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

My favorite thing to draw with is col-erase pencils - red. But generally, I love grab-bag art supplies. I have boxes and cases of old markers, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, graphite pencils, charcoal pencils, pens that I’ve scavenged over the years. If I’m in an experimental mood I like switching mediums. It can help get you out of a rut too.

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

It depends on my purpose- though I rarely finish drawings traditionally anymore. Mostly I just doodle- my choices of drawing utensil are dictated by my whims.

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

Haven’t found one that I’ve stuck with yet. I usually get what’s on sale.

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

I need to learn watercolor… Now I just play around with markers and colored pencils - Prismacolor.

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 don’t usually get sketchbooks larger than 8.5 x 11 inches, or less than 65 pound weight paper. Beyond that, again, it’s whatever’s on sale. My favorite sketchbook is the one I made myself out of animation bond packaging cardboard. I call it my Crapbook- its a really low-tech, low-pressure kind of sketchbook. I never feel like I’m ruining a perfectly good blank sheet of paper by drawing in it.

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

I use Photoshop - nothing fancy, just to add a little color to my sketches.

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

I’ve wanted to get a Moleskine for a long time, but I can’t bring myself to buy one. They’re so expensive! Have you noticed yet that I’m cheap? ;o)

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 draw traditionally, and finish digitally if I finish at all. I just can’t get the freedom of traditional drawing on paper with a tablet, and as for finishing digitally, its just easier to experiment with color that way.

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 terrific tool! For all the reasons you stated and more. The only problem arises is when it becomes more of a crutch than a tool. Thats why I need to kick my own butt and work traditionally again.

Thanks Joanna!

You can find Joanna Davidovich online at her portfolio website cupojo.net and her weblog Cup O’ Jo.

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

When I began working as illustrator I always used Van Gogh watercolors, but now I prefer to use acrylics and pencils and I use a drawing tablet for the final details or to fill big surfaces.

I use 2B and HB pencils to sketch and sometimes I try to colour with watercolors or coloured pencils.

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

I don’t have a very wide collection, so it’s not a difficult decision. If I use a product and I like it then I don’t need to look for another.

I start sketching with a graphite pencil and after that I try different tools.

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

I don’t use pens very often but I like to ink using my Rotring 0.5.

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

I started using watercolors but now I use acrylics and colored pencils. It depends on the project.

Lately I love to sketch with a red Col-Erase and colour with Da Vinci gouache.

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 have a Winsor & Newton watercolor travel set. I use it to paint my sketches. At the moment I am really enjoying using a set of colored pencils by Lyra.

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

With the years I’ve become more and more neurotic about the notebooks. I need one where I write and do my sketches. I was overwhelmed having scraps of paper everywhere with notes and sketches. But I don’t have a preferred brand. The most important thing for me is that the paper is smooth. I think that for writing, the best brand is Clairefontaine. I’ve never tried a Moleskine, maybe I should!

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

I like to paint on wood and on canvas. But I don’t have any preferences. Most of my work is on paper. When I buy paper it has to be minimum 180 grs and smooth.

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

Well, I try to avoid digital post processing but sometimes I make some changes using it. It helps very much.

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 read about the Rapidograph in Danny Gregory’s blog Everyday Matters. I tried it but I’m not comfortable with it. But he does wonderful drawings with it.

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

No, I don’t think so. I use paper when I do collages. Toothbrushes to add color and sometimes I make my own stamp to create a pattern in an illustration. And I use fabrics, too.

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’m always doodling in my notebooks and they’re sometimes a very useful resource when nothing comes to my mind. I start sketching with pencils and I try to maintain this type of line. For other work I try to use not line at all, so I work with the computer a little more. But I work mostly non-digitally. I find that it’s more fun and it’s very relaxing.

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)?

The computer is a great tool. It saves a lot time and effort to try colors on the computer. It’s very helpful for me.

The computer and being online it’s a very fast and useful way to be in contact with other artists, to get to know and to see things in places where I wouldn’t be able to go.

Working alone at home it’s become a very important tool to promote my work and to share ideas with other artists.

Thanks Natascha!

You can find Natascha Rosenberg online at her portfolio website natascharosenberg.com and on her weblog: Natascha’s Blog.

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

At the moment, I am in love with graphite pencils, specifically a 4B woodless and even mechanical. I will also always have a soft spot for charcoal, especially vine and my trusty 6B General’s charcoal pencil.

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

The tool I use really depends on my ultimate desired effect. If it is going to ba full vaue study, I will use different tools than a more contour-driven composition. Time would also be a factor.

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

I like my color stuffed into an oil paint tube. I have experimented with the others and I just prefer working with oils. I like the versatility, drying time and surface effects. Acrylic and watercolor are my go to tools for flat color projects, but anything that is modeled, I have to go with full body oils.

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?

At the beginning of my career, my paints were chosen by economic considerations-the cheapest available. But has time has passed, I do realize the value of investing in your tools. I do not use one uniform brand, but I do like Holbein and Gamblin.

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 will draw on anything, but if I have the option, I like to draw on Bristol board (smooth).

