Graphite Grading Scale: How to Choose the Right Graphite Pencil
Choosing the right graphite pencil can be a tough decision. Do you go for the softest lead possible, or something a little harder? And what if you're somewhere in between? Here's a quick guide to help you make the best choice for your needs.
If you're a beginner, start with a soft pencil so you can get used to the feel of drawing with graphite
Whether you're drawing your first inspirational masterpiece or doodling during an online meeting, starting with a soft pencil is the best way to get your feet wet with graphite.
After all, you wouldn't dive into a pool without testing out the temperature first! Plus, a nice soft pencil lets you easily erase mistakes and make corrections as you go along, so your drawings will end up looking even better than if you started off too aggressively with a harder hardness lead.
A harder pencil is better for detailed work and will give you a finer line
When it comes to detailed work and creating a fine line, you definitely want to go for the harder pencil. Well, maybe don't go too hard – that'd be like trying to drawing a masterpiece with a rock – but if you want precision and accuracy then the firmer is going to be better than the normal number two.
Sure, you could use regular ol' soft pencils for tiny details, but it'll look more like an artsy smudge when you're done. So make sure you have the right level of hardness on your side before really diving into those delicate pieces of art!
Be sure to test out different types of paper before you settle on one - some are smoother than others and will affect the way your pencil strokes look
When sketching or shading, you want to make sure you are using the right type of paper so your pencil strokes look the best they can. Have you ever heard of a 'paper party'? That's right - try different types of art and writing paper of various weights and textures.
Have fun with it! You'll be amazed at the differences between all kinds of paper, from smoother surfaces that seem like there's nothing between your pencil lead and the page, to coarser surfaces that will give your drawings and sketches more texture. Be sure to test out different types of paper before you settle on one - it could make all the difference in the end result.
Don't forget that erasers are your friend! They can help you fix mistakes or lighten up areas of your drawing
When it comes to drawing, mistakes are inevitable! That's why everyone should keep an eraser handy at all times. Sure, there's a certain pride that comes with making something perfect first try; but let's face it, for most of us mere mortals that isn't going to happen.
An eraser can be your savior if you're accident-prone when it comes to art. Not only can it help fix any miscalculated lines or shapes - it can also lighten up areas you've already drawn so you can adjust your shading. With an eraser in your arsenal, fear of mistakes is a thing of the past!
Practice, practice, practice - the more you draw, the better you'll become at using graphite pencils
You know the drill: it's all about practice, practice and more practice. Not just for drawing with graphite pencils, but pretty much any other creative skill too! The truth is, if you want to get better at it, you'll need to grab your pencils every chance you can and keep repeating and refining your technique.
Even when it feels like a chore, as soon as you start getting into that groove of creating something out of complete nothingness using just a simple graphite pencil, you know the rewards will be worth the effort. So go ahead - grab those pencils and start sketching!
Conclusion
I hope these tips for drawing were helpful! Remember to start out with a soft lead so you can get used to the feel of graphite on paper, then move on to harder leads for detailed work. It's also important to test different types of paper until you find one that works well with your chosen pencil - some are smoother than others and will produce different results. And don't forget that erasers can be your best friend when it comes to fixing mistakes or lightening areas of your drawing.
The most important tip of all, though, is practice. The more you draw, the better you'll become at using graphite pencils (or any other type of medium). Do you prefer mechanical pencils or wooden pencils? Let me know in the comments section below.
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