Scrawlrbox June Unboxing: Art Supply Review & Test

Scrawlrbox June Reveal: First Impressions

That moment when a subscription box arrives holds magic for artists. You tear open June's Scrawlrbox to find a curated selection: Daler-Rowney's 12-color travel watercolor set with integrated brush, Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils in Earth Green Yellowish and Van Dyck Brown, a 0.7mm white Posca pen, and an "erasable" colored pencil. The heavyweight Langton Prestige watercolor paper (300gsm, 100% cotton) immediately stands out—its toothy texture promising excellent pigment hold. Artist Johanna Fi's (@milktu_) botanical illustration print showcases the potential of these materials. After testing multiple art subscription services, I notice Scrawlrbox consistently includes professional-grade supplies rather than student-quality items.

Watercolor Set Deep Dive

Daler-Rowney's pocket-sized palette solves a common pain point: bulky travel kits. Its slim design (just 0.5" thick) fits in bags most full palettes can't. The slide-out pan tray—though initially stubborn—reveals clever engineering. Unlike water-brush equipped sets, this requires separate water, making it better for controlled studio work than plein air. Pigment tests show impressive activation:

• Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine achieve rich tones with minimal effort
• Colors blend smoothly without chalkiness
• Rewetting dried pans produces consistent color strength

The included brush surprises with its springy synthetic bristles. While too small for washes larger than 5x7", it creates sharp details—perfect for botanical elements. In professional workshops, I've seen similar compact sets used exclusively for field sketching due to their reliability.

Pencil & Marker Performance Tests

Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils deliver unmatched blendability. Their oil-based cores layer seamlessly over watercolors without waxy buildup—a frustration with cheaper pencils. Testing reveals:

• Earth Green Yellowish builds vibrant foliage tones
• Van Dyck Brown creates warm shadows without muddiness
• Requires frequent sharpening for hair-thin lines

The "erasable" colored pencil performs identically to Prismacolor Col-Erase in removal tests. However, its true value emerges when sketching: light guidelines vanish under watercolor washes.

The 0.7mm Posca pen excels as a corrective tool. Over opaque watercolor layers, it adds crisp highlights—especially effective for eyelash details and fabric patterns. Unlike some acrylic markers, it flows consistently without clogging.

Real-World Artwork Application

Testing supplies through a "draw this in my style" challenge reveals practical insights. Using Johanna Fi's print as reference, the materials show distinct advantages and limitations:

Watercolor Techniques Explored

Creating skin tones demonstrates color theory in action. Starting with a yellow-red mix, adding a "smidge of blue" (Phthalo Blue recommended by professional illustrators) achieves natural undertones. The Langton paper handles layering beautifully:

• First wash: Diluted Yellow Ochre base
• Second layer: Burnt Sienna shadows without lifting pigment
• Wet-on-dry blush application prevents bleeding

Pro Tip: For botanical elements, premix greens using the palette lid. Combining Sap Green with Lemon Yellow creates vibrant stems, while adding Ultramarine deepens shadows.

Pencil Integration Strategies

The Polychromos pencils transform watercolor sketches. Key applications:

1. Line Art Enhancement: Brown pencil over dry paint defines edges without harshness
2. Texture Creation: Cross-hatching mimics fabric weave on the turtleneck
3. Depth Building: Layering green pencil over washes adds dimensional foliage

The erasable pencil proves indispensable for compositional adjustments. Redrawing earrings three times would've ruined non-erasable paper.

Exclusive Artist Insights & Recommendations

Beyond the video, these supplies solve common artist frustrations:

Unexpected Strengths

• Travel Palette as Mixing Station: The removable pan tray doubles as a mini mixing area—ideal for tiny workspaces
• Posca as Correction Fluid: Covers pencil errors completely on dark watercolor areas
• Cotton Paper's Hidden Benefit: Allows aggressive erasing without pilling—crucial for portrait work

Professional Considerations

Artists needing expansive washes should supplement with a size 6 round brush. The included brush works for details but struggles with backgrounds. Those wanting truly erasable pencils should consider Staedtler Karat Aquarell—their wax-based formula removes cleaner.

Action Checklist for Readers

1. Test pigment activation by spraying pans before painting
2. Preshape pencil points to 5mm length for detailed work
3. Layer Polychromos lightly—overworking reduces erasability
4. Seal Posca pen tip downward between uses to prevent drying
5. Use palette lid for test mixes before applying to artwork

Final Verdict

Scrawlrbox's June curation delivers professional-grade materials that outperform typical subscription box supplies. The Polychromos pencil and watercolor paper combination creates uniquely soft illustrations—worth the price alone. While the watercolor set suits controlled environments best, its pigment quality rivals full-sized palettes.

Which supply would transform your artwork most? Share your creative goals below!