Scrawlrbox Unboxing: Water-Soluble Pencils & Creative Process

Unboxing Scrawlrbox: A Surprise Toolbox for Artists

Opening a mystery art box feels like creative Christmas morning. This month’s Scrawlrbox delivered unexpected treasures: a transparent zippered case, cherry candy, specialized eraser, and most notably, Derwent Graphitint water-soluble pencils. As an artist reviewing this subscription, I immediately noticed the curated color selection—aubergine, cloud gray, ivy, midnight black, shadow, and white—designed to push creative boundaries. The challenge? Create artwork around the prompt "take flight" using only supplied materials. This hands-on test reveals whether subscription boxes truly fuel artistic growth or gather dust.

Chapter 1: Professional-Grade Materials Analyzed

Water-Soluble Graphite Innovation

Derwent Graphitint pencils aren’t standard art tools. According to Derwent’s technical specifications, these pencils contain water-soluble graphite that transforms when activated, creating painterly effects. Unlike cheaper watercolor pencils I’ve tested, these released pigment instantly upon contact with water, requiring minimal scrubbing. The manufacturer claims these work best on 100% cotton paper, explaining why the included 150gsm cartridge paper struggled with heavy washes—a crucial consideration for buyers.

Artist Collaboration Value

This box featured illustrator Lisa Clough (Lachri Fine Art), whose hawk artwork inspired the project. Partnering with practicing artists adds significant authority, as they understand material nuances beginners miss. Clough’s inclusion of aubergine (a deep eggplant purple) and ivy (a mossy green) demonstrated professional color theory in creating harmonious palettes.

Chapter 2: Hands-On Techniques & Pitfalls

Optimizing Water Activation

Through testing, I developed a reliable method:

1. Layer dry pigment lightly (heavy applications cause clumping)
2. Apply water with damp brush—not soaked
3. Work in small sections before pigment dries
4. Reapply dry pencil over washes for depth

Critical finding: Colors like aubergine intensified dramatically with water, while white became nearly invisible on light paper. Midtone shades like cloud gray blended most evenly.

Paper Limitations Revealed

The included paper buckled under repeated washing, proving unsuitable for water techniques. When I tried drawing on wet paper directly, interesting textures emerged but accelerated warping. This matches Derwent’s recommendation for heavyweight watercolor paper (300gsm+), not included in the box.

Chapter 3: Beyond the Box – Strategic Insights

Subscription Box Value Assessment

While the $30 monthly cost provides discovery, artists should consider:

• Material curation vs. random selection: This box’s cohesive earth-toned palette showed intentional design
• Exclusive items: The custom hawk eraser (despite poor function) can’t be bought retail
• Skill-building potential: Unfamiliar materials like Graphitint forced creative adaptation

Unexpected Creative Outcomes

Testing revealed a major benefit: These pencils interact beautifully with graphite sketch lines. Leaving pencil marks visible under translucent washes created dynamic layered depth, perfect for journaling. I achieved effects impossible with traditional watercolors, like precise dry detailing over wet backgrounds.

Actionable Artist Toolkit

Scrawlrbox Buyer’s Checklist

Before subscribing, ask:

1. Does the current featured artist’s style align with yours?
2. Are material quantities sufficient for serious projects?
3. Will you use atypical supplies like specialty erasers?
4. Does the monthly theme inspire you?
5. Is discovery worth potential unusable items?

Recommended Upgrades

• Paper: Strathmore 500 Series Watercolor Paper ($15) handles repeated washes
• Brushes: Princeton Aqua Elite Travel Brushes ($12) maintain precise points
• Community: Reddit’r/ArtBox’ reviews boxes before purchase

Final Verdict: Creativity Takes Flight

Scrawlrbox excels at pushing artists beyond comfort zones. Though the white pencil underperformed and paper quality disappointed, the Derwent Graphitint pencils proved exceptional—their blendability and color transformation justify the box alone. For artists seeking curated experimentation, this subscription delivers tangible creative sparks. As I discovered, limitations like the "take flight" prompt often yield the most inventive solutions.

"Which subscription box material has unexpectedly transformed your art process? Share your breakthrough moment below!"