What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

I enjoy both traditional and digital processes and try to practice both. For my professional work though, I often go digitally. I’m more comfortable with, and it’s faster for me. I can come back on any step of my process, and I love the technical possibilities that digital provides. I use a Wacom tablet and Photoshop CS4. I start from zero in Photoshop, so my digital work is 100% digital. But I also love drawing with good old pens and pencils. Recently my favorite pencil is a Conté Pierre Noire, I love it because it makes really deep blacks. My friend Victoria Maderna also gave me a wonderful little pencil: Schwarz Black soft, by Faber Castell. It’s soft and oily, but not greasy. Sometimes I draw with pens as well. For the colors, I’m an addict of watercolors.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

I do not prefer pen rather than other medium, but sometimes I feel like drawing with them. My favorites are Pilots, I have several of that brand. I try to use different sizes in the same drawing, but depends, sometimes I start doodling with a ball pen and I end up filling a full page. Another one that I find very useful, is this Japanese ink pen, with a brush: Pentel GFKP. The brush is really good, allowing to vary the line density, and easier to carry on than an ink bottle.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

As I said, my favorites are watercolors. These are awesome and also frustrating to use, but I love it. I have two boxes of Winsor & Newton watercolors, had them for ages, and they still feel kind of magic. Plus you can take them anywhere, they fit in any pocket! It happens that I use color pencils as well, or acrylics, but I’m not that good with paint. I never trieds oils, and I feel quite ashamed about that haha! In the near future I would like to practice more painting though.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I’m quite difficult about paper. For exemple, I don’t like Moleskine paper much, because it’s yellow and you can’t really add water on it. They are good for pens though. I often prefer watercolor paper, or Canson. About sketchbooks, a friend of mine who is an artist too, Jens Claessens, always buy these A4 and A5 books for me, in a little art store of his town. They don’t have any particular brand I guess, they are only huge books with an hard cover, black or blue, with nothing on it, and the paper is perfect for me. That said, depending of the context, I draw on anything, like on a paper napkin, wood, stones, or the walls of my bedroom…

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

I don’t recall this happened, except maybe in school, trying out my schoolmates’s tools. I like being inspired by others but I try not to “copy” other artists process too much. I would be afraid of losing my own personality by trying the tricks of other artists. That said, most of the mediums I use are pretty common. I think it’s how an artist uses a tool that makes it unique, more than the tool itself.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

I only use Photoshop. I used to mess around a little bit in Illustrator and Painter few years ago, but not seriously. I’m a bit of a noob!

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

I work digitally for my commission work (for press, graphic novels, illustrations for clients), because it’s easier. I love the freedom that digital process provides me. For quite a long time I didn’t had a scanner, so I learned to draw everything digitally, without traditional sketching. It was more a constraint at the beginning, but in the end it made things easier. I developed my style this way and I can work quite fast now. For my own pleasure I still draw traditionally though, but less than digitally. I sell original artworks on Etsy. I do some when I have time to produce stuff just for fun. No pressure. It seems more difficult for me to work traditionally for a client. I’m not confident enough with it, less practice.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

Definitely all of the above! It would be crazy to say that it’s not helpful. Not especially for creating art, there is tons of full traditional artists that don’t really need a computer as a tool of creation. But for creating a network, contacts in the industry, for job seeking, to have a website, to communicate with clients, to find reference, for inspiration, etc. Computers and the internet are obviously a huge resource.

Like mostly everything else, it also can be a huge distraction and a tool of procrastination. It’s up to people to use it in a clever way. I’m still trying to figure it out!

Thanks Aurélie!

Aurélie Neyret can be found online at her weblog Clo! and on Twitter (@ZeuClo). Prints of her work can be found at INPRNT and some originals are available on Etsy.

What are your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

I use pencils—I always have in my case (1) a clay eraser and a .5 mechanical pencil from Faber Castell, (2) 3H, HB, 5B and 9B Pencils from Staedtler, (3) a sharpener, and lastly, (4) a shading stump, which I just discovered recently (No more dirty index fingers from smudging). I actually have more shades of pencils but always find myself using just those four in particular.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers? All of the above? Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

The embarrassing truth is, I’m not too familiar with traditional colors. I used to just pick up any pen or pencil (I didn’t even know the shades before) then scribble like crazy the first thing that comes to mind. I had no formal art education unless you count the short-lived basic cray-pas coloring that I tried out as a kid, so I wasn’t “introduced” to the different traditional coloring media. I always do my colors digitally with a pen tablet and Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. I would really like to learn watercolor and acrylics (and I will, sooner or later). I’ve used colored pencils, that I was pretty good at, but I haven’t touched one for ages.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

Yes, definitely. I try to find tips and inspirations everywhere, especially art exhibits/museums and the internet. Every now and then, I try and search for a new artist’s weblogs/sketchdump. I also frequent DeviantArt, CGSociety, and PencilJack.

