A fresh start!

2022 lets do this!

Wow, what a time its been.  I hope this post finds you doing well.

I invite you to join me as I start posting some of my fav tools and software I use when creating content.  And yes these are affiliate links.  So I get a small commission on each sale.  The good news for you is that if you already have an amazon prime account you can take advantage of the free shipping option.  This helps me to maintain this site and continue to provide the info I do.  And I will also be promoting many free digital items and open source links just because I can.

Now without further ado...  Lets get started on some of my basic favorites in traditional media.  I believe ideas start with sketches.  I will often just start noodling with either graphite or colored pencil.  I'm partial to blue line drawings to start.  Its a great way to start a drawing and then go over it later with a more confident line. 

Prismacolor pencils.   These are the absolute bomb!  I have used these on several different papers an love how they blend and lay down vibrant color.  I have had multiple sets and encourage you to check out the different lead weights and features.  For example some of these Prismacolor pencils have very soft lead and are perfect for Blending and doing soft color transitions.  Other sets have very hard leads that are wonderful for detail work and hold a fine point much longer.  Below is a link to a great Prismacolor set.  As you can see by the over 55,000 positive reviews on Amazon this set is a winner.  This Prismacolor set also makes a great gift for the aspiring artists in your family.

My Mechanical Pencil Problem

Simply put, I'm addicted to the Pentel Graphgrear Drafting pencil.  I have this exact set and have the lead refills in multiple sizes.  I normally stick with the .05 mm size for my daily driver.  I find that I take a few of these with me wherever I go.  They have a very satisfying weight to them.  One funny thing I find myself doing more often that is ever necessary is clicking the clip to retract the lead.  Talk about satisfying! 

Sketch Books

There are so many types of paper, that I am just going to post a basic set from Amazon that will work in a variety of situations.  I have dozens upon dozens of sketchbooks with various sizes and paper qualities. They all have good and bad things about them.  

The thing I like about this particular sketch book is that it is Spiral bound, has perforations to pull from the binder, and also an indented paper edge so you can get a clean edge if you decide to detach it and frame one of your masterpieces.  Many of my earlier sketch books had the usual ring binder on the Left side.  And it may be a minor thing, but I don't care for  holding onto the rings with my left hand while I draw with my right.  I encourage you to visit your local craft store and see what they have on sale.  I'm often impatient and just decide to get one online. 

Ok, thats it for my first post.  I wanted to get this going to share the knowledge with people who might care.  If you found any of this useful, drop a comment or just say hi.  I will be trying to do these on a regular basis, so check back often.  And remember the best drawing tool ever made is the one you have nearest to you!