Since I was young, I have always loved drawing. When I didn't have the exact colored pencil shade I was looking for, I turned to graphite rendering for the power it gives along with a strong visual impact without the need for color. 
Drawing in graphite has probably taught me more about the fundamentals of realism than any other art form I've taken part in making.

Along with teaching me many things, it also helped launch my career and gain experience in working with clients.   

I hold a strong respect for the art of rendering in graphite pencil, there's a certain class, and elegance it holds that makes the finished product look absolutely beautiful.

In my eyes, it's completely worth the many hours it takes to finish a piece.