What's In My Sketching Kit, Part 2

[@davidmoscati]

With so many new pens in your arsenal, and new products released almost daily, I'd love to see an update on what your kit(s) look like today. I know personally my kits change periodically and definitely look different than they did a year ago.

[@mkompan]

A kit update is in order, though the overall set up is essentially the same. Those Lihit lab cases are super durable and just the right size.

[@davidmoscati]

@@mkompan I agree. The two cases that haven't changed for me have been the Lihit Lab Compact Case and the Lochby Quattro. Though the pens that I use in them have rotated quite a bit.

[@HagothVoyage]

Got my Lihit Lab Smartfit double pen case and love it! Thanks for the heads up.

[@mkompan]

You're welcome! Lihit lab makes great products.

[@crimson35124]

If you haven't tried already, I recommend using a cheap cellulose dishwash sponge instead of paper towels. They will absorb a lot more water, last a lot longer, and once every few months when they start to get clogged, you can just ring them out with some dish detergent a few times and pretty much all of the absorbed watercolor pigment will come off.

[@mkompan]

Thank for the tip. It would be great to find a re-usable alternative to the paper towels, and I'll give it a try.

[@LorraineTapper]

Thanks for the tip!

[@GingahSnapsArt]

Ooohh lots of good choices here

[@sharonkatz4093]

This video is just terrific, thanks so much Marc. For someone new to pen and ink, I really appreciate having a list of items to start out with, even if I switch some down the road. I bought the Lihit Lab compact pen case (it's superb), 3 TWSBI pens (EF, M, B), an Ahab with refillable cartridges, some 10ml vials, a mechanical pencil, small eraser, 6" graph ruler, brass shim for cleaning the tines, and some Pentel wash brushes. This kit goes everywhere with me! Thank you!

[@mkompan]

Thank you Sharon.There's something so comforting about carrying a well put together sketching kit. Even if I ultimately I don't get to do any drawing, it's good know to know that it's there if I need it.

[@Innieminnie]

Would’ve loved to see you use the kit for a piece. Watch how you would overcome tool limitations with alternative techniques.

[@mkompan]

That’s a good idea for a video! Thanks!

[@melissabridge5687]

I too, use the lihib lab cases. Love them. My son has the BUBM case for his electronics... now I need one. You got me hooked on the TWISB pens. I love using them to sketch. I prefer Noodlers ink as well. I love a black line but don't want it to take over the painting if I'm adding watercolors. I am currently using The Lochby role. I sketch a lot from my car. It is easy to roll out on the other seat or dash.

[@mkompan]

I've been thinking about getting that Lochby roll. It looks like it can hold a lot of stuff, and I like that it rolls out so easily. Tool rolls feel bulky to me, however, so I'm not sure. I used to sketch from my car. In Los Angeles it can be a hassle, however. You find a great view, but there's nowhere to park.

[@shontoo6979]

So many fun ideas! I added my 580 Diamond back into the travel kit after watching. I had forgotten how useful it is.

[@mkompan]

Thanks! I sometimes forget to keep it in my rotation too. It's such a lovely pen.

[@ichirofakename]

More good info, thanks. I use travel as an excuse to drastically reduce my toolkit, to spur creativity. Up to maybe three weeks, my maximum typical trip. One pen, one ink, one pencil, one smallish sketchbook.

[@mkompan]

I like this minimalist approach as well, and sometimes go on excursions with a pencil and a sketchbook. On those very long trips, I start missing my studio, however, and having my large BUBM case with me is comforting.

[@ichirofakename]

@@mkompan I can well imagine.

[@melissabridge5687]

Lithib lab cases rock! I have this one and never thought of using for a wc/ sketch kit. Love Lochby your too. I have the Lochby roll and it is really nice.

[@mkompan]

Lihit lab products are indeed surprising well designed, sturdy and affordable. I’ve been thinking about getting the Lochby roll. Pen rolls as a whole don’t feel like they use space efficiently, but the combo of pockets and roll seems like a very good design.

[@jessicaandersson4313]

You might be able to fit an art toolkit pocket palette in the outer pockets of your minimalist set up if you want to add watercolours.

