What to get an artist

[Winchester13]

Ok, so my big sister on this site ( Phantom Sorano) loves to draw....all the time when she can. Well, since Christmas is coming I don't know what to get her...she says stuff about mangas and inking...could some of yall help me out?

[Radical Dreamer]

If you've got a big wallet, you could go for some Copic markers. Those things are amazing, or so I hear *peers into her empty wallet that can't afford 5$ per marker*. XD

Also, you could get her some really nice inking pens, maybe a lightbox if that's what she'd like (if you don't know what I'm talking about, ask her, and she'll probably be able to tell you).

Try dropping by an art store like Hobby Lobby (if you have one in your area) and ask around. I'm sure they'll be able to help you pick out all the right things, too.

[Winchester13]

Wow, art stuff is expensive...she told me but i never thought so....what is something good i could get that is fairly cheap?

[CobaltAngel]

Copic markers... that would be lovely. *drools*

Yeah, inking pens is a really great idea, or if you don't have much money, and she doesnt have a light table, I think crayola makes these cheapy little tracing board thingies with lights in them. Someone bought my brother one and I use it alot. It's so helpful in you make comics.

[Winchester13]

...umm what is a copic marker? she only knows of weird stuff....she as really cheapie stuff, and has only been inking for awhile...but i heard her say how much she wanted good inking stuff....so what is copic?

[CobaltAngel]

They're really, really nice markers.

Good art stuff is very expensive. I'm very blessed to have a friend who is an art teacher who has allowed me to try out differant media because I don't think I could have afforded them otherwise.

You might just have to stick with the crayola stuff if you don't have much. That's what I've been living on for years. Just stay away from roseart.

[Radical Dreamer]

http://www.copicmarker.com/

There ya go!

[Winchester13]

thats cool...so ink markers huh....are they all the same, like the same thickness and color? i play football and hunt, so i aint gotta clue.

[Puguni]

Maybe a nice sketchbook...

[KBMaster]

http://www.amazon.com/Draw-Your-Own-Manga-Basics/dp/4770029519/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b/102-5744102-1424930

This is what my little brother got for his birthday. I've looked at it and it's helped me tremendously. It tells all the things you would need for drawing manga, like the type of pens, paper, screen tone, etc.

If all else fails, you could just get her a gift certificate, lol. Good luck!

[Aka-chan]

Sakura Micron pens are pretty good for basic linework inking and such, and are pretty cheap, especially compared to a lot of other art stuff. But also, look at what she uses most and maybe give her more of that. If she draws a lot, she probably goes through supplies like wildfire.

[Maledicte]

Sketch/drawing pads are a good way to make an artist happy. Borders/Waldenbooks is having a big sale right now of sketchbooks and journals in different sizes.

Little people mannequins are fun to have around, even if you don't use them.

You could try a nice nib pen set--it will come with a holder, and different tips (nibs) to put in it. Of course, if you get her this you'll need a bottle of ink to dip the pen into.

[Esoteric]

How serious is your sister about manga? Does she practice alot?

If she just likes sketching in black and white, a new sketchbook is always nice along with some pens. I recomend Sakura Microns pens for this.

If she is really into full colored illustration. I recomend some Prismacolor markers, with a tablet of "Marker Paper" to use them on. Why marker paper you ask? -The markers will last a lot longer and it allows for some blending of the colors. "Layout Marker" paper is also acceptable.

A any decent art store should have these supplies. But if there isn't a good art store near you, http://www.dickblick.com is where I buy supplies. They have large selections and cheaper prices.

EDIT: You know, Watercolor Pencils would also be an excellent choice for manga. They aren't real expensive either.

[USSRGirl]

Eh... one thing... if your sis is on this site... well... she's going to know what you're getting her XD

[Evangeline-San]

Sketch books are great I've got two good ones... I actually prefer high quality printer paper usually. hehe
Sakura Pens are great! I've got a couple and they're pretty reasonably priced.