What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

I do most of my commercial work purely digitally, although the initial sketch is usually on paper first. It seems like the hardest thing to translate to digital is that free and easy sketching at the start. So I start off on cheap A4 paper and a softish pencil and then use an A5 Wacom and my 13" Macbook Pro.

The humble Crayola wax crayon is also vastly underrated as a colouring tool.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

I used to draw my cityscapes with those Uni-ball Eye pens, which just seemed to flow nicely and work well. I used to get through fistfuls of them at a time for some of the huge cityscapes on paper. These days I don't use pens nearly as much now I work digitally as I prefer pencils for roughs and generating ideas.

For the occasional ink original I do, I tend to use a dip pen as that's really super black and dense looking. I'd love to find a fountain pen that would recreate that as scruffy me and a dip pen are inevitably a bit of a disaster waiting to happen. The lack of undo when you've knocked a bottle of ink over is immensely frustrating.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

I really like Daler Rowney acrylic inks – the colours are really vibrant. I use them with a dip pen and with a brush. There's something incredibly satisfying about drawing a eye-meltingly bright red line with a dip pen. Pleasing stuff.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I use cheap A4 paper for sketching ideas when I'm at my desk – it's easy to scan in (or lazily photograph with the webcam – we've all done it, haven't we?) and it's cheap enough to not feel precious about it. As for notebooks, I've gone off fancy hardback notebooks as I found them a bit intimidating as they're so nice, and they're heavy to carry around. I usually use Rhodia A5 stapled softback squared paper notebooks as they're a bit like a school exercise book. I dearly wish they'd do dotted paper ones of them though.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

I always found it a bit fiddly adding colour to a line drawing as the scan was never perfect, so I took the long-winded approach of just teaching myself to draw straight into Photoshop with a tablet. It was worth the effort in the long run!

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?

I don't remember any specific instances but I know there's an awful lot of information floating around Twitter, which is really helpful. I was looking for a paper that would look delicious and expensive, was stretchable, but wouldn't make inks bleed and lots of people recommended Fabriano Artistico. It's a bit on the spendy side, but for a special commission was absolutely perfect.

Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?

I don't think I do – if anything the basicness of the tools I use every day are probably the most out of the ordinary thing. I use Photoshop in such a laughably simple way – drawing everything in black with the jagged Pencil tool and basically colouring everything in using a mixture of skills I learnt at primary school and early days of MS Paint. If I were to do a video of me working, like some people do, everyone would find it completely ridiculous I expect!

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

I prefer Photoshop to Illustrator, although I use both. I like the wobbly lines you get in Photoshop and it looks a lot more like my work on paper, so I'd always choose that over Illustrator which smooths everything a bit much for my work. I do use Illustrator as clients ask for vector work, though. The Blob Brush has helped a bit – it still looks too smooth for my taste but it feels a bit more natural to draw in than Illustrator used to.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

I've moved from being mostly analogue to nearly all digital, which I wouldn't say I preferred (it's just different) but it does make commercial work so much easier. So many deadlines are incredibly tight and if a client wants something moved at the last minute it's nice to be able to do it with minimal fuss.

I do try and keep experimenting on paper as well though, as I think happy accidents are harder to come across digitally. It's good to keep pushing yourself in the disciplines you don't do as often as well. I've got some plans up my sleeve for the next quiet spot I get that's almost the exact opposite of what I usually do – small, all about colour and fuzzy edges.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

It's probably both a distraction and helpful at the same time!

I do think it must be tricky to promote yourself without a computer and the internet. It's made it so much easier. I don't have a physical portfolio to update at all, I rarely have to spend time travelling to meetings, I can work with people on the other side of the world. People find my work through Google and commission me – I rarely have to chase work these days, which is incredible.

I'm also part of the Mighty Pencil collective, which is a huge source of support, friendship and inspiration. That wouldn't be there without the internet. Safety (and world domination) in numbers!

I also really like the speed of working digitally but I don't think that's necessary for everyone, there's loads of people out there doing great work without it touching a computer. And as for inspiration, I think you have to be really careful to look for inspiration in unusual places. Not necessarily offline, but looking outside the obvious design blogs, feeds and pinboard sites is important otherwise it's all really one-dimensional.

