Cartooning is a fun and creative form of art that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Whether you are a professional cartoonist or an aspiring one, having the right tools is essential to create great cartoons. From pencils to software, this article will guide you through the top cartoonist tools available in the market.
Pencils
Pencils are the most basic tool needed for cartooning. They come in various types and grades such as graphite, charcoal, and colored pencils. Graphite pencils come in different grades that range from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). Harder pencils make lighter lines while softer pencils create darker lines.
Charcoal pencils are also popular among cartoonists because of their ability to create dark and bold lines, perfect for shading. Colored pencils are useful for adding color to your drawings, helping bring them to life. Prismacolor is a well-known brand when it comes to colored pencils.
Eraser
An eraser is another essential tool that every cartoonist needs. It helps correct mistakes and adjust details on your sketches without ruining the paper. There are different types of erasers available such as kneaded erasers that can be molded into different shapes, allowing you to erase small areas with precision.
Another popular type of eraser is the electric eraser that makes it easier to erase large areas without much effort. Tombow Mono Zero Precision Eraser is a popular choice among many artists.
Paper
Choosing the right paper is crucial for creating high-quality cartoons. The paper should be smooth enough to allow for precise drawing without smudging but also thick enough to handle multiple layers of ink or watercolor. Bristol board and Marker paper are two popular choices among cartoonists.
Bristol board is a heavyweight paper that can handle pen and ink work, while marker paper is designed to handle markers without bleeding. Strathmore Bristol Board and Canson Marker Paper are two popular brands in the market.
Ink Pens
Ink pens are an essential tool for inking your sketches. They come in various types such as ballpoint, fine liners, and brush pens. Ballpoint pens are the most common type of pen used by cartoonists because they are inexpensive and easy to find.
Fine liners are great for creating thin lines and details while brush pens can create thick and thin lines with ease, making them perfect for lettering. Sakura Pigma Micron Pens and Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens are two popular brands when it comes to ink pens.
Tablet and stylus
Digital drawing has become increasingly popular among cartoonists. A tablet and stylus allow you to draw directly on the screen, giving you more control over your drawings. Tablets come in different sizes and prices, but Wacom is a well-known brand in the market.
The stylus is also an important component of digital drawing. It allows you to draw with precision on the screen, similar to using a traditional pencil or pen. The Apple Pencil and Wacom Pro Pen 2 are two popular styluses used by many artists.
Software
Software is another essential tool for digital drawing. There are various software available such as Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and Clip Studio Paint. These software programs offer different tools that can enhance your drawings digitally.
Adobe Photoshop is a popular choice among artists because of its versatility and ability to edit photos as well as create digital art. CorelDRAW provides vector graphic editing tools that allow you to create logos, illustrations, and animations. Clip Studio Paint is designed specifically for manga and comic book artists.
Conclusion
Cartooning requires a combination of creativity, skill, and the right tools. Having the right tools can make all the difference in creating high-quality cartoons. From pencils to software, there are many options available in the market. By using the tools mentioned above, you can take your cartooning skills to the next level.
References:
https://www.thoughtco.com/best-pencils-for-drawing-and-sketching-2578631
https://www.mybluprint.com/article/choosing-the-right-paper-for-your-artwork
https://www.jetpens.com/blog/the-best-pens-for-drawing-comics/pt/817
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-drawing-software/
https://www.creativebloq.com/features/digital-art-software
