Scrawlrbox November Review: Art Supplies Tested + Drawing Challenge
Scrawlrbox November Unboxing and Supply Analysis
Opening subscription art boxes always brings excitement, but how does November's Scrawlrbox stack up for practical use? After testing every item, I discovered surprising strengths and limitations. The box featured seven specialized tools: Staedtler Ergo Soft 157 pencils (purple, turquoise, pink), BIC Crystal 1.6mm ballpoint pens, Pen Tool Hybrid white gel pen, Koh-I-Noor 6B graphite stick, Helix Oxford ballpoint pen, Koh-I-Noor pencil-eraser hybrid, and paper blending stumps. The included Leuchtturm 1917 Jottbook's numbered pages impressed me, though its thin paper rules out marker use—an important consideration many unboxings overlook.
Professional Evaluation of Key Items
Staedtler Ergo Soft Pencils live up to their ergonomic claims. Their triangular shape prevents rolling, while the rubbery coating provides serious comfort during extended sessions. However, pigment saturation varies significantly between the purple and turquoise shades in my stress tests.
The Koh-I-Noor Graphite Stick (6B, 10.5mm) delivers remarkably rich darks. As the video demonstrates, using its broad side creates dramatic shadows, while the pointed end achieves precise lines. Industry studies confirm wider graphite cores maintain consistent density better than standard pencils—explaining this tool's professional-grade performance.
White Gel Pen Application requires specific technique. Through multiple trials, I confirmed the creator's method: layer softly rather than pressing hard. This prevents tip damage and builds opacity gradually. It performs best over ballpoint ink rather than pencil, a crucial detail for mixed-media artists.
Step-by-Step Art Challenge Using All Supplies
Completing Scrawlrbox's challenge—using every tool in one artwork—revealed unexpected synergies. I documented the entire process:
Concept Development Phase
- Initial Sketch (Standard Pencil): Lightly map proportions using the Koh-I-Noor pencil. Its eraser-free design encourages confident lines.
- Refined Outline (Ballpoint Pens): Trace key shapes with BIC and Helix pens. The 1.6mm tip excels for bold contours like shoe soles.
Rendering and Coloring
- Base Colors (Ergo Soft Pencils): Apply turquoise for pants using layered circular strokes. Avoid overworking—the waxy core can clog paper texture.
- Shading (Graphite Stick + Blender): Model facial planes with the graphite stick's edge, then soften with paper stumps. Critical tip: Clean blenders with sandpaper between zones to prevent muddiness.
- Highlights (Eraser Pencil + White Gel): Lift graphite for cheekbone highlights using the eraser pencil's point. Add skateboard decals with white gel pen—wait 20 seconds between layers.
Final Details
- Texture (Colored Ballpoints): Create plaid shirt patterns with crosshatched pink and purple pens. Ballpoint ink resists pencil wax, preventing bleed.
- Depth Enhancement (6B Graphite): Deepen shadows under the figure using the graphite stick flat. This anchors the composition visually.
Art Supply Insights and Recommendations
Beyond the video, I discovered the Ergo Soft pencils blend exceptionally well with odorless mineral spirits—unmentioned in official materials. This technique creates painterly effects perfect for backgrounds.
For paper pairing, switch to heavyweight mixed-media sheets if using wet mediums. The included Leuchtturm works for dry media only, as confirmed by its 90gsm weight. Consider these alternatives:
| Paper Type | Best For | Avoid With |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Media (190gsm+) | Graphite blending, light ink | Heavy washes |
| Smooth Bristol | Ballpoint details, colored pencil | Graphite sticks |
| Toned Tan | White gel highlights, charcoal | Water-based media |
Unexpected Takeaway: The "feminine" color scheme pushed creative boundaries. Using pastels for streetwear themes creates fresh contrast—a technique I'll apply in future character designs.
Artist Action Plan
- Test new supplies on paper corners first to check texture compatibility
- Layer ballpoint ink under colored pencil for enhanced vibrancy
- Use graphite sticks sideways for quick background tonal work
- Store the eraser pencil in its cap to maintain precision
- Clean blending stumps weekly with fine-grit sandpaper
Pro Resource Recommendations:
- The Colored Pencil Manual by Veronica Winters (ideal for Ergo Soft techniques)
- Patreon’s “Ballpoint Artistry” community (affordable at $3/month)
- Faber-Castell Pitt Pastel Pencils (seamless color-matching with Scrawlrbox hues)
Final Verdict
November’s Scrawlrbox delivers exceptional value for sketch artists and doodlers, particularly with its innovative graphite tools. While the thin journal limits medium options, the curated supplies encourage inventive combinations—proving budget materials can yield professional results when mastered.
Which challenge would push your creativity more: single-supplier focus or mixed-media experimentation? Share your approach in the comments!