Do you have anything you use out of the ordinary for making your art?

Yes, I basically use anything to make illustrations and other stuff. You can ask my mom, who was a little unsupportive after seeing some of my “art pieces” when I was experimenting as a kid (e.g. drawings on the floor using her flower pots, “sculptures” I would make with my food instead of eating them, etc.). I know curiosity killed the cat, but I always feel a little victorious after discovering new ways to make art or conquering a specific medium, so I just keep on experimenting.

When creating your digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

I use Photoshop, Illustrator and 3D applications such as Maya, Blender, and Google Sketchup. I use mostly Photoshop—I would die without it. For a time I even stopped using pencils and did my sketches directly in the PC with a pen tablet. The 3D applications are there for support when dealing with difficult perspectives and shadows. I also make some 3D-rendered pieces from time to time.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

To be honest, I prefer to be working digitally—less dirtier and much much easier. Although recently, I have been trying to get back to using traditional pencils. Working digitally has lots of advantages, but it spoils you….a lot (think layers, undo, etc). At some point, if you’re not careful, it even pulls you down. I believe you should master traditional tools and techniques first. The computer should only aid—you shouldn’t be dependent on it.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

I would say all of the above. Ever since I found out about the internet, I was glued to it, addicted to the endless information it provided. Now that I’ve picked up the pen (and the Wacom tablet) again, I find myself constantly looking for information and inspiration on how to become a genuine, solid artist. I used to be shy and kept my artworks to myself, but I have seen people grow unbelievably fast by participating in art communities and hearing out other artists’ comments. These I think are the true benefits of the web—the accessibility and the interactivity. For a long time, I was stagnant because I had closed doors, but I’m slowly throwing my artworks to the lions (pride, shame, and other feelings aside) to grow as an artist. While the web is not a substitute, a lot of people like me who did not have formal art education can learn a lot from artists all over the world. Distraction? Yes, I love computer games and they make it so hard to focus, so I got a laptop solely for working and use my desktop for games.

Thanks Paolo!

You can find Paolo Lazatin online at The Six Thirty, a shared art weblog with Alex Lapa, and at paolaz.deviantart.com.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

I have to admit, being a girl first and nerd second, I spend all of my money on art supplies, video games and shoes. I love my Wacom tablet… one day it will be a Cintiq. Dr. P.H. Martin Concentrated Watercolors are great and last a lifetime. Any old mechanical pencil will do, Prismacolor Pencils (always True Blue and Crimson Red). Any and all paper, the stranger the size and texture, the better. Gray Tombow markers, Copic Markers, Winsor & Newton sable brushes (the Rolls Royce of brushes), acrylic gesso, extra fine sand paper, and Guitar Hero for when I can’t think of anything to do with all those art supplies.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

I honestly can’t! I go crazy when I walk into an art store, buying everything I see, and then I put it all away in my closet never to be seen again! HAhaha! I usually open it up whenever I feel inspired, get overwhelmed, close the door and walk away. My little sketchbook from my bag and my laptop are usually where all my ideas end up.

If there is a project that can’t be done digitally, like painting a vinyl or a canvas, I usually pull out my P.H. Martin watercolors and some acrylic paint. The two blend well and are incredibly vibrant!

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

I like warm gray Tombow markers, gel pens and Pigma Microns. Also, dried up Sharpie markers are fun to play with, especially when you take out the felt from the inside and ball it up to use as an underpainting.

My friend, Stephane Kardos taught me that. Merci!

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I usually color everything digitally because it’s 100% forgiving. Plus you can quickly reference textures and photo elements with ease and apply those bad boys to your painting directly.

I think using Photoshop automatically makes you a p*ssy. HAHah! You don’t chose to be, you just become one unwillingly!

I like to think that Photoshop is like a kind, nurturing mother who feeds you three well balanced, delicious meals a day… reads you a bed time story and then tucks you in at night until you realize that you’re thirty years old, have a flabby backside and you haven’t seen the sun in 6 years! So then one day you leave home, finding that the world is a terrifying place and you’re a hot mess!

Traditional media is the reality that’s harsh and unforgiving and it’s tough going to that from something so predictable and forgiving.

Not for me man, I’m sticking with Photoshop…. and maybe acrylics and watercolors if I’m feeling craaazy!

I really admire artists like Travis Louie, who can achieve what us digital artists can with just their hands and a canvas.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

I love cheapy mini watercolor sets. The color’s usually aren’t too saturated which is great for subtle sketching and quick tonal gestures under any ink or pencil drawings. It’s really fun and not too permanent.

