The Ultimate Watercolor & Surface Pattern Design Supply List

As a watercolor artist and surface pattern designer, my creative process is a blend of traditional painting and modern digital tools. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless brushes, papers, paints, and gadgets and I’ve narrowed it down to the ones that truly make a difference in my work.

One of the most common questions I’m asked by fellow artists is, “What supplies do you actually use?” The answer is a carefully curated mix of tools that feel great in my hands, help me create my best work, and make the creative process more enjoyable. Whether I’m painting delicate florals in my studio, sketching on the go, or digitizing patterns for licensing, these essentials allow me to create with confidence, efficiency, and joy.

Today, I’m sharing my absolute favorites - from tried and true painting tools to little extras that spark inspiration - so you can skip the guesswork and build a toolkit that works beautifully for you.

Best Watercolor Painting Essentials for Artists
These are the tools I reach for every single time I paint.

Princeton Round + Filbert Brushes (sizes 4, 8, 12) – Versatile, soft, and perfect for everything from fine details to broad washes.

Strathmore Cold Press Watercolor Paper – My go-to for texture, durability, and how beautifully it takes watercolor.

Windsor & Newton Watercolor + Gouache Paints – Rich pigments that blend like a dream.

Paint Palette/Dish – Ceramic for mixing at home, a tin palette for travel.

Water Cup & Cloth for Blotting – Simple, but essential for controlling water and pigment flow.

Top Sketching and Inking Tools for Illustrators
I always start with a good foundation before painting or taking a design digital.

Tombow 2B Sketching Pencil – Smooth and easy to erase, without scratching the paper.

Mono Erasers – Precision erasing for even the tiniest details.

Micron Pens (005, 03, 01) – Archival, waterproof, and perfect for linework.

Tombow Fudenoske Brush Pen – For adding expressive strokes or lettering.

Uniball Signo Pens (White + Gold) – My secret weapons for highlights and metallic accents.

Must-Have Portable Art Supplies for Creating on the Go
Because creativity doesn’t always happen at a desk.

Canvas Tote – Holds sketchbooks, brushes, and inspiration on the go.

Tin Paint Palette – Compact and travel-ready.

Clear Ruler – For pattern illustration and scale refence.

Digital Tools for Surface Pattern Designers
Where watercolor meets surface pattern design magic.

Wacom Tablet + Pen – For digitizing and refining artwork.

Adobe Creative Suite – Especially Photoshop and Illustrator for pattern building and edits.

Content Creation for Artists
Because sharing your work is part of the creative journey, connects and attracts opportunity.

Moft Phone Tripod – Compact and perfect for filming process videos.

Edits App – For quick, cohesive photo and video edits.

Inspiration and Styling Extras 
These little touches inspire my process and keep me connected to beauty.

Dried & Live Florals – For reference and styling.

Ribbon & Pretty Trinkets – To add personality to photoshoots.

Books Every Artist and Designer Should Own

I keep these close for a spark of creativity anytime.

Complete Pattern Directory

Florilegium

The Creative Act

Pattern Magazine

Palette Perfect

Best Online Learning Resources for Artists
I believe you’re never done learning as an artist.

Skillshare – For technique deep-dives.

Domestika – For unique classes and global perspectives.

YouTube – Endless free tutorials and inspiration.

While beautiful artwork begins with inspiration, the right tools can make all the difference in bringing your ideas to life. These are the supplies I’ve trusted for years to create pieces I’m proud to license and share.

Whether you’re just starting your creative journey or refining your toolkit, investing in quality materials can transform both your process and your results.

If you’d like to explore many of my favorites in one place you can grab the list here and you may browse my curated collection in my Amazon Shop. To every brushstroke, sketch, and pattern that begins with the right tools, a heart full of inspiration to bring your ideas to life. 

p.s. Want to stay in touch and receive weekly tips and resources like a custom monthly mock ups?  join my Studio Notes here 🫶