Tools of my Trade

I thought I would share some of the tools I use. Starting from upper left is a Magnifying glass my dad found at a garage sale. I think it's for making your own fishing tackle? It's got 4 alligator clips for holding stuff!

Pencils of course. I have tried many kinds, and prefer Staedtler Mars Lumograph for their predicable results!! Yeah, it matters!

A make up brush for removing eraser bits, shavings etc from my drawing. Below that is a TUFF STUFF stick eraser, great for the wisps of hair I did on Reese Witherspoon's hair, highlights etc. Then there are the SOLID blending stumps. I like those better than the hollow rolled up tortillas. Kneaded eraser of course, but also this stuff called Blu-Tac (aka sticky tac) used for hanging posters without nails on the wall. GREAT for lifting straight UP without smudging. Like re-whiting the key-highlights in the eyes, etc. A cotton round for blending (sometimes).

A sandpaper stick for removing graphite from caked blending stumps, and sharpening a pencil to a needle point (I use old paper for that too). The clutch pencils, also known as Lead Holders. I use those for special use areas, with their tube sharpener to the bottom-right of them.

The other 2 clutch pencils I use for holding a nail, and a needle, for scratching the paper. The metal file is for sharpening the nail. See my tip guide for a full explanation at [link]

The pencil extension lets you use the pencil down to a friggin nub! HA

The small brush for removing debris. The Paintbrush looking thing below that is called a "color shaper" mainly used for blending color pencils, but works good when you want to blend graphite WITHOUT removing any, like a blending stump does. It's solid rubber on the end, in the shape of a brush.

Scissors of course, a carpet knife for cutting the TUFF STUFF stick eraser to a knife's edge, electric pencil sharpener, and a mag glass than hands around my neck!

Well, those are most of what I use.

Hope that helps?

Rick aka Mr.Pencil