I went to school for graphic arts, and my teachers were always big on Berol Prismacolor art supplies. They have the softest pencils and the deepest markers. If you are a graphic artist, check out
Cheap PrismacolorPencils and my personal favorite, the
Prismacolor Verithin Diameter Lead Pencils. These are some of the thinest and softest colored pencils, which mean that they cover up the whole space with color. If you are serious about your work, you need to at least have a set of Prismacolor Pencils, a set of Prismacolor Markers, and a Colorless Blender.
A great technique is to first do your drawing and sketch in just regular old no.2 pencil. Then, you take your markers, and lay down all of the main colors, which will come out very nice and bold. After you have completely covered your work with marker, go back with the colored pencils and the colorless blender, and mix in the midtones by drawing over the marker with your colored pencil. You will see that by using your blender and pencils, you can create a very cool effect, that looks shiny on paper.
If you are thinking of getting some prismacolor pencils, then the Prismacolor Portrait Sketch Set, and the Prismacolor Flesh Tones Set are great either by themselves, or in combination with each other.