Line and Color Quick Start Guide: https://www.thedrawingcodex.com/quick...

I've been searching for the best tools for my entire career. And I've found the best tools are ones you know how to use well.

A great new tool is only good once we become accustomed to it and know how to get the most from it. This becomes easier as we get more experience... but it still takes time to learn a new pencil well.

Switching can be hard, and it's important to understand what new tools and techniques are going to add to your process and style. It's not always a positive thing. The key is to find the right fit.

The fundamental take away from this video is that the pencil and paper interaction.. the pressure and the darkness you get from that pressure are critical components of the way you draw. It affects the energy and motion of the line you put down.

Some of the more expensive pencils like the Blackwings do a great job of putting down a nice dark line with minimal pressure. And they allow you to get really nice dark graphite on the paper easily. But this is only useful if this is a style and way of drawing which you are aiming at.

It's important to take into consideration the functionality and purpose of your lines. Do you need to scan them. Do you need to present the original as a work of art? Do you need to film it? (this is the reason I originally started using the Backwing Matte). Do you want to avoid smudging? Do you want to use a single piece of paper from start to finish... or multiple stages using a lightbox or scanning then printing?

And at the end of the day the most important thing is what you are drawing. The story and emotion behind the art. Viewers rarely care what pencil you use to get there :)

Pencils mentioned in the video:
Blackwing Matte (the black one...Darkest)
Blackwing Pearl (white one, Medium/Balanced lead, great for everything)
Blackwing 602 (Grey one, lighter, good for writing or when you don't need a dark line)

Tombow Mono 100 (All Grades, the one I used was a B. This is a great pencil, nice dark line, stays sharp)
Mitsubishi HIUNI (all Grades, the one I used was a HB)

Staedtler Tradition HB (This is what I considered a normal decent pencil... these are ones you can buy in Australia at most office supply shops... it's not terrible, but not a premium artists pencil)

I don't do affiliate links. But you can search for where to get these in your area. I normally use Amazon or Jetpens... but keep in mind I am in Australia and the shipping can be significant, you might be able to find a better deal locally.

The best strategy is to buy one of each and see which you like the most... then buy a box or two of your favourite... that way it's a bit cheaper and you know you have a stash...

One of the big reasons I would tend to prefer the fancier brands as a professional artist is that often pencil and art supplies go out of existence and never come back. It's safer to go with what everyone else supports and uses. The more premium brands are also more likely to stick to their graphite formulas and maintain the feel of their product. Cheaper brands can be purchased and switch their manufacturing base... so it has the same name on it but is different. (Just a few things to consider).

Happy Drawing!

Tim Mcburnie

Learn Drawing and Illustration from me: www.thedrawingcodex.com

Portfolio: www.timmcburnie.com
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