Pixies | Posted: Nov. 10, 2016, 5:54 p.m.

Media: .7 mechanical pencil, .8 micron pen, and .05 micron pen on Strathmore Toned Gray paper (it has an excellent texture!)

Time: ~5 hours

This is a request from an artist on DeviantArt. I drew his/her original characters Indigo Twilight(left) and Ultra Violet(right). I took some creative freedom and added some additional designs to the outfits because I was experimenting with more of a design technique.

I didn't use any references, so I know the anatomy is a bit off (especially the hands, oh my god! They are so difficult for me to draw. I need to look at stock photos.). I also had a hard time with the clothes and wrinkles, but hopefully they will get better with practice.

After having drawn a few requests in this style, I realize that I am a huge fan of mixing Micron/Faber Castell pen and mechanical pencil. The pen allows for clean lineart, while the pencil allows for shading. This media produces a beautiful, illustrative effect.

I also cannot emphasize how much I love the Strathmore toned gray paper. It does eat away a bit at the tip of my ink pens, but it has such a lovely, natural texture. The color and texture of the paper also subdue the contrast of any type of ink.