There are diverse ways of holding a pencil for drawing.  There is not one perfect way, but several options, depending on what you are trying to accomplish.

 The Various Ways to Hold a Pencil for Drawing

*  Grip your pencil like a writing tool,  close to the tip, when sketching outlines or adding details to your illustration.  This will maximize your control over the pencil.

*  To illustrate long, steady or flowing lines,  grasp the pencil near the halfway point with the end fixed in your palm.  This helps in getting stabilizing effect and control to produce long, even lines.

* Shading larger areas is maximized by holding the pencil in the middle,  slanted by the side so it is roughly parallel to the paper. This allows you to use the side of the graphite to create even strokes.

*  For areas needing darker shades, grab the pencil close to the tip ( the pencil is beneath your hand) and press the side of the tip to the paper.  This makes deeper, darker colors for little areas of dark shading.

 The Perfect Amount of Pressure for Sketching With Pencils

The amount of pressure needed when drawing with pencils  differs depending on the preferred effect and the hardness of the pencil.  For laying out the preliminary sketch,  use a hard pencil with mild pressure.

Softer pencils leave darker lines,  so depending on how dark you desire the area to be; you will have to adjust pressure.  As for example, a 9B pencil with a hefty hand will draw a very dark line and with a lighter hand it will still be dark but less so.

 There is no fixed guideline for the quantity of pressure to apply.  Test with different pencils  and pressures to attain the effects you desire.

Only one thing you should keep in mind:  for sketching darker lines always favor  using a softer pencil over providing more pressure.  The cause: too much pressure may damage the paper.

Learn Drawing With Swift And Smooth Pencil Movements

 The most imperative element of popular drawings  is the skill to draw with swift and smooth movements.

This requires practice and confidence.  To exercise drawing smoothly and self-assuredly, begin with your basic sketches using a hard pencil.  Use a gentle hand for this is a straightforward outline of your drawing.

 These lines may not even be able to be seen in your finished piece. Do not be overly concerned with each stroke;  let your intuition provide guidance.  As you become more experienced,  you will become more convinced of your skill sets and techniques. This confidence will inspire the swift smooth strokes of your tools.

 Have a sketchbook  with you and when something stirs you, use it!  These will help you greatly in learning pencil drawing.