Why do concepts artists use blue pencils to draw?
There was a time when you used blue pencils because they wouldn't show up when scanned or photographed for reproduction, and, you can ink on top of the blue line. But, part of the problem with using a blue pencil is that if you bear down too hard, the blue line WILL show up in the repro process. You can also use a light pencil line (2H) and erase it fairly easily. It's very difficult to erase the heavy blue line though.
What pencil is good for drawing before inking?
If you are talking about doing a line drawing and then filling it in with ink, the following should help you: Graphite Pencils come in the following pencil grades: 9B 8B 7B 6B 5B 4B 3B 2B B HB F H 2H 3H 4H 5H 6H 7H 8H 9H Reading left to right (9B to 9H), the color range goes from dark to light. 9B is the darkest color (black), HB is the middle color (medium grey), 9H is the lightest color (light grey). Reading left to right (9B to 9H), also shows how soft or hard the graphite is. 9B is the softest and it smudges very easily, HB is in the middle, 9H is the hardest which doesn't smudge at all. If your ink artwork is in black and white, you can use a graphite pencil grade that is to your liking. If your ink artwork is in color, you can use Prismacolor Col-Erase Pencils. These are erasable colored pencils that is good for colored layouts. The Col-Erase pencils come in a variety of colors including black and grey which you can also use for ink artwork done in black and white. Buy pencils at Michael's, Hobby Lobby, any local art supply store, or online at Dick Blick website.
Where to get blue lead drawing pencil?
Because it is a basic standard for the hand drawn animation business, do yourself a favor and only purchase the blue pencil for this work that has the words "non-photo blue" printed on it's side. Although it is possible to use a regular blue colored pencil to sketch your work in,you run the risk of some of it showing in film shooting. I've had success finding non-photo pencils at Aaron Bros, Michael's,University Arts,or drafting supplies stores,online at Dick Blick. Prismacolor has a couple of different blues;the premier pc919 and the verithin 761.5. both are a light sky blue,the former is a soft lead,the latter is a bit harder.The Sanford col-erase 20028 has it's own eraser with the pencil,and it's color lead is a darker shade of blue and a medium grade of lead,say like a #2 pencil.This is the one I prefer,but you may have a different feel,so get one of many and try them out. I would say the same for the mechanical lead which I have found at drafting supply stores.
What kind of pencils do the best known comic artists use?
Jim Lee uses a "H" lead and a lead holder. This is a medium lead that will allow a person to ink over it. The harder the lead the more page it indents, so if you make a mistake and you erase it, you still can't ink over it. Frank Miller uses a medium lead also. I have not talked to Frank much so I can tell you about his style. Just Jim.
Which pencil should I use to draw on canvas?
Using graphite pencils (HB, 2B etc) is definitely not a good option for canvas as you can never achieve that contrast you want for your drawing to make realistic.If realism is your thing you might want to check this out. A real structure to your practice makes a big difference Realistic Pencil Portrait MasteryCharcoal pencils would be the ideal choice. You would also require an Acrylic Transparent Fixative to preserve your work after completion.The Spray can type works best. Leaves no brush strokes and gives an even coat.Depends on what medium you're using. For oil paint normal graphite pencil is ok. For acrylics and water I recommend water soluble graphite pencil. For coloured pencil a very hard lead like 4h or 6h is good.Use charcoal pencils because it gives you the textures for pencil shades