Sakura Koi watercolor sketch boxes are my personal favorite. It’s refillable so you can swap out the little color cakes for any color you choose, which is great because pre-determined watercolor sets usually have a lot of “blah” colors.

And did I mention it comes with a refillable water brush! Sha! Awesome!!

Also Escoda travel brushes are great for field paintings and are gorgeous.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I like sketchbooks.

As artists, I think we’re a little disorganized by nature, so we have to be extra attentive to our collective selves to keep us from tripping over stacks of papers and spending hours looking for something in a cluttered office. I don’t mind the size or the type, as long as it’s recognizable and in some way bound together.

On that note, I love Kunst & Papier sketchbooks. They have a great variety of sizes and won’t fall apart if they get wet or when you’ve schlepped them around with you for a while!

If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?

I love series paintings so if I can find a canvas or material that’s an interesting shape with a couple different variations to match, then that’s what I’ll get!

Like any artist who wanders the aisles, wood piles, junkyards, etc. You look for that canvas that inspires you.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

Always! Photoshop is the artist’s crutch but I love it.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

Of course! I often look at Cartoonbrew, Conceptart.org, CGsociety.org, and blogs like animationbackgrounds.blogspot.com, and characterdesign.blogspot.com for inspiration.

Blogs are great for getting the artist’s perspective on the project rather than just looking at a finished piece with a limited description.

Do you have anything you use out of the ordinary for making your art?

Well sometimes I use a chain saw and human blood but that’s only on special occasions. ….That was a bad joke, I’m totally kidding!! BAAH!

Well, honestly, I sometimes use my hands, cotton, beaver whiskers, sharpened sticks, whatever is lying around that you think might make for a nice effect. Being an artist is being an inventor and an engineer…. and in some cases a MacGyver too.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

Well I wouldn’t say “purely” but I use a lot of different software. It all depends on the project. As an artist, it’s good to learn as many different tools as you can so you have a bigger tool box, so to speak, when a particular projects presents itself.

For me, I rely predominantly on Illustrator, ArtRage, Sketchbook Pro, Maya, Zbrush and AfterEffects.

These days, I’ve been doing a lot of digital painting so Photoshop and ArtRage are my apps of choice! ArtRage is the MOST fun and only something like $25! Also, Alias’ Sketchbook Pro is great for sketching and cartooning. They have a free trial on their site too so go check it out!

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

I usually always start a project with a sketch in my sketchbook or on marker paper. Siiigh… nothing is more exciting than getting a new book of marker paper and tearing out the first page for scannage! Am I right!?? Ooh life’s simple pleasures….

Sooo, I usually start a project using just a regular mechanical pencil and some paper. Then I’ll scan it in or take a digital photo and paint on top of it in Photoshop. I’d say I rely 70% traditional, 30% digital.

I prefer sketching out my ideas before I scan them into the computer because it keeps me focused on the idea rather than the techniques and the color. Too many options can become distracting and before you know it, you have a beautifully rendered, boring idea. Kind of ironic how eliminating your options can make you more creative.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

It can be all of the above! I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent researching something for unspeakable amounts of time when I should have started the project long before. But that’s what’s so incredible! The internet is an endless recourse. I’m going to sound like a huge dork right now, but technology has brought so many ideas to life, so many questions to resolution and so many seemingly unattainable dreams to reality. I’ve met people via Facebook and LinkedIn that are freaking giants in the art world and they’ve taught me so much! Social networks and blogs have bridged generational, occupational and experiential gaps like nothing has ever done before! And online tutorials are teaching people things that us chumps paid, oooh, only about 100K for! Hahah (this is where I break into Kip’s “Technology” song from Napoleon Dynamite). Anyway, I like learning new tools and with the internet and software today, the skies the limit!

Some good sites for meeting other artists are: LinkedIn, Facebook, CGSociety, ZbrushCentral, Etsy, Artist’s Blogs, Artist’s Websites, and Google.

If you play your cards right and try not to freak anyone out (which I’ve done myself too many times to count hahaha) you can directly email your idols using these sites! Just tell them that you’re an artist looking for some feedback, blah blah blah, whatever! More often than not, you won’t hear back, but sometimes you will and that’s what makes it all worth while! One day when we’re all rich and famous artists, someone will randomly write us for guidance and we’ll be happy to help!

Thanks Whitney!

You can find Whitney Pollett online at her portfolio website whitneypollett.com, and on her weblog whitneypollett.blogspot.com.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

My favorite drawing tools are basically digitals: drawing tablet, digital brushes… I only use graphite pencils (Staedler 2HB, Faber-Castell 5HB) to plan a comic, doodle some ideas and concepts.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

For a comic story, I usually start drawing with graphite pencils, however, I use a vectorial brush for lineal drawings, or working directly with Photoshop if the textures predominate over the outline.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I occasionally do the color with watercolor pencils and gouache, using brushes and a sponge, looking for finishes like I get in digital form.

