– The Foundation of Every Realistic Artist –
Essential Materials Explained
GRAPHITE PENCILS
The heart of drawing. Different grades help you create smooth values, depth and contrast.
- 2H – 4H – Light shadows
- HB – sketching
- 2B – 6B – Smooth Shading
- 7B+ – Deep Shadows
Recommended: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
Staedtler or Faber Castell
KNEADED ERASERS
Perfect for lifting highlights and correcting mistakes without damaging the paper.
- Lifts graphite
- Soft and moldable
- Softens shading & strokes
- Highlight control
Recommended: Staedtler or Faber Castell
BLENDING STUMPS
Smooth out pencil shading beautifully for soft gradations and realistic blending.
- Creates smooth blends
- Soft gradients
- Detail blending
- Clean transitions
Recommended: 3 set sizes variety stumps & tortillons
DRAWING PAPER
Good paper makes a huge difference in texture, blending and overall quality.
- Great for layers
- Durable texture
- Better blending
- Holds graphite
Recommended: Strathmore Bristol Vellum (backside)
BLACK PENCILS
High-quality graphite pencils delivering rich values and smooth shading for realism.
- Deep blacks
- Rich contrast
- Smooth coverage & depth
- Bold shading
Recommended: Staedtler or Faber Castell
ELECTRIC ERASERS
Precision electric erasers designed for controlled lifting and fine detail correction.
- Precision erasing
- Clean highlights
- Minimal damage
- Less smudging
Many available!
EMBOSSING TOOLS
Ideal for creating smooth blends, textures, and fine highlights.
- Indented highlights
- Fine textures
- Detail control
- Consistent results
Many available
MECHANICALS PENCILS
Durable and consistent line work and precision without sharpening.
- Consistent lines
- No sharpening
- Fine detail hair/whiskers
- Great for eyelashes
Recommended: Pentel GraphGear 1000
WHITE ERASERS
Soft, clean erasers that lift graphite gently without damaging the paper surface.
- Clean lifting
- No smudging
- Bright highlights
- Easy shaping
Recommended: Staedtler, Faber Castell or k-i-noor hardmuth
CLICKABLE ERASERS
Compact, pen-style erasers perfect for detailed corrections and controlled erasing.
- Fine corrections
- Pencil control
- Great for details
- Precision highlights
Recommended: Mono Tombo Zero or FACTIS BM2
CHARCOAL PENCILS
Deep-toned charcoal pencils for bold marks, expressive shading, and strong contrast.
- Deep blacks
- High contrast
- Controlled strokes
- Less mess
Recommended: Generals & Conte a Paris
CHARCOAL STICKS
Versatile charcoal sticks ideal for broad strokes, blending, and dramatic tonal work.
- Large coverage
- Soft blending
- High contrast
- Versatile use
Recommendations: Generals, Jakar or Derwent
MAKEUP BRUSHES
Soft blending brushes adapted for smooth graphite transitions and subtle shading effects.
- Smooth blending
- Soft transitions
- Skin textures
- No streaks
Various brands – Dollar store makeup brushes can be good.
PENCIL SHARPENERS
Reliable sharpeners designed to maintain fine points for precise drawing control.
- Sharp points
- Better control
- Less breakage
- Portable use
Recommendations: Carl Angel-5 Manual Pencil Sharpener
SANDPAPER BOARDS
Small tools that make your drawing process easier and more enjoyable.
- Sharpens erasers
- Sharpens pencils
- Smooth shaping
- Cleans Blending Stumps
Various Sizes – or can
make your own
ARTIST TAPE
Deep-toned charcoal pencils for bold marks, expressive shading, and strong contrast.
- Clean edges for charcoal
- Residue free
- Surface safe
- Easy removal
Different colours and
widths available
PERFECTION ERASER
Versatile charcoal sticks ideal for broad strokes, blending, and dramatic tonal work.
- Precision erasing
- Fine corrections
- Dual purpose
- Controlled removal
Can come double-sided or
with a brush
GLASSINE PAPER
Soft blending brushes adapted for smooth graphite transitions and subtle shading effects.
- Smudge protection
- Smooth barrier
- Oil resistant
- Surface protection
Comes in rolls or
individual sheets
WHITE MARKERS
Reliable sharpeners designed to maintain fine points for precise drawing control.
- Bright highlights
- Opaque coverage
- Sharp details
- Strong contrast
Various Gel Marks available – Sakura or Posca
COLOURED PENCILS
Small tools that make your drawing process easier and more enjoyable.
- Vibrant colours
- Smooth layering
- Blendable tones
- Fine detail
Prismacolor Premier, Caran D’Ache or Polychromos
The video below was created before I began my journey with Charcoal tools.
