Bonus Vid – How To Hold a Pencil
Is there a right way to hold a pen or a pencil when you draw?
One of my YouTube chanel followers seems to think so. And it’s NOT how I hold a pencil!
One of my YouTube chanel followers seems to think so. And it’s NOT how I hold a pencil!
I like you.
Now that I have said that, in a few minutes you have cut my “fear” of what I am trying to do by half, I hope it sticks with me. Thank You.
Well. I am 50 and so are quite a few of my Illustrator friends and after so many years of drawing the ‘correct’ way most of us have drawing related injuries. Necks, shoulders, wrists. Having some sort of non- drawing physical activity in your life is more important than how you hold a pencil. (I only wish I’d started earlier.)
Taking care of your body is important, for sure! My neck and shoulders is were I expect trouble.. And in periods of excessive drawing I do get aching hand as well, but… I think you would have to see the patient before diagnosis, so to speak!
I have been told countless times to change the way I hold my pencil. I’m just glad I didn’t!
I’ll tell ya, there is a right way and a wrong way to give criticism, and in my opinion the criticism given to you by that you tube viewer who suggested you should hold your pencil, was all wrong. I hold my pencil the “correct way” when drawing and always have for the past 40 years and I have carpal tunnel syndrome. I say if it works for you, do it and I’m gathering that’s what you’re saying here in the video as well. Of course there is generally a right way and a wrong way on most things and that bit of info might be correct for some, but holding the pencil correctly sure didn’t save me from having carpal tunnel syndrome.
I suspect Opium Koolaid is a troll. But a valid topic for discussion regardless!
Thanks for the support, Tammy!
That comment was rediculous.
First, your holding style is NOT chimp grip – Second, any type of repetatvie motion with your hands/wrist can cause carple tunnel syndrome or tendonistus. I type a lot at work, draw, play guitar/bass guitar – I am at risk of either of those things. If you can draw for hours on end without discomfort in your hands, wrist, elbows I’m fairly certain you are fine.
Yes these can be painful injuries – yes they could happen to you – but I don’t think it’s because of the way you grip your pencil.
I agree, Jeff! Luckily I don’t care much what armchair therapists / trolls say 🙂 I had thought of posting something on the topic so this was a great excuse to adress it!
Chimp Grip Shimdt does kinda roll off the tongue, but you’d really have to own it.
I think Jeff is “write” on (pun whiplash!).
The only times I notice that my hand hurts from drawing it is related to how hard I’ve been gripping the pencil or bearing down on it, and at what ridiculousness angle I’m been sitting to hold my drawing pad. Sometimes I just don’t pull my chair in or leave it tilted to the side to face other people in the room. This leads to pain.
Thanks for the video Palle.
Being compared to a chimp is a great compliment 🙂
I’ve noticed I get back and neck pains if I sit at my drawing table with a chair that has wheels. I strain my lower back while trying to keep the chair from moving backwards – and I do it subconsciously! So I have a steady chair that fits how I lean forward. Is it a healthy work position? Probably not. But I don’t normally get pains in hand or wrist, so I think I’ll just keep on truckin.
Thanks for the support, Michael!
you are using your opposable thumb and are in no more danger than other pencil holders. Carpel tunnel is inflammation of wrist tendons from moving wrist too much or fingers too much while wrist is bent. If the position was bad for you you would already know what carpel tunnel is.
Thank you, Dr. Daruth 🙂 Appreciate your support!