I also use markers, specifically Touch markers with two points. I use them over pencil, but only in small areas and no more than two tones mixed in the same drawing.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

My favorites are the Photoshop dry brushes. Long live!

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I have a small Moleskine just for writing because I hardly draw by hand. For comic, I prefer an old notebook that constantly loses pages.

But my favorite is one with horizontal guides, decorated by Adrian Tomine, I only get to do some drawings on this one, perhaps because I don’t have to face the full white.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

I normally start drawing with the vectorial brush of Flash, then I model forms vividly, I love the flexibility of this program. The result is exported to Photoshop to reduce coldness and finally I use Photoshop brushes, mostly the application defaults, dry and wet.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

I usually work with Flash, Freehand, Illustrator, Painter and finally Photoshop, my star program, with which I get (almost) everything I want.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

Before I start drawing I was an art director for an ad agency, but my designs derived increasingly toward illustration, so I ended up doing drawings. I started drawing in a very unorthodox way, with the computer mouse and later, at last, with the drawing tablet. So I find digital work so convenient, a way wich I’m very accustomed to and which I feel more comfortable when I have to face certain projects.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

In my particular case, the computer has been a key factor in many ways to use certain resources such as textures, patterns, fonts…, I don’t have my own bank but I used to look for resources on the network every time I need them. I think the internet is really useful with the promotion of your work and let more people know it. You can get notoriety, of course, despite all the time that this entails.

Thanks Ana!

You can find Ana Galvañ online at her portfolio website anagalvan.com, her weblog, and on Flickr (elmyraduff).

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

I like mechanical pencils because I tend to draw in a very quick scruffy style and would have to sharpen a normal pencil about every couple of seconds. Even illustrations that end up rather minimal and tight start out as a mess of lines and corrections. For that reason, I also find a putty rubber indispensable, because it can get into all the little nooks and crannies of my drawing. I get into a panic if I don’t know where my putty rubber is. It’s a bit like Dumbo’s feather.

I use a lightbox a lot, because I like to keep my pencil artwork separate and the lightbox enables me to experiment with different approaches to the same illustration.

I use a Wacom when I’m on the computer, although it’s just a little A6 tiddler, so I find it’s only useful for rough sketches and quite broad actions, like using the burn tool in Photoshop.

My favourite pen would be my Pentel brush pen.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?


It generally depends on the subject matter. How a given medium supports what you’re trying to communicate is something that really interests me. For example, I recently drew a character for a story set in the 80s so I’ve used half tones to give the illustration a kind of 80s newsprint feel. If I want to do a creepy, Victorian style illustration I’ll use dense linework and treat paper in Photoshop to make it look older. Upbeat kids stuff might be looser more expressive pencils with bright, fresh watercolours.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?


I’m forever hassling people to take up Pentel brush pens. They’re really convenient and versatile, you can use them in an expressive loose kind of way, or reign them in for nice tight graphic work. That said, I’ve recently started playing around with a mapping pen and have been really pleased with the results. 



How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?



Mainly watercolours and Photoshop. If I’m using watercolour I tend to make a set of swatches, scan them in and then compose the colours in Photoshop. I also colour things directly in Photoshop, and use bits of texture – old paper, metal etc. to give things a bit more depth. Photoshop is great with watercolours and pencils.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

I like using felt tip pens, I think because of their associations with being a kid. If I think of colouring in, I think of felt tip pens. I also like drawing with biros, for a similar reason – it reminds me doodling in exercise books in school.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I do most of my work in A4 sketchbooks with heavy paper with a bit of a grain to it. I need heavy paper because I make such a mess, it needs to be paper that can take a bit of a battering. I like the grain because of the way it picks up the pencil and the smudges…it gives more information to Photoshop that I can play with later, burning bits in or cloning nice bits of texture etc.



Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?


Pretty much everything goes through Photoshop. I use curves a lot, and the burn and dodge tool. I play with the colour values and I like to use multiply layers, e.g having a bit of old paper as a multiply layer, or having my inks on a multiply layer and colouring beneath. Even the scruffiest sketch gets curved up and has some bits burned in and other bits knocked back.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

Almost everything I use. I think it’s really important to keep experimenting and to stay clued up. Everything I’ve mentioned so far can be traced back to hearing about it or seeing it somewhere. I picked up the Pentel Brush Pen because the guy who does the concept art for the Metal Gear Solid videogames uses one. The last design studio I worked at had a really healthy culture of trying stuff out and sharing knowledge. I picked up loads of useful bits of Photoshop from the designers there. If I’m not sure how someone’s achieved a particular effect I hunt around on the Internet for a relevant tutorial.

