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Sketchbox Subscription Box Review + Coupon – April 2015

Anna Rodriguez
ByAnna RodriguezMay 21, 2016 | 12 comments

sketchbox-apr

Sketchbox is a monthly subscription service for artists. They provide 5-6 art supplies plus a small print intended to inspire. Additionally, artists are encouraged to share their work with the Sketchbox community, and in some cases, have their work featured in a future box!

I love the design of this box, by the way! Very cool!

This box was sent to us for review purposes.

sketchbox-apr-inside

The Subscription Box: Sketchbox

The Cost: $25 per month, with savings on longer length subscriptions. There is also a $35 per month "premium" option for higher-quality supplies.

The Products: A selection of hand-picked art supplies, plus an art print to inspire

Ships to: Shipping varies based on location.

This review is of the basic box.

sketchbox-apr-extras

Sketchbox's letter introduces the featured artist for this month and explains why they chose the supplies they included. The featured artist this month is Morgan Ashley from San Francisco, and her art print is the candy skull drawing on the right. Just below that is a sticker from Sketchbox. The print is made using all materials from this month's Sketchbox! While this artwork is not my style, I think it's great that they include an example of what can be accomplished using only the supplies they have sent!

sketchbox-apr-markers

Tombow ABT Watercolor Markers - Value $2.50 each

Sketchbox did not include any information on the exact model of the supplies they sent, or the values, so these are estimations I am making based on the prices at Google and / or Amazon.

These little markers are pretty awesome. They are dual tipped to select thickness, and a little pressure can increase the thickness of either point. Additionally, if you apply water with a brush, they can be used as watercolors! Neat!

Sketchbox Subscription Box Review + Coupon - April 2015 Brushes

Princeton angled brush - Value $4

They sent three of the Tombow markers plus this brush to try out the watercolor feature.

Sketchbox Subscription Box Review + Coupon - April 2015 Mircon

Sakura Pigma Micron pens - $2.50 each

My husband was so excited to see these in the box! He said these are his favorite drawing pens! They are both black, but have two different thicknesses.

sketchbox-apr-painting

My husband was kind enough to make a little drawing / painting to give his own example of what can be done with the contents of this box. I think he also used a tiny bit of traditional blue watercolor for the sky. I think it turned out beautiful! Of course, I am biased.

Verdict: My husband was really impressed with the quality of everything in this box, and he was super excited about the Micron pens. Having said that, the value of the items comes to only about $16.50, which is much less than the $25 cost of the box. This doesn't factor in the value of the art print, which is somewhat subjective, but if you liked the print then the value would be higher for you. I do think that the curation adds value. The inclusion of the art print is almost like a little challenge, as in, here are some supplies and an idea of what you could create, now go make something! Plus it is a good opportunity to sample some supplies you might not otherwise try. If those things appeal to you, then this would be a good box. If you are looking to ramp up your art supply cabinet at a discount, then this might not be the best box for you.

What do you think of Sketchbox?

Anna Rodriguez
Anna Rodriguez
Anna has been a fan of subscription boxes since joining Birchbox in 2013, but didn't become a true addict until discovering subscriptions she could share with her children. Her favorites include Kiwi Crate and Fab Kids.

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12 comments

Annette

This coupon made my total go from $100 shipped to $105 shipped. I don’t think they quite understand the concept of coupon over there!

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Crystus ashe

I would like a coupon for my own sketch box i dont have any money for this sketch box but i would like to maybe have an option to pay layer.

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Amanda To

Your review states “Ships to: US for free, everywhere else for additional shipping charges” – I live in FLORIDA, I noticed that once my order was complete, a review of my charges showed a $15 shipping charge. . .

Item Quantity Price
Premium Box

SKU: SQ4303375 1 $100.00
( MYSUBADDICTION2016 ) “My Subscription Addiction ” -$10.00
Subtotal $90.00
Shipping $15.00
Total $105.00

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Liz Cadman

Thanks for letting us know. I’ll update the post.

Karla

I think the value of the supplies is just the FLOP for me. They want to charge $35 a month to get artist grade supplies (the artist grade version was Winsor Newton Watercolor Markers – the rest was the same I believe). Now that would have come to $25 value. I will stick with my Pigment and Palette for $18, always artist grade materials, always a great inspiration piece of art by an upcoming artist and of course the clincher – the reusable black magnetic closure box…I think if Sketchbox lowered the $35 artist box to $25 I would give them a try.

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Jessvii

So glad someone is reviewing art subs like this!! 😀

The lily painting is awesome btw.

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Anna

Thank you Jessvii!

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Melody

Awesome! Never heard of this one! I still like Pigment & Pallette sub better. Same high quality art supplies for $18 per month which includes a sleak reusable black box with magnetic closure.

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PA Anna

This was interesting to read. It’s nice to see the end results.

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Anna

Thanks PA Anna!

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noneonetwo

Aww thats so cute! Anna thank you for sharing the boxes with your family and giving us their feedback. Its always good to get many different perspectives and opinions and you all do a great job!
x

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Anna

LOL, thanks noneonetwo!

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