A good sketching kit is really important for artists at all levels. Here are some basic tools that you need for different sketching styles and techniques:

1. Pencils:

   • Graphite pencils are the most popular and come in many grades, from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). A typical artist's set usually has:
     • H grades for making thin lines (like 2H, 4H)
     • B grades for shading (like 2B, 4B, 6B)

2. Erasers:

   • It's important to have two types of erasers. A kneaded eraser can soak up graphite without ripping the paper. A PVC eraser is great for making clean corrections.

3. Paper:

   • Different types of paper work better for different techniques. A sketch pad that weighs between 70-100 GSM is best for dry tools. For mixed media, you should use heavier paper, between 200-300 GSM.

4. Inks:

   • Fine liners (which range from 0.1mm to 0.8mm) and brush pens are great for different line thickness. Many artists (about 65%) use fine liners for their inking projects.

5. Blending Tools:

   • Tools like blending stumps and tortillons are used by around 75% of sketch artists. They help create smooth gradients and soft transitions.

6. Color Tools:

   • Colored pencils add a splash of color, and some brands even offer a wide range of up to 150 colors.

Having a complete sketching kit helps you try out new things and improves your overall art skills in many styles.