An Artist's Touch

All illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti 

As an illustrator, you tend to learn tips and tricks to getting works done. In my years I've learned many ways to draw and create images for clients and myself, in my own style. Along the way, I've come across a million art supplies, some great and others not so great. Having the right pencil or brush can make or break a piece, because not everything works with one's natural style.  I've compiled a list of my absolute favorites at the moment, along with drawings from my sketchbook!

When I'm drafting a new project, I like to use pencils that don't cause any fuss. Sure, some people think that you can use whatever kind of pencils laying around to draw something, but not if you want a pristine image. Pentallic's woodless graphite pencils are my absolute favorite for drawing, no need to worry about sharpening and you can get a lot of definition with very little pressure. I usually start off a drawing with these pencils and then decide whether I want to layer it with another medium. You can choose between HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, and 8B, HB being the lightest. 

Painting is fun. Painting was my first wave into the art world, oil paints to be exact. The only thing is, that painting with oil paints takes too long and when you're on a deadline it can be daunting. Krink's permanent paint sticks are a great replacement, opaque paint housed in a barrel for easy and non messy transportation. It doesn't run, fade, peel or chip off it just provides a smooth and beautiful finish. I use the black stick to give me the blackest black I can get when I'm drawing. 

Ink pens, my number one tool for drafting. Usually when Im drawing with a pencil, I like to go over it with an ink pen to get more definition and create certain line work. Marvy's Le Pen Technical Drawing is perfect for that. It's one of the best that i've used, doesn't dry up, great precision and long lasting. Archival and acid free, which means you won't have to worry about the paper deteriorating over time. I use a .3 mm for most of my works, which is all I need but you have smaller and larger options to choose from. 

Erasers are quite essential. Artist's make mistakes, it's just natural to put down a line that you won't like. The best way to erase mistakes is by using Knetgummi Art Eraser, it also works great with shading charcoal and graphite work. You can knead it to clean it, that way you always have a fresh eraser to use. 

Im not a keen watercolorist, it's quite a difficult medium to control. Not enough water and you end up with a color you weren't looking for, or the alternative, too much water and you end up with strange runny marks and textures. I like watercolor pencils to avoid that, Prismacolor's watercolor pencils. Water soluble and it can also be used dry. I actually prefer watercolor pencils over regular color pencils because of the richness that it provides. Great for color studies! 

Those are a few of my favorites things lately. Drawing is my passion, I would never let poor quality get in the way of what I love doing. Hopefully my list of favorites can help other aspiring artists create more work! Dear readers, what materials do you use to fuel your passion?