How Pros Hold A Pencil

We were all taught how to hold a pencil back in school, while that grip (the tripod grip) is great for handwriting what is the best way to hold your pencil, brush or stylus for art and illustration. Drawing requires different amounts of control and different uses of your pencil. Sometimes you need a better grip for shading, or maybe you need to straw straighter lines.

Get Discounts to All My Courses!

-----------------------------------------------------

My Twitter:

My Drawing and video gear:

[zephyr]

IMO the only wrong way to hold a pencil is one that causes cramps or strain.

[RobertDannelly]

Great Video when I was in a drafting class in college my drafting Professor told me I held the pencil wrong, then one day she had us watch an Architecture Documentary on Frank Lloyd Wright and in the documentary he held the pencil in the same way I do, so I ask her if Frank Lloyd Wright was holding the pencil wrong. It never got mentioned again.

[kb]

When drawing a line, dot to dot, don't look at where your hand is, look at the second dot. Basically, look where you're going, not where you are.

[manuelbuitenhuis]

Me: Tries drawing straight line.
*draws perfect circle*

[mainegrove]

When you’ve been holding it wrong for 13 years: 💧👁👄👁💧

[EagleGames]

Nice to see you doing some traditional art tutorials! (Mainly because my computer broke)

[daydream]

Thank you so much for this video! I’ve experienced pain in my drawing hand I think from bad posture and I was recently told that I hold my pencil wrong I’ve been holding it with it rested on my ring finger of that makes sense. You inspired me to push past my self doubt and set my timer for 15 mins and draw while focusing on straight posture and holding the pencil right.

[NatimationStudios]

It's like those "You've Been Eating These Foods Wrong" videos - I feel like my third eye has been opened.

[sguzaki]

When the grip you're used to has better handwriting than the one they thought you at school:

[vixxrose]

Thank you. I had quit writing and drawing due to my death grip on pencils. This video with a doctor video that finally explained, I must fix my hands in natural position for best results. I will apply these techniques in hopes of rekindling the creativity I once had as a child. My right palm sends her greatest regards. You will save us from future hand spasms.

[janten]

I was able to draw a straight line after centuries in this planet!!!! Man, I owe you my very first straight line without using a ruler!!!! I want to Thank you so much!!! 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[atilabdraws]

also i noticed from experience, using a screenless graphics tablet, focus on the screen and having the cursor do what you want not on your hand and tablet...
sound weird but everytime i focused on drawing the lines accuratelly it worked, and then i turn my attention to the hand and tablet and, well, never worse lines, so focus on what's happening on the screen

[jasper]

BTW in the description it says straw instead of draw!





Also, if someone thinks I'm hating I'm not I'm just pointing it out! (Some ppl take it a different way)

[teloads]

I Felt Really Dumb Looking This Up... Yet I got what I expected and I'm Glad I Did.

[JTMC]

Draw A Box has some good tutorials for practicing control and confidence.

Heck it has good tutorials period.

[jendjoyce]

I have EDS and left handed. My first grade teacher Mrs. Brown of IPS School in '89 beat me with a paddle and forced me to use right-handed and with gripper. My fingers are hyper mobile and now I write on the side and upside down.

Thank you for this video. I am relearning to draw and paint without dislocating my fingers.

[the_big_niz]

I feel so proud that I already knew and use a lot of these methods

[ohmenecio]

As a Year One teacher, I was about to spit fire at you. Then you said that the best hold is the one that suits your purposes, and I agree with that, except I'd go one step further to add that the best hold is the one that doesn't cause any strain or at least minimises it as much as possible. I have always held my writing implements perfectly, but I was never taught not to apply pressure with extreme prejudice. As a result, nowadays my wrist is chronically creaky-clacky, and I have a deformation in my middle finger. Luckily, I can still flip people off!

[tedmureithi]

I love your eccentric excited twin brother, awesome

[bobbyfasel]

Love this!! I'd super love a version of this about holding digital styluses, although I probably just overthink it too much. You're the best. <3