Drawing: the benefits of certain mediums

Over the years as I've developed my own drawing style, I've tried a variety of mediums and have discovered the pros and cons of each.

Pencil: One of my favourite mediums, graphite is extremely flexible and easy to work with. If you get a quality pencil and eraser, it should be easy to cover mistakes. It's easier to capture details because the lead is so strong, you can make a really sharp point and keep it for a while. However, it doesn't create a good contrast and shows up lightly on the paper unless if you draw harder and risk making an irreversible mistake. Usually pencil is pretty stable on the paper and harder to smear.

Charcoal: Another of my favourite mediums, I like the contrast created by charcoal. However, it's difficult to erase mismarks on a paper and I often find I need white pastel to cover up mistakes when they won't erase. Charcoal is also so messy; there have been countless times when a brush of my hand has been devastating.

Pastel: This is extremely difficult to erase, though it smears pretty easily. Oil pastel, of course, is pretty sturdy while regular pastel acts a lot like charcoal as far as its messiness. Very nice for blending; I like to use tissue paper for this.

Watercolour: I am a watercolour failure; the delicacy of water makes it difficult for me to work with it. Also, I think pictures look better black and white anyway. But watercolour is nice because you really can do a lot with it; you can make it dark or light, create a wash or just do lines. There are so many different types of brushes so you can create what you want.

Ink: Ink is very temperamental and unfortunately very permanent. I don't draw in ballpoint but use a nib and ink if I have to. At least you can get detail, but any mistakes and it's very sad.