Budget-Friendly Art Basics: The Essential Supply List Every Beginner Actually Needs

You don’t need a dreamy sunlit studio, 48 brushes, and 12 kinds of paint to “qualify” as an artist.

You need a pencil, some paper… and permission to start.

If you’ve ever stood in front of an art-supply wall feeling totally overwhelmed (and slightly broke just looking at the prices), this guide is for you. Let’s cut through the noise and build a real beginner art kit that’s affordable, flexible, and actually gets you creating.

Executive Summary (For the “Just Tell Me What to Buy” Crowd)

If you want the essentials and nothing more, here’s your budget-friendly starter list:

• 1–2 sketching pencils (HB and 2B or 4B)
• A simple eraser (kneaded or vinyl)
• Basic sketchbook or mixed media pad (A5 or A4)
• Black fineliner / multiliner pen
• A small set of colored tools (pick one):
  • Colored pencils, or
  • Brush tip markers, or
  • A compact watercolor set with a brush

• Budget-friendly detail brush set
• A slightly better watercolor or marker set
• One “fun” kit to keep you inspired (e.g., a coloring kit, trace-&-color kit, or art set curated for beginners)

Most of this can be found in curated, beginner-friendly collections like:

• Bold & Bright Coloring Kit – an easy, all-in-one color-play kit
• Trace & Color Drawing Kit – for those who “can’t draw” (you absolutely can)
• All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 100 – a generous yet affordable watercolor bundle
• Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle – great if you want portable color without big cost

If that’s all you needed, you can stop here and go shopping. If you want to understand why these are the essentials (and what you can happily skip), let’s dig in.

Introduction: The Myth of the “Perfect” Art Supply Haul

A lot of beginners delay starting art because of one sneaky thought:

“I’ll start once I’ve bought the right supplies.”

Maybe you know the routine: you open an arts-and-crafts site for “just a quick look” and suddenly you’re staring at mega paint sets, glitter pens, acrylic markers, scrapbooking kits, and 30 tabs of reviews. By the time you’ve compared it all, you’re tired… and you still haven’t drawn a single line.

Here’s the truth:
You don’t need everything. You need enough to experiment with the basics—line, value, and color—without sacrificing your entire paycheck.

Think of your first art kit like a starter kitchen. You don’t need a pasta machine and a chef’s blowtorch. You need a pan, a knife, and some heat. The “fancy” gadgets can come later, once you know what you actually love making.

Your art supplies are the same: start lean, then level up with intention.

Why Art Feels So Expensive (And How to Dodge That Trap)

The art-supply world is booming and honestly, a little extra. Stores are packed with:

• Huge watercolor sets with more colors than you have socks
• Specialty markers: acrylic, brush tip, dual-tone, glitter, metallic
• Themed kits for pets, plants, journaling, scrapbooking, and more
• Subscription boxes that show up monthly like tiny creative Christmases

All of this is fun and inspiring—but also overwhelming and pricey if you’re just starting out.

Three big beginner pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Buying too many options
   You grab the giant watercolor set, a marker tower, and a rainbow of pens… then freeze because you have no idea where to start.
   Result: more time sorting and swatching than actually drawing.
2. Buying the wrong quality level
   • Super cheap supplies can be frustrating—streaky markers, scratchy pencils, dull colors.
   • High-end pro brands are gorgeous, but your wallet might weep—and you may not yet know how to use them.
   The sweet spot: budget-friendly, beginner-focused sets that still feel good to use.
3. Buying for a fantasy version of yourself
   “I’m going to become a watercolor landscape artist, do calligraphy invites, and scrapbook every weekend.”
   Then you discover you actually love doodling silly comics with fineliners. Guess which supplies now gather dust?

Your goal: start small, start smart, then upgrade intentionally.

How Curated Beginner Tools Can Actually Make You More Creative

One easy way to avoid decision fatigue is to lean on curated art bundles made for beginners and hobbyists.

