Graphite pencils are used for tighter drawings of a linear nature. They are more suitable for stylized and precise drawings, particularly when greater definition of detail is required. A wide variety of lines is possible with these pencils, as they are made in different weights and thickness.
Graphite pencils come in great variety of hardness and softness, such as 2B, 3B, 5B and 6B. Graphite is also available in round-, rectangular- and square-shaped sticks for use in a holder. Some artists use graphite holders to extend the length of graphite pencils. The sticks and pencils are both useful for rapid, broad drawing strokes.
Book and magazine illustrations derive their strength from more conscious planning. After a preliminary reading of a text, artists usually draw in soft graphite on tracing paper of the same size the finished artwork would be. These roughs are requested by art directors and art editors to avoid any misunderstandings in terms of the interpretation of the material.
Improvised drawings are drawn with graphite pencils from an idea or impression. Soft graphite is ideal for portraits in which the artists needs strength of interpretation, and graphite pencils become a means of interpreting nuanced details.
Graphite art allows artists to show a wide range of expressions with variety of dramatic effects, which can be achieved with or without an ink wash or added color.