When you first start drawing, you usually grab the basics: a set of pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, and your favourite sketchpad. But there are a few extra tools that can make a big difference in your drawing technique and results.
1. Sandpaper Block
A sandpaper block is perfect for shaping pencils, charcoal, and pastels that don’t fit into a standard sharpener. It also allows you to create custom tips—flat, angled, or pointed—for different effects. Each block comes with multiple sheets, so you can peel one away when it’s worn out and keep going.
2. Putty Rubber (Kneadable Eraser)
A kneadable eraser gently lifts graphite or charcoal without damaging the paper. Its pliable texture lets you shape it into small points for erasing fine details or use it to lighten areas by lifting pigment instead of fully erasing it.
A kneadable eraser, known by many is the putty rubber, erases well however more gently that a normal eraser. Being pliable and being able to shape into smaller pieces, the putty rubber is good for erasing small areas. It also comes in very handy if you just want to slightly lift off some of the pencil to create a lighter area.
3. Blending Stumps (Tortillions)
Blending stumps help you create smooth gradients and soft shadows with graphite or charcoal. They’re a cleaner alternative to using your fingers, avoiding oil transfer to your paper. Made from compressed paper, they come in different sizes and can be cleaned with fine sandpaper or a kneadable eraser to extend their life.
4. Precision Erasers: Tombow Mono & Eraser Pencil
Both the Tombow Mono pen-style eraser and the eraser pencil offer excellent control for detailed corrections. The Tombow’s slim tip is perfect for tiny highlights and fine lines, while the eraser pencil can be sharpened like a pencil for precise, controlled erasing—think of them as your go-to tools for “drawing with an eraser.”
5. Fixative Spray
Fixative spray is a must for preserving charcoal, graphite, chalk, or pastel drawings. It helps prevent smudging, fading, and flaking, keeping your finished artwork safe.