In the product lineup from our reference brand (Grabie), there’s a clear pattern:
their kits are themed, accessible, and designed to help you skip the guessing and start making.

A few standouts for budget-conscious beginners:

• Trace & Color Drawing Kit
  • Perfect if you freeze at a blank page.
  • Tracing builds muscle memory for lines and shapes; coloring on top lets you explore value and color choices without worrying whether your sketch is “good enough.”
• Bold & Bright Coloring Kit
  • Ideal if you want to relax and unwind.
  • You get structured pages plus bold colors—great for playing with palettes, blending, and layering in a low-pressure way.
• All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 100
  • Instead of hunting down paints, palettes, brushes, and extras separately, you open one box and everything’s there.
  • For a beginner, that’s often cheaper, simpler, and more cohesive than building a toolkit item by item.
• Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle
  • Think of this as “watercolor to-go.” Toss it in your bag, sketch on the train, in a café, or at the park.
  • Perfect if you want watercolor without rearranging your whole desk or budget.

“Curated” doesn’t mean you’re stuck; it just means your starting line is closer. From there, you can explore and add things that suit your style.

The Essential Supply List Every Beginner Actually Needs

Let’s build your beginner art kit in simple layers, from the most basic to the more colorful.

1. The Core: Dry Drawing Tools

A. Pencils (Non-Negotiable)

You only need two to start:

• HB – your everyday, middle-of-the-road pencil for basic sketching.
• 2B or 4B – a softer, darker pencil that’s great for shading and expressive, deeper lines.

Think of HB as your ballpoint pen and 2B/4B as your brush pen—same family, different energy.

Why these matter:
Pencils are your training ground. They teach you proportion, perspective, and shading without the added stress of color. It’s like learning the melody before adding harmonies.

B. Eraser

Pick one:

• Kneaded eraser – feels like putty; you can pinch it into tiny points for highlights or dab it gently to lighten areas.
• Vinyl eraser – firm and clean, great for erasing full lines without shredding your paper.

Try to avoid those rock-hard school erasers that rip up your page and leave sad crumbs everywhere.

C. Sketchbook or Drawing Paper

Look for:

• Size: A5 or A4 (roughly “small notebook” to “printer paper” size)
• Type: Drawing or mixed media paper (so it can handle pencil, pen, and maybe a little light wash)

You don’t need imported, artisanal paper with a poetic name. What you want is a sketchbook you’re not afraid to “ruin.” If it feels too precious, you’ll hesitate to use it.

2. Line Confidence: Pens and Fineliners

There’s a moment every beginner has: the first time they ink over a pencil sketch and it suddenly looks finished. That’s the magic of pens and fineliners.

Using ink helps you:

• Commit to your lines (no endless erasing)
• Practice clean contours and shapes
• Create bold, striking drawings even without shading

Start with:

• 1 black fineliner or multiliner (waterproof is a bonus if you want to add watercolor later)

If you like having options, a small waterproof multiliner drawing pen set with different tip sizes (thin, medium, thick) lets you play with line weight and depth without splurging on fancy pro brands.

3. A Simple Way to Add Color

Now for the fun part: color. You only need one main color medium to start. Choose based on your personality, patience level, and how much mess you’re okay with.

Option A: Colored Pencils (Control & Clean-Up Friendly)

Best for:
People who like detail, control, and low mess. Great if you work at a small desk or share a space.

Pros:

• Easy to layer and blend gradually
• Super portable—toss a handful in your bag with a sketchbook
• You can get a solid starter set without spending a fortune

Cons:

• Filling large areas smoothly takes a bit of time and persistence

Aim for a mid-range set (not the cheapest kid’s pack) so your colors are vibrant and the pencils feel smooth, not scratchy.

Option B: Markers (Instant Color, Zero Fuss)

Best for:
People who love bold color, graphic styles, journaling, or quick sketches.