Do you have anything you use out of the ordinary for making your art?

Not really. After talking up the computer so much I’d like to say that I’m a big fan of the ordinary! If the audience can understand how a picture was made, then I think that’s another level to the relationship between the work and the viewer. There’s something magical about seeing an amazing piece of art that is just pencil marks on paper.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

I’m going to continue the trend of contradicting my last answer. I really love drawing in Flash, especially the way you can grab your lines and fills and pull them around until you’re happy with them. Also, Flash and Illustrator are great for more modular pieces – loads of characters and stuff, because you can easily rearrange, resize and edit different elements.



If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?


Nothing beats drawing in a sketchbook.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?


Well, generally I think computers are great. Especially for getting your work seen, communicating with clients, researching content for work or seeing what everyone else is up to. The danger with computers is that because they’re so clever and offer you so much choice, you can struggle to keep a focus on yourself and your work. Regarding the Internet, sometimes it can be inspiring and sometimes it can be a bit bewildering when the whole creative industry is out there for you to explore and find your place in. Regarding post-processing, it’s always a worry that by the time I’ve inked a sketch and scanned the inks and cleaned them up and moved them about and coloured them and added a texture I may have killed the spark from the original sketch stone dead. The trick with computers is using them to enhance whatever it is that makes you unique as an artist in the first place.

Thanks Chris!

You can find Chris Rodenhurst online at his weblog Sketchybeast.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

For my sketchbook drawings, I use a Pilot Precise Rollingball V7 (fine tip) Pen..in colors black and red. For my commercial work I use the Wacom Tablet. I also ink my commercial pieces digitally. For Spot coloring and some full page coloring in my sketchbook, I use watercolor brush pens.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

Trial and Error is the most honest answer. I have tried every pen… every tool on the market. And while I don’t believe that the ones listed above are the best of the best in general, they are the best for me. Everyone needs to find their tool of choice..and sometimes it might take years of experimentation and quite a bit of failure. However, the proper tool can not only make drawing and/or painting easier..but also better looking.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

Pilot Precise Rollingball V7 (fine tip) Pen- They flow beautifully on the Moleskine paper of my sketchbook. The “FINE” thickness is perfect for me, because the thinner the pen, the more it slows me down. I use the color black for my main drawings, and accent details and fill negative space with a red pen.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

For my sketchbooks, watercolor mainly…rarely acrylics.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

There are rare occasions where I find myself traveling and working on sketch journals. In those instances, I prefer to use the watercolor brush pens…not any kind of sets, because I prefer to limit my color palette.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I always use the Moleskine sketchbooks. I use the 100-page one with slightly thicker paper to reduce transparency and support watercolor and/or paint application. The feel of my ink pen flowing on the Moleskine paper alone is reason enough for me to use this sketchbook.

If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?

Have not painted since college :(

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

My commercial work has gone full digital now. However, I do find myself fixing up, adjusting and adding digital touch-ups to my sketchbook pages. Pretty much every sketch page that I scan is carefully fixed up in Photoshop… even if it is the simple addition of the white color in some spots.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

Everyone has been praising the pen that James Jean uses. Once I got a hold of a box… I realized that it is nothing more than a very think ball-point pen that has a tendency to smear and is too thin for my taste. But that just goes to show that there is a specific tool for everyone.

Do you have anything you use out of the ordinary for making your art?

My sketchbooks are the most experimental works that I have. My recent experimentation was playing with transfer markers and xerox copies…nothing out of the ordinary, though.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

It’s all Adobe Photoshop. On very, very rare cases, I use Adobe Illustrator…and even more rare cases Corel Painter.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

A computer is a tool. As long as the artist keeps that in mind, it is extremely helpful. Most people these days misuse the computer, causing endless circular debates whether it is good or bad. If you cannot draw..any tool is useless and cannot be used to your advantage. if you can’t paint, oils are us eless too. The only bad thing about the computer is that it allows those without skill to cheat..and those people are the only ones creating the problems in the first place.

Thanks Tin!

You can find Tin Salamunic online at his portfolio website salamunicart.com, on his weblog, on Twitter (@Salamunic), and he also contributes to the group weblog Urban Sketchers.

What are your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

When I sketch it is usually with ink. A drafting pen or markers are my favourite choices. I find that you can’t hide your mistakes when you draw directly in ink. I love that. Occasionally I will use a blue pencil. This allows me to ink over this so that when scanned, the blue sketch lines can be edited out.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

In the past I have used pretty much anything to hand to create art. Spray paint, oils, acrylic. makers. You name it and I’ve probably used it. These days most of my pre-production work is done on a computer with Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro and Illustrator. But when it comes to sketching I’ll always stick to ink.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, colour, or type of ink you like best?

