What to Bring to Your First Art Class: Supplies, Sketchbooks and Storage

Published: 5 November 2026

Category: how-to-guides | cardbuzz

Tags: art supplies, sketchbooks, first art class, art storage, beginners checklist, studio tips

Walking into your first art class is easier when you know what to bring and what to leave at home. Beginners often worry about arriving underprepared, or about buying too much before they understand what they need. A simple, well-chosen kit, plus a plan for carrying and storing it, removes that worry and lets you focus on learning.

This guide covers the essentials for a first class, how to choose a sketchbook, how to pack sensibly, and how to store work and supplies between sessions. Your provider may give a specific list for your course, and that list should take priority, but the principles here will help you prepare for almost any beginner class.

The goal is not to arrive with everything, but to arrive with enough to participate comfortably, and with a system that makes the second class even easier than the first.

Start with the provider's list

Before buying anything, check whether your class provider has sent a materials list. That list is the most reliable guide, because it reflects the medium, the teaching plan and what the studio already provides. If no list has arrived, ask for one, including whether materials are included in the course or to be brought from home.

If the list mentions items you do not recognise, ask what they are for and whether a basic version will do for a first session. Teachers usually expect beginners to arrive with simple supplies and are happy to explain alternatives. Buying a modest version first, and upgrading later once you know your preferences, is a sensible approach.

Also confirm practical details, such as whether water, aprons or protective coverings are provided, whether work is left at the studio or taken home, and whether there is somewhere to store bags during class. These small details affect what you need to carry and how you pack it.

A simple first-class kit

For a drawing or sketching class, a basic kit usually includes pencils of a few softness levels, an eraser, a sharpener, and a sketchbook or loose paper. A pen for line work may also be useful, depending on the teacher's approach. Keeping the kit small makes it easier to carry and to find what you need during class.

For a painting class, the kit expands to include paints, brushes, a palette, water containers and paper or board suitable for the medium. Your teacher may recommend particular brushes or surfaces for beginners, and following that guidance avoids buying unsuitable supplies. A cloth or paper towels for cleaning brushes are also worth packing, as is a bag to protect other belongings from damp materials.

Whatever the medium, pack a little extra of consumables you use quickly, such as paper or pencils, but resist the urge to bring your entire collection. A tidy, manageable kit helps you stay organised during class and shows respect for shared studio space, especially when tables are shared with other students.

Choosing a sketchbook you will actually use

A sketchbook is more than a pad of paper. It is a record of your learning, a place to try ideas, and a habit that supports progress between classes. Choose one that feels pleasant to carry and use, with paper suited to your medium. Drawing and sketching suit smoother paper, while water-based mediums need sturdier paper that can handle dampness without buckling excessively.

Size matters too. A very large sketchbook can feel intimidating and is harder to carry, while a very small one may limit your drawing. A medium size that fits comfortably in your bag and on a studio table is a good starting point for most beginners. You can explore other sizes later, once you know how you like to work.

Consider how you will use the sketchbook beyond class. If you want to sketch outdoors, practise at home, or keep notes alongside drawings, a durable cover and a binding that lies reasonably flat will help. The best sketchbook is not the most expensive one, but the one you reach for regularly, without hesitation.

Packing and carrying your supplies

How you pack matters, especially if you travel by bus, metro or two-wheeler, or walk a distance to the studio. A sturdy bag with separate compartments, or a pouch inside a larger bag, keeps pencils, brushes and paints from shifting and leaking. Wrap brushes to protect their tips, and keep paints and water containers upright and sealed.

For wet work, carry a protective folder, a plastic sleeve or a flat bag for work in progress. Paintings and drawings can smudge or stick if stacked carelessly, so a little protection preserves your effort and keeps other belongings clean. If work is left to dry at the studio, confirm that arrangement with your teacher so you know when to collect it.

Label your supplies, especially in a shared studio where similar items are common. A small label or a distinctive pouch helps avoid mix-ups and makes packing up at the end of class quicker and calmer. Leaving the studio in good order is part of being a considerate class member.

Storing supplies and work at home

At home, a dedicated corner, shelf or box for art supplies makes practice much easier. When supplies are easy to find, you are more likely to sketch or paint between classes, even for a short while. When they are scattered or buried, even a brief practice session can feel like too much effort.

Store paper flat where possible, away from dampness and direct sunlight, and keep finished work in a folder or portfolio rather than loose in a pile. For work in progress, a flat surface or a portfolio sleeve protects it from dust, bending and accidental marks. Dating your work, lightly on the back, creates a useful record of your progress over time.

Brushes and tools deserve care too. Clean brushes after use according to your teacher's guidance, store them with tips protected, and keep paints sealed. Simple habits like these extend the life of your supplies and mean your kit is ready whenever inspiration or homework calls.

Settling in on the day

On the day of your first class, arrive a little early so you can settle in, find your place, and ask the teacher any last questions about materials. Introduce yourself to nearby students if you feel comfortable doing so; a friendly class atmosphere grows from small conversations, and beginners often find encouragement in sharing the same starting point.

During class, do not worry if your kit differs slightly from someone else's. Teachers expect variation among beginners, and part of the first session is learning what works for you. Note what you used, what you wished you had brought, and what you did not need, and adjust your kit for the next session accordingly.

Your first art class is a beginning, not a test of preparation. With a simple kit, a sketchbook you enjoy, and a practical way to carry and store your supplies, you can arrive calmly, participate fully, and leave with work you are pleased to have made, and a clearer idea of what to bring next time.