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JAE JOHNS DIGEST

Hello friend!

If you’ve ever wondered what secrets lie behind mastering the art of drawing, you’re in luck—there’s a treasure trove waiting for you. I’ve gathered 40 best drawing books that hold timeless insights into sketching, shading, and everything in between. These aren’t your average how-tos; they’re carefully curated gems that could spark breakthroughs in your artistic journey.

These books have something for every level—whether you're just picking up a pencil or refining your portfolio. But here’s the catch: the real value of these books isn’t just in learning techniques, but in how they change the way you see and interpret the world.

Here are just a few areas you’ll tap into:

• Perspective & Proportion: Learn to capture depth in a way that draws the viewer in.

• Mastering Shadows: Understand the subtle art of shading to breathe life into your sketches.

• Creative Confidence: Unlock exercises that help you overcome fear of the blank page.

But I won’t spoil it all. Some of the most powerful takeaways are buried within the pages, waiting for the curious to uncover. The difference between drawing like a pro and feeling stuck might just be hidden in one of these books.

These reads are more than instructional guides—they’re keys to unlocking creativity in ways you never imagined. And the best part? They’re free.

📖 Start exploring now: 40 Best Books on Drawing

Consider this email your first sketch—rough, imperfect, and full of potential. The only thing left is for you to make the next mark. Will you?

P.S. Sometimes, all it takes is one new idea to transform your art forever. Which book will give you yours?

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​Premium Colored Pencils for Cheap

It can be such a hassle when you get colored pencils and they break! That’s why I like these. The inside color core is pretty think, so you’ll be able to use them for a long time.

Pencil Set​

To be honest, I don’t really use a pencil set that much, but if you’re starting out or doing a lot of shading with pencils then I recommend them.

There are different grades of pencils, and when you’re starting out you don’t know which one you’ll like the most.

Getting an inexpensive but high quality pencil set allows you to try different pencil grades and an assortment of drawing supplies.

Plus this one allows you to work in grey tones with the pencils, black with the charcoals, or add some color with the conte sticks!

Cute & Colorful Pencil Set

Looking for something cute and colorful? Well, a pencil set doesn’t have to be the same boring colors anymore.

72 Colored Pencil Set Limited Time Deal

Castle is offering a limited time deal on a set of 72 colored pencils. Intense, creamy pigments with a money back guarantee.

​Ohuhu Alcohol Markers​

Cheaper version of Copic Markers. Seemless blending, refillable ink, and 120 vibrant colors.

​Soucolor Colored Pencils​

Cheaper version of Prismacolor Colored Pencils. 72 rich colors that won’t break.

​ARTEZA Canvas Boards​

Cheaper canvas alternative.

Cheap iPad for Procreate Art

I found an inexpensive but great quality iPad so you can start drawing in Procreate.

Just getting Photoshop alone is $23/month. That’s almost $300/year.

By getting this iPad and Procreate you’re spending about the same BUT you have it for LIFE.

You pay once and you pretty much get to use it forever!

Cheap iPad Stylus

There are many cheap styluses out there, but I find the Apple Pencil is the best quality by far.

The problem is that the pencil is quite expensive.

Well, here’s a cheaper price Apple Pencil.

Have a great day,
Jae