Always black, if I’m using ink, and always 0.5-1.0 tip Edding draft pens. Markers can range from thin to really thick tip. Sometimes I’ll use a brush pen. I’m trying a few different makes to find perfect brush pen for me.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers? All of the above?

On the odd occasion that I actually have the time to paint, I do prefer Oils. But I still mix it up a bit when it comes to the media that I use. It depends what the work calls for.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets or do you need a full set of colors?

My favourite markers are Pantone make. Auto spray paint is also good.

If you have a different set of tools for working in your studio (or office, or home, or on the couch) and out in public (at the park, or a coffee shop), what are the differences?

I very rarely get to work outside the studio as that is where my screen printing equipment is, however I always carry a sketch book and a drafting pen or two.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

If I have a choice I’ll always pick a Moleskine note book, just for the cool factor really, ha, ha. But really anything that you can draw on is fine with me.

If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or other material?

I always paint on plywood panels. I get these cut to size at a local timber merchants. I like unpredictability of the surface. No two respond the same to the paint. My screen prints are done on acid-free paper, about 200lb. smooth surface.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your art?

For my screen prints I’ll always use my computer to create the image. Even if I have prepared something by hand it usually ends up being scanned and into Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro and edited.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

Sometimes but mostly I’ll see something new in the art supply store and try it out for kicks.

Do you have anything you use out of the ordinary for making your art?

I did use coffee granules once as an aging agent for the ply wood on a couple of pieces that I did way back.

If you create collages, where do you get the materials and objects you use in your pieces?

I don’t create collages per se, but my current work is created from found bits and pieces as well as original elements. I do use allot of imagery that I find either in magazines or on the Internet. I’ll fiddle around with a scan or picture from the web until it is suitable for what I need.

Do you have any special tools you use for creating collages? A particular X-acto knife, or a certain stamp set?

Just the computer and my scanner.

When creating your digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

Mainly Paint Shop Pro, Photoshop and Illustrator. Layers are the best thing ever. I use Illustrator to convert scans of my like drawings into vectors.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

These days the pre-production work is always finished off digitally. This isn’t a preference it’s just how the product dictates how I work. I need to produce acetates for the screens that I’ll print from. So, even if everything is done by hand, the final stage will always be scan, fiddle and print.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

I think that the use of a computer is invaluable these days. Even if you don’t use it for producing the work, the promotional opportunities are so much better in cyber space and save on shoe leather. That said, I have the attention span of a gnat so when I’m online it is so easy to get distracted. Before you know it, two or three hours have gone by and you have nothing to show for your time. I try to update me blog at least once a week, if possible. I find that this simple process helps me to think about my work, what I’ve done and ideas for the future.

Thanks Mick!

Mick Statham can be found online at his website/portfolio mickstatham.com and on his weblog.

What are your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet)?

My favourite drawing tools are Faber Castell PITT Artist pens, Pilot Super Grip pencils, Pentel brush pens and my Montblanc fountain pen.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

I carry my drawing tools in a small Muji Pencil box. It means I can only carry 4 pens at a time, I like the fact that I have relatively few choices and don’t really have to decide what pen to use at any time. Saying that I have tried lots of different type of pens from Rotring, Edding, Staedtler to Pigma Microns but for the moment I like drawing with brown ink as it throws the line back a bit and makes it a bit less dominant than a black line. I carry the Pentel brush pen and fountain pen as sometimes its good to have a looser approach and using a fountain pen or brush stops you be too precise and tight.

The other kit I carry around with me is another Muji Pencil box (large) in it are 2 pencils 2b and 4b, a pencil sharpener, a rubber (or for Americans an eraser) and 2 Pentel water brush pens a medium and a large. The box is padded with tissue to stop them rattling about.

All thats left is a small Winsor & Newton travel watercolour kit. I’m in the middle of trying to simplify the colours I use, but I like to replace some of the pans with colours I prefer such as Permanent Sap Green, Neural Grey, Permanent Mauve and Cerulean Blue. Typing this out I realise that maybe its colours suited to the Scotland’s landscape and light?

It’s all really basic. If I just want to draw on the way to work I take the small Muji box. If I want to paint I take the larger one with the watercolour set - no thinking involved at all! :)

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

Apart from Faber-Castell PITT artist pens I like to use Noodler’s Bulletproof ink in my fountain pen. It’s a total lifesaver as you can work over the top of it with watercolour.

How do you like your color? Watercolour? Acrylics? Oil?

I use watercolour pretty much all the time in Moleskine sketchbooks. They react pretty strangely to watercolour almost repelling the paint so you have to work in washes almost scrubbing the paint into the page. From what is kind of a negative thing, I’ve got into painting this way and enjoy the results. So, now I’m trying to do watercolour on proper paper and finding it really difficult.

