My Favourite Art Supplies - Updated 2022!

It's time to update you on what my absolute favourite art supplies are! It's been a few years since the last one, let's see which items are still my go to, and what new supplies have become my favourite.
** Supplies I used **
+ Jackson’s 28 wells palette Jackson's: bit.ly/33mD3Ss
+ Blackwing 602 pencil Amazon US: amzn.to/3m2S69v
+ Mitsubishi Hi Uni 10B, 6B and 3B Amazon US: amzn.to/3NKnaqr
+ Sakura Pigma Microns 02 in black
Jackson's: bit.ly/3tctu23
Amazon US: amzn.to/3PVLLKI
+ Tombow Fudenosuke soft
Jackson's: bit.ly/3m2oxoB
Amazon US: amzn.to/3M8E7d1
+ Any brand 0.3mm mechanical pencil with HB lead
Jackson's: bit.ly/3NNFwXz
Amazon US: amzn.to/3GF9kmR
+ Faber-Castell Dust Free Eraser
Jackson's: bit.ly/3x35wHE
Amazon US: amzn.to/3Nc26Jy
+ Pentel Hybrid Gel Grip in white (K118-LW)
Jackson's: bit.ly/3sIWuO5
Amazon US: amzn.to/3NDvF6G
+ ProArte Prolene Plus Round series
Jackson's: bit.ly/3NchPbI
Amazon US: amzn.to/3x5Qa6r
+ Princeton Heritage 4050R series
Amazon US: amzn.to/3NLQwVl
+ ProArte Connnoiseur series
Jackson's: bit.ly/3m0sDNZ
+ Uni Prockey Marker
+ Golden Tube Opener
Jackson's: bit.ly/3PUgBn1
Amazon US: amzn.to/3aseB57
+ Cotton gloves
Jackson's: bit.ly/3NDvVTc
Amazon US: amzn.to/3m5c6IO
+ Asmix Pencil Sharpener ‘Dessen-Make’
Sekaido: bit.ly/3PTqm4Z
+ Leuchtturm Sketchbook A5
Amazon US: amzn.to/3N6NVFK
+ 3mm Masking tape
Amazon US: amzn.to/3NLMaxE
+ Ezara ceramic mixing plates (I use 8.5cm and 10.5cm diameter)
Sekaido: bit.ly/3Nf6eIY
+ Tube squeezer (no idea what brand)
Jackson's: bit.ly/3aekL8Q
Amazon US: amzn.to/3NS8CoV
+ Ikea STOPP under rug anti-slip matt
Ikea US: bit.ly/3z961Te
+ Pippet
Jackson's: amzn.to/38UOm7i
+ Holbein Hard Palette Knife No. 13
Amazon US: amzn.to/3x4E6Cn
+ Hair dresser’s fine mist spray (no idea what brand)
** Please support this channel **
Patreon / otokano
Blick Affiliate: bit.ly/3sxPamL
Amazon US Affiliate: amzn.to/37FQYC9
Jackson's Affiliate: bit.ly/3bzFgd5
This video was edited by the amazing @Eve Bolt - Art & Cats / eveboltboltsvault
She’s a wonderful editor and is open to working with other channels.
** Let’s connect **
+ Twitter: / otokano_art
+ Instagram: / otokano_art
+ Facebook: / otokano
** My PO Box **
Oto Kano
PO Box 24120
Edinburgh
EH7 9FB
United Kingdom
Jackson’s and Amazon links are affiliate links in which a small percentage of the sale supports this channel without costing you any extra at all. Thank you so much for supporting this channel grow!

[@awatercolourist]

8:14 that painting is quite something! I find inspiring and makes me want to paint.

[@ms.rocketscience4924]

So many great products here! The white gloves with the fingers cut out is a great hack for writing/ journaling with fountain pens to keep residue from your hands from absorbing into fountain pen paper. Seems like it would be easier than constantly adjusting blotting paper. Also, the Asmix sharpener is available on Amazon US for about $14 USD. Thanks for sharing- you always have great, practical ideas😘

[@valasafantastic1055]

I do need the tube opener and tube squeezer for sure! I've been using pliers to open tubes and its very good too!

[@kimesch9698]

I use porcelain sushi side-dish bowls that I got on Amazon for mixing quantities of watercolor. I have soy sauce ones and a bit larger ones (3”) with cute cat illustrations in the bottom. They work great and bring a smile to my face. Didn’t know you could buy ones specifically for watercolor.

