TOOLS
UPDATED JUNE 2021
I get asked often what tools and equipment I use to create my art. I work mainly in digital but I also dabble in traditional mediums as well. Below is a list of tools I use and links to where to find them.
BRUSHES & PENS
Kuretake Sumi Brush Pen- Red Barrel
My Go to brush for inking. It flows great and has an awesome point. I use a cartridge converter and use my own ink in it. Highly recommend this brush PEN.
Platinum Converter for Fountain Pen (CONVERTER-500)
A must have for the KURetake sumi brush-pen. You can use this cartridge and fill it with your Favorite ink.
Pentel Pocket Brush
This is a really great pocket brush. You get a nice clean and consistent line with it. The ink goes fast when filling in larger areas so it's best used for line work only.
Pigma Mircon Pens
I rarely use these mechanical pens but they are handy to have around. The #03 size I find is a good one to have on hand. Mainly good for doing any FINE DETAILS.
LINER • Snap! SH Gold Taklon
This has been my go to brush for inking during Inktober 2017. I also use it for ink washes as well. You get a nice fine point with the brush while holding enough ink to fill in larger areas or doing washes.
INK
Zig Cartoonist Highly Opaque Pen Ink, Black
Waterproof after it dries, Matte finish with deep black color is Perfect for COMICS, Very quick drying
FW Ink Scarlet Red
A really nice red ink that turns orange when diluted in water. The nice guys at Creature Box recommended this ink to me.
FW Ink Flame Red
A really nice red ink that turns pink when diluted in water. I like to mix it with the Scarlet red to get some nice effects.
Easyou Porcelain Ceramic Palette Bone China Mixing Tray (Flower Mixing Palette 5.6"/14.5cm)
9 Well Palette, white, smooth surface. Easy to wash.
Round Plastic Paint Tray
I picked up a bunch at my local art store for a buck each. They come in really handy for mixing ink washes and clean up decently with a dry paper towel. However if you are like me and forget to clean it, then make sure to buy a few of them. Also avoid the metal tin ones. The ink is really hard to get off of them.
WHITE OUT - For touch ups
Uni Posca White Pen
We all make mistakes and this is a great pen for doing touch ups and details. The pigment is decent and sometimes you might find it doesn't lay over 100% white but out of all the pens it's the best one out there.
PAPER
Strathmore Vision Watercolor
I really enjoy this paper. It holds water really well and is really smooth. I usually cut down the paper to 8.5 x 11" and use the scraps for tests.
Expression Photo HD XP-15000 Wide-format Printer
This printer is perfect for printing my digital sketches onto my watercolor paper so that I can Traditionally ink and Ink Wash drawings. The wireless feature avoids having to have it cluttering your desk and I can put it anywhere in my house.
LIGHT BOX
Huion Light Box
It's very bright and has a really good battery life. It's thin, light and portable. Great for taking to conventions.
WORKING DIGITAL
WACOM CINTIQ 27 QHD
THIS IS MY MOST USEFUL TOOL. IT’S SADLY NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE BUT IF YOU CAN’T GET A USED ONE THEN YOU CAN LOOK INTO ONE OF THE NEW MODELS. I also have the ergo stand because i like to have the cintiq on a higher angle.
iPAD PRO 12.9”
the ipad pro is a great supplement for the cintiq. Comes in handy if I am away from the office. I use Clip Studio paint to draw in. I still prefer my cintiq but a lot of artists exclusively use the ipad for their art.
SmudgeGuard tablet glove
This is essential for me to work digitally. My hand tends to stick to my screen and this solves all of the issues. Smudgeguard gloves are the best and I highly recommend getting one if you have the problems I have. Actually get 2 because you'll want to have a spare when it needs washing or if you are like me and forget it somewhere around the house or in a random pocket.
Clip Studio PAINT EX
Formally known as Manga Studio. This is hands down my favorite drawing program. It's also really affordable. Look for a sale as they have them monthly. You can get the base program on Sale for $25 and the EX version for $80. The EX version I use to make my comic RuinWorld. They have some great build in features for laying out and displaying all your pages. If you aren't going to be making comics then just get the basic version. Then you can always upgrade if you change your mind. They also have a free trail you can test out.