3 tips on how to sketch with confidence

1. Consider the pen you sketch with.

It should be a pen or pencil that takes a little effort to sketch out lines with precision. Your ideas are much faster than your hand. You do not want to weigh down your hand with a crappy pen. A dull, thick pen is too slow and clunky. Go to an art store like Artist & Craftsman Supply or Flax.

I use Pilot Extra Fine-Point pens from Japan and ONYX micro pens. I’ve gone through cases of them over the years. I use only black and blue. You don’t need any other colors. The ink is smooth and fluid.

You want to feel the connection of the pen on paper.

2. Think about the paper.

Rhodia makes the sketching process oh-so buttery.

It’s key. These are your accoutrements like a sharp knife is to a sushi chef. I use loose white paper or Rhodia graph paper of the highest quality. I happily dole out a few extra dollars for the good paper. Because with quality tools, you are compelled to sketch something with intention.