Tools Of The Trade

KFelidae · Still very bored Joined: 19 May 2004 Posts: 295

I'm gonna list some things here and what they do, just so you people can see some stuff you might not have known existed that can aid your drawing. ...Er. Here's some neat things to splurge your money on? ^_^

[b]Light box:[/b]
What it is: Usually a plastic box with a clear, table-like surface that has a light behind it.
What it does: Illuminates a drawing so you can make a tracing on a seperate sheet of paper. Professionals use it to make ink copies of penciled drawings.
Comes in useful if you don't want to ruin nice pencils, or simply want to trace something.

[b]Electric eraser:[/b]
What it is: A drill-looking tool with an eraser instead of a screwdriver head.
What it does: Erases at a very high speed. Useful in removing colours from an inked drawing, or, if you work at it enough, even correcting mistakes in ink!

[b]T-square:[/b]
What it is: A long ruler with a flat "T" at the top.
What it does: Makes and measures right angles.

[b]A "dry brush":[/b]
What it is: Any regular sable brush that's had the end clipped off with some siscors.
What it does: Makes a mark similar to a sponge when used with very little ink. Great for trees, plants, and shrubbery. (Please consult a shrubberer before use on real shrubbery)

[b]Eraser shield:[/b]
What it is: A small, metal plate with various types of holes cut into it.
What it does: Guards other areas of your drawing from a wandering eraser. Since you can only erase where the holes are, no bit is erased that you don't want to be.

[b]Gum eraser:[/b]
What it is: A grey blob of gelatinous goo, very similar (and often used as) Play-doh.
What it does: Removes the top layer of graphite off a drawing. Used to make highlights and streaks in a solid area of graphite. Can also "soften" an existing drawing by making the blacks of the pencil less strong.

That's all, folks!

-KF

cstdenis · Posted: Sat May 29, 2004 8:57 pm Post subject:

A glass table and a small lamp can be used as a light box. Or put the sheet against a window.
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izzy · Member Joined: 16 Feb 2004 Posts: 71

lol this is ironic i just got a light box Smile

lol

jhonenfreak · Posted: Sun May 30, 2004 7:25 pm Post subject:

I've been wanting my own light desk for so long. I just end up using my computer screen instead. Never heard of the electric eraser. Interesting.
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Celtic_Guardian_Gurl · Very bored Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 124

My art teacher has an electric eraser. They're fun Very Happy

DaBear · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 5:09 pm Post subject:

I gotta go with Denis on this one....I still use my picture window and a little tape. I call it cheap but it friggin' works!
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xWildfirEx · Has No Life Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 521

Isn't it kinda hard working vertically?

silver_dreams · Elder Than Dirt Joined: 05 Feb 2004 Posts: 5102

not at all

i tape the drawing to the comp or TV as a lightbox. i don't even have enuf money to buy a new sketchbook or some decent inking pens, let alone fancy s**t..

Sanoshi · Site Helper Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 139

Whoa, never thought about using a window or tv screen. I should start doing that. Thanks X3333

silver_dreams · Elder Than Dirt Joined: 05 Feb 2004 Posts: 5102

yep, just take it from the broke people who love to draw!

i spent all my money on anime stuff..now i can't even get decent inking pens

uriel · Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 4:57 pm Post subject:

My single tool is a Staedtler 925 07