Ch 1: Beginning steps - Basic drawing equipment

Right, for my very first tutorials I am going to have a quick look at some of the different types of artists equipment.

First the basic sketching pencil. (I know it's very basic!!! But it doesn't mean it's not important!!)

Different Types
The pencil, with the possible exception of the paintbrush, will definitely be the most used item of equipment you will possess. You will have many because you will be constantly losing them (at least I do!!!) so it is good to get used to the different types. Ordinary lead pencils come in a range of values from 'B' to 'H' these values are usually displayed on the handle of the pencil. These letters represent either end of the scale describing the relative hardness of the pencil lead. 'B' is for softer lead pencils, 'H' for harder lead pencils. In front of this letter is a number denoting how far up the scale it is. For example '4B' is a pretty soft pencil, '2B' is still soft but not so much, '2H' is quite hard and '4H' is harder still. The only exception to this rule is the 'HB' pencil which is in the middle of the two and the most common value, used by many people everyday.

Different effects and general use
The pencil will probably form the underlying form to the majority of your work. The softer the pencil the darker the line it will produce. It will also lose it's point much quicker and not last as long as a harder pencil in consequence. Less pressure will need to be exerted to produce a line. Low level 'B's are best used by confident sketchers who draw defined, simple, lines and drawings (such as anime). Higher level 'B's are more likely to be used as shading or to pick out specific details in a pencil sketch. The 'HB' is the jack of all trades and provides a balance of different lines that can be controlled with a conscious change of pressure on the pencil. 'H's are used for fine, lighter lines for the less confident sketcher or if the work is going to be painted over etc.

Typical price and places of purchase
10p - 80p+ (GBP) per pencil. At literally any stationers, some supermarkets even, basically everywhere. 'Artists' pencils are available but no particular difference in quality.

Maintenance
Very little, sharpening can be done with a pencil sharpener, knife, even a rough piece of ground! Note mechanical pencils are also available and allow refills and negate the need for a pencil sharpener.

My personal experience and preference
I have sketched with a wide variety of pencils and found over time that i generally prefer to use a '2H'. This is because it provides quite light lines that are easily expanded upon and I often change my work quite a bit. Also due to it's relative longevity it doesn't need a lot of sharpening allowing for lines of constant intensity and width to be drawn, while remaining nicely visible.

That's all for now, please feel free to let me know your favourite type of pencil and why in the comments section below :)