As a caricature artist, I’ve used a variety of art supplies and tools to create my works. Below are supplies and tools I recommend to anyone who is pursuing caricature art. Click on the image of any item and learn more to purchase!
MANGAKA FLEXIBLE MEDIUM (BLACK)
(CNMM-010)
The Zig Cartoonist Mangaka Flexible Medium Pen is perfect for drawing caricatures live! They’re also great for inking, and outlining gift/studio caricatures as well. It has a flexible fine and medium point tip that produces thin and thick lines, making it a versatile and essential tool for caricature artists. The water-based pigment ink is smudge-proof with watercolors and alcohol-based markers once it is dry. I found the shorter pen and brush length (as opposed to Tombow markers), which allows for greater control. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
The Sharpie Permanent Markers Variety 6-Pack includes: (2) Chisel, (2) Fine, and (2) Ultra-Fine tipped markers, which are excellent for ease in making detailed, thin lines and filling large black spaces. Sharpie Permanent Markers with vivid ink marks on Strathmore Bristol Board, dries quickly and resists fading and water; AP certified. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
The Strathmore sketch pad 200 series is an inexpensive, general-purpose and lightweight paper, which I use to draft pencil layouts and under-sketches for gift/studio caricatures. This paper is intended for practicing techniques with graphite pencil, charcoal, pastel and other dry mediums. And at 100 sheets per pad, the Strathmore 200 series is affordable. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
Strathmore Heavyweight Bristol Board 300 Series Smooth is excellent for final artwork and gift/studio and live event caricatures! It handles pen & ink, airbrushing, and markers very well. 100 lb. / 270 gsm acid free smooth surface, 9×12 Tape Bound; 20 Sheets per Pad. It’s a bit expensive, but well worth it.
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
The Staedtler Mars Lumograph HB Pencil is the best brand and lead weight for sketching layouts and under-sketches for gift/studio caricatures! They are premium-quality pencils for drawing and sketching on Strathmore sketch paper. An ideal tool for caricature artists, with break-resistant super-bonded lead, great line reproduction, easy to sharpen with any quality sharpener. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
John Allen Caricatures 