A beginner's guide to pencils and erasers! A breakdown of the many different pencil and eraser options out there. I’ll go over the different types, how they each differ from one another, the best way to hold them, and the most effective way to use them.
Newest

Brayden Luttrell
20d
This has really made me think of how I should be using my pencil correctly and what pencil to use.
Hudson Koonce
1mo
I can really see a lot of improvement! Well done Stan👏🏼
Larissa Santos
1mo

blazefireheart
2mo
So I've gone back and tried to get better and more consistent at shading, but it always feels like a mess. How do you guys get consistent shading down so far? Do you shade vertically first, and then horizontally until get that perfect shade down? How about using the sharp side vs dull side of your pencil or a mixture of the two?

blazefireheart
2mo
Tried shading a bit more. Everything is HB except the top left. How is my progress?
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Nick Gushlow
2mo
If I already have a couple of cheap sets of pencils - one from a supermarket and one from a random Chinese brand (Martol) - I'm wondering if there is any value in spending £20 on a set of pencils from a decent brand. Has anyone got any thoughts on the subject? I'm interested in opinions but also to hear what other people are using.

Dr Nugget
2mo
Here is a breakdown of the pencils I used. Two lead pencils and a few Staedtler pencils.

fatehshehryar
2mo
Finally performed this exercise.....made a few notes to what I understood I was doing wrong or my understandings so far.... I'd love to have feedback :)

markb
2mo
I liked this guy so much I couldn't resist...
Trouble7
2mo
finally found some time to get some shading done with each of my pencils. Looking forward to the first assignment.

Michael Reyeros
2mo
I just finished this drawing up for a family member who had to put their pup down last week after being with them for almost 14 years. Hopefully I did him justice!
Ieva Paleja
2mo
My pencils like this
Eric A
2mo
Practice/Trying out new NicPro mechanical pencil set verses my old Staedtler set.
mark s
2mo
2B or not 2B. Shakespeare knew his pencils.

Jay C
2mo
Tried shading with different pencils and techniques. Staedtler graphite sketch pencils were used for shading above the line. Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black pencils were used for below the line.
Anna S
2mo
Great job! What are the round spots?
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Javier
2mo
@Proko Quick question sorry if this is posted somewhere I didn't see it. I realize the course just started and I caught up on the videos but is there a schedule for the lessons like everyday or twice a week?
2mo
Our plan is to release at least one lesson per week! Usually they will be released towards the end of each week.
Cameron Dunbar-Yamaguchi
2mo
Doing some values practice today. One of my weak points I really want to smooth out this year.
I'm keeping with the spirit of each lesson released so as to not get too ahead of myself. Patience is key here.
I am looking forward to the lesson assignments in the coming weeks.

Peppe
2mo
Finally having fun again after a lot! I feel really motivated. Keep practicing...
Shelly Ryder
2mo
Love to draw but it's been a while. Enjoyed loosening up and getting familiar with materials. Not as neat and tidy as some of you but I always enjoy a good scribble 😊

jimm
2mo
Love a good scribble!

Sarah NP
2mo
I tried out my Cretacolor and Staedtler graphite pencils. Good practice for me using tip vs side. Different angles, different effects.

bonnieblue
2mo
Stan, where does moleskin fit into your sketchbook review?

Melodie Wynne
2mo
Yes, I’d love to know too!
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About instructor
Founder of Proko, artist and teacher of drawing, painting, and anatomy. I try to make my lessons fun and ultra packed with information.