Thoughts on Mechanical Pencils

Darrel Tank discusses mechanical pencils and discusses how the normal, thin-lead pencil is not ideal for rendering using the 5-pencil method techniques.

He also shows the larger lead mechanical pencils that can be used instead of the standard wood pencils, although he still prefers the wood pencils.

Take the free 3-Hour drawing course from Darrel Tank by visiting www.fivepencilmethod.com/tutorials/lessons/

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• darrel
• tank
• mechanical
• pencils
• five
• pencil
• method

[chibigrunt]

For some reason my penmanship and lines aren't that good with traditional pencils because they keep going dull... I guess traditional may have to be getting used to...

[5PencilMethod]

@chibigrunt Darrel actually does suggest keeping your pencil really sharp. This is why he always has his pencil sharpener near by and chooses a specific pencil sharpener -- the X-Acto Powerhouse which will get the pencils very sharp. If you haven't signed up for the free 3-hour lesson, feel free to do so by following the link in the video description. Thanks -Michelle

[chibigrunt]

@5PencilMethod When writing (I write more than I draw, but I do want to improve my drawing), I guess I got tired of traditional pencils getting shorter and shorter :P. Oh, and I have :). It was just coincidence that this video was by the same person ^^;.

[sniper659]

i only use lead pencils for school

[Danthemanlyman7]

Maybe it's just me but it seems like I don't have as much control with a mechanical pencil--strokes don't turn out as accurate as I would prefer. A pencil feels like an extension of the hand--a mech pencil feels like handling lead as an extension of a pencil. Less direct feeling.

[kombokilla0330]

i only use the mechanical ones you use at school and i drew some amazing portraits with it

[ashurathesadxhacker]

crap i only use the type you had thats orange

[redfury82]

I have to use mech pencils bc I have a lot of nerve damage in my arms and hands and need consistant weight and length when moving between pencils. I use 2mm for large areas and .5 for small areas like eyes and fine hair. for cheap 2mm holders hobby lobby has some 2mm color pencil sets for $2 a pencil.

[TheHustler222]

@lsanders333 i think that he is using the KOH-I-NOOR Technigraph 5611

[lsanders333]

Hi Darrel, would you please tell us what the brand of the red mechanical pencil with the stronger (lead that can be sharpened) is and where we may purchase them?