Choosing Coloured Pencil Brands: A Beginner's Guide

The sheer number of coloured pencil brands available can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially if you're a new artist.

With so many options, which ones should you choose? If you visit a brand's own website, they'll naturally tell you theirs are the best – and of course they would!

So, how do you find a truly unbiased view to help you decide?

That's where this guide comes in.

I'm Carol Leather, and drawing on my own experience and the wealth of knowledge from Peter Weatherill (the original founder of Pencil Topics), I'm here to help you navigate the choices.

We know that finding pencils that suit your style and aspirations can make a significant difference to your artwork and your enjoyment of the creative process. (And let's be honest, if you're like many coloured pencil artists, you'll probably still want to try them all eventually!)

To make the best decision for your specific needs, you'll want to ask yourself some key questions. To help you with this, I've put together a practical, free guide:

This comprehensive page will then walk you through everything else you need to consider: from understanding the main types of coloured pencils and key factors in your decision, to practical ways to test pencils, evaluate their qualities, and get an overview of popular brands available in the UK.

We'll also cover buying advice for sets versus single pencils.

Let's get started on your journey to finding the coloured pencils that are perfect for you!

First, Let's Understand the Main Types of Coloured Pencils

Before we explore individual brands, it's helpful to know that coloured pencils fall into three main categories.

Understanding these types will help you narrow down your choices based on the kind of art you want to create and the techniques you're interested in learning.

1. Traditional Coloured Pencils (Dry or 'Non-Soluble')

Often referred to generally as "wax pencils" or "pencil crayons," not all pencils in this category are purely wax-based.

The pencil core (the coloured part inside the wood casing) has its own unique recipe depending on the manufacturer. You can learn more about what goes into them in our article: What's Inside Your Coloured Pencil?

Typically, these formulas involve:

• Wax only
• Oil only
• A mixture of wax and oil

For the artist, both wax-based and oil-based pencils are generally used in the same way and can often be mixed together in an artwork.

The most noticeable difference you'll find is in the hardness of the pencil core:

• Pencils with more wax tend to be softer. This means they can lay down more colour quickly and can be easier to blend, making them a popular choice for achieving smooth, vibrant results.
• Pencils with more oil (or less wax) are typically harder. These cores keep their point better, are often easier to sharpen to a fine tip, and excel when it comes to creating crisp lines and fine details.

2. Watercolour Pencils (Aquarelles)

Water-soluble pencils, also known by the French term 'Aquarelles', offer great versatility.

You can use them dry, just like traditional coloured pencils. However, the magic happens when you introduce water – the pigment dissolves, allowing you to create beautiful watercolour effects, washes, and blends.

Some manufacturers even offer the same colour range in both their traditional dry pencil line and their watercolour pencil line.

If you're New to Watercolour Pencils, here's: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started.

3. Pastel Pencils

Pastel pencils contain a dry, chalky pigment, which makes them quite different from the wax or oil-based pencils we've discussed.

The core of a pastel pencil is similar in composition to hard stick pastels (like those from Carré or Conté), but conveniently encased in wood, making them cleaner and easier to handle for detailed work.

You can use pastel sticks and pastel pencils together in the same piece of artwork. A common approach is to block in larger areas with pastel sticks first, and then refine the image and add details using pastel pencils.

"It's even possible to layer traditional coloured pencils over a pastel base, as shown in this tutorial showing the Abbey of Bellapais.  

To learn more about pastel pencil techniques, suitable papers and brands, read our pastel pencil primer.

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing Your Coloured Pencils

Before you begin testing specific pencils, or even browse the vast array of brands available, taking a few moments to think about your own artistic aspirations, practical needs, and preferences can make the selection process much smoother and more successful.

Asking yourself the right questions now can save you both time and money in the long run.

Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Your Artistic Style and Goals

What kind of artwork do you envision yourself creating? The characteristics of a pencil can significantly help or hinder your preferred style.

• For Detailed Work: If you're drawn to highly detailed art, such as botanical illustrations, intricate patterns, or precise architectural renderings, you'll likely appreciate pencils with a harder core. These maintain a sharp point longer, allowing for crisp lines and fine details.
• For Painterly Effects and Blending: If your style is more expressive, or you want to achieve soft blends, rich painterly layers, or cover larger areas with vibrant colour more quickly (perhaps for landscapes or more impressionistic work), then softer, waxier pencils might be more appealing.
• Your End Goal: Are you aiming to create "