Putting this under my Baron's Art Tips. On several occasions I've been asked why I've devoted so much time developing my graphite pencil skills. Besides simply enjoying the medium, graphite pencil is a very useful tool for confirming elements of composition, anatomy, and lighting.

This is drawing of Smolder is the final B/W drawing for an upcoming color commission.
The drawing allowed me to confirm finally figure location and lighting for I started putting color down, and this this drawing provides the client with a final, clearer image than the thumbnails did. Also when I'm working on the final piece I already have worked the exact location of where the shading and highlights will be.