Once I've written the strip, the next logical thing to do is draw it, and oddly enough, that's just what I do!

I use a technical pencil to draw with, as these never need to be sharpened. I use a Koh-I-Noor Rapidomatic® tech pencil, and I think that I bought the one that I have at a local drug store for about $4, and a bunch of lead refills for around 89 cents each. It's been a few years, and I'm still using the same pencil, and I've still got a few refills left. Economize where you can! My pencil takes 0.5 mm leads and I prefer to use an H lead, as it draws lightly and can be erased easily. Again, whatever tools you like should be the ones that you use. Some of my friends like to draw with non-photo blue pencils. You don't have to erase these at all because the shade of blue that they produce is invisible to the camera's eye. Nifty, eh?

Tech pencils are armed with a little cheesy eraser, so I have to buy big erasers to erase all those big mistakes that I make (so much for economizing...) To be honest with you, I haven't a clue what brand of eraser that I use, as I've had the same one for years and long ago recycled the cardboard packing that it came in. My one recommendation is to buy the white erasers. These seem to be particularly effective. I used Pink Pearl erasers for years, however, and they work fine as well and have the added bonus of being available just about everywhere.

This is a good time to point out that there is a technique to erasing, which I learned from my father and I shall now pass on to you, Grasshopper. When erasing, it is much better to use light-handed and smooth strokes than to try to grind the paper into pulp with violent force. It may take a few extra passes when using a light touch, but you will leave the paper's surface unmarred, the rest of the drawing/inking intact and your hand and arm will thank you for it as well. Believe it or not, erasing a large amount of strips at once can become fatiguing or painful if you insist on erasing like you're making home-made orange juice all the while.