What’s the best way to achieve different shades while sketching?

Trying to achieve different shades while sketching can sometimes be a real challenge, especially when you’re just getting started. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!

Shading comes down to control. You need to be able to control your hand and the pressure you apply to your sketching tool. A good way to practice this is to make a value scale. Start by drawing a box and dividing it into several sections. Fill each section with a different level of darkness, going from very light to very dark. This will help you get a feel for how much pressure you need to apply to achieve different levels of darkness.

But here’s the thing: not all sketching tools are created equal. Using different hardness of pencils can actually make your shading work easier. On the other hand, softer pencils are great for darker, bolder lines and shadows. You can check this graphite pencil scale guide for more details on that.

Also, remember to consider the direction of your strokes. You can create different effects and textures by changing the direction of your pencil strokes. Consistent strokes in one direction can create a smooth, even texture while using a variety of stroke directions can give your shading a more textured look.