My top 7 tools and materials for cartooning

Over the years, my tools and materials that I use for Scotty’s Cartoons have changed through a process of trial and error. Admittedly, I’m now a little stuck in my ways, but I can still get animated just talking about my favourite pencil. Is that sad? Yep, probably, but just in case you’re like-minded, I will share below!

DRAWING TABLET

I work almost exclusively digitally, so my most important tool is my drawing tablet. I’ve had several over the years but this one has felt like we were made for eachother since I first used it some years back. It’s the Wacom Intuos Pro, small size. The surface is smooth to draw on, but not too slippery, and the controls give everything I need without any surplus to requirements.

STYLUS

The stylus that goes with the Wacom Intuos Pro is a really comfortable size and shape. I’ve used plenty of styluses in the past that end up giving you hand cramp as they’re just too narrow or slippery to hold. This one has two handy buttons on the side that you can set to your own requirements. It’s a perfect weight and has plenty of nibs to choose from.

Wacom intuos pro nibs

Wacom intuos pro nibs and stylus

PENCIL

Before I start on a new commission, I will often sketch out an initial idea very rough on paper, with a pencil. I’m a huge fan of Faber Castell artist equipment, and have tried numerous different pencils from their ranges. My absolute favourite, in terms of comfort and ease of use, is the grip pencil with 0.7mm refills. Just look at how comfy that is to hold!

Faber castell pencil

Faber Castell pencil and refills

PAPER

When a client requests a print rather than just a digital file, I always use Marrutt professional photography inkjet paper. The quality is above anything else I’ve tried, and I’ve tried a huge range of samples. I opt for the satin/oyster finish on 265gsm paper.

WRIST SUPPORT

As any artist will tell you, drawing can put a lot of pressure on your wrist and hand. Where the support is needed depends on how you hold your pencil/stylus, but for me the thumb also needs a bit of help. I've tried various supports but this one is perfect. It's the Neo-G wrist and thumb support.

PACKAGING

Whenever I send prints or products to clients by post, I always use my fab paw print acid-free tissue paper to wrap in, and seal with some cute paw print tape too! The finishing touches always make the parcels extra special.

EXTERNAL HARDDRIVE

When discussing the most important tools and materials for Scotty’s Cartoons, I can’t leave out my external hard drive! I used to save all of my files onto USB sticks, and as the labels gradually wore off them over time it was a tedious task to plug each one in to check to see what was on it. The external hard drive stores everything on it, and it’s saved time and hassle on multiple occasions.

If you have a favourite that hasn't been mentioned above, I'd love to hear about it! You can get in touch for this or for anything else HERE