My Favorite Supplies

This is a list of the supplies I use in my creative practice. Some of them are new discoveries, others are long-standing favorites. I hope that these serve as a guide if you’re looking for new supply recommendations. If you are just starting out with watercolors and are looking for a bit more guidance, you might find my FREE beginner’s guide to supplies helpful

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

When it comes to watercolors, I've come to realize that paper is, as many say, the most important supply. I've found it's especially important if you want or aspire to work more wet - with more water.

There are so many amazing paint brands out there and I've been lucky enough to have a chance to sample many of them through swaps with friends.

Below are a few of the well-known brands that I like using. My palette contains a mix of them - with a majority of them being Daniel Smith.

*I should mention that even though I don't have them in my current palette, there are many handmade watercolor paint makers making high quality beautiful paint as well!

BRUSHES

Brushes are such a personal thing - two people can use same brush and have totally different outcomes and experiences with it.

I don't know if I'll ever be done testing and switching around the watercolor brushes I like, but below are a few brands that I have and enjoy using currently.

PALETTES

I'm not one that likes to have too many palettes to manage so I tend to stick with just one that I am actively using. Currently, it’s this Medeen 18-well ceramic palette. But I started with folding plastic palettes and used them for a long time. Below I listed a great one that I still keep around. I also listed travel palette that I have as well.

PENS + PENCILS

I don't believe that 'fancy' pencils or pens are necessary for use with watercolors, but if you enjoy using graphite and/or combining ink lines with your watercolors, then check out my favorites below.

DIGITAL DESIGN TOOLS

I often use digital design tools in my creative practice and small business. Below are a few of my most-used software programs and apps.