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.
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CODE: SKETCH5
Welcome October! While I'm not quite sure where September went, I can honestly say that I am settling into my work schedule and am finding the change of seasons a much needed transition. With a slight break in sports, our family has stumbled upon some much needed downtime, and I made it a point to slip some creative time in, so SketchBox arrived at the exact time needed! Read below to see what I discovered this month and how I utilized it.
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 months featured art was created by @Aly_B_Arts and featured some delectable looking limes. Included in this 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 Danica Sills and showcases a magical portrait of a spooky sort of fairy. Perfectly suited to the October box, I just can't seem to take my eyes off this lovely figures eyes. Utilizing brilliant hues, I am definitely a fan. More of Danica's work can be found on her instagram page @danica.sills, or on her website: danicasills.com. Check her out, she is very talented!
Sticker
This month's sticker features a comic version of the included acrylic inks. What a fun little sticker!
Sketchbox Signature Acrylic Ink Set - Retail Value $9.99
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Watercolor is my favorite, and to be honest, acrylics scare me a little bit, but this was a fantastic alternate to watercolors! These custom acrylic inks were specially formulated to create a wide range of hues when mixed, and were really fun to paint with! This set of three included charcoal, goldenrod, and blackberry, and all three colors were gorgeous. Perfect for halloween, I enjoyed the strong pigments and ease of application. I will definitely be checking into this medium in a few other colors.
Sketchbox Signature Liner Brush Size 4 - Retail Value $5.95
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I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I am a brush hoarder. Now that we all know that, I have to say, this size 4 brush is amazing. Created by Sketchbox, this liner brush creates some fantastically small details and is really easy to use while being comfortable in my hand. Honestly, this might be my new favorite brush, as it truly does everything!
Sketchbox Signature Dagger Brush 1/4" - Retail Value $9.50
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Not only did we receive my favorite brush to date, but we also received a second brush! This Sketchbox version is dagger shaped and comes in at 1/4" for size. Perfect for getting into small areas, doing large washes of colors, and creating dramatic sweeping marks, this brush is another very versatile tool. What an exciting month!
Art Primo Hit-N-Go - Retail Value $3.49
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Initially, I thought this device was for water, but quickly figured out that it is actually an empty marker with a 3mm tip, that can be filled with a variety of liquids. Used to create consistent lines, I am intrigued to give this a try, but just didn't need it for this month's project. Stay tuned!!
Kuretake Bimoji Brush Pen - Retail Value $5.40
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Pairing perfectly with this month's acrylic inks, this scarlet crimson bimoji brush pen truly takes the cake. With a brilliant hue, this pen is great for travel, and creates really beautiful lines with the brush tip. I am really excited to add this color to my collection!
Higgins Drawing Ink - Retail Value $9.25
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Following this month's theme of "Ink Exploration" very nicely, we also received a container of Higgins Drawing Ink. This opaque white drawing ink does a fabulous job at creating highlights on its own, or tints when mixed with other inks. This product too is new to me, and I had a lot of fun adding it to the acrylic inks for a change of hue, as well as by itself for some bright white highlights.
Sketchbox Exclusive Legion Hot Press Pad - Retail Value $12.99
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Last, but certainly not least, we received a 10 sheet pad of hot press paper created exclusively for Sketchbox. Measuring in at 4" X 6", and 140lbs, this slightly textured paper holds a significant amount of water, and worked great with wet media, with no curling edges. Always impressive, I was glad to receive so many sheets of paper to create on.
Testing
Fall is in the air! Just look at those fantastic Halloween hues. Bring on the spooky costumes and Hocus Pocus movies!
SketchBox October Project
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With Halloween just around the corner, I couldn't help but try out these fabulous inks on a haunted house painting. Utilizing the inks in a watercolor fashion, I first sketched out my scene with pencil. Next, I added a bit of the crimson scarlet brush pen for a pop of color, and brushed it out a bit with the goldenrod ink and a bit of water. The size 4 brush was fantastic for creating the trees, and getting the points on the haunted house. Playing around with all of the included colors, I also splashed around with the dagger brush. While not perfect, I had a lot of fun creating this piece, and plan to send it to my mom as a postcard.
The Verdict
SketchBox is a really fun subscription and one of my faves. I love art, and feel fulfilled after sitting down and creating something. Painting is also one of my favorite past times for relaxing and letting go of some anxiety. This month I really enjoyed the set of acrylic inks, and the other included supplies and can't wait to test them out a little more. This month will be hard to beat, but I'm already looking forward to seeing what we 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 $56.57 value, which is more than $20 over the cost of the box! Because we received exclusive launch items and this amazing of a curation, I felt this was a decent value, and a great 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 October box was September 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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