Materials & Tools

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Abbreviated links are to Amazon for direct purchase and/or to serve as an example.  This is in no way an endorsement for Amazon but merely to serve as a visual & descriptive example for you to use when purchasing supplies from various vendors.

• Heavy weight drawing paper – http://amzn.to/2jqOWNp – I recommend using a minimum of 80 lb paper, especially if you plan on coloring your maps with anything other than colored pencils. Heavy paper stands up to wear & tear, as well as allows you to age the project if you wanted.  Paper heavier than 100 lb tends to have texture to it and can change the look/feel of your map but that is really a personal preference.
• Micron pen set – http://amzn.to/2k1lP3J – These pens use archival ink which is water resistant once it dries (but not water proof so keep that in mind if you plan on aging the paper). They work great with Copic markers and have virtually no bleeding or feathering on any type of paper.
• Copic pen set - https://amzn.to/2OL8JpO - Should you find yourself really getting into cartography and drawing a lot, I recommend switching to Copic pens. They are lighter, draw smoother, & come in a wide range of sizes to easily switch between while drawing. They are more expensive and thus why I don't recommend them to beginners.
• Carpenter’s Square – http://amzn.to/2kubUVq – You’ll need this for distance, borders, or straight lines.
• Precision eraser – http://amzn.to/2jymbMj – To save yourself the frustration of accidentally erasing something you want when purposefully erasing something you don’t.
• Bow Compass – http://amzn.to/2jqQUx5 – Not only is this essential for making compass roses but circles, suns, and more.
• Eraser – Because nobody is perfect
• Drafting pencil – http://amzn.to/2jyr3kF – This is my favorite drafting pencil with retractable point so you don’t accidentally keep breaking the pencil tip.
• Options:
  • Magnifying glass – http://amzn.to/2jg0y2w – Have you seen the tiny trees I make? This isn’t necessary for cartography but it sure is nice to have around when you suddenly start questioning if you need glasses or a better presciption.
  • Compression Gloves – http://amzn.to/2kuiQlL – You see them in my videos! They’re great for saving my hands from cramping during extended drawing sessions
  • 90 lb printer paper – http://amzn.to/2jqHa62 – If you plan on scanning & making prints for your players, I recommend this printer paper.  Works great for detailed line printing AND it’s heavy weight enough that you can stain prior to printing for an aged look.
  • Mod Podge Hard Coat Formula – http://amzn.to/2k4HZmd – If you make a map that will be handled often or aged, this is the best sealer that I’ve found that works with the pens & markers I recommend.
• Map specific materials:
  • Leather
    • White, wax free transfer paper – http://amzn.to/2jgF8lN
    • Leather Paint 12 Set – http://amzn.to/2jg4HTQ
    • Leather Paint Finisher – http://amzn.to/2jSHVDJ
  • Scout’s map
    • Either the heavy weight drawing paper recommended at the top of this list
      • Or handcrafted paper (example: https://www.etsy.com/shop/papermaker)
  • Coloring Options:
    • Copic markers – Earth tones pack: http://amzn.to/2j5X2wx  (Grass Green YG17, Chartreuse YG13, Leather E39, Orientale/Toast E34, Smoky Blue B45, and Powder Blue B41) 
    • Watercolor paints – http://amzn.to/2jTjKop
    • Watercolor pencils – http://amzn.to/2jra4ms

Digitial Needs:

• Wacom Cintiq 27QHD Pen & Touch Display - https://amzn.to/30ALFyu  (this was a personal choice but there are plenty of much cheaper options out there)
• Rebelle Media Software: I've started using this software to paint/draw in 2022 https://www.escapemotions.com/products/rebelle/about 
• Photoshop:  http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html  
• Sleeve to keep your skin beyond your hand from coming into contact with the display: https://amzn.to/2M4nPb7 
• Hacky Sacks: I put one of these under the palm of my drawing hand to act as a rest. I tuck it into the sleeve linked above so it moves with my hand: https://amzn.to/2W8jqZG