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Published on: Mar 24,

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1. Graphite pencils

The first thing you will need is a set of graphite pencils. With many brands out there, it is just a case of individual preference. But how do you decide which to buy? The truth is, there is no 'perfect' solution. Many artists own various ranges and use them interchangeably, there is no 'miracle' brand that will suit every artist. Many art companies have a graphite pencil in their collection, but dig a little deeper and you may be surprised to find that there is more to the graphite pencil than meets the eye. Across the brands, grades can vary. Some may be slightly lighter or slightly darker. Staedtler has a range called Mars Lumograph Black, which contains a high proportion of carbon, providing a matt, jet black finish to your work. The standard pencil leaves a polished finish. Other brands are water-soluble, allowing you to create washes. The Derwent Graphitint range mixes graphite with a hint of colour, made more vibrant by mixing with water. So, not all graphite pencils are the same. The grades in a large, standard graphite set range between 9H - 9B (Derwent Graphic) or a 10H - 12B like the Staedtler Mars. Below we discuss some of these brands.

2. Paper/support

There are many surfaces available for pencil artists that it is difficult to know which one to choose for your early attempts. A hot pressed watercolour paper is always a good starting point and you can always buy a budget pad from a brand like Winsor & Newton. Recommendations are helpful, but a brand that works for one artist is not always going to work for the next. Some artists prefer very smooth paper, others prefer ones with a tooth, which adds interest to their work. If the paper is too smooth, the pencil won't grip as well. Too gritty and you may struggle with detail. It is all about personal preference and we suggest that you buy a trial pack so you can test a selection of popular brands for yourself and choose the one you like the most. Here we explain three different paper options. 

3. Rubber/Erasers

Using one eraser in your work is not going to be convenient for every section of your drawing, which is why there are so many types available. Novelty erasers are not useful for artwork, especially the coloured ones. The pigment can actually transfer to your paper and you may not be able to erase it. Pencil form and battery powered products are very useful in your collection alongside the standard eraser, but are by no means the only ones we recommend. Here we explain the uses and benefits each can offer.

4. Useful tools for applications

During the creation process, there are specific tools that can help you get the most out of your art and help you create high-realism and others that can help you achieve smoother blending. A pencil sharpener is much more than simply providing a sharp tip with which to work with, the type of sharpeners you use and how you sharpen your pencil can make a huge difference to your applications. Here we provide information about some must-have tools and a link to our useful guide to sharpening pencils.

5. RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

These products are recommended as they are an important part of the graphite tool kit. As we do not recommend you touch your paper, a soft brush is useful for the removal of debris. The glassine paper is a grease-resistant paper that can be cut to size and placed between your hand and drawing during each session. Finally, a fixative is ideal for protecting your finished drawing to stop accidental smudging. If your drawing is to be framed behind UV glass, you may prefer not to use fixative at all. We explain these products in more detail below.

6. USEFUL PRODUCTS FOR GRAPHITE ARTISTS

The following products are offered as product suggestions rather than stating they are a necessity. As you may already have a suitable desk and storage system, you also may not wish to use an aid to create your outlines. With this in mind, we provide you with information on each should you find the information useful.

Pencil grading explained

What do the numbers and letters all mean?
All graphite pencils are numbered, followed by a letter which are stamped or printed onto the barrel/sleeve. Below we explain what this information means and where best to use the pencils in your work.
H means HARD. They have a hard core and are paler in tone than those grades above them. They allow the user to create very fine lines. They are most suited to sketching and graphic design work.
B means BLACK. They have a soft core. The higher the number, the darker the tone and the softer the lead. This makes them more vulnerable, and extra care should be taken particularly during the sharpening process. These grades are ideal for creating realistic art via multiple layering to achieve a high level of contrast between the highlights and shading.
F means FINE - Grade wise, it is found between the H and the B and used for fine outlines. Deeper in tone than the H grades, this can be used for whiskers, hair and general outlines for preparation work.
HB means HARD BLACK which is where the two grades join. It sits between the F and the B grades and is most commonly used in schools. It provides a balance of firmness in application and dark in tone.