UpCrate September Box Review: Art Supplies & Creative Tests

Unboxing UpCrate’s September Art Box

As an artist reviewing subscription boxes, I’ve noticed many lack focused value. When viewers requested a dedicated UpCrate review, I tested their September box—a Germany-based service with slower US shipping. The curated selection promised alcohol markers, colored pencils, and specialty paper. After analyzing the contents and creating three original pieces, I’ll share what works, what doesn’t, and how to maximize these supplies.

Key Supplies Included

Spectrum AD Markers (6 alcohol-based): Colors: Yellow Ochre, Pink Beige, Straw Yellow, Spring Green, Aqua Blue, Columbia Blue. Double-ended (brush/chisel).
Brunziel Colored Pencils: Red, nude, navy blue.
Marvey Acrylic Paint Pen: Fine point nib, ideal for line work.
Marvey Fine Liner (0.3): Waterproof, archival ink.
UpCrate Exclusive Paper (185 GSM): 15 sheets for markers/pencils/ink.
Artist Booklet & Stickers: Tutorials and inspiration from the featured artist.

Performance Testing: Markers, Pencils & Techniques

Marker Limitations and Strengths

The Spectrum AD markers felt lighter than Ohuhu or Copics. In large-area applications like hair or backgrounds, they showed patchiness and inconsistent ink flow. Aqua Blue performed poorest, struggling to cover evenly. However, their brush tips excelled for details. Blending tests revealed:

"Wet-on-wet blending was underwhelming due to low ink saturation. Layering pencils over markers created richer texture."

Game-Changing Pencil-over-Marker Method

I tested a technique hinted at in UpCrate’s booklet: coloring bases with markers, then adding depth with pencils. Results impressed me:

Apply marker as a flat base.
Use pencils for gradients/texture (e.g., navy pencil over Columbia Blue marker).
Blend lightly to avoid waxy buildup.
Pros: Adds dimension, hides marker streaks.
Cons: Requires quick work before marker dries.

Acrylic Pen and Paper Quality

The Marvey paint pen’s precision nib delivered crisp lines, even on colored paper. Unlike chalky Posca pens, it didn’t clog. The 185 GSM UpCrate paper handled all mediums without bleed-through—critical for layered work.

Art Experiments: What Succeeded and Why

Character Design with Limited Colors

Using only box supplies, I created two pieces:

Floating Figure: Combined Pink Beige marker skin with pencil shading. Navy pencil line art defined edges.
Character + Dog: Yellow Ochre base with Brunziel pencil details. A pro tip: Lighten sketches with a kneaded eraser before coloring.

Overcoming Color Scheme Challenges

The curated palette lacked a true green, forcing creative adaptations. For a bird illustration, I used Spring Green and Straw Yellow for a gradient effect. This highlighted a key insight:

"Restricted palettes encourage inventive color relationships. Pink Beige appeared orange against red pencils—a useful color theory lesson."

Quick Portrait Exercise

A rapid face study used Pink Beige marker (skin) and Aqua Blue (hair). Despite the marker’s patchiness, the blue pencil added hair strands and blush, saving the piece.

Final Verdict and Artist Recommendations

Is the September Box Worth It?

Yes, if: You value curation over quantity. The paints, paper, and booklet justify the cost for beginners/intermediates.
No, if: You expect premium markers. These are functional but not professional grade.

Actionable Tips for Buyers

Layer pencils over markers for texture-rich art.
Use the paint pen for fine outlines, not fills.
Trace pencil sketches lightly—they show through markers.
Prioritize the specialty paper for multi-medium pieces.

My Top Alternative Supplies

Markers: Ohuhu (for beginners), Copics (experts).
Pencils: Prismacolor Premier (softer blendability).

Final thought: UpCrate’s strength is thoughtful curation—not bulk supplies. The September box excels as inspiration fuel with its cohesive colors and quality paper.

Which technique will you try first? Share your approach in the comments!