You recently posted a weblog entry with the kit you carry around. If and when you work at home, or in an office, do you use the same types of tools, or do you have a larger set of colors, pens, brushes, etc.?

Yes, I have a larger variety of brushes and pens to choose from. I also use Dr. Ph Martin inks as well they really add a vibrancy to watercolours. So if you want the reds and greens to really pop out of the page its amazing fun to try these out.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

Sorry, I’m a sucker for Moleskine sketchbooks, its a little bit embarrassing how ubiquitous they are. The fact that they are expensive is quite a good thing as you’re not likely to leave them lying about, but because it takes me about a month or two to fill one they turn out to be okay value. Also I like the fact they fold flat so I draw over the two pages, its seems quite a small thing but its a rare quality in sketchbooks. Finally the proportion for the moleskine large sketch book just, well feels right.

I sound like a total fanboy!

I carry around sketchbooks around pretty much all the time, but aye if there’s a scrap of paper around I’ll use it.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

Oh, occasionally. The Moleskine paper is quite yellow. So what I generally do in Photoshop is take a colour sample of the paper colour add a new layer and fill that layer with the colour then turn this layer off. The layer with the drawing I use auto tone, colour and levels to accentuate the tone and colours, but it takes the yellow tone away. I then turn that yellow layer back on and choose “multiply” and reduce the transparency to what looks right.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

Yes I’ve tried some new Kuretake brush pens which I read about on Meg Hunt’s site which have an amazing dark fluent line. I think they’re for Japanese calligraphy. I just wish they weren’t water soluble.

Also I’ve experimented with trying dip pens after an article by Kevin Cornell who recommended Hunt’s Speedball #102 nibs.

Do you have anything you use out of the ordinary for making your art?

When I’m traveling abroad drawing I carry around a Fuji Pivi printer which does small polaroid type photos. Instead of carrying glue to stick all those handy exotic receipts, tickets and bags of sugar you can buy pre blobs of glue on bits of paper. I put these handy things in the back of my Moleskine.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

Yes, all of the above! I’ve avoided doing digital colouring deliberately. I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing using watercolour but its something I really want to stick with as I’m really enjoying the process.

Building a web presence and finding like minds has been incredible! At the same time I need to get away from the computer and make things.

From your CV/folio it looks like you do more web design and layout. Do you, in a way, consider that art? I certainly do, even though I’m not very good at it. I’m more on the programming side. If so, what are your common tools for web design and graphic/art layout?

I don’t know if web design is art? I use Photoshop for layouts and Illustrator for more design logo work.

For so long though its been part of who I am as a designer who likes to sketch. I’m at a crossroads at the moment as I’ve left the BBC and I’m looking to try and spend more time doing illustration. It’s a big step for me but at the moment it feels like the right thing to do.

Thanks Wil!

Wil Freeborn can be found online at his weblog, on Flickr (ghostschool), and on Twitter (@ghostschool). Wil also participated in the 6th Moleskine Exchange.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

I prefer traditional drawing tools: pens, pencils, colored pencils and markers. I’m less good with a drawing tablet, but I use it when the project calls for it. I have much respect for the simple pencil; it can be very rich and colorful in skilled hands. I also love to draw with ink because of its variable lines and spontaneity. I can’t resist not mixing all those tools together.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

It depends on the project, of course. Although I have periods of favorites: sometime I fall in love with colored pencils, other time I try out the set of new pens that I just bought.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

I’m not a fan of a particular brand. When I’m passing by an art tools shop, I can’t help not buying some new pens to try out. If there is one brand that I’m loyal to maybe it is Stabilo’s pens.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I love watercolor … it’s the hardest technique, because you can’t undo it; but that’s why it’s so beautiful. Recently I’m using more and more acrylic. It’s very convenient, because it dries very quickly. I don’t have time for oil, but I’m still missing its smell, pace, and texture. I’m also crazy about fancy colored pencil because they remind me of kids’ drawings.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

I love my Talens Van Gogh Plastic set. It isn’t too big for traveling. But usually I have limited amounts of colored pencils and pens for coloring in my bag. Sometimes the limitation is good.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I discovered Moleskine sketchbooks a year and half ago and since then am addicted to them. My favorite is Large Sketchbook with heavy paper, which is good with almost every tool from plain pencil to acrylic. Its paper is good with all kinds of collages that I love to paste onto my sketches like napkins from restaurants, pieces of maps, parts of packages and so on. But on the other hand I love cheaper Cahiers with which I feel freer and not afraid to spoil its pages. I’m usually carrying two or three sketchbooks in my bag. It depends on the site or how much time I have, which one I use. I also use Watercolour Large notebook for watercolors (obviously!), and I love its horizontal format. I’m participating in some moly_x - an International Moleskine Sketchbook Exchanges, for which I’m using Pocket Japanese book. It’s a perfect fit for this kind of project, where several artists are continuing one other’s drawing. Of course, I’m not only using Moleskine kind of sketchbooks. For example, I have various Mead sketchbooks.

