TIPS and TRICKS
Tool Tips
Using the Tub Sharpener
Duration: 4½ mins
How to properly use the Staedtler 502 Tub Sharpener or Lead Pointer. Mike's asked about this so often he has a copy and paste answer ready to email at a moment's notice :)
DIY Lightbox
Duration: 8¼ mins
How to quickly build an impressive, very effective, and relatively cheap lightbox from a readily available suspended ceiling LED light panel.
Drawing Tips
Fixative and its uses
Duration: 16¼ mins
Using fixatives and removing the shine from graphite. Fixative types explained, the benefits explored, uses suggested, and guidance supplied when fixing your own drawings.
Drawing Hair: method #1
Duration: 9¼ mins
The #1 Drawing Hair method. Using negative drawing and layers to create a curving lock of hair with a central highlight.
Drawing Weeds
Duration: 18 mins
An introduction to Negative Drawing - a system that satisfies all the needs, and solves all the problems, of drawing with graphite pencil.
Start Drawing Now
Duration: 12 mins
PART 1: This is the video for you, if you're new to drawing or just can't get started. Mike points you in the right direction while adding a couple of Pro-Tips to get you going.
Start Drawing Now: 2
Duration: 11 mins
PART 2: More advice to help you on your way. And a hint of the wonders yet to come, as drawing changes and enhance your life.
Showcase your Drawings
Duration: 12½ mins
Enhancing photos of your drawings. Learn how to clean your photos and present your work looking its best online and off.
The Magic Pencil Point
Duration: 7¼ mins
Mike introduces you to the pencil point that forever changed the way he works
TEXTURES: Mark-Making
Duration: 8½ mins
Mike dispels the myths surrounding which marks you should use for which texture.
Line and Tone at War
Duration: 8 mins
If you try to draw LINE and TONE (DETAIL and SHADING) at the same time, you won't produce optimum results - discover why...
Super Eraser: the Graphite Magnet
Duration: 8½ mins
There's a common fear of "Drawing too dark"... by the time you reach the end of this video, you'll have the means to remove or adjust it.
Super Eraser: Part 2
Duration: 14½ mins
Pro uses of Blu-Tack: from fading background elements to cutting in new shapes, drawing dark for accuracy before fading, creating secondary highlights in eyes... and more...
Criz71
I have found Mike's videos really helpful in my drawing development. The techniques are well explained and demonstrated with examples of what they look like in his artwork. These will work for any subject you wish to draw. I highly recommend these video tutorials if you are wishing to expand your drawing skill and understanding of basic techniques and their applications.
