Rotring 600 Mechanical Pencil


By Dexter at The Spires College

Since its launch in 1989, the 600 series marked Rotring’s entry to the high end world of artists and designers bespoke tooling. Designed with a hexagonal barrel to prevent it rolling off your desk and machine lathed from a single piece of brass, this mechanical pencil set a new standard of excellence from its inception. So, will the architects choice be the artists preference? Will utilitarian design match creative output? 

Lets take it for a test sketch.


When it comes to hatching and precision techniques, the Rotring 600 0.5mm mechanical pencil truly shines. As I put it to the test, I found that creating those intricate lines became a breeze time and time again. The pencil’s smoothness and precision allowed me to effortlessly layer strokes, create refined levels of tone and deliver intuitive texture to my artwork.

This pencil is a game-changer for artists who value precision and versatility. Its exceptional performance combined with its comfortable weight and ability to create unique texture, makes it a must-have tool in an artist’s arsenal. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, this pencil will undoubtedly elevate your artwork to new heights.

One thing that immediately caught my attention was the weight of the pencil. It felt just right and perfectly weighted in my hand, striking a balance between being substantial enough for control and not too heavy to cause cumbersome fatigue. This optimal weight made it a joy to work with, allowing me to focus on my art without any distractions.

What sets this pencil apart is the unique texture it leaves on the paper. The fine lines it produces create a mesmerising effect, adding depth and dimension to my drawings. During my experimentation, I discovered that leaving elements of hatching unblended resulted in a texture that remarkably resembled the human skin. This feature opened up a world or possibilities for creating lifelike portraits and capturing intricate details.

Click here to see more from Rotring at Jacksons Art Supplies and don’t forget Jackson’s Art Student Discount program

Previous
Previous

Artist Interview: Alex Giles

Next
Next

Artist Interview: Roberta Boffo