[@mkompan]

I assume you’re talking about the Lochby case. Those pockets get pretty tight when the case is closed but I think it will fit. I find those miniature palettes difficult to use however. The Lihit lab case fits a nice sized tin, and is about as small as I like to go.

[@melissabridge5687]

The mini palletes I find hard to use too. I love my choices of color.

[@almasaurus]

Can't find De Atramentis white ink anywere in US or MX, where do you get it? Is Dr.Ph.Martins a decent alternative for a fountain pen? Thanks, super cool videos.

[@mkompan]

You're welcome, Alma! I just checked at Gouletpens.com and they have it stock. Ph. Martins white is not designed for fountain pens and will clog them.

[@lauraf.8203]

thank you for your nice video. I like your sketching selection. where can I buy this beautiful watercolour tin?

[@mkompan]

You're welcome! That tin (at least in the U.S.) can be bought either on Amazon or Ebay.

[@pilatusk2]

The watercolour pan looks the same as (Loxley Empty Heavyweight Metal Box) from ken bromley art supplies, price £35.00 about $45

[@mkompan]

There’s a Chinese manufacturer that makes similar boxes to the one in the video. I have a larger box from China and the quality is quite decent.

[@MayaEbrahim]

I have the same lihib lab smart fit case for my watercolour set, used it over 6 months and it still looks brand new. I keep spare leads, platinum carbon black ink cartridges and a small tube of white gauche in the small black pocket. It's so good. Where can you buy the watercolour palette you showed? I have the medeen one which only has the 2 mixing areas and I want more!

[@mkompan]

The smaller watercolor palette is the Whiskey Painters 16 Half-Pan Tin. It's very nice, but quite expensive compared to the ones made by Medeen, because it's made by an Italian manufacturer. The fit and finish of this box is great however, and I think, worth the price.

[@Erginartesia]

PAINT PALETTE: great sized sketching for longer outings. Can you list what the paint box brand is? I agree that it look much better than normal paint boxes. I didn’t see it listed in your supplies list.

[@mkompan]

Ah, I did forget to list it. The palette is the Whiskey Painters 16 pan watercolor tin. I believe this tin is made by the Italian manufacturer Fomme, and outside the United States is sold under a few other brand names.

[@Erginartesia]

Thank you Marc. I really enjoy your videos. I heard you say “Fomme” in the video but wasn’t sure I heard it right and definitely didn’t know how to spell it.

[@larryglatt2548]

I have been using the BUBM case for 3+ years after I saw it in another artists video, he 'stole' from his son the computer repair guy lol. I love it for fitting perfectly in my cross shoulder bag.

[@mkompan]

It is a very nice case. I'm always on the lookout for cases designed for other purposes that can be converted to carry art supplies. For example, I've been looking at cases for diabetics that carry insulin pens, etc. Some are quite well made, and can hold quite a bit of stuff.

[@larryglatt2548]

@@mkompan I have an idea, if I find the right bag for me, to have my wife sew some custom inserts in it and using Velcro to attach it inside. Maybe someone can do that for you. I am going to look at the cross shoulder bags fly fishers use; I had one before I had to stop fly fishing Had not started drawing yet. Stay well.

[@chayakali7326]

Is there a way to make the flat mixing surface not flop down ? So that it stays in horizontal position? Or is the silicone the only way?

[@mkompan]

Other than the silicone pads, I know of no other method.

[@chayakali7326]

@@mkompan okk, thank you

[@susanyoung1600]

That was a pleasure to watch. Your explanations were concise and to the point. And, wow, so many quality tools in one place! Do you prefer the Noodler's Triple Tail or the FPR Super Flex? I only have the latter but I love it.

[@mkompan]

Thank you Susan! The choice between the Tripletail and the FPR is a tough one. The former is the more reliable flexer that almost never railroads or drips. But in the right pen, with the right ink, the FPR is a delight, requiring less pressure and giving more flex than the Tripletail. Flex pens are notoriously drippy, especially during travel, however so I think for a portable kit the Tripletail is better.

[@susanyoung1600]

@@mkompan Thank you so much!