Thanks Laura!

You can find Laura Barnard online at her portfolio site, on Twitter (@laura_barnard), on Facebook, and on Behance.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

Usually, I only draw in pencil. If I'm working on the final drawing for a painting, I'll do a gesture drawing with a graphite stick, put in the shapes with a wood pencil, then switch to a mechanical pencil for the details.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

My collection is actually very small! I have quite a few pencils and brushes, but I find myself consistently going back to the same 3 or 4.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I usually do one or two base washes of acrylic ink, then paint with gouache. If I'm feeling ambitious, I'll try to do the entire painting in ink, which takes much more planning and patience.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

I prefer the gouache and inks from Daler Rowney and Winsor & Newton. I use a cheap fold-out palette that I think was made to travel, but I just use it to save space on my desk.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I do all my drawing in a 8.5x11, hardbound sketchbook. Anything else just doesn't feel right! I have years' worth, a big stack of them, that I can't bear to get rid of.

If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?

Just some watercolor paper with some tooth to it!

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

I've been playing more and more with using Photoshop to add color to black and white ink drawings. It's come in handy while putting together textile patterns.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?

Not physical materials, but I started tackling Photoshop with a tutorial Ryan Andrews posted last summer.

Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?

Lots of tracing paper. My final sketches are always finely tweaked tracings from my sketchbook; then I use a graphite stick to turn the tracing paper into transfer paper.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

Definitely all of the above! I love having reference right at my fingertips at all times. And listening to old radio programs or watching tv shows on the computer helps keep me in my seat and stops me from wandering away from my work. Having a blog and a portfolio site that need to be updated definitely gives me a little extra push when I'm feeling unmotivated. But the internet is definitely also a huge distraction that takes up way more time than it should.

Thanks Caitlin!

You can find Caitlin Clarkson online at her portfolio website, on her weblog, on Facebook, and you can buy prints of Caitlin's work in her Etsy shop.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

At this point, I mostly use two types of pens:

1. These brush pens I buy at a local Japanese bookstore. I have no idea what they're called, since all the lettering is in Japanese but here's a picture if you're interested.

   I experimented with other brush pens (hoping to find one that was cheaper and easier to get) but with little success. I've been using them for almost ten years so it's possible I've just gotten too used to them to switch. For comics, I use them to draw organic forms like people, animals, trees, etc. Anything with curves.

2. For lettering, most background elements and faces I use Microns. I use them for faces since I feel like I have greater control with the Microns and sometimes one tiny line out of place in a small face can change the expression entirely.

   I actually think I do my best work with ballpoint pens. I love being able to transition from a hard line to the lighter shading with one tool. I don't know exactly why I don't use them for my actual comics but I assume they're a pain in the ass to reproduce and I didn't go to a fancy pants art school to draw with ballpoint pens, right?

   I've been thinking more of changing to digital drawings and finally bought a Bamboo tablet but in all likelihood I'll go to my grave before I learn to use it well enough to do anything besides silly doodles with it.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I don't do color very often but when I do I use Prismacolor pencils. I like the subtlety you can get with colored pencils, compared with something like markers, but I've never been able to figure out a satisfying way to scan them. A recurring theme of this interview is going to be that I don't really know what I'm doing.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I've learned that I like a very smooth finish on my paper. Unlike my pens, which I've stuck with for a decade, I've switched papers a few times, always to something with a smoother finish. I currently use Borden & Riley's #120 Bristol plate. I actually ordered about 20 pads worth last time, since sometimes it can be hard to find.

My first book, BOX OFFICE POISON, was drawn at a whopping 10 x 15" image size but now I've shrunk down to a relatively tiny 6 x 11". My art is not intensely detailed so I hoped I could get by (and fill pages faster) using a smaller size. The problem with drawing smaller is that you don't have a lot of room for error.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

I'm very bad at computers so my artwork is pretty much exactly what you see on the printed page. It's funny: I graduated from art school in 1993 just before computers really became a thing and I fell behind on the computing curve. Oh well, next time.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?

