Whenever I begin to sketch out a design idea while using a nice pencil, I immediately feel inhibited. The problem is that most of the nice pencils don’t include an eraser. I suppose it makes sense; pencil erasers are universally thought of as cheap, disposable annoyances. They inevitably harden or wear out. Serious artists making serious drawings would prefer the reliable control of a mold-able kneaded eraser. And on the next occasion that I find myself with enough leisure time to draw photorealistic fruit, I probably will too.

Let’s get back to reality. When I am attempting to sketch out an idea that I just had as quickly as I can before I forget it the time required to put my pencil down and pick up an eraser feels like ages. I prefer the eraser on the other end of my writing utensil, where I can easily turn it around to use it. Whether it’s a temperamental $15 mechanical pencil with a little eraser under the chrome cap at the end or one of the pedestrian old #2 pencils from your elementary schools days, having an “undo” option close at hand gives me the confidence to work more fluidly.