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

I love to do portrait work on Linen, but I have also had really good experiences painting on panel, mostly Masonite. I like to buy a large sheet and then cut it done to a variety of sizes. then I brace it, gesso and go.

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

I have tried it before and usually come away with an even greater appreciation of that artists’ use of the material because my attempts were primitive at best.

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

Lately, I have been experimenting with collage elements within my drawings. I like using mylar as a drawing surface so I can play with layers of transparecny. Mostly I use patterned paper or hand drawn repetitions for the additional collage elements.

Thanks Jessica!

You can find Jessica Burke online at her portfolio website jessicab-artist.com, her weblog, and the weblog for her students.

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

Probably you’ll be surprised, but it’s an ordinary graphite pencil. The softer the better. I like 9B most of all, but everything up from 4B works great too. They are usually wooden or just pure graphite. One of my favorites is the Austrian wooden clutched pencil Cretacolor I bought in London. I also like Faber Castell PITT Artist pens, Tombow ABT Dual Brush Pen and Pentel Color brush pens.

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 my bag, so it’s always a bit messy inside. I was thinking about getting boxes, but still don’t have one. Going out I just pick up some tools I like at the moment, or the ones which are more suitable for the place where I’m going. It’s much more comfortable to draw with a pencil and felt tip pens while traveling on the subway for example. And the Pentel Aquash Waterbrush pen is good during a coffee break, when there’s some time to dry the pages of your sketchbook before you need to run somewhere else.

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

I like color in general, so I don’t really care what I use. I haven’t worked with oil since my uni days though. But all the rest, yes! Watercolor is tricky, but grateful, acrylics are good for my matreshkas, colored pencils remind me of childhood and felt tip pens are so bold I just can’t resist. Gouache Master Class is also one of my favorites. It has such a nice velvet texture!

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 Russian watercolors like St. Petersburg’s White Nights. I remember them from my childhood. Usually each pan of paint is wrapped in foil, so I felt like a child unwrapping them, like I’ve got a box of candies. And the quality is excellent, too. Foreign paints are usually too expensive and I hate expensive art tools … they don’t give me any chance to experiment, and I’m always afraid to ruin them. When I travel I tend to choose a small range of materials. For example, last time when I was traveling I had two Pentel Color Brushes filled with Indian black and orange ink, a dark grey Faber Castell PITT liner and two Tombow Dual Brush Pens, light and dark blue. The only thing that never changes is my soft graphite pencil.

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

The main rule is the cheaper the better. I hate all those trendy sketchbooks deep inside.
I don’t want to think something like “I need to draw a masterpiece, because this sketchbook looks so nice and costs a lot.” Despite that fact, I have some Moleskines, but who doesn’t! Cahier Moleskines work best for me. They come in three different sizes, large one is good for projects and research, the one in the middle is for sketching and the smallest one is for notes and quick drawings on the run. My recent love is Muji Scribble Pads, they seem to be made for drawing with pencil. Scrap paper works good too, you just need to bind it properly and to not get irritated by the mess and to keep a step-by-step order.

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

If it’s an editorial, then yes, there is some post-processing, but mainly because of rush. Usually deadlines are so tight, I don’t have any chance to experiment or make mistakes. With Photoshop I can change the color, add or remove something from the picture in two seconds. With, for example, watercolor I don’t have any chances to survive right now. The last editorial piece I was working on, it had to be made in an hour, for example.

On the other hand drawing for myself I make only analogue things. All the pages of my sketchbooks you can see in my portfolio are absolutely hand made.

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

A lot of times! That’s how we all share information. For example once I’ve noticed colorful ink pens with a brush on its end on Bubi Au Yeng’s Flickr photostream. I asked her about the brand (it was the Pentel Color brush) and purchased the same thing for myself.

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

Not really. The way your art looks like isn’t the result of using some special tool. The most important thing is your personality, way of living, who you are. Your inner world can help to turn an ordinary pencil into the magic wand. And if you don’t have much to say, I doubt there’s something that’ll help you.

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, it’s helpful, yes. You see, in case of editorial illustration there are deadlines you can’t avoid. And you don’t have time to go to the street or library to make a proper visual research. If I need to draw a giraffe, I’d like to look at it one more time to have a fresh point of view. The computer is also an excellent tool for self-promotion. I found my first client through the internet. To be precise, it was the client who found me. Nearly all of them came after they checked out my online portfolio. It helps me to reach art directors worldwide without even sending them a paper version of my portfolio, isn’t it magic?! And to meet people! I can’t imagine my illustrator’s career without the computer now.

Thanks Irina!

You can find Irina Troitskaya online on her portfolio website irtroit.com, on her weblog, and on Flickr (irtroit).

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

I use a size .35 Rapidograph for most of my drawings and I love it. Graphite pencils are also great. I love ink washes over graphite. When sketching from life, I carry a refillable brush pen filled with an ink/water mix for washes. A drawing tablet and Photoshop are important for when I’m doing any digital work. I have a cute little Wacom Bamboo tablet that I often bring around with my laptop.

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

I use a Rapidograph, so the ink I use is almost always black Rapidograph ink.