I love to draw on found papers and cupboards. I have a habit of keeping papers with interesting textures, packages, wrapping paper, etc.

I use them in my works as drawing pads or part of collages.

If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?

Similar to drawing, I have “stage fear” … I feel freer painting on cupboards or paper. I feel obligated to a make “nice” painting when I have good quality canvas opposite me. I need to work this out, because some of my best paintings are on the poorer paper. It just seems to me fun to paint on flattened boxes, furniture and walls (in my studio and my kids’ rooms).

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

I experiment on coloring and adding textures to my drawings in Photoshop. It can get cool results, but I need to be careful not to use effects too much. Sometimes I’m scanning preparation drawings for some work and playing with them in Photoshop to find the best composition, and afterwards drawing it manually.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

It’s always nice to discover new tools from other artists. Unfortunately here in Israel we don’t have such vide varieties of brands as in the US or Europe. Many times I didn’t find the specific brand that I read about at some artists’ page. When I have to use the exact tool, I order it from the web.

Do you have anything you use out of the ordinary for making your art?

I always have a scrap of paper under my keyboard. After a while it fills up with very strange and interesting subconscious drawings. I’m using them in my works as kind of ideas generators.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

I work in the Graphic Design and Web Design areas, so I’m friendly with Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash. I would like to increase my Illustrator skills. I love Flash for its simplicity, and many times prefer it to Illustrator for quick sketches and drawings; though, it’s not proper illustration software.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

I work more non-digitally. Maybe I’m a little bit old fashioned and I love the feeling of the real material. Though, you can get very real feeling on today’s graphic software. Of course, I don’t reject digital tools, I’m using them, and they’re very helpful. Maybe I’ll love them more when I’ll know them better.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

As I said above, the computer is my friend. I’m using it for post-processing and also for making art from zero. But the biggest benefit the computer gives me is being a huge source of inspiration. I can’t imagine working without it. It’s like a part of me with all my precious bookmarks, like endless boxes of surprises. I joined Flickr a year ago, and I feel that I’m part of a community of friends interested in my art. It forces me to work more and as I have already mentioned, it’s a great source for inspiration and learning from others. It allows me to participate in cool on-line projects, like Moly_x, or Urban Sketchers - another amazing web project.

Thanks Marina!

Marina Grechanik can be found online at her portfolio, on Flickr, and on Twitter (@marin71). Marina has also participated in the Moleskine Exchange exchanges #18, #29, and Portraits #1, and has contributed to Urban Sketchers.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

I like to use pens, I enjoy using traditional tools. I use a drawing tablet everyday, but I seldom use it to do drawings.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

I use pens in black (for comics and travel sketches), but I also use watercolor pencils and more pens of different colors when I make my travel sketches.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

Rotring Rapidograph — mainly black, and sometimes I add colored ink (Winsor & Newton) to it.

Pentel hybrid gel pen — silver and gold. And the Faber-Castell Ecco Pigment pens.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I like the color of oil painting, but the material is so complicated for me, and it’s messy, so now I seldom use it.

Now I mainly use colored ink and watercolor pencils.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

I think my favorite are watercolor pencils, because they are convenient and simple.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

My favorites are Il Papiro paper (made in Italy) and Moleskines. But the paper of new Moleskine Japanese Album is different, and I don’t like the new paper, it’s too smooth (not rough enough) for me, so now I’ve stopped using them.

If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?

I only like to draw on books.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

Sometimes. Like recently I used Photoshop to cut a shape from my original drawing, that I’ll use to make T-shirts.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist’s work?

Yes, I found the Moleskines via a Flickr group.

Do you have anything you use out of the ordinary for making your art?

Once I tinted with a tea bag, and sometimes I’ll use my fingers.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

Photoshop, more than Illustrator.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

I prefer to do non-digital drawings. It’s more comfortable and I enjoy it. And I don’t want to carry a computer everywhere I go, but I am happy to carry a sketchbook. I do like to use the computer and the internet, but not for drawing.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

Yes, the computers are so helpful, they are my slaves :)

I think the ruler is hard to use, but the computer is easy to use. I use the computer to make my comic books. I’ve made homepages for the last 10 years. And I’ve found that Flickr is a nice place to show my drawings.

Thanks Ying-Chieh!

Ying-Chieh Liu can be found online at her website liuyingchieh.com/imagination/, and posting regularly on Flickr (imagenation). Some of Ying-Chieh’s comics, art prints, and decorated wallets can be found on her Etsy shop.