Common types you’ll see:

• Brush tip markers – flexible tips that can go from thin lines to thick strokes, almost like a paintbrush.
• Acrylic paint markers – opaque, bright, and able to draw on paper, metal, wood, and more.
• Dual tone / dual tip markers – more variety in effects and line widths without doubling your pen count.

From our reference lineup:

• Dual Tone Brush Tip Acrylic Paint Marker Set of 36 – great for punchy, opaque color on lots of surfaces. Think sign-making, rock painting, journals, and bold illustrations.
• Jumbo or Capped Iridescent Glitter Gel Pen Sets – sparkly, fun, and perfect for accents, but consider them a “treat” item rather than a starter essential.

On a tight budget? Start with a small but decent marker set instead of the giant tower. You can do a surprising amount with just 8–12 well-chosen colors.

Option C: Watercolors (Soft, Versatile, and Surprisingly Affordable)

Best for:
People who love soft, dreamy color and don’t mind a little water on the table.

You’ll need:

• A compact watercolor set (solid pans are the easiest for beginners—just add water)
• 1–2 brushes (a medium round brush and a smaller detail brush will take you far)
• Slightly thicker paper (mixed media or watercolor paper so it doesn’t wrinkle too much)

Some beginner-friendly sets from the reference:

• All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 100
• Watercolor Set of 168 with Coloring Book
• Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle

These often bundle paints, tools, and sometimes practice pages into one tidy package, which is usually more budget-friendly than piecing everything together one by one.

Not sure whether you’re more of a marker or watercolor person? Try this:

• Love bold, clean, “poster-style” color blocks? → Start with markers.
• Love soft blends, watery gradients, and gentle transitions? → Start with watercolor.

4. Brushes (Only If You’re Doing Paint or Watercolor)

If you’re going down the watercolor or paint route, you do not need a jar full of brushes to begin.

Start with just 2–4:

• 1 medium round brush (your everyday workhorse)
• 1 small round or liner brush (for details and fine lines)
• Optional: 1 flat brush (for broad washes or backgrounds)

Budget-friendly sets like an 11 Pcs Miniature Detail Paint Brush Set can be surprisingly good. What matters most: the brush should spring back to shape and hold a nice point, not shed hairs like an old cat.

5. The “Inspiration Boosters” (Optional But Powerful)

These aren’t strictly necessary to learn drawing, but they are fantastic for keeping you inspired—especially on days when your creativity is hiding under the couch.

From the product context, think:

• Bold & Bright Coloring Kit – predesigned pages plus vibrant colors, perfect for relaxing and exploring color without designing from scratch.
• Trace & Color Drawing Kit – amazing if you’re nervous about freehand drawing. You trace, you color, and you quietly train your hands and eyes.
• Themed activity books (plants, pets, seasonal pages, scrapbooks) – a built-in answer to “What should I draw today?”
• Subscription club boxes – quarterly art or scrapbook kits that drop new themes and materials in your lap so you never get bored.

If you can afford one “treat” item in your budget, pick something in this inspiration category. It massively increases the odds you’ll actually use your supplies regularly.

How to Build Your First Kit on a Budget (Sample Combos)

Here are three sample kits you can tweak depending on what you already have and what you’re excited about.

1. The Under-$40 Sketch & Color Starter

Perfect if you’re curious but not ready to commit your soul (and savings) to art yet.

You’ll need:

• HB + 2B pencil
• Kneaded or vinyl eraser
• Basic sketchbook (mixed media if possible)
• 1 black fineliner
• A small set of colored pencils or a mini watercolor pocket set

Focus:
Learning to draw simple shapes, faces, everyday objects—and then adding just a touch of color.

2. The “I Want Color Therapy” Kit

This one’s for you if your main goal is relaxation, not mastering anatomy.

You’ll need:

• A simple sketchbook or pad
• 1 everyday pen or fineliner
• Bold & Bright Coloring Kit or a similar curated coloring set
• Optional: a few glitter or gel pens for sparkle and details

Focus:
Coloring, doodling, and stress relief. No pressure to create “gallery-worthy” pieces—this is art as self-care.

