In this day and age of Computer Graphics, some evolving artists may have forgotten about our trusty recorder of thoughts and artistic abilities. The Pencil, usually characterized by a rod of graphite centered in a wood casing, sharpened at one end, and often with a small cylinder of rubber--a primitive correction device known as an Eraser--at the other end.

Over the centuries the pencil has served as a common way of committing thoughts to paper (paper, a material sometimes made from pressed wood shavings, is still found in many products today. Look for it at any good convenience store.) It has been used to communicate over long distances, write epic novels, and artists have used the Pencil to create amazing works of art. And yet our little yellow friend often lay forgotten at the bottom of a modern artist's portfolio. But this injustice is no more.

Millions have already benefitted from this amazing device--and now you can too! As the proud owner of a new Smeagle brand No.2 graphite pencil, you hold the key to your imagination... if you only know how to use it.

The word Pencil is derived from the Latin term Pencillus, which means "Painter's brush" I know what you're thinking. Paintbrushes? Aren't those just urban legends? Well as a matter of fact, the early pencils were just that--fine paintbrushes.
Upon the discovery of Graphite, the fine hairs of this brush were replaced with the new discovery, and revolutionized art and writing forever.
You may have heard that Pencils contain lead--not true at all! It is believed because Graphite back then was called plumbago, which ACTED like lead, but was not lead.

In 1954, a type of graphite was discovered that was much more effective and easy to use than the old graphite. The problem was, it made a mess! The graphite was held in the hand in its pure form--it colored the artist's hands almost as much as it did the paper! Many solutions to this problem were attempted, including encasing the pencil in materials such as wax, paper, metal, and rubber until finally a solution was found, and the wood-encased, graphite rod pencil was born, in 1660. In the early 1700s, a method of mixing graphite with clay to produce a smoother, more versatile pencil was discovered, and it hasn't changed since.

Using and enjoying your new Pencil is easy and fun, too! In this step-by-step tutorial you will learn how to start using the Pencil, and unlock its many glorious secrets.

-SETUP-
To being you will need your favorite Pencil and a sheet of Paper (any variety will do) Make sure that your paper is free of sand, dirt and other foreign particles. These may reduce your entertainment in using your new Pencil.
If you are using your pencil for the first time, it will need to be sharpened, using a Pencil Sharpener (sold seperately; see catalog). If you do not have access to a Pencil Sharpener, you may use a small knife to whittle the pencil to a point. Be sure to ask a grown-up for help!
Your paper should be on a hard surface, like a desk or a table before you begin. All set? Good. Let's start drawing!

-STEP 1-
First place the Pencil in your right hand (or your left hand, if it's more comfortable) between your thumb and index finger. Grasp it near the point using these two fingers. This may be an unstable grip; if it feels loose, you can use your middle finger to balance it. (Fig. A)
IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE THE POINTED END OF THE PENCIL IS POINTED TOWARDS THE PAPER.
Once you are comfortable holding the pencil, you can being drawing. Don't worry if it doesn't feel quite right; you'll get used to it.

-STEP 2-
Position the pencil over your paper and press the tip lightly against the surface of the paper. Don't push too hard; this may cause pencil breakage. If this happens, you will need to sharpen the pencil again.

-STEP 3-
Move the tip of the pencil across the paper in a smooth, straight sweeping fashion as shown (Fig. B) Make sure the tip of the pencil stays on the paper; otherwise your line will be inconsistent. When you are satisfied with the line, stop moving the pencil and remove the tip from the surface of the paper.

-STEP 4-
Repeat Step 3 on different parts of the paper to produce different results. Using this method, you can form Lines, Angles, Triangles, Squares, Rectangles--yes, even Trapezoids! (Fig. C)

-STEP 5-
Curved lines are more advanced than straight lines, but they are very useful tools. To produce a curved line, press the tip of the pencil to the paper as in Step 2. Now move the pencil across the paper as you did before, but instead of going in one direction, taper your course gently to one side to form a rounded shape (picture your curved line as one side of a large egg.) Using this method it is possible to create Circles, Ovals, Elipses, and if you're really ambitious, beziers! (Fig D)

-STEP 6- Use the methods you learned in Steps 1-5 and incorporate them into one large picture. If you're good, you should be able to form letters and numbers with which you may write and spell things. The possiblities are endless. Keep on drawing!

