Relationship of a character to a prop

Props have meaning and they deserve to be dealt with in a meaningful way.

Props - Build your gesture around them, because they tell what the pose is all about - the "story" of the drawing.

"A model using a telephone should spark some kind of a response in you; perhaps it's a call for help, or a social call, or an unwanted call from a former spouse, or a salesperson.

- Walter Stanchfield (Drawn To Life, Vol 1, pg 345)

In other words, if you are using a prop in your design, you should be asking yourself, WHY are they holding it, HOW are they holding it (experienced, fearfully, unskillfully, nervous, eager etc.).  Also, You should draw any props with the same attention as your character. a Prop Becomes Part of Your Character!  it's not a throwaway - so make sure it fits in your world.