Creating the best pumpkins/jack-o-lanterns are the result of three main principles:

1. Buying a good pumpkin and using proper carving techniques to retain the pumpkins sustenance.

2. Using proper tools (which can include knives, exacto-knives, clay tools, print making linoleum cut speedball sets)

3. Having a good visual resource or fully realized sketches before carving.

Have a look at the suggestions in the following video:

Artist Spotlight:

Rae Villafane is considered to be one of the greatest pumpkin carvers/sculptors in the world. Here you can watch him carving on Martha Stewart.

For Further Interest in his work, you can check out HIS WEBSITE BY CLICKING HERE.