Sketching Tools

 Must Haves:

Art supplies are addictive! May I live long enough to use up what I've got!

1. Paper: I try to go high on the GSM. This allows for multiple layers of water be it in graphite washes, ink washes, or watercolor. The 'toothiness' of the paper comes into play too. This is a personal preference, but I like a little tooth (texture) on my paper.
1. My favorite sketchbook right now is the Arteza 5.1x8.3. Amazon usually caries these. I prefer landscape orientation, but I'm also not looking at skyscrapers most of the time
2. I also like strange sizes (A5 is my go-to for almost all my journals and sketchbooks since they are more compact).
2. Water Soluble Graphite: I like the Art Graf 20g tins, but have also started using their pencils. The cap of the tin comes off and can be used as a small water container. I go (in order): pencil, ink, graphite, watercolor, highlights. The graphite is what gives depth. The more layers, the darker things get. I'm experimenting with their pencils, but haven't had enough experience with it.
3. Brushes: I'm not picky. I like synthetic brushes. Most of the time, I use a 3 brush travel set I bought off Amazon of synthetic sable. They work well for me and the set was less than $20. 
1. Windsor and Newton Cotmans, and Royal & Langnickel Mentas are frequently grabbed for. Personally, #2-6 are the sizes I use the most.
2. In my opinion, brushes are too pricy and I haven't seen much difference between high-end and not so high end, so experiment away. Always nice to have brushes with some kind of cap (plastic straw-like material is great).
4. Paint: I have two palettes right now. My primary is a 12 color Windsor and Newton Cotman portable kit. The second is a 12 color Koi portable kit. I have tried a lot of mediums (guache, chalk, etc) but watercolor and watercolor pencils are my favorite. 
1. Pencils: I use Derwent Intense since they are brighter colors.
2. I'd like to experiment with QOR paint too 
5. Pens: I'm a fountain pen guy. I've used fine liners and uniball visions. Those are great starting points. However, I love fountain pens. I write with them and I draw with them. You can go pretty deep down that rabbit hole. I like: 
1. TWSBI Ecos: they hold a ton of ink, they always work and they are relatively inexpensive
2. TWSBI Vac 700: more expensive, but they also hold a ton of ink and they have a shutoff valve.
3. Opus 88: more expensive, but like the Vac 700, they also have a shutoff
4. If you want to go down the rabbit hole, fude nibs are fun. I personally like architect nibs since they are more subtle with their line variation.
6. Ink: Needs to be archival and permanent if you are going to go over it with water. My two favorites and the only two I recommend: 
1. DeAtramentis
2. Platinum Carbon