3. The “I Think I’m Hooked” All-Rounder

You’ve dipped a toe in and… yeah, you’re obsessed. You’re ready to give art a real spot in your week.

You’ll need:

• HB + 4B pencil
• Kneaded eraser
• A sturdy mixed media sketchbook
• Waterproof multiliner drawing pen set (a few different tip sizes)
• All-In-One Premium Watercolor Set of 100 or Watercolor Pocket Set – 5 Themes Value Bundle
• 2–3 brushes (if your set doesn’t already include them)

Focus:
Solid drawing fundamentals (pencil), expressive color (watercolor or markers), and confident line work (pens). This combo lets you explore sketching, illustration, journaling, and simple paintings without needing an entire art closet.

Actionable Tips: How to Get the Most Out of a Small Supply List

Having the right tools is only half the story. The rest is how you use them.

1. Limit Yourself on Purpose

Try a 30-day challenge:

“For the next month, I’m only using these 5–7 tools.”

It might sound restrictive, but it does a few powerful things:

• You learn what each tool is truly capable of
• You avoid constantly chasing the next shiny supply
• Your style starts looking more consistent, simply because your tools are

2. Practice, Don’t Just Collect

New supplies are addictive. But every time you bring home a new set:

• Swatch every color on a page and label them
• Create one small piece using those tools that same week
• Keep your swatch page at the front or back of your sketchbook so you can quickly see what each color looks like on paper

This turns “I bought a thing” into “I used a thing,” which is where the magic actually happens.

3. Reuse and Repurpose

Art doesn’t have to be wasteful or expensive:

• Use scrap paper for warm-ups, color tests, and brush checks.
• Old cardboard is perfect for testing markers or acrylic paint markers.
• Keep your “failed” sketches—date them and tuck them away. A few months from now, they’ll be your proof of how much you’ve improved.

4. Copy to Learn (Legally & Ethically)

You’re allowed to copy to learn. In fact, it’s one of the fastest ways to grow.

Use:

• Tracing kits
• Coloring books
• Plant / pet drawing guides
• Online step-by-step tutorials

Just remember: copying is for practice, not for selling or claiming as your original idea. Treat it like training wheels—super helpful while you’re building confidence and control.

5. Upgrade Only When Your Tools Hold You Back

Before you hit “add to cart” on something shiny, ask yourself:

1. Am I using what I already own at least once a week?
2. Am I bumping into a real limitation?
   • (e.g., “my paper buckles with even a little watercolor,” “my brush won’t hold a fine point,” “these markers streak no matter what I do”)
3. Do I know exactly why I want this new item and what I’ll try with it first?

If you can say yes, go ahead and upgrade—but just one category at a time. That’s when fuller watercolor collections, nicer pens, or higher-quality paper actually make sense and feel worth it.

Conclusion: You Don’t Need Permission—Just a Pencil and a Plan

You don’t need a studio. You don’t need 168 colors lined up like a rainbow army.

You need:

• A few dependable tools
• A surface to draw on
• And a willingness to make imperfect, messy, beautifully human art

Start with a lean kit: pencils, paper, a pen, and one color medium. If you like the idea of skipping the guesswork, try beginner-focused options like trace-and-color kits, compact watercolor bundles, or all-in-one coloring kits—they’re designed to lower the barrier between “I want to make art” and “I’m actually making it.”

Your Next Step

1. Pick your starter combo from this list (pencil + paper + one color medium). No overthinking—choose what sounds fun.
2. Set a tiny challenge: 10–15 minutes of drawing or coloring, three times this week. That’s it.
3. Optional but motivating: treat yourself to one curated kit or set that genuinely excites you and save it for your “reward” sessions.

The most budget-friendly art decision isn’t hunting down the rock-bottom price.
It’s choosing tools you’ll actually use—and then using them, again and again.

Start small. Start now. That first mark on the page is the beginning of your art journey, and you are absolutely allowed to take it.