As an illustrator, I have hundreds of pencils and I judge my favorites mostly by how they feel against the paper. One of my favorite brands is Kimberly/General, which are cheap pencils sold at hobby stores, but they feel more buttery than some of the more expensive brands. My least favorite brand is Staedtler, which feel gritty against the paper. It really comes down to the tactile sensation, which is why I will never go digital!
I am a Blackwing convert since 2020. The black matte pencils were amazing for teaching over Zoom. They are a soft lead that is dark but strong, shows up well on camera, and just feels supple in the hand! Not to mention, they have this whole Volumes special edition series released quarterly, and it just brings out the pencil geek in me! I need to go do some journaling now!
I love pencils that can be sharpened to a fine point. I prefer a harder lead so my lines are subtle. My current favorite pencil is a Caran D’ Ache Swiss Wood pencil that is slightly heavier than most. For some reason my hand, mind and heart feel secure and open to just drawing; no judgement, the moment I pick the penci up. Happy drawing ! Grateful for PENCILS and paper!
I love all the writing implements people have listed. I suppose my favorite is the one I'm using in the moment. I can't wait to start foraging for pigment to make drawing tools.
I love mechanical pencils. My default these days is a Pentel P207 with a customized eraser tip, but I also zealously guard (and use) a complete set of Alvin Draft-Matics from .3mm to .9mm. HB leads always because I'm basic like that ;-)
As an illustrator, I have hundreds of pencils and I judge my favorites mostly by how they feel against the paper. One of my favorite brands is Kimberly/General, which are cheap pencils sold at hobby stores, but they feel more buttery than some of the more expensive brands. My least favorite brand is Staedtler, which feel gritty against the paper. It really comes down to the tactile sensation, which is why I will never go digital!
+1 to that, Tom
I love using Micron pens, black, size 08!
Ticonderoga pencils all the way (teacher here)!
Blackwing singing in the dead of night…Take these broken wings and learn to fly…
Blackwing Pearl my favorite - comes with eraser.
I'm a 4B person always, it just is standard and classic, and then I like going over my lines with a Faber-Castell echo pigment in black, 0.3!
This was a beautiful tribute and I'm grateful to you for resharing these photos.
I am a Blackwing convert since 2020. The black matte pencils were amazing for teaching over Zoom. They are a soft lead that is dark but strong, shows up well on camera, and just feels supple in the hand! Not to mention, they have this whole Volumes special edition series released quarterly, and it just brings out the pencil geek in me! I need to go do some journaling now!
I used Blackwings during my animation days in the ‘80’s. I still have a handful from then.
I love pencils that can be sharpened to a fine point. I prefer a harder lead so my lines are subtle. My current favorite pencil is a Caran D’ Ache Swiss Wood pencil that is slightly heavier than most. For some reason my hand, mind and heart feel secure and open to just drawing; no judgement, the moment I pick the penci up. Happy drawing ! Grateful for PENCILS and paper!
I loved reading this Ode to the Pencil. Thank you.
And I love 3x5 cards - heavy weight ones - to make collages, signs, watercolors, whatever...
Prismacolors have always been my favorite along with thin brushes and a thin black sharpie.
I love all the writing implements people have listed. I suppose my favorite is the one I'm using in the moment. I can't wait to start foraging for pigment to make drawing tools.
I’m fully a lead holder/mechanical pencil kind of gal… Recently my favorite’s been a Caran d’Ache 3mm Fixpencil with a 3B lead!
The Blackwing Pencil. Half the pressure, twice the speed. Four times the sharpening.
😂
#2 pencils forever!! Especially Ticonderoga :)
I’m part of the Ticonderoga fan club!
Blackwings Foreverrrrrrrr! :)
I love mechanical pencils. My default these days is a Pentel P207 with a customized eraser tip, but I also zealously guard (and use) a complete set of Alvin Draft-Matics from .3mm to .9mm. HB leads always because I'm basic like that ;-)
I love Ticonderoga pencils, Micron pens, and Sharpies.