Blending & Shading is most important in order to get that "pop-off-the-page" effect, from regular pencils to Graphite. Most sketch artists use their finger and they get that black mess over their piece. If you don't want that pencil or graphite mess on your fingers, use a piece of tissue or paper towel, wrap it around the finger you use to blend with and smudge with light to medium pressure depending on how big the piece is that you are creating. After using an eraser, use a piece of tissue or paper towel to fan off (don't wipe) the shavings from the eraser. That way you won't get any unwanted smudges on your piece.