[@richardfuchs5131]

Have you tried white gel pens instead of white ink?

[@mkompan]

I have, but I’ve found they don’t work quite as well as this ink. Plus I enjoy the line quality that fountain pens provide.

[@vani519]

Does the white ink by de Atramentis clog the nib when not used frequently? And is it opaque? This is what I’ve been thinking about for a while now. Have a great day!

[@mkompan]

It does clog if not used frequently. I recommend using in a pen with good flow that’s easy to clean. As for opacity, it’s not bad. Here’s my review of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZjcmHaaeJKqqdE

[@vani519]

Thank you

[@marissaswinghammer3149]

Hi. Could you give me the details on the fude nib regrind as I would love the fude pen with the ink capacity of a twsbi. Thanks in advance!

[@mkompan]

Sure! FPnibs sells TWSBI pens and offers a large variety of grinds, including fude. When you buy the pen, you can select the grind you want from the scroll down menu.

[@marissaswinghammer3149]

@@mkompan thanks I saw that. What about the other extras, are those needed or can I skip them? Thanks for the fast reply.

[@mkompan]

@@marissaswinghammer3149 glad to help. Are you referring to the feed hack, and alterations to the breather hole? No, they’re not needed.

[@katsmith8263]

How do you travel by plane with this ink? Or you don't?

[@mkompan]

The vials I use are under 10ML and are allowed on flights. Also, I usually travel with vacuum filling pens that seal well and leak on planes.

[@moma-b]

Thanks for sharing. It's always a joy to see what others carry in their art-kits. 😂

[@mkompan]

You’re welcome! I love seeing videos like this too. It almost feels like you’re sneaking into an artist’s studio and rummaging through their stuff. :)

[@moma-b]

@@mkompan Ooooh, yes. That's why I'm always so grateful when artists share their little secrets. The magic behind the scenes. 😄

[@Derek.LeStrange]

With your twsbi 580, how does that work when you say you got a nib from the fpr? How do those nibs feel? They are compatible out the box? I have a diamond 580 laying around for years cos i didnt like it all too much cos of the nib and didn't really know you can switch or do other lil projects with it. I'll have to come into contact with support cos of the inner lining of the cap broke.

[@mkompan]

The FPR 5.5 fits into the 5.5 without modification. Here's a video I made on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4W2Zpyjf9ZmhKc Some of my TWSBIs are showing some micro-fractures as well. So far it hasn't effected their performance but it's worrying.

[@robotbrian7195]

What Paper Towels do you use?

[@mkompan]

Blue shop towels made by the brand Scott.

[@robotbrian7195]

@@mkompan Thanks!. . . I've got blue Scott shop towels that are thin and bumpy. Yours look smooth and maybe thicker. I'll look around more.

[@overgrowncaterpillar]

Which do you prefer as a do-it-all pen: The FPR 5.5 on the 580 or the Opus 88 with the Jowo 14k with semi-flex mod?

[@mkompan]

The 580 with the 5.5 is the better choice for sketching. The nib is easier to control, it puts down a drier line that dries more quickly, and it's not so expensive that you'll be afraid to break it or lose it.

[@prettydark]

You sound like Chef John.

[@mkompan]

I am a little sing songy in this video. Some people were complaining that I was speaking too fast, and this is my attempt to slow down and speak clearly.

[@eric_the_egggremlin]

My dad's a machinist, so I can personally attest that those paper shop towels are worth their weight in gold. The amount of metal lubricant and oil those fuckers soak up is unreal. I am not at all surprised that you can rinse 'em out and reuse them in a pinch if you're just using water and ink.

[@mkompan]

They are pretty great. I also use them oil painting and they work better than cloth. It’s funny how some of the best materials for art making aren’t made for that purpose at all.

[@ThingOfSome]

The name "Rotring" is pronounced "roat-ring", "roat" rhyming with "goat".

[@mkompan]

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind for future videos.

[@Garethprice1979]

No, its more roar t :-)

[@ThingOfSome]

@@Garethprice1979 Depending on the regional pronunciation of "roar", yeah. The o-sound in "goat" is more consistent.