Sketchbox [2020] - Is it the best art subscription box for you?

Sketchbox is one of the many art subscription boxes on the market today that has taken artists doorsteps by storm - and for good reason.

Each month, artists all over the world can experiment with new mediums and supplies by paying one low monthly feeme.

But of course you're probably wondering: is this box one of those subscription boxes you actually want to show up at your door? Or is it one you should pass up?

This quick rundown should help you figure that out.

Contents

What is SketchBox?

Sketchbox is a monthly subscription service that allows you to receive 4-6 pieces of high-grade art supplies like pen pastels, krink markers, full kits, erasers, colored pencils, and many others delivered directly to your door every month for a fraction of what you'd pay in a store.

According to their website, there are two different box sizes. The first, is the Basic Box and the second is the Premium Box, which is shipped with higher quality materials than what you'll find in the Basic Box.

As of the time of this writing, the Premium Box option is the only available option on their site. However, it looks like they shipped them during 2018, so if you're interested in the Basic Box, you can contact their team at [email protected].

Regardless of which box you get, each is themed, being completely dedicated to watercolors, gouache, ink, and sometimes pencils.

They ship to the US, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Netherlands, Austria, France, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Japan so pretty much no matter where in the world you are, you can have premier quality art supplies shipped directly to your door.

Sketchbox has 3-month, 6-month, and yearly subscription plans that you pay upfront and a month-to-month option. The longer the subscription, the less you pay!

Want to get this box for yourself or as a gift for someone?

Recent Sketchbox Supplies

These are some of the items that have been shipped in previous boxes.

Image	Product Name	Best Feature	Retail Price
via: Amazon / Kuretake ZIG	Kuretake Zig “Cambio” Brush Pen	This brush pen doesn't require squeezing because it flows naturally.	$10
via: Amazon / LYRA	Lyra Rembrandt Aquarell Colored Pencils	Last month's Premium box shipped out two of these pencils to help members perfect their shading techniques.	$2.20
via: Sketchbox	Legion Aqua Hotpress Bock	A 10-page hot press paper book perfect for watercolor pencils.	$13
via: Marabu Creative	Marabu Graphix Aqua Ink	High-quality watercolor ink meant to create vibrant colors.	$3
via: Sakura of America	4-Piece Sakura Pigma Micron Pens	An entire 4-piece set of quality micron pens that will help make your lines stronger or softer... Your choice!	$9
via: Sketchbox	Derwent Lightfast Colored Pencils	A unique pack created specifically for Sketchbox, Derwent's newest and 100% lightfast colored pencils feel perfect when they hit the paper.	N/A
via: Let's Make Art	Crimson Holbein Acryla gouache	Use watercolors the way they were meant to be used with gouache.	$8
via: Amazon / Higgins	Higgins Pigmented Drawing ink	Featured in the March 2017 ink themed Basic Box	$8
via: Amazon / posca	Uni-Ball Posca PCF-350 Brush Tip Pen	One of the Basic Boxes included four of these bad boys, totaling $24... The best part? There was more in the box.	$6

Sketchbox Review

If you're an artist, this subscription is a no-brainer. It's filled with useful art supplies that will help you improve your craft while experimenting with new techniques and materials - all for a reasonable monthly payment!

However, one of the unusual things when it comes to Sketchbox is - at the time of this writing - users seem to be unable to sign up for the Basic Box option and the Premium box is the only available choice.

After clicking on every "Get Started" button on the main page, users are always routed to a URL that contains the words "premium box" and the price of your box is always the premium price. The only option to change your box type is a grayed out and unclickable link.

So as long as you're willing to pay $35/month for the Premium Box, then yes, we think its a good value, especially considering the retail value of the items that come in the box would actually cost you more than $35 if you bought them individually in a brick and mortar store.

Pros vs Cons of Sketchbox

There are some good and bad aspects of this subscription. Here's an easy-to-read breakdown of them in list form.

Sketchbox Coupon or Promo Code

There is no current promo or coupon code.

How to Join the Sketchbox

Joining Sketchbox is super easy and only takes a few clicks of the mouse!

1. "Get Started"

Once you're on the homepage, click "Get Started."

2. Choose Your Subscription Type

Pay month-to-month, or pay upfront for a 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month term.

3. Enter your Details

Enter your payment and shipping details on one convenient screen, double-check it, and submit!

4. Wait to Create

Be patient! Your new art supplies will be shipped by the 25th of each month so it arrives right at the start of a new one!

More Great Subscription Boxes

Sketchbox isn't the only art supplies subscription box on the market. If it doesn't seem right for you, check out these other great art subscription boxes!

1. Scrawlrbox is an alternative that's based in the UK, but ships all over the world.
2. Doodle Crate is a lot more than a doodler's dream.
3. If you like the idea of monthly theme boxes, the Smart Art Box plays by those rules.

In Conclusion

So there you have it... Hopefully, this brief introduction to Sketchbox has helped you make a more informed purchasing decision. Don't stop creating!

Want to get this box for yourself or as a gift for someone?