SketchBox is a monthly subscription box for art supplies. Each month, they'll send you 4-9 art supplies (often full kits), plus a piece of art to inspire you. The items included are for 2D media, such as pens, markers, pencils, paints, etc.
This is a review of the $35/month Premium box. SketchBox also offers a $25/month Basic box.
It's June, and summer vacation has officially begun! Baseball season is in full swing, but I'm off work until September, and I couldn't be more excited. With a little extra time to get creative, I've been scrapbooking, beading, and now painting!
This month's SketchBox arrived packed with fresh art supplies and an awesome step-by-step tutorial, giving me the perfect opportunity to try out some new artistic skills. Read on to see what was included and how my project turned out!
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
Each month, SketchBox sends a lovely curation of supplies in a simple white box featuring key information and a QR code. Everything is packaged in bright blue tissue paper (this time with white lettering) and arrives safe and secure. It’s always a special treat when I see this in my mailbox!
What's Inside the Box
Content Pamphlet
Instead of the traditional postcard, SketchBox has switched to a full pamphlet that showcases the box’s contents. It includes a QR code for SketchBox School—where you can learn how to use the materials—along with extra tips and information on how to enter a giveaway. This month even features a written (and illustrated) tutorial!
You'll also find the winner of the monthly art contest highlighted in the pamphlet—a feature that was previously showcased on the shipping box. This month's winning artwork, created by @tania_walls, features a charming ink supply sketch that is absolutely adorable! Be sure to check out her work on Instagram—she's incredibly talented.
5-Set of 8mL 3D OILAC Paints from Rockwell - Retail Value $25.00
The first item I received was a set of OILAC paints from Rockwell. The set included Viridian Hue, Orange, Romantic Purple, White, and Yellow. I had never worked with this medium before, as it is a unique, sustainable water-based paint that combines qualities of watercolor, oil, and acrylic paints.
I found it fascinating to use. The paint had a creamy texture and could be built up in layers, yet it also flowed beautifully when mixed with water. The colors were incredibly vibrant, making this a truly stunning set to work with. Overall, I was very impressed with both the versatility and beauty of these paints.
Acrylic Mixing Palette - Retail Value $2.99
The next item I received was an acrylic mixing palette. This handy little palette reminded me of something Bob Ross might use, as it looks very professional and is designed to comfortably fit in your hand with a thumb hole for easy grip.
The clear acrylic design is especially useful because you can easily see your paint colors and check that they are thoroughly mixed. It's a simple tool, but a very practical addition to this month's box!
SketchBox Signature Palette Knives - Retail Value $6.10
The next item I received was a set of palette knives. The set included a mini spade knife and a mini oval knife. Both featured sturdy wooden handles and fit comfortably in my hand.
The last time I used palette knives was in an oil painting class I took in college many years ago, so it was fun to revisit a technique I hadn't used in quite some time. I was excited to try them out again and see what kinds of effects I could create with them.
CUSTOM Strathmore 4" X 9" Oil Painting Pad - Retail Value $11.50
The last item I received was a custom-made Strathmore oil painting pad. This conveniently sized pad features thick, high-quality paper that handles both water and oil-based media beautifully. The surface has a linen-like texture that feels very similar to canvas, giving artwork a professional look and feel.
I absolutely love this pad! The texture is fun to work on, and it's the perfect surface for experimenting with the supplies included in this month's box.
Sakura Sketch Brush Pen - Retail Value $1.70
Testing
I love this month’s color set! The bright and beautiful hues are definitely giving me summer vacay vibes!
SketchBox June Project
Eek! I am definitely not an oil painter, and abstract art is well outside my comfort zone. This entire month's box challenged me in ways I wasn't expecting! I struggled with using the palette knives and found myself wanting to grab a paintbrush and do my own thing, but I really tried to follow the tutorial.
I chose a landscape photo as my inspiration and attempted to create an abstract version by following the step-by-step instructions. I think it turned out okay, but wow, this project was a challenge for me! That said, the colors were absolutely gorgeous, and I had a lot of fun experimenting with a new technique. I'll definitely need more practice, but I'm glad I stepped outside my comfort zone and gave it a try.
The Verdict
SketchBox is a fantastic subscription service that delivers high-quality art supplies across a wide range of mediums. This month’s 3D OILAC Premium Box featured a medium I was not quite familiar with and struggled with, but found interesting! With enough materials to create multiple pieces of artwork, I was very happy with the overall curation and variety in this box.
While my schedule has been busy, I’m looking forward to using these supplies more in the near future. Overall, I had a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to see what June’s box has in store. Any guesses?
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
Value Breakdown
You can find some of these items as a set in the Sketch Shop listed at the top of the page as the Watercolor Premium Box $40. The included contents card had a $45.59 value, which is higher than the cost of the box and allowed me to discover products I probably wouldn't have discovered otherwise.
To Wrap Up
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? According to SketchBox's website, the cutoff to purchase the June box was May 21st, but you can still subscribe to get next month's box or buy this box in their shop as the 3D OILAC Premium Box.
What do you think of SketchBox?
Please do not enter your email address in the Name field or in the comment content. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Remember to post with kindness and respect. Comments with offensive language, cruelness to others, etc will not be approved. See our full comment policy here.