Why is a blank sheet of paper so intimidating? Is it because we are afraid to fail? As artists, we have a passion for our work. It is for this reason that it is natural for us to want to create the best piece of work possible every time we step to the canvas. The pencil is the ultimate thinking tool. Every stroke we make is a conscious one. Fortunately, there are pencils. Graphite is the most forgiving substance in art besides clay which can be remolded into different objects if a mistake is made. Graphite can be erased as quickly as it is drawn, or 500 years after it was drawn.
The graphite in a pencil allows one to think through their ideas before they become permanent. I heard once that pencils are the originators of creativity. The O.C. if you will.
Graphite is also the material that most creators and normal people are familiar with. Whether you are drafting a plan to build a house or just sketching out your next big project, graphite is there to “Control Z” when needed because it can be erased.
This is the reason that graphite is the world’s ultimate material. Graphite can be ephemeral or permanent depending on the creator’s choice. Graphite is easily one of the most flexible and forgiving materials known to man. If graphite is already a big part of your creative process, then keep embracing its qualities. If graphite is not a part of your creative process; try it out, you will not be disappointed.
Jordan Johnson
thinkingthroughmakingsourcebook 