What to buy for an illustration workshop
A useful illustration workshop shopping list covers more than pencils and paper. You need enough working space, demonstration equipment and materials for every participant, plus a few shared items that are easy to overlook. Buy or prepare supplies according to your participant limit, and keep a small reserve for damaged paper, blunt pencils or spills. Check the instructor’s exercises before shopping so the materials match the theme, especially if the session includes watercolor, ink or cutting.
What to bring
Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.
Furniture
- Tablesqty 6
- Chairsqty 24
- Reception desk
- Demonstration table
- Coat racksqty 2
Equipment
- Projector
- Projection screen
- Laptop
- Kettleqty 2
- Coolersqty 2
- Extension cordsqty 4
- Power stripsqty 4
Lighting
- Desk lampsqty 6
Illustration materials
- Drawing boardsqty 24
- A4 drawing paperqty 500
- A3 drawing paperqty 100
- Sketchbooksqty 24
- Graphite pencilsqty 48
- Finelinersqty 48
- Colored pencilsqty 24
- Markersqty 24
- Erasersqty 30
- Pencil sharpenersqty 12
- Watercolor paint setsqty 12
- Brushesqty 36
- Ink potsqty 12
- Mixing palettesqty 12
- Water cupsqty 24
- Drawing foldersqty 24
- Cutting matsqty 6
- Scissorsqty 12
- Rulersqty 12
- Kneadable eraserqty 12
- Pencil sharpener containersqty 6
Decorations
- Name badgesqty 30
- Information boardsqty 4
- Clothespinsqty 40
- Ropeqty 2
- Photo framesqty 6
Tableware
- Mugsqty 30
- Glassesqty 30
- Platesqty 30
- Cutlery setsqty 30
- Serving traysqty 4
Kitchen
- Thermos flasksqty 4
- Pitcherqty 2
- Cutting boardsqty 2
- Bread knivesqty 2
Cleaning
- Waste binsqty 4
- Broom and dustpanqty 2
- Mop set
- Microfiber clothsqty 12
- Washing-up basinsqty 6
Catering
- Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Honey - 1 jar
- Semi-skimmed milk - 5 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Baby carrots - 2 kilos
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus wraps - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 5 loaves
- Gluten-free crackers - 3 packs
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilos
- Oatmeal cookies - 4 packs
- Dark chocolate cookies - 4 packs
- Vegan cookies - 3 packs
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Hand sanitizer - 2 bottles
Tips
- Plan one complete drawing setup per participant, then add 10% extra paper and at least two spare erasers and sharpeners. This prevents the session from stopping when supplies are lost or damaged.
- Use both A4 and A3 drawing paper only if the assignments require different formats. For a group of 12, prepare at least 14 sheets of each required size for demonstrations, mistakes and late additions.
- Count shared materials separately from personal supplies. Provide one water cup, palette and brush set for every two participants, with two extra cups ready for rinsing or replacing spills.
- Test the laptop, projector and projection screen at least one day before the workshop, then check the setup again 30 minutes before arrival. Bring extension cords and power strips if the room has few outlets.
- Keep fresh produce and other catering items in coolers until the break. Confirm dietary requirements before shopping, and prepare roughly one drink for each participant for every workshop hour, plus a small reserve.
Frequently asked questions
- What supplies do I need for an illustration workshop?
- For each participant, prepare the paper and drawing tools required by the exercises, such as graphite pencils, fineliners, colored pencils or markers. Add shared equipment such as drawing boards, cutting mats, watercolor sets, brushes, ink pots, palettes and water cups when the workshop uses them.
- How much paper should I buy for an illustration workshop?
- Start with the number of assignments and sheets each participant needs, then add about 10% extra. For 12 participants using three sheets each, buy at least 40 sheets rather than exactly 36, and include both A4 and A3 only when the assignments call for them.
- How many drawing supplies do I need per person?
- Give every participant a basic personal set: at least two graphite pencils, one eraser, one sharpener and the required fineliners, colored pencils or markers. Shared watercolor and ink materials can usually serve two people per set, with two spare sets for a group of 12.
- When should I buy materials for an illustration workshop?
- Buy non-perishable materials at least 3 to 5 days before the workshop so you can check quantities and replace missing items. Purchase fresh catering items on the day before, keep them cool, and test the projector and laptop at least 24 hours in advance.
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