What medium do I use for my Art???

A few people have asked me what medium I use or what type of tools I use to create my artwork. So here's the insider!

For most of my art I end up using three different mediums; pencil, ink, and color-whether it be paint, markers or colored pencils.

But I always do a sketch so I know what i'm drawing and how I want it to look like. For sketching you don't need any special pencil- just a regular number 2 pencil- how easy is that?!

And after the sketching sometimes (okay most times) I like to out line my sketch with a black pen. This took experience, due to the fact that you have to watch out which pens you use. Some inks don't mix well with water color or markers- but if your using colored pencils, any pens should be fine. But if you're not, you will get a big muddy mess! Yikes!

The pens I use are called Copic inking pens. These work really well when it comes to using markers or any water based media. You can get them at any Hobby Lobby or Michael's craft store. This pack I got is around $15. It has 4 different size nibs which makes it easy if you want your out line thick or thin. (after I outline in pen I take an eraser and erase all the pencil sketching so that it wont mix in with my colors.)


Now lately I've been using Copic Sketch markers. Which are really really expensive markers not everyone can afford- I was lucky enough to get a hold of them. They are two sided alcohol based markers with a fine tip nib and a super brush. They come in over 300 colors. What makes these markers different from regular markers you'd get at Walmart, is that they are blending markers, meaning that you can work with them and blend the colors together. The way I think of them is that they are like watercolor paint inside a marker. I highly recommend these markers only if you have the money. The only problem is since they are blending markers, your going to have to get a whole set in order for it to work (different shades of colors plus the colorless blender marker for it to blend well.)

Since not everyone can get a hold of Copic Sketch markers I suggest you start off small and work your way up. I started off with water color paint and then acrylic paint. I believe these are the most fun to work with. Not only are they the cheapest but they are the easiest to create  new colors with. Markers can't create a new color by mixing colors together. Now when your using acrylic, you don't need to go over your sketch with ink due to the fact the paint is too thick for you to be able to see what's underneath it. (when using watercolor it's okay to outline with ink.)

Another easy and cheap medium is colored pencils! I absolutely love them! You can take them anywhere with you. I only have one little problem with colored pencils. When using them, you can never make your artwork a bold color.  It always looks like it has a washed out effect- but some people have different opinions so go with whatever pleases you. :-)

I don't advice using crayons... I know that's what you were trained to use in kindergarten but let's just face it... Crayola crayons... they aren't that pretty on paper... speaking of paper... when using these mediums there are certain types of paper you have to use. So make sure you use the right ones!

Well that's it! Happy drawing! ;-)




Here's a list of the media I used for the artwork I have for sale;

*Little Red Riding Hood - #2 pencil, copic inking pens, copic sketch markers, black colored pencils

*Under the Sea - #2 pencil, copic inking pens, copic sketch markers, glitter gel pens(from Walmart)

*Standing Still - #2 pencil, 8B pencil, 6B pencil

*Serenity - #2 pencil, copic inking pens, copic sketch markers, glitter gel pens

*Misty Forest - acrylic and water color paint


If you have any questions please post in the comments! Thank you!