First, JD and I work in completely different ways. JD’s work is more planned and controlled, such as using frisket to blank out selected areas. That requires a very accurate initial drawing that probably cannot be readily altered during the drawing process. However, I love working in graphite because it offers that direct mind-to-hand-to-paper connection – you think, you draw. So I begin with a very loose set of guidelines (except where accuracy is vital) and I constantly alter or even ignore them as I draw each section. I also begin top left and work down to the bottom right-hand corner (as a generalisation). Nothing is blanked out. “A String of Memories” by JD Hillberry Drawing pencils come in a variety of hardnesses, or lead grades, as they're officially named. This means there's a huge assortment of the depth of colour you can choose from, which ultimately gives your drawing more shading and realism overall. It can be a little confusing, so we've set it out here for you. No artistry gatekeeping here! Coloured pencils are another great tool for artists, but can be used in the office as well. These are traditional pencils with coloured cores that can be used for art or organising handwritten notes. Coloured pencils are often given as promotional gifts with custom branding alongside colouring books or gifts for children. Grease Pencils

Also called ‘woodless pencils’, these pencils are entirely made of graphite without the wooden exterior. These pencils are often used by artists for sketches and drawings. Because they have more writing surface area, they are excellent for shading in pencil drawings. Liquid Pencils Carbon fiber pens are modern, sturdy, and clean in design. There’s a range of different carbon fiber pens to choose from, whether you are looking for one to privately enjoy at your desk or one to bring with you on your next outdoor adventure. Wherever you may be, the strong build and gorgeous futuristic look of a carbon fiber pen will dazzle you. Pen Many companies use pencils in their promotional giveaways, but do you know how many pencil types there are? The truth is, there are hundreds of different pencil types used in all sorts of different industries. Artists, carpenters, students, accountants and more use different types of pencils every day. Read on and learn more about the different types of pencils that your customers may be using. What Is a Pencil? OTHER STUFF. Clay, wax, oil, other binders, etc. In general there seems to be a dry-to-oily spectrum, but some pencils (Primo, Ritmo, Pierre noire) seem to be described as offering smooth-but-dry writing, so that I’m left wondering if this is not a simple binary. Maybe smoothness-vs.-scratchniess is different from dry-vs.-oily. Fineness of blend would seem to be a factor.The Zebra Sharbo X CB8 is a pen that its user can personalize and define. With the Sharbo, you can customize the pen’s body color, pencil lead size, ink color, ballpoint or gel ink type, and tip size. The Sharbo X CB8 can hold one mechanical pencil component and two pen refill components that are sold separately. Reload the body by unscrewing the barrel and positioning the refill into any of the holders. To select a refill to use, simply twist the grip. Pen

One of the most common pencil types is the graphite pencil, which is a pencil made with wood or a similar soft material around a graphite core. These pencils are used in schools and hospitals, for promotions and so much more. These pencils previously had lead cores, but when lead was discovered to be a health hazard, graphite became the new standard. Some people will still refer to the core of a pencil as the ‘pencil lead’ even though the pencil uses graphite. Solid Graphite Pencils Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited, Company number: 1394141; Registered office: Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing, Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL Weight varies among carbon fiber pens. Most carbon fiber pens, such as the Monteverde Engage One Touch Retractable Rollerball Pen, have a carbon fiber finish. The finish lays upon another material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The underlying material determines the weight. For example, an aluminum body is lighter than a brass body. Some pens, such as Tombow Zoom 101 Carbon Fiber Fountain Pen, have a predominantly carbon fiber body. The carbon fiber is the main structural component of the pen. Pens with carbon fiber bodies definitely weigh less than pens that only have a carbon fiber finish.Whether you're a beginner wanting to dip your toes into the world of art or a seasoned professional who is always looking for the best equipment, a good quality drawing pencil is key. Outside of drawing, HB pencils used for everyday writing are pretty boring, although they might have a stripe down the side for extra pizazz. I’m not sure about Conte’s other pencils. They seem to have difficulty distinguishing their products. The pencils I am familiar with are basically the crayons in pencil form. B = Soft pencil - These are the most commonly used for drawing. They are a soft grade of pencil, which means they're fantastic for blending. The higher the number, the softer the pencil will be. For example, 2B will be a slightly soft pencil, whereas 8B will be extremely soft. You want soft pencils to be the bulk of your tool collection. General’s Carbon Sketch Pencil– These seem kind of rare. They have a very soft, dry (almost powdery) consistency and seem a little bit dusty. They blend almost as well as vine/willow charcoal and (depending on the amount of pressure you used when marking) erase easily. Of the common carbon pencils available, this is my personal favorite. The Platinum MWBC-5000 exhibits a glossy carbon fiber finish over a heavy brass body. The trim is composed of chrome-plated brass. It displays ridges that add a beautiful flair. Light intensifies the pattern and texture of the pen, allowing the carbon fiber to shine handsomely. Pen