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

Most of my color is done in Photoshop. I love the quickness and economy of digital color. Watercolors are also great and I have been using them more frequently. I use Winsor Newton.

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 am currently alternating between a Moleskine and a Global Art journal (sketchbook). Those are the two main sketchbooks I use. I love the richer and more textured feel of the Global art paper, but it tends to be rougher on a Rapidograph nib. I also do a good amount of drawing on copy paper and bristol paper when I have it.

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

Yes, I use Photoshop for most of my color.

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

Yes, sometimes I pick up things by talking to artists/friends or seeing how they work. New tools and methods are fun to experiment with, but only very occasionally do they become integral to the way I work. The Rapidograph, which I first tried after seeing a friend using one, is now a tool that I really trust.

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)?

The computer is all of those things. It’s mostly up to me whether it’s more helpful than it is necessary or distracting. It has been infinitely helpful in self-promotion and as a source of information.

Thanks Vikki!

Vikki Chu’s illustration portfolio can be found at vikkichu.com and her weblog is at vikkichu.blogspot.com. Vikki can also be found on Flickr (vikki-chu).

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

I always start with graphite pencil. It is the base of my work and, for me, the fundamental step in all the illustrations I make (no matter if they will end up being digital or traditional). Then, on my canvas paintings, I like to work with acrylics, on my works on paper, watercolour pencils and markers and if I choose to go digital, Photoshop is the one and only for me.

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

Usually it depends on the time I’m planning to spend working on the illustration. Most frequently I choose to colour it digitally. I don’t have a large space to work at home so, making it in the computer turns out to be a lot easier. Also, another big reason for me to take the digital way is that I’m so lazy. One doesn’t have to clean and wash all the brushes and paint stuff after a digital work session.

For more elaborated works or those in which I have a special interest, I usually go with acrylics, sometimes watercolour pencils. This doesn’t mean that the digital ones are less important to me, it’s more about my mood in each moment.

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

I have a huge collection of Stabilo point 88. They are available in a lot of colours and they are so cheap too (about 0,60€ ? each). Most of the Moleskine sketches I did during my college years were done with them. It has been a long time since the last time I used them for an illustration, but I don’t think this is a permanent situation. I’m sure someday in a near future my interest in them will reawaken.

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

Acrylics, undoubtedly. Since I found them, while I was a student, it has been a true love relationship. I can do anything I imagine with them. They have bright colours, dry fast, are water-soluble, and they don’t have that intense smell of oil painting. Also, they allow me to work fast and, if needed, to make a lot of corrections during the process.

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?

In acrylics, I like Amsterdam. They have a great price/quality relation. I use them with synthetic fiber round brushes.

If we talk about pencils, I adore the Faber-Castells, both graphite and colouring ones.

In graphite, I like the Grip series. I use the regular ones, not too hard, not too soft.

In colours, I choose always the watercolour ones, even If I’m not going to use water with them. In my experience, I found out that they are softer and give more vivid colours.

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

Well, I like the plain Moleskines a lot (and I have a shelf loaded with them), but there is a problem with “Molleys”: they are a little too expensive. Fortunately, a lot of brands are starting to make their own version of the famous black notebooks, and I’ve found a few models with the same good quality at more affordable prices.

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 to paint on wood. My home is full of plankets and wood pieces that I collect from everywere (furniture parts, boxes, etc). If it has a clean surface with no marks and it is made with natural wood, I mean, the one that has those beautiful tree streaks, then, it’s perfect for me. I just prepare it with sandpaper, and, sometimes, a thin layer of gesso.

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

Yes. As I said above, I like the digital process as much as the traditional. It allows infinite possibilities of colour adjustments, retouching and effects, plus the advantage that you can step back and choose from different versions of the same work.

Sometimes, when I am making a non-digital work and I make a mistake, I have to think twice to realize that I can’t type “ctrl+z” to fix it. I know it sounds stupid, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who has suffered this silly syndrome at one moment.

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

Yes, of course. I am always looking for inspiration on the internet or in the portfolios of other artists, and yes, sometimes I’ve tried by myself some of the techniques and tools I’ve seen there. The issue is that, in my case, very rarely I adopt the working method of someone else, or the use of a new material, as mine. I guess the pure copy is not for me, I have to adapt everything to my style and if it just doesn’t work, I soon forget it and carry on.

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

I use Photoshop more than any other. It has everything I need to make a good work so I don’t waste time trying other programs. The only exception is when I need to make a vector illustration (usually for web and graphic designs), then I use Freehand and Adobe Illustrator. I enjoy vector illustrations very much. I’m not sure why I don’t use them more often.

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 is once and for all a help for me. As a tool, as a way of self promoting and of course as an infinite resource of inspiration and knowledge. Maybe a few years ago there were still some doubts about this subject, but I don’t think there’s still anyone that thinks the computers are not useful in the artists work nowadays.

Thanks Verónica!

You can visit Verónica Navarro Castillo online at her website and portfolio poorsailor.es, her weblog Sailing Sailing, or on Flickr (poorsailor).

Verónica also shares an Etsy shop with her boyfriend, Corcoise, where they sell prints of their work among other handmade stuff.