Answering one of my biggest FAQ - What pencils do you use for metal tones?

There is a freedom that comes from not overthinking it. Some days and some projects don't require a giant pile of complicated art supplies. Pencil is sometimes all you need to deliver professional illustrations. Illustrating with pencils can be cost effective, relatively mess free and they can be easy to use. In my jewellery illustration work using pencil allows me to quickly add a splash of colour or add depth to client illustrations in a really efficient and effective way.

Most stationery suppliers will have a range of loose coloured pencils that will cover metal tones and I definitely recommend adding a small range of these metal tone pencils to your tool box. I've listed the Derwent Coloursoft pencils I use below. I like the Coloursoft because they suit my style but there are lots of brands that will work and at all different price points.

Yellow Gold:
Ochre C590
Light Sand C580
Mid Brown C600

White Gold/Silver/Platinum:
White Grey C710
Dove Grey C670
Steel Grey C690
Petrel Grey C680

Rose gold:
Mid Terracotta C620
Dark Terracotta C610
Pimento C540

For an extra level of detail I also use blue:
Baby Blue C340
Indigo C300

The list above will give you a starting point but don’t be afraid to make adjustments to suit your specific work or style or jewellery illustration.