My friend Mike Dawson is the one who told me about the mysterious Japanese brush-pens so I have him to thank for that.

Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?

I didn't think they were unusual but I was in the market for a new T-square and the art supply store only had two to choose from and they were hidden in a dark corner so that might qualify.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

I think it's a mix. There's obviously a lot of fantastic digital work being created. I find the promotional aspect is a double-edged sword, personally. It's great to be able to promote and share your stuff on the web but it can also become a tail-wagging-dog phenomenon. I recently had a really fun time doing a silly short story, but when I posted it on the web it got almost no reaction so it soured me on continuing which is completely backwards. If I liked it--and it was probably the most fun I'd had drawing anything since I was a kid--it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks but it's the 21st century and we all live in computers. In olden times you had to wait months to find out if anyone liked your stuff but I can confirm my self-loathing before the ink is barely dry.

Thanks Alex!

You can find Alex Robinson online at comicbookalex.com, on Facebook, on Twitter (@arobtwit), on Tumblr, and he also acts as co-host of the Ink Panthers podcast.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

I'm primarily a digital artist, I use an Intuos 3 tablet and Photoshop CS4 or CS5.1. It's a little archaic these days, but I'm pretty comfortable with these tools! I also have a small Cintiq, but there are way too many wires. Wires hinder the creative process. :)

I do not leave home without a few sharp Ticonderoga #2 pencils. I also use Staedtler Lumograph pencils of all weights (my favorite are: 2B, 4B, and 6B). I often draw on top of my sketches with a Pentel Pocket Brush Pen.

Then there are tools I only WISH I could use on a daily basis: oil paint, fabric, glue, wool, thread, string even. Maybe someday I'll have the opportunity to be an oil painting, collage artist.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

I start everything in my sketchbook. I use an Epson scanner to transfer my drawings to Photoshop, which I can then manipulate if I need to edit the composition or pose. I usually move all sorts of stuff around this way: heads, arms, legs, backgrounds. In fact, the sketch I end up working with is a totally mess that only makes sense to me. But then, I start blocking in color and I get totally lost in it until the scene makes sense again!

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

The Pentel Brush Pen is the only pen I've ever used for art making. I have good days and bad days with it. I think the wobbly days are mostly due to too much caffeine. (I love coffee.)

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I am a trained oil painter, but I unfortunately don't practice those skills anymore. In my 8 or so years since college, my tastes have changed and I started to gear my work more towards Picture Book Illustration which lends itself to more of a watercolor, loose style. (However, all the books I've illustrated so far have been digitally colored.)

Recently, I started taking a watercolor class which is being taught by my illustrator friend, Dan Moynihan. I want to relearn the painting skills I worked so hard to attain, though watercolor has much less control than the oil paint I'm used to. I think it's a going to help me be more expressive... and I can use my brush pen with it because it's waterproof ink.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

My go-to is a Winsor & Newton Field Set for now and I am absolutely in love with the new Isabey Squirrel Brush my husband, Keith, gave me as a present.

I prefer the travel set for now because I can take it with me everywhere as I'm learning. If I get more serious about watercolor, I'm sure I'll get a larger palette and start using tubes so I can mix bigger batches of colors.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

When I sketch, I use a Strathmore 400 Series Field Sketchbook. I like wire bound books because I don't have to keep holding the front pages down when I get to the end like some perfect bound sketchbooks. The paper has a nice toothy, recycled feel to it as well.

Scrap paper used to be fine, but I started losing everything and was more abt to throwing sketches away because I didn't know what to do with them. I'm kind of an anti-clutter freak, if it's in the way I toss it.

If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?

I've been using Arches 140lb Watercolor Hot Press, because the smooth texture is really nice for inking. Cold Press paper creates a really nice watercolor effect, but I always end up ruining what I've created because I'll try to draw or ink over it. The texture is too bumpy to have a steady hand.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

When I scan my sketches, I always mess with the levels and hue/saturation tabs. More so if I'm going to be using the sketch line in my illustration. I'll set the sketch layer to "multiply" and color underneath it (here's an example of that). If I'm completely coloring in Photoshop, I just turn the sketch layer opacity down to about 20% and color on layers over it (here's an example of that).

