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Chris2Balls [:B] · (This post was last modified: 08-03-2012, 02:57 PM by Chris2Balls [:B].)

Dude, do yourself a favour when you sketch.

First, the paper. Get some reasonably thick paper, at least 180g/m² (85lbs), with a fine grain. Office paper is typically very smooth, which isn't the best for capturing the graphite.
Secondly, don't be afraid to use several different pencils. For outlines and really rough sketching, I'd recommend anything above HB (H, 2H, 4H, etc.), which will allow you to draw very hard, light lines, and if you press lightly, should be easy to erase. It doesn't have to be grey, you could use blue or red crayons too.
For bolder, more definite outlines, use anything below HB (B, 2B, 4B, etc). The softness of the graphite allows you to draw faster and more fluidly, but is harder to erase, as much as the smudging can be used to your advantage. More detail here.
Thirdly, sharpen that pencil and don't press as hard.

Hand Sketches

Marth · 08-03-2012, 01:38 PM

(08-03-2012, 11:31 AM)Gaia Wrote: I use a mechanical pencil (plus side: refillable, downside: thickness), and this must be the scanner brightening the image.

I started using these a lot and pretty thick ones too!

Just do yourself a favor and grab some high grade sand paper and a paint stick. Gorilla glue the sand paper to the paint stick(cut a strip of it that is the length of the paint stick but leave the handle alone, so you can still hold it) Stand over a trashcan so the shavings go into it (trust me thy are a pain in the ass to clean off the floor and smear and can leave permanent marks!). All you have to do is rub the sides of it down the paper and you can an incredibly sharp point. Actually I think they sell mini ones with a stack of paper on them, so once the paper is all dirty just rip it off and throw it away and use a fresh piece. This is the best way to get quality tips for precise and fine line work! I used it for years, and was never disappointed. Oh and don't forget to bang it out on the side of the can when done so no extra shavings are left over and dirty up wherever you keep it.

Gaia · 08-03-2012, 02:18 PM

Thanks for the tip! Luckily, I have such supplies, so I could just go to the garage and organize them for artistic use, I mostly use them for repair jobs (glue to keep parts together/ sand paper to most likely remove unwanted paint), and never considered using them for artistic purposes once. Guess I learn something new every day.

What brand is that thick mechanical pencil is? Branding for pencils is important for me as I can spot them (it's how I'm able to spot paper:mate branded mechanical pencils)

Marth · 08-03-2012, 02:42 PM

I use paper mate. I prefer thin ones though with needle tip points once sharpened. But when us sketching normal pencils that I sharpen this way, I use a 6h(because I'm highly schematic Tongue

) and then switch to an h or hb. I don't like using thicker pencils because they're dirty for me. However if you want something that's incredibly versatile once sharpened properly (and it can take like 15-30 minutes to do so!) Get a conte pencil, they run for about 2.50 USD, but be careful not to drop because it'll crack down the center and the whole pencil is then shot. It goes from the thickest of thick to the skinniest and finest line possible all from the same tip, but it must be sharpened and held properly (it's a whole process I'll explain better if you want I'll pm it to you just ask).

Chris2Balls [:B] · (This post was last modified: 08-03-2012, 03:09 PM by Chris2Balls [:B].)

I'd like to add to all the helpful advice The Pope of Dope has given to say that you can sharpen your pencil according to the effect you want with your strokes: a pencil with a flat head like a screwdriver will give you wide strokes as well as very fine ones. It all depends on how you want to draw. Don't be afraid to draw bigger! Smile

Hands & Figures

Star · (This post was last modified: 08-03-2012, 04:52 PM by Star.)

Spoiler

It is done.
This is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Aurora shooting; as well as the friends and families affected from this tragedy.
Rise.
Together.

Original Canvas Size: 12x16

Crappy Blue Luigi · 08-03-2012, 04:56 PM

that's some powerful imagery, star. i think you handled it well.

Kami · (This post was last modified: 08-03-2012, 04:57 PM by Kami.)

(08-03-2012, 04:51 PM)Star Wrote:
Spoiler
[/URL]
It is done.
This is dedicated to those who lost their lives in the Aurora shooting; as well as the friends and families affected from this tragedy.
Rise.
Together.

Original Canvas Size: 12x16

Bdass Botmon

Epicness, you should put that on DA if you already haven't.

SmithyGCN · 08-03-2012, 07:30 PM

I'm glad you finished that, Star.
I didn't know it was for the tragedy at Aurora, though, I should've known already just by looking at it.

Shade · 08-03-2012, 07:50 PM

Dude, just...dude.

That's some crazy amazing stuff there.

Star, you honestly have to be one of the most well rounded artists I've ever seen.

Star · (This post was last modified: 08-03-2012, 08:12 PM by Star.)

It really is overwhelming how much of an impact this has had on people. I'm glad to see that I did the imagery right, Crappy Blue Luigi.
Seriously am proud of the result of this. People have been going crazy over it on Facebook sosfogdg; Thank you all for the comments.

I have yet to post it on DeviantArt actually lol I may have to soon, but I never go on there.

And thank you, Shiyadezubuzu. I try to push myself to see how much I can do. I am still pushing to go further.
EDIT: This will be submitted later on in an art gallery that will showcase artwork for differents mediums like comics, movies, etc. I'll be sure to post pics of it here later.
As well as the other two pieces I am working on for the show.