I’m sad to say I’ve had to put down one of my oldest and most reliable of companions; my old pencil sharpener.
I’m a pencil nut. I love love LOVE really sharp pencils. And they have to be a very specific kind.
Anyway, before I had a permanent workspace, I used to create my cartoons at the coffee table in our old house’s living room, which meant pretty much everything for cartooning had to be small and mobile. Hence my battery powered pencil sharpener.
This thing was a workhorse and has been at my side for about as long as I’ve been cartooning professionally. But, sadly, something went kablooey the other day, and now I have to lay it to rest. Sniffle.
Goodbye old friend.
On an up note, after some recent browsing at Staples I’ve adopted a new sharpener (same breeder, BTW) and my pencils are sharp once more. And, thanks to shelving my gypsy ways, this one can stay plugged in and in one place.
I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
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Hey Mark,
It's interesting that you mention that you're a "pencil nut." While not a passionate pencil person, I've enjoyed the "Pencil Revolution" blog. I find it facinating that someone could be so INTO something so common as a pencil.
Check it out. I'm sure they have a support group!
http://www.pencilrevolution.com/
Confound It Man! What kind of Pencils? This is an important detail and you just glossed over it. As a former draftsman (er, woman), I too have strong feelings about lead: Pentel 0.3mm, 6H (which can be used as a cutting tool too, if needed).
PaperMate American Naturals #2. I absolutely hate pencils with that damn yellow paint on them, and these hold a nice point with just a little give in the graphite, although I doubt I could use it as a cutting tool…
Ah. Thank you. Don't you love the fragrance of a new box of pencils? Such an encouraging smell … makes you think that anything is possible.
I think that freshly sharpened smell is even better!