TIPS and TRICKS

Designed for YouTube, these DRAW WITH MIKE videos provide general assistance with many aspects of drawing.

 
Tool Tips
Using the Tub Sharpener
Duration: 4½ mins

How to properly use the Staedtler 502 Tub Sharpener or Lead Pointer. Mike's asked about this so often he has a copy and paste answer ready to email at a moment's notice :)
DIY Lightbox
Duration: 8¼ mins

How to quickly build an impressive, very effective, and relatively cheap lightbox from a readily available suspended ceiling LED light panel.
 
Drawing Tips
The Super Eraser: 2!
Duration: 14½ mins

Pro uses of Blu-Tack: from fading background elements to cutting in new shapes, drawing dark for accuracy before fading, creating secondary highlights in eyes... and more...
The Super Eraser!
Duration: 12 mins

There's a common fear of "Drawing too dark"... by the time you reach the end of this video, you'll have the means to remove or adjust it.
Line and Tone at War!
Duration: 8 mins

If you try to draw LINE and TONE (DETAIL and SHADING) at the same time, you won't produce optimum results - discover why...
The Magic Pencil Point
Duration: 7¼ mins

Mike introduces you to the pencil point that forever changed the way he works
Fixative and its uses
Duration: 16¼ mins

Using fixatives and removing the shine from graphite. Fixative types explained, the benefits explored, uses suggested, and guidance supplied when fixing your own drawings.
Drawing Hair: method #1
Duration: 9¼ mins

The #1 Drawing Hair method. Using negative drawing and layers to create a curving lock of hair with a central highlight.
Drawing Weeds
Duration: 18 mins

An introduction to Negative Drawing - a system that satisfies all the needs, and solves all the problems, of drawing with graphite pencil.
Start Drawing Now
Duration: 12 mins

PART 1: This is the video for you, if you're new to drawing or just can't get started. Mike points you in the right direction while adding a couple of Pro-Tips to get you going.
Start Drawing Now: 2
Duration: 11 mins

PART 2: More advice to help you on your way. And a hint of the wonders yet to come, as drawing changes and enhance your life.
Showcase your Drawings
Duration: 12 mins

Put an end to using photos straight off your phone or camera, with all the usual problems. Fix them with Affinity Photo - or Photoshop, CorelDRAW, GIMP and many others.
Textures: Stone & Rock
Duration: 14¾ mins

The more you know about what you are about to draw, the better. Mike talks you through his thinking while he works on the drawing of a drystone wall.
Criz71
I have found Mike's videos really helpful in my drawing development. The techniques are well explained and demonstrated with examples of what they look like in his artwork. These will work for any subject you wish to draw. I highly recommend these video tutorials if you are wishing to expand your drawing skill and understanding of basic techniques and their applications.

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