-ERASING-
If you accidentally put a line or curve in a place where you didn't want one, you may remove it using the Pencil's unique Eraser feature. To use this feature, invert the pencil so that its pink eraser end is pointed towards the paper. Rub this end against the line you wish to erase until it is faded to your satisfaction. Blow off the paper afterwards so as to rid it of any eraser debris which may have landed on it.

Pencils require routine maintenance to keep them in proper working order. If the point of your pencil becomes dulled or breaks, it may be repaired by sharpening the pencil again. Purchase of a replacement lead is not required. If this occurs often, we reccomend purchasing a Pencil Sharpener (see catalog) Be sure to keep the tip of your pencil clean and free of pollutants such as oil, grease, chewing gum, and pancake syrup. These may cause the pencil to function improperly.

Common Pencil user problems, and how to solve them

[i]My Pencil isn't making Marks on the paper. What's going on?[/i]
ANSWER: There are numerous causes for this problem. Most can be solved by cleaning the pencil or resharpening it. First, make sure the pointed end of the pencil is pointed towards the paper. If this is still a problem, consult the routine Pencil Maintenance section above. Otherwise it may be a problem with your paper. Some materials, like wax, soft plastic, etc, will not hold Pencil marks. Try a different variety of paper. If you are still having problems, consult a qualified Pencil technician.

[i]The tip of my Pencil broke off. I can't glue it back on. What should I do?[/i]
ANSWER: This problem can be solved simply by sharpening the pencil again. Next time, avoid applying too much pressure to the pencil tip.

[i]My Eraser has gotten so small that when I try to erase my lines, the metal part scratches the paper. How can I fix it?[/i]
ANSWER: Erasers only last for a certain amount of time before they are exhausted. You may use a different pencil, or purchase a seperate Eraser from our catalog.

[i]I was erasing a line and I tore my paper.[/i]
ANSWER: You are applying too much pressure to the eraser. Apply only gentle pressure and be patient. Not all lines can be erased completely.

[i]I chewed on my pencil and I got splinters in my tounge. No one can understand what I'm saying, and it hurts. What should I do?[/i]
ANSWER: Excuse me, I couldn't understand. Could you repeat that?

[i]I was chewing on my eraser, and then I accidentally bit it off and then I swallowed it.[/i]
ANSWER: This behavior is definitely not endorsed by pencil experts. Unless the eraser is lodged in your throat, you are in no immediate danger. If you experience chest pains you may wish to consult a doctor, and while you're waiting you can buy a new eraser from our catalog.

[i]I can't find the Selection Tool.[/i]
ANSWER: If you are using an older model of Pencil, it is very likely that the Selection Tool has not yet been incorporated into its programming. You may require a software upgrade to Adobe Photoshop 5.0.

[i]How do I pick a different color?[/i]
The standard 2B Pencil included in this package is only capable of a monotone palette. If you want to use different colors, it is suggested that you purchase the Smeagle Colored Pencil set availible in our catalog (advanced users only.)

[i]I was drawing a picture in class when the person sitting next to me abruptly picked up my pencil and scratched the inside of their ear with it. What should I do about this?
ANSWER: As emotionally traumatizing as this can be, we suggest that you try to forget about it. If the problem persists, explain calmly to the person next to you that you would appreciate it if he did not scratch the inside of his ear with your pencil. If he continues, consult a psychiatrist.

[i]I lost my pencil. Will you send me a new one?[/i]
ANSWER: No.

PENCIL TECH SUPPORT HOTLINE: If you have a problem with your pencil that is not covered in the above Troubleshooting section, call our Pencil Tech Support Hotline at (toll free):

1-800-888-3999