘pellets’ are refillable, but I’ve used it for about five months now and only replaced the ‘pellet’ twice.

No more sloppy scrubbing at the page, no more frustration from smudged eraser marks, no more creased or damaged work. You’ve been informed. Link below.

Derwent Battery-Operated Eraser (with 8 Replacement Erasers), via Amazon*

3. LED Desk Lamp

I’ve written about this little guy before – but to summarise, LED desk lamps allow me to work in poor light conditions and also maintain the colour accuracy of my paint due to the neutral ‘white’ light.

They’re also great for detailed work as you can position the light closer to the page (thus also saving you money at the opticians), and this one is so small and light that it adds nothing to your luggage size when you’re travelling. Link below.

Tranya Portable Eye-Care LED Desk Lamp, via Amazon*