[@shadowguard3578]

I’ve read comments that charity shops are a good option for bargain ceramic plates and bowls.

[@carlaharnack]

The funny thing is, the ones made for art use tend to be more expensive than the soy sauce ones 😂. Right now on Amazon US you can get 50 of the little bowls for about $35.

[@millygit]

I always pick them up in charity shops, have a huge collection of them😊

[@hiddenshadow2105]

They are probably not specifically for watercolours, in sense that they don't have any special treatment of porcelain or anything like that. They are most likely just same bowls but upsold because 'for arts'.

[@GingahSnapsArt]

Oto, you're my favorite. You know you're my favorite, right? I think many shops use the term "tube wringer" rather than "squeezer" but I agree - totally worth it!! And to anyone curious, I STRONGLY recommend spend the extra couple dollars to get the metal one, instead of the plastic one. Because occasionally it will have enough pressure put on it to crack the plastic!

[@OtoKano]

I second this. I'm glad that mine is a metal one!

[@susantoper6514]

I love this video. I've a suggestion for you try Rosemary & Co red dot brushes, or any of Rosemary and Co brushes. They are wonderful. They are handmade in UK and I'm sure you'll find an excellent alternative to the Princeton brush in their range. They are an online shop based in Yorkshire. Everything comes well packaged too.

[@OtoKano]

Thanks for the tip! Love finding out about great UK based brands!

[@squadiodatamj5998]

Another salute to you, Dr.OK. This bag of goodies was full of bits and bobs just for me. Some things I have/do already and I found the precious bits of info (pencils and sharpener) I'd been missing. My time with you is always very special.

[@doreenaitken5308]

excellent! i definitely agree with many of your favorites. The golden tube opener i need. People use pliers. lol the sharpener i really like to get. This inspired me to create a holiday bag. My favorite silver black velvet brushes. i have many Princeton brushes and really like them all for a good quality synthetic. I like your written ideas on your palette and how you organize it. going to try❤thank you

[@watrgrl2]

Years ago I found a great tube squeezer that is easy on my arthritic hands. It’s a large sturdy, well made, plastic model with comfortable large rounded hand holds and a good sized turning knob. I don’t remember the brand but they are wonderful for keeping your tube paints at the business end of the tube and then the last bit out of said tube. I live in the Pacific Northwest of the US so most of my art supplies are local to Oregon and Washington.

[@lindyashford7744]

Will definitely try the Blackwing pencil and the cotton glove hack. I am one of the old fashioned artists who sharpens with a knife, but really you should not describe yourself as not being a proper artist! You absolutely are! I will also look out for the brush pen you write with, I love those little tips so satisfying to use, makes even my clumsy writing look a lot better. Nice useful video. Thanks.

[@suzannemeeker2698]

Thank you ! I will share your suggestions with my students. I have learned tons from all your videos

[@sophiemurray6215]

Tim holtz does great fine spray bottles. Great ideas. Love the weaponised pencil sharpener. 😊

[@ChericeByler]

Great video! The tube opener and cotton gloves are now on my AMAZON wishlist. Thanks!

[@OtoKano]

I hope you find them useful!

[@MissDaisyParsley]

I have added a few things to my Christmas wish list! I definitely need the tube squeezer, opener and that pencil sharpener! Plus a few other items. Thanks for sharing!

[@OtoKano]

woooo what else did you add?

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow that’s a great list of extras to have on hand with your art supplies. I really appreciate you sharing this with us. I need to get the tube squeezer for sure. ❤.

[@OtoKano]

You're so welcome. Thank you for watching it!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

@@OtoKano You’re welcome 😉!

[@shirleyf21916]

the tube opener is genius!! i can't wait to get one!! and definitely a tube squeezer (or toothpaste squeezer) i fins it does the same thing :)

[@OtoKano]

They are such hand savers!

[@grannieannie1371]

Instead a pipette I use a dropper bottle that has a needle nose tip. I think it was something to do with inks. It probably only hols thirty mls but it is so useful for rewetting paints or adjusting the water pigment mixture drop by drop. I love it.

[@gosiaplummer4794]

Mitsubishi uni pencils are my fave!!!!! And I love their 2 mm leads and lead holders!

[@OtoKano]

Wooo I might have to try the lead holders!

[@SorrensSorrow]

I get small ceramic dishes at Daiso. Love them

[@reneecailloux2573]

Thanks for all your tips and especially the tube opener. Sennelier and I have a love-hate relationship because of the cap 🙂

[@amandasymon4363]

I am a new subscriber - Love love love your video - thank you 👊

[@Cryptichroma]

I buy small sauce dipping bowls from the grocery store when they go down to $2 😅. I can see the Long Point pencil sharpener on Amazon Australia as an import for $35aud so that's on my wishlist but they (Amazon AU) seem to have a lot of options - I've never searched for "long point pencil sharpener" before so it's just knowing the right words to use, I guess. I love that eraser (rubber) as well but had not seen the white one as mine are black. I think I'd prefer the white as sometimes it leaves grey smudges on watercolour and tracing paper.

[@alexalemon7821]

Yeah sketchbook is for the fun, the ide a you just need to get down and just play

[@eileencollins5904]

The tube opener is my first "must have"!!!!!!

[@OtoKano]

aren't they amazing???

[@verditerthistle]

great recommendations!! the tube gripper thing is gonna be a lifesaver my hands cannot open anything lol. and the 602 black wing pencil really is amazing!! if anyone is looking for a tiny eraser, tombow makes a pencil eraser called zero and it’s perfect for small details and cleaning up sketches. plus it fits really easily into any pencil case!

[@OtoKano]

random question but are your fingers double jointed?

[@verditerthistle]

@@OtoKano yes!! how did you know lmao :P specifically because I have ehlers danlos hypermobility so everything is very loose and wiggly. it’s a pain but im always happy to come across accessible tools like that tube opener!!

[@OtoKano]

@@verditerthistle Because I have exactly the same!! 😂 Can't grip anything to save my LIFE. I definitely recommend the tube gripper for you. It's a life saver.

[@The-Secret-Dragon]

Just so you know Oto, you can get 3mm masking tape from Hobbycraft too! Bit easier to get hold of for us UK artists :D

[@OtoKano]

wooooo thank you for the heads up, that is indeed much easier!

[@s.maskell7134]

I like using the Sakura Micron PN in brown if I'm doing a line and wash

[@OtoKano]

wooooo I've not really tried the colored ones, maybe I will!

[@barhut2211]

Great video. Would you have a source for paint tube cap replacements? I’ve had a couple that cracked and I’m afraid the paint will dry out?

[@danielleb.7055]

Ty for all of your updated list. I personally hate drawing I'm terrible at it and it drives me nuts and it definitely shows in my "art" work lol but no seriously it does. Personally for erasers I use the white plastic ones and they're amazing and like you I kind of figured that all erasers were pretty equal but uh heck no. The white plastic ones are the absolute best and it seems consistent between brands. Foe brushes I like the mimic squirrel imitation brushes. I have the set and it was $30 for the set and I think there's 5 or something like that and have 2 big brushes but anyway thanks for your opinions on great supplies. Have a great day oh the gloves are an awesome idea. I see so many people constantly touch their paper and bristles with their hands and I want to cry ( not really I'm being over dramatic but still).

[@OtoKano]

lmao I totally get you about wanting to cry when you see people just touch and rub their paper!

[@deborahruth5072]

I bought quite a few of your recommendations. Thank you, I think. 😄

[@OtoKano]

Awww yay! What did you get?

[@deborahruth5072]

@@OtoKano Golden Artist Colors, GRIPR Tube Opener, Tool for Paint Cap Removal Metal Toothpaste Tube Squeezer Paint Tube Wringer for Artist Pentel K118LW Hybrid Rollerball Pen White PALOMINO BLACKWING 3Pencils Set(Original, 602, Pearl 1each) and Faber-Castell LARGE Pencil Eraser Dust Free Clean and Extra Soft Erasing for ART I was do for some new art supplies and so this video was perfect and gave me direction to get out of my rut and try some new things. Thank you.

[@OtoKano]

@@deborahruth5072 That's a great shopping! I hope you enjoy them!

[@purinpat]

I really like the mono non-dust from Japan. I think they were the first dust free eraser.

[@greekveteran2715]

Tombow Mono plastic is the best eraser you can find for artists! Kukuyo and Sakura are similar in terms of performance and quality! Faber Castell comes after those brands, and it's still ok for artists, because it's just a little bit behind, the Japanese ones that I mentioned! As for kneaded erasers, that's where I love the German ones! Lyra No1 option and Faber Castell as No2.

[@marilynromans2546]

Looked for Blackwing 602 pencil on Amazon and Jackson's Art. Both sources have several different types of 602. Can you tell me specifically what it says on yours? So many choices of everything these days! What you have sounds like a perfect pencil. Any help would be very much appreciated as I do enjoy drawing. Thanks in advance.

[@awatercolourist]

I am pretty sure you will find something like the Asmix sharpener on Amazon. I remember seeing them on either the UK or US Amazon. They produce very thin, long and sharp tips.

[@eBookHoarder]

AFMAT

[@awatercolourist]

@@eBookHoarder Thanks!

[@o0mew0o]

I'm finally going back to Japan this month!! Definitely getting the sharpener!! What else do you suggest I get from Sekaido?

[@OtoKano]

yaaaaassss! Me too! It's very hard to just list a few things to get from Sekaido. I suggest just enjoying your time there and buy what takes your fancy!

[@hiddenshadow2105]

That grippy thing sure should come handy. I use pliers and paper towels to open stuck-up tubes because otherwise after about 4th tube the skin starts to slough away from my fingers. (Van Gogh is the worst in this respect, with soft plastic caps but big 'gears' making the grip simultaneously very difficult to maintain due to softness and very painful to do due to big 'gears') The problem with pliers is that they sometimes destroy the soft plastic of the caps (such in Van Gogh tubes), making them even more different to reopen later, so I am very much looking forward something that is more useable.

[@OtoKano]

agh! I so relate to that nightmare!

[@hiddenshadow2105]

​@@OtoKano Hope with that grippy thing less people will experience the pain we went through.

[@hannahthufvesson]

Thank you for sharing your favourites! It's always so helpful when other artists share their gems since there's usually always (at least!) a couple that I've never thought about and that would solve something for me. ☺️ If you don't mind I also have a question about a thing not on your list - the gold paint that you used in the sketchbook! Would you mind sharing which one it is? It looked _great_ ☺️

[@OtoKano]

Gold paint in my sketchbook? *tries to think if I have used gold paint.....*

[@hannahthufvesson]

@@OtoKano Haha, yes! In the Leuchturm sketchbook with your patreon painting ideas! ☺️

[@OtoKano]

@@hannahthufvesson is it the gold leaf? (sorry I'm in Japan atm so I don't have the sketchbook with me.) If not, could you maybe send me a time stamp from the video?

[@hannahthufvesson]

@@OtoKano Oh! It's gold leaf! Well, that explains why it's so shiny and beautiful then, haha! I thought it looked like brush strokes! 😅 (And of course, it's at 16:28.) That's awesome! I'm so happy for you that you're in Japan!! I hope you're having the _best_ time and wish you much enjoyment in the art supply treasure hunt I'd wager you are in the middle of right now! 😄

[@OtoKano]

@@hannahthufvesson yes! It's fake gold leaf though, so very cheap.

[@scoiataeli]

I would like to have that sharpener, please 😍

[@VitasArtworks]

thanks for sharing ^_^ i also don't like the trend of having one finale amazing pieces in a sketchbook. for me its for experimenting and testing :)

[@phillipstroll7385]

Walmart sells a 20mm sharpenter for 3 usd. If that helps you tell your Viewers.

[@cathystockton2721]

Is the gel pen archival?

[@purinpat]

May I ask what gold paint you used for your August painting? Or did you use gold leaf? Thank you.

[@OtoKano]

It’s imitation gold leaf (much cheaper) from Jackson’s.

[@purinpat]

@@OtoKano thank you so much for replying so quickly. I would love to try it too. Your pieces look beautiful. Maybe you should do a video in gold leaf too (if you haven’t already). I would love to know if there are things to look for when buying gold leaves and also how much of a difference between real and imitation ones as well as recommended brands :).

[@phillipstroll7385]

Again, Walmart has tube sqeezers for cents.

[@awatercolourist]

First!

[@OtoKano]

yay, it's great to have you back on first! Was starting to get worried!

[@awatercolourist]

@@OtoKano aaah! Thanks! It’s a bit strange though: everyone seems to be uploading when I’m asleep or in the shower. So inconsiderate 😂