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?

I actually started using my Pentel Pocket brush pen because I was introduced to @PentelofAmerica on Twitter. They sent me a sample pen to try and I never stopped using it! That was years ago now - thanks Pentel!

Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?

Lately I've been really into felting, which is the process of repeatedly stabbing loose wool with a barbed needle. It's more of a hobby than anything, but I've found that sketching and felting at the same time produce pretty cool results (here's an example of that)!

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

Photoshop is the BEST! I've also dabbled in ArtRage, rage-battled with Flash, and failed in Illustrator. I guess it's better to focus on one, I want to master it.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

The biggest reason I prefer digital is the speed. I often have to create large amounts of art really fast and nothing helps more than CMD + Z. Every once in a while, your computer will have a total meltdown and you'll lose hours of progress, but it doesn't happen often enough for me to place blame. I AM trusting a robot with my entire career. They have feelings too.

Any time I get stuck in Photoshop, I go looking for new brushes to add to my brush palette. It's very easy to find brushes and usually gets me out of a creative style jam. Right now, like many folks, I'm using Ray Frenden's set. They aren't free, but it's not much money to spare.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

My entire career exists because of the internet. I have met SO many cool working professional peers and been inspired by art I would have normally not gotten access to. I have a presence on lots of sites including (in order of awesomeness): Twitter, Blogger, Facebook, Flickr, Tumblr, Google+, Instagram, Dribbble.

Of course these sites are all SO distracting, but I like knowing what my peers are up to and I feel the support right back.

Thanks Renée!

You can find Renée Kurilla online at her portfolio site Kurillastration, on her weblog, on Twitter (@reneekurilla), on Tumblr, and on the group blog covering children's illustration, Simply Messing About.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

Graphite is my all-time fave. I currently use a Sumo Grip (.9) mechanical pencil because it doesn't break on me every 2 minutes. I also recently acquired a Cintiq, which is extremely helpful for sketches.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I use Photoshop to color my drawings for several reasons:

1. I love drawing with graphite pencils, and I don't like painting over top of them because they will always be gray.
2. It's easier to make value decisions and color adjustments.
3. It's cheaper, cleaner, faster
4. I'm a horrible painter

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I tend to mix things up. Sometimes I like to draw on clean, smooth paper, sometimes the more folds it has, the better. I do love me some toothy papers though.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

I used to draw more before I colored, mostly because I've been drawing with graphite all my life, and only using digital for several years. Now that I'm a little better, I end up doing more on Photoshop. It is doubtful that I'll go purely digital anytime soon.

Thanks Miguel!

You can find Miguel Co online at his portfolio website, on his Tumblr blog, on Twitter (@MiguelCoStudio), and prints of his work can be bought on his Society6 page.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

Okay here's my basic list, in order of importance, as in, if the house were on fire, what would I grab first?

1. Tachikawa T-77 mapping nib. Like a firmer, better made, and all around superior Hunt 102. I draw very small, and the T-77 is firm enough for small regular lines like hatching, but with just enough flexible to give you a range between a very delicate line and one with a little bit of body--but without sacrificing control.
2. Hunt 108. Super flexible nib that I use for all my "big" lines, or anywhere I want the texture of the paper to show through. At it's best it's my favorite drawing instrument, but Hunt nibs are so poorly made now that only 2 out of 3 are really usable, they are easily damaged, and bend out of shape after a fairly short time. :(
3. Dr. Ph. Martin's Black Star ink (matte). Richard Thompson turned me onto this ink, and I praise his name every day. It's VERY black, to the point that you might need to thin it, especially if you're like me and forget to close your ink bottle occasionally. But somehow, improbably, it also works in technical pens, so I also use it in my larger Rapidograph pens for spotting blacks. It's totally waterproof, lightfast, and best of all, eraser-PROOF, unlike many india inks.
4. Koh-I-Noor Rapidomatic mechanical pencil, .5mm, 2H lead. I don't know that this pencil is any better than any other, but I've had it a million years, which must mean something. Plus it has a metal bottom, which gives it a pleasing weight in the hand. I use 2H lead for nice light lines, but not so light that you're digging into the paper. I often don't erase my pencil lines, and 2H is fairly easy to "tune" out in scanned artwork.
5. Strathmore 500 bristol board, semi-smooth surface. Strathmore 500 is the only bristol I've found that reliably doesn't bleed, and is also fairly (thought not, I think, totally) archival. The semi-smooth is smooth enough to take a light pen line without bouncing, but rough enough that if you want the texture of the paper visible, it's easy to make happen. And it'll take a limited amount of watercolor/inkwash, usually about 2 or 3 touches before it starts to break down under moisture.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

I do have a pretty wide collection, but more from being a packrat than anything else. I think the tools I listed above compose about 95% of everything I do, with the exception of paint/digital coloring, stuff like that.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

I use Microns, especially the colored ones, to sketch with, but I haven't found a disposable pen yet that really sings for me. I recently got turned on to the Platinum Carbon pen, but it's too light to be pleasant to use extensively. I do like sketching with it though.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

I generally use some very simple watercolor from a 16-pan travel set by Winsor & Newton. But I'm a baby at it, so it's mainly just tinting things. I sometimes color in commissions with Copic markers too, but they don't work with my preferred ink, so they're slowly falling out of favor in my workflow. More than either, I use inkwash, usually in 2 waterbrush pens, kind of like what Dan Berry describes here, except with diluted ink wash, in 2 tones, dark and light.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

As I was saying above, for watercolors I use a travel set, which is fine. For markers I buy Copics in colors I like--I've gotten a good collection together over the years, but as with everything I probably only use about 5-6 of them with any frequency.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I'm super snobby about paper, but my last three sketchbooks have been handmade by cartoonist Joe Lambert using a cream colored cardstock you can get at Kinko's. Remarkably, it takes pretty much any media. Plus Joe's sketchbooks are handsewn, lay flat, and often have covers featuring his work, or if you're like me you can get them plain and draw on them yourself. I've gotten so used to them it's hard to imagine switching back, so hopefully he'll keep making them.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

I use Photoshop to color generally, but my last few projects have been colored almost entirely using Manga Studio 5 and Ray Frenden's MS5 brushset. MS5 is way more intuitive a drawing application, and for coloring there are a lot of great halftone features. Very into it lately.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?

Paper no, but pens for sure. The aforementioned Joe Lambert and Dan Berry are pretty influential for me as a tool snob, although I'm betting neither of them are very snobby--they seem to try a lot of different tools, which is healthy. I, however, am a True Snob and prefer to let others play The Most Dangerous Game (trying different tools).

Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?

I sure don't. Probably the only out-of-the-ordinary thing I do is draw really REALLY small, which both saves time and is easier (for me).

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

As mentioned above, Manga Studio 5 plus Ray Frenden's brushset. His drawing brushes are perfect, mimicking not only differing size/flexibilities of nib, but also 2 different "pencils" and a number of paintbrushes for wet/textured effects.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

I would like to work digitally more--I'm not against it at all, but for myself I find I work faster on paper, weirdly. On paper small accidents and incidental pen bounces or surprises can be assets, but on a screen I can't stop undoing everything. I'm maybe too fussy to have undo available to me during drawing. So often I will take the extra steps of scanning and compositing to get things done quickly and without a lot of preciousness on paper, then reserve the tablet for edits and last minute additions.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

Definitely all of the above. It's hard to imagine living without one now, though of course all the great illustration masters seemed to do okay without one. Heck, they did all the best Disney movies without a single computer, right?

Thanks Dustin!

You can find Dustin Harbin online on Tumblr, on Twitter (@dustinharbin), on Flickr (dharbin), and prints of his work can be found on his BigCartel shop.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

Well my favourite drawing tool is probably my computer attached to a Wacom tablet. I love the flexibility of Photoshop and Illustrator and its ability to surprise me. I love being able to grade and colour a drawing in Photoshop. The ability to try out different colourways fast and simply.

I also have sketchbooks littered around the house and tend to use either a brush pen or a clutch pencil to doodle away on, scribble ideas and draw people off the telly.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

I usually scribble an idea into a sketchbook, before re-drawing in Photoshop.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I'm a great believer in whatever is around. So I usually buy cheap sketchbooks. I feel less hung up about making marks if it's cheap paper. As long as it doesn't bleed when some ink hits it I'm fine.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

I use mainly Photoshop these days. I used to use Illustrator exclusively, but over the last few years I've got bored with it. It just started to feel a bit tedious creating an image. I much prefer Photoshop for its ease of use and its directness. But they both have their uses and it really depends on what the image requires. I tend to have a batch of brushes I use over and over again. I'm also intrigued by Manga Studio. I tried a demo of this last year and it has a beautiful brush line.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

I think the computer is incredibly useful. Great for showing work, and making contacts across the world. I've had emails from all over the world from clients and people who just like the work. It's obviously a great research tool. So if I need to draw an iguana, I know where to get my references from! I think in terms of dealing with clients it's essential. Being able to quickly update and react to demands or even, as I did last night, a midnight Skype call from a client in Australia while I was in my pyjamas!

Thanks Steve!

You can find Steve Scott online at his portfolio site, on his blog, on Twitter (@SteveScott2000), and some prints of his work can be bought in his online store.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

Line work that reminds me of Renaissance engravings is the base of most of my illustrations. I usually use Rotring Isographs for line work and just sometimes I use pen and ink (when I need thicker lines). I tried engraving when I was a student but no client would wait for me to finish one nowdays. That is why I had to switch to faster tools.

If you have a wide collection, how do you decide on which to use on a particular drawing, project, or day?

I have lot of different sizes of Isographs, but to be honest, I use only two or three sizes (usually 0.1mm, 0.2mm and 0.4mm). I got used to these sizes and I know what to expect from them. I can get better control on line weight with these sizes.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

For line work I use Rotring Isographs and only black Rotring drawing ink. It is waterproof and allows me to apply washes of watercolour or coloured inks over the drawing.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

When colouring the drawing I often start with coloured inks washes over the line work. Sometimes to get stronger colours or deeper tones I add watercolour to it or even acrylics. Sometimes I scan watercolour surfaces and apply it under the line drawing and adjust it digitally.

If you do use paints, inks, pencils, or markers for coloring, are there any in particular that are your favorites? Do you prefer travel sets of paints to a full set?

For colouring I usually use Ecoline coloured inks, Winsor & Newton watercolour and Liquitex acrylics. I don't like buying full sets of colours because I use only certain colours and that is why I buy these separately.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

For sketches I like to use the Moleskine sketchbook and Watercolor notebooks. I have different sizes at home and I use certain size depending on what I would like to draw. But sometimes I grab any kind of paper that I came across and make some sketches on it.

If you paint, is there any particular type of canvas you prefer? Do you like to paint on wood or any other materials?

I don't paint very often but when I do I like to do it with acrylics on MDF boards (Mediapan), it is kind of heavy but I don't paint large formats so it doesn't matter. It allows me almost the same conditions as paper and that is why I like to use it. I don't use canvases, but sometimes I use wood If I find a good piece of it.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

Sometimes I adjust colours in Photoshop after I made colouring by hand. Sometimes I colour the whole piece digitally, but I always try to make the drawing part by hand.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?

I had some problems finding the paper that will allow me to make a line work illustration in ink with lot of details and also allow me to apply the coloured washes over it without harming the drawing a lot. I talked with some artists, illustrators and people that make comics. They gave me some advice and helped me, but I am still in the search for the perfect paper. So far the Arches Hot Press watercolor paper (300 g/m2) is something I use. It is a great paper but it is still not perfect for what I need.

Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?

Not really.

If you create purely-digital art, what are the software programs you use? Is one used more than another?

I never create the art digitally from the beginning, but when I make some colouring or adjustments then I use only Adobe Photoshop. To be honest, I don't know how to use any other software. I don't like working on a computer a lot.

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

I always prefer working in non-digitally way. I use computers only to save me some time and to hide mistakes if there is no time in doing it by hand.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

The computer is a great tool for making art, but I am not really good in using it. Also it can help me to find some references and inspiration in other people's work. Also it can trap you with all the shiny things you can find on the web and steal your time.

Thanks Tomislav!

You can find Tomislav Tomić online at his portfolio website tomislavtomic.com.

What are some of your favorite drawing tools (pens, pencils, markers, drawing tablet, all of the above)?

My favorite tool is ink, lately used with very fine dip pens, but I also like to use Rapidographs and fountain pens.

If you prefer pens, is there any particular brand, color, or type of ink you like best?

I like black; lately I am adventuring in colored inks, too.

About brands, it depends on the pen. With fountain pens, I like the Noodler's Black ink, because it's waterproof and a nice black. With dip pens, I have two favorites: Rohrer's Black Ink, with its more shiny finish, and FW Acrylic Artists Ink, very dark and matte.

How do you like your color? Watercolor? Acrylics? Oil? Colored pencils? Markers?

Colored inks and watercolors. Sometimes I like to sketch with colored pencils.

Is there any particular type of notebook or drawing pad you prefer? Or does any scrap of decent-sized paper work in a pinch?

I have a thing for sketchbooks; it's very very important for me to draw in my sketchbooks, that usually are Moleskines or similar books. For the other drawings, I have some papers I prefer depending on the tools I use; since I like to work in extremely little details usually I need to pay attention to the paper I choose.

Do you ever do any kind of post-processing (like adding color in Photoshop or similar tool) to your drawings?

I use Instagram filters when I post daily snaps of my sketchbooks or work in progress. The final drawing is never post-processed.

Have you ever tried a new pen (or paper, etc) from reading about it, or seeing the results in another artist's work?

Of course! I am curious and always eager to try new things!

Do you have anything out of the ordinary you use for making your art?

I dont think so. The only little thing I have is to use feathers to hold the nibs (and hunting for said feathers).

If you work both digitally and non-digitally, which do you find yourself doing more? Is there a reason you would prefer one of the other? Is it because of the tools available in either space?

Lately I have not worked in digital, but it has been my only creative outlet for some years. It was a space where I felt more safe; I could make mistakes without wasting paper, and it let me paint in a way that I found comfortable. I don't like to paint with real paints, but I like to do it digitally (this does not mean a massive use of effects or layers, it's more about how the digital brush feels). Traditional media meet my needs better now; it's something that has to do with the touching, smelling, with my need of a more real contact with the world.

I come from long years of agoraphobia where the virtual was my main world, and now my breathing the outside air again is reflected in my need of "real" drawing mterials. And I so hope this makes sense.

I asked about post-processing on a computer, but do you think the computer is a helpful tool for making art? Whether it’s looking for inspiration online, or using it to build a weblog to promote yourself and your art, do you think a computer is necessary, helpful, or a distraction (or all of the above)?

All of the above!

As for everything else, it has its good and bad sides, and it can hurt you if you exceed. The internet allowed me to learn so much, to explore, discover, meet. It has been a giant part of my life in the last 8 years, and a great, great thing! It goes from discovering artists that you would never have heard of in your tiny town, to talking with people who share your passion, and let's not forget the shopping! I buy all of my tools online, god bless the internet! I would still be here cursing at a cheap dip pen (and wondering why I can't draw well with it) if it wasn't for the web!

Thanks Alice!

You can find Alice Savage online at her website, on Facebook, and prints of her work can be bought in her Etsy shop.

Since bringing the site back from its deep sleep, I've posted 17 new interviews. I think that's fantastic! I'm enjoying keeping the site active again, and sticking to a somewhat steady posting schedule, but I just need a short break to catch up with some things.

In the meantime, please take a look through the interview archives to read interviews you may have missed, and join/like the new Facebook page I've set up for the site: http://www.facebook.com/TheToolsArtistsUse.