I recently switched up almost all of my tools for the first time in years, so I figured I'd show you how all my stuff gets made.
1) Paper - My main paper for 14 years for anything comic-related is Eon smooth lined art boards from @eonprez For standard illustrations and non-comic work I use Strathmore 400 series smooth bristol. I do all my layouts and roughs on 11"x17" copy paper.
2) Lead holder with F lead - I think it's a Staedtler. F is a weird lead grade, but I'm left handed and it's the darkest I can go with lead without it smudging.
3) Lead holder with non-photo blue lead: All from Prismacolor. This is for all the construction lines and roughs before I go in with pencil.
4) Microns - I use these for anything requiring a straight or precise line, and sometimes small details. I use 08's 95% of the time, 03's the other 5%. 08's are really thick, but if you let up a bit on them you can get some really fine lines, especially when they're drying out.
5) Escoda Reserva watercolor brush, size 4 - This is where the magic happens, and most of my inking is done with these. I always have 2 on hand, a fresh one for the precise and fine work, and an old beat up one to fill in blacks or do dry brush. I used to use Winsor&Newton Series 7 brushes exclusively, but these do just as well and they're less than $20 each.
6) Eiffel Tower dip pen - I inherited this from my Grandma a few weeks ago, and it's actually the best nib I've ever used. I used to use nibs almost exclusively, but now I just use them for fine lines when my brush is giving me trouble.
7) Pentel Pocket Brush - For inking on the go, for inking quickly, and for special effects. Nothing beats a good brush and a bottle of ink, but you can get similar results with these without the fuss and mess.
8) Kneaded eraser - Erases well and smells good.
And this photo was taken on top of my home made light box, which sits on my art desk and is my actual drawing surface. I do a ton of light box transfers, so it's easier to just leave it there all the time.
