Gift Guide for Illustrators

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Gifts for Aspiring Illustrators

This gift guide for illustrators and aspiring illustrators features some of our favorite illustration tools and supplies that are used here at the studio. So, If you are looking for the perfect gifts for the artist in your life, that person who loves to create beautiful illustrations, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of the top gift ideas for illustration artists that are sure to inspire and motivate their creativity.

Traditional Illustration Tools and Supplies

A curated set of top-notch art supplies, including high-quality pencils, markers, paints, and sketchbooks, that are useful as well as will delight any illustrator.

#1 = A High-quality Sketchbook

Every illustrator needs a sketchbook to capture their ideas, new drawing and painting tools experiments, and sketches. Look for one with thick paper that can handle a variety of media, such as Canson XL mixed media sketchbook. For a stitch-bound sketchbook there’s Canson 180 degree hardbound sketchbook or softbound Moleskine Art Sketchbooks which are available in a variety of sizes. Smaller size sketchbooks are great for traveling artists.

Set of Drawing Pencils

A set of graphite pencils in different hardnesses is useful for initial sketching and shading the illustration. Here’s a couple sets that include erasers and sharpeners. Prismacolor Premiere Graphite Drawing Pencils Set or Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Set.

Art Markers and Pens for Illustrators

A variety of pens for inking artwork. A set of fine-tipped pens, like Sakura pigma micron fineliner pens, are perfect for creating detailed line work and intricate hatching and stippled designs. A brush pen like the Pentel Fude is great for varying the weight of line work of the art piece. White gelly roll pens are good for tiding up stray ink marks. Finally, Copic markers can add shading or a splash of color.

Colored Pencils

A set of colored pencils. Colored pencils, like the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils or Faber Castell Polychromos or Watercolor pencils, are a versatile medium that can add depth and dimension to an illustration.

Watercolor Paints

A basic set of watercolor paints. As long as the set has the primary colors, other colors can be mixed by the illustrator. Watercolor paints, like the Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set or the vivid colors of Dr. Ph. Martin’s Hydrus Fine Art Watercolors can add a beautiful and unique touch to any illustration. The Sakura Koi Pocket Field Watercolor set is great for painting in one’s sketchbook while traveling.

Digital Art – Drawing Tablets for Illustrators

An art tablet, like the Ipad Pro with an Apple pencil is a great tool for digital illustration. It allows the artist to draw directly on the computer screen, plus there’s a variety of apps to enhance the workflow that can be installed. Add a couple accessories like the Bellemond Screen protector and a drawing glove for an amazing drawing experience.

Software for Digital Illustration

A subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud provides access to a variety of art and design software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fresco which can help take an illustrator’s work to the next level. There’s also a less expensive subscription to Photoshop which can be used for digital painting and drawing.

Art Books for Illustrators

Here’s a few foundational art books good for any artist’s reference library. The Complete Book of Drawing and Drawing dimension: Shading techniques goes over the basics. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is a classic.

Inspirational Gifts for Artists

Inspirational art books like, for example “The Art of Pixar” or “Studio Ghibli: The Complete Works” can provide motivation and inspiration for an illustrator’s own work.

These gift ideas for artists should provide a starting point, remember to consider the individual illustrator’s preferences, style, and specific needs and tailor them accordingly to suit the recipient’s tastes and interests when choosing a gift. Not only will it make your favorite illustrator’s day, but they’ll also be inspired to create even more amazing work. Happy shopping!

Gift Guide for Illustrators