2. As an illustrator you can have all the
talent in the world, but unless you have a
good understanding and knowledge of the
material, tools, and equipment you are
using, you’re really underselling yourself.
So here are the list of drawing essentials
you’ll need to forge a career in illustration
DRAWING TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
3. A pencil is an implement for writing or
drawing, constructed of a narrow, solid
pigment core in a protective casing. Pencils
create marks by physical abrasion, leaving a
trail of solid core material that adheres to a
sheet of paper or another surface.
Most pencil cores are made of graphite
powder mixed with a clay binder.
1. Pencil
DRAWING TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
4. There are two graphite grading scales used
to measure the hardness of a pencil’s
graphite core.
• Numeric Scale – Using this scale, the
hardness of the core is often marked on the
pencil. Look for a number such as “1” “2” or
“3”. The higher the number the harder the
writing core and the lighter the mark left on
the paper.
1. Pencil
DRAWING TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
5. • Graphite Scale – Most pencil manufacturers
outside of the U.S. use this scale, using the letter “H”
to indicate a hard pencil. Likewise, a pencil maker
might use the letter “B” to designate the blackness
of the pencil’s mark, indicating a softer lead. The
larger the number in front of H, the harder the lead
core, the lighter the color. The bigger the number in
front of B, the softer the lead core, the darker the
color. In this scale, 9H is the hardest, HB corresponds
to medium, and 9B is the softest.
1. Pencil
DRAWING TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
6. Types of Drawing Pencils
Here is a summary of the different types of pencils used by artists:
This is the most common pencil used in art and writing.
Create dark and rough lines, but not as versatile as the
other options.
Similar to normal graphite pencil but in color.
Create sharp lines and do not need to be sharpened.
However, you are not able to use the thick edge of a mechanical pencil to
create bold marks (like you are able to do with normal pencils).
1. Pencil
DRAWING TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
A. Graphite Pencil
B. Charcoal Pencil
C. Colored Pencil
D. Mechanical Pencil
7. Types of Drawing Pencils
1. Pencil
DRAWING TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
A. Graphite Pencil B. Charcoal Pencil C. Colored Pencil D. Mechanical Pencil
8. It is an instrument for writing or drawing
with ink, typically consisting of a metal
nib or ball, or a nylon tip, fitted into a
metal or plastic holder. When we draw
with ink, we’re forced to master the use
of line.
Felt tip pens allow the artist to create a
variety of marks. The tip of the pen
allows the artist to create a broad range
of line quality.
Proper Use of Tools
2. Pen
9. A drawing table (also drafting table or
architect's table) is, in its antique form, a
kind of multipurpose desk which can be
used for any kind of drawing, writing or
impromptu sketching on a large sheet of
paper for drafting precise technical
illustrations.
Proper Use of Tools
3. Drawing Table
10. A scanner is an input device that scans
documents such as photographs and pages
of text. When a document is scanned, it is
converted into a digital format. This creates
an electronic version of the document that
can be viewed and edited on a computer.
Proper Use of Tools
4. Scanner
11. A graphics tablet is a computer input
device that enables a user to hand-draw
images, animations and graphics, with a
special pen-like stylus, similar to the way
a person draws images with a pencil and
paper.
Proper Use of Tools
5. Graphics Tablet
12. A sketchbook is a book or pad with
blank pages for sketching and is
frequently used by artists for
drawing or painting as a part of their
creative process.
Proper Use of Tools
6. Sketchbook
13. Proper Use of Tools
7. Eraser
An eraser is an article of stationery that is
used for removing marks from paper or
skin. Erasers have a rubbery consistency
and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and
colors. Each eraser creates a different
mark and should be used as necessary
according to the specific drawing medium.
14. Types of Eraser
Here are a few recommended erases:
Your standard eraser for erasing graphite. This eraser uses
friction to remove any material from the surface.
This eraser lifts material from the surface, instead of using
friction to remove it. This eraser gets dirty over time, but can be cleaned by pulling
and “kneading” it.
This eraser is great for removing media from surfaces that are
sensitive to tearing. A gum eraser removes the medium through friction, but
crumbles as it does so preserve the surface.
This eraser is the toughest of the bunch. It can erase almost
anything. But be warned, this eraser can tear the paper if you’re not careful.
7. Eraser
DRAWING TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
1. Rubber Eraser
2. Kneaded Eraser
3. Gum Eraser
4. Vinyl/Plastic
15. Types of Eraser
Here are a few recommended eraser:
7. Eraser
DRAWING TOOLS, MATERIALS, AND EQUIPMENT
1. Rubber Eraser 2. Kneaded Eraser 3. Gum Eraser 4. Vinyl/Plastic
16. A pencil sharpener is a tool for sharpening a
pencil's writing point by shaving away its
worn surface. Pencil sharpeners may be
operated manually or by an electric motor. It
is common for many sharpeners to have a
casing around them, which can be removed
for emptying the pencil shavings debris into
a trash bin.
Proper Use of Tools
8. Pencil Sharpener
17. Proper Use of Tools
9. Artwork Portfolio
It is a kind of folder that holds papers
together for organization and
protection. These folders usually consist
of a sheet of heavy paper stock or other
thin, but stiff, material which is folded
in half, and are used to keep paper
documents.