Step #4

MyCoffee.jpg

Picture #4: Okay, inking is done! I filled in the large black areas with a Sharpie, so I wouldn't ruin the tip on my brush pen (those things are so delicate!), and signed it with, again, some other pen. Micron, I think. It was lying around. I also finished erasing the pencil lines. Now, regarding erasing lines, I have a few recommendations:

#1: Don't draw too hard when pencilling. Otherwise, when erasing, you'll run across areas you can't completely clear, leaving grey smudges. That may be all right if you're computer coloring, because most scanners won't pick up the light lines, and if you're planning on coloring over that area anyway, it won't matter much, but it's still a good idea to be safe. Normal #2 pencils are pretty good, as long as you don't use too much pressure. Personally, I find most art pencils leave a shadow.

#2: Never use a colored eraser. White is best. Any other color may leave a colored stain on the paper if it's not the best quality eraser. ESPECIALLY never use the red eraser on the end of your pencil. Those kind are the WORST.

#3: Make sure the ink is dry before you erase. Unless you're inking on paper that's incredibly absorbent, you may start erasing and find that your beautiful lines smudge, and ruin the pic. Give it a few minutes. Hold the paper at an angle to a light, so you can see if the ink is still shiny (wet).

#4: Wash your hands. Otherwise, you'll be erasing your picture forever, making new fingerprints while erasing the old ones. Plus, dirty hands can leave little greasy marks and permanently embed the graphite into the paper.