SketchBox is a monthly subscription box for art supplies. Each month, they'll send you 4-9 art supplies (often full kits) plus a piece of art to inspire you. The items included are for 2D media, such as pens, markers, pencils, paints, etc.
This is a review of the $35/month Premium box. SketchBox also offers a $25/month Basic box.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save $5 off your first box!
CODE: SKETCH5
Spring is upon us, and I am in desperate need of some bright and cheery colors in contrast to brown mud and dirty snow. Though the temperatures are getting slightly better, I am still all about the indoor activities, so this month's SketchBox arrived the exact day I had an urge to create. Taking my time to leisurely work my way through this box, I was excited by the contents, and couldn't wait to try them out. Read below to see what I discovered.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
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SketchBox runs an ongoing contest to put a subscriber's artwork on the lid of their box. This month featured art created by @kncp_imagine.meraki and depicts a beautifully abstract cork-stopped bottle. Included in the box is information regarding how to enter the monthly contest on the info card. Check it out if you are interested!
What's Inside the Box
Content Card
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Each month we receive a content list of all this month's featured products, along with a short summary of each item and listed retail prices. Also included is a QR code for the SketchBox school where you can learn how to use the materials, try different techniques, and even create your own piece of artwork.
Artist Card
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This month's artist card was created by Dustin Spagnola. A contemporary visual artist and painter, he regularly hosts shows and events to support local creatives. More of his work can be found on his Instagram (@dustinspagnola) or dustinspagnola.com.
Sticker
This month's sticker features the adorable pigment powders and mixing spoon. Sticking to the theme perfectly, this will be adorable on the cover of my sketch book!
SketchBox Signature Pigment Powder Bundle - Retail Value $14.97
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I love watercolor, but don't have much experience with powder versions. Made exclusively for SketchBox, we received three pigment powders in red, blue, and yellow. Packing a punch of color, these powders can be mixed with water and used as a stain or mixed with the included gum arabic for a homemade watercolor. I tried both ways and loved the thickness of the gum arabic, but also enjoyed thinning it out with water and watching the color variations take shape. A little messy, these powders did include a mini spoon for ease of use. Overall, I really enjoyed trying this medium, and think it is a great way to create varying hues.
SketchBox Signature Gum Arabic - Retail Value $5.00
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Though gum arabic is a binder I have used before, I don't have a ton of experience with it so I was excited to try it out with the powder pigments. Used to thicken and increase the transparency of water-based materials, this substance will harden like traditional watercolor and reactivate in water. I loved the look this created when the powder dried, as it created a glossy look and really helped amp up the brilliance of these primary colors.
SketchBox Signature 3/8" Angled Chisel - Retail Value $7.00
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Rounding out this month's box nicely was a 3/8" angled chisel brush. Created exclusively for SketchBox, this comfortable brush was perfect for detail work and striking marks.
Copic Multiliner, Brown - Retail Value $3.99
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Like I've mentioned before, Copic Multiliners are some of my favorite pens, and this brown color was new to me! With a 0.1mm tip, this waterproof finalizer was perfect for adding small details and fine lines.
Jacquard PearlEx Antique Silver Pigment - Retail Value $3.49
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My favorite item this month definitely has to be this PearlEx Antique Silver pigment. Beautifully reflective and ultra shiny, this powder adds sparkle to anything it touches and looks amazing mixed with everything! This brand totally needs to create an eyeshadow because I'd be all over that!
Art Alternatives 6 Well Palette - Retail Value $1.29
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Though I have a few paint palettes, it is always nice to start with a fresh new one. With six wells, I was able to create a variety of hues and had an easy time cleaning up. While I washed it out, you can also use it to create your very own watercolors with the powder and gum arabic, if you let it sit out overnight to dry. Neat!
Custom Canson Montreal Watercolor Block - Retail Value $12.65
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The last item we received this month was a 4" X 6", 15 sheet, 140 lb paper block. Featuring natural white paper that is acid-free, this paper works extremely well with watercolors as the sheets only minimally curl. Perfect for sending postcards, this paper has the perfect amount of texture, and doesn't bleed through the back.
Testing
Look at those fantastic colors! Mixed with the Gum Arabic, these powders created lovely thick paint that is utterly vibrant.
SketchBox March Projects
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Like I mentioned above, I have been really in need of some vibrant colors in my life, and this month's SketchBox had them packed right in. With bold primaries and metallic sheen, I had a lot of fun creating some doodly postcards to send to some of my fam. Using the block pad and the chisel brush I created a floral piece, followed by some abstract art that really just encompassed my winter frustrations. While I didn't spend a ton of time of these postcards, I had a lot of fun mixing the gum arabic and trying out the powders. Because of the color scheme, I do see a sunset piece in the near future!
The Verdict
SketchBox is such a fun and creative subscription. I always look forward to seeing just what the theme might be, and always love the items they pack into their kits. The fact that we receive high quality supplies that coordinate and work well together, without me having to sift through a million different brands and supplies is life changing. Through this month's box, I discovered a new realm of watercolor, and had a wonderful time playing with the antique silver powder. I already can't wait to see what I discover next month!
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Value Breakdown:
Because most of this month’s products were custom sizes or custom made for SketchBox, it was hard to determine an accurate retail value. BUT, now you can purchase some individual products from the Sketch Shop, making it easier to buy more of the items you love! The included contents card had a $48.39 value, which is almost $10 over the cost of the box. Being that I turned out to love every product and this month's theme, I felt it was a decent value, and a neat way to try items I may not have discovered otherwise.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? According to SketchBox's website, the cutoff to purchase the March box was February 21st, but you can still subscribe to get next month's box.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save $5 off your first box!
CODE: SKETCH5
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