Graphite has always been a cornerstone of my drawing practice—both as a medium for finished works and as the foundation of more complex pieces. Each tool I use offers something unique, whether it’s the softness of a deep black pencil or the subtle balance needed for precise linework. Here’s a look at some of the materials I rely on:

Pitt Graphite Black 14B

A powerhouse for the deepest, richest blacks. This pencil allows me to achieve dense tonal values that bring real drama and weight to a drawing.

Blackwing Soft & Blackwing Balanced

Blackwings are renowned for their smooth laydown. The Soft excels at velvety shading, while the Balanced is perfect for confident, consistent strokes—ideal for areas where I want both precision and richness. Both are lead, so do have a shimmer in certain angles/light.

Wolfe’s Carbon 2B

Slightly grittier than pure graphite, this carbon pencil gives a strong, matte black that reduces shine on the paper. I use it when I need shadows that absorb light rather than reflect it.

Chromaflow Black 2300

Smooth, blendable, and reliable for building mid-to-dark tones. It’s especially useful for layering when I want subtle shifts in value.

Royal Graphite 6B & Mars 8B

Both of these pencils give me buttery-soft marks. The 6B is my go-to for strong sketching lines and darker values, while the 8B adds rich depth in the darkest passages. Both are lead, so they do have a shimmer in certain angles/light.

PanPastel Noir

Not technically a pencil, but an essential in my toolkit. Its powdery application lets me block in large areas quickly, softening transitions and adding atmosphere.

CB1 Carbon Black

A dense, matte carbon that produces the deepest black tones. It anchors the composition and adds contrast where I want the eye to rest.

Every one of these tools contributes something different to my work. By layering and combining them, I can explore the full spectrum of tone—from silvery-grey highlights to deep, velvety blacks—bringing both life and subtlety to my drawings. I have included the addition of using blending tools like tortillons, stumps, cotton buds, or even paper towels to smudge and spread the graphite. You can also use a kneaded eraser to pick up and soften graphite by dabbing it onto the paper.