Pencil Exemplar

In celebration of National Pencil Day, March 30, I created this pressure-release graphite exemplar using two Palamino Blackwing pencils. Why two? Because I needed to continuously sharpen them as I was drawing the letters and you will notice some lines are soft and some are thin and hard. Depending on the width of the line or shading needed, I chose the pencil that was sharp or dull to complete each letter. This poster was created as one full piece. Each letter was drawn start to finish and no erasing was needed (except to clean up my smudge marks from the back of my hand). The only part of the original that was manipulated in Photoshop was the copyright in the lower right. I lightened it slightly so it didn't compete with the rest of the letters.

Designed to print Ledger (11 x 17") or A3, these letters are at 100% the size that I drew them. You have my permission to download this exemplar (no watermark) and print at home or at you local copy/print shop. I just ask that you do not distribute the file or printed materials. If you want your friends to have one, buy one for them or share this link with them. Thanks! If people steal my work, I don't eat!

Want your own Blackwing pencils? I suggest checking out this Audition Set of 4 different graphite types.

Thank you for supporting my lettering habit! It means so much to me when I sell a piece like this. It warms my heart and heals my body. Stay creative!

For more lettering resources, visit http://www.LetsLetterTogether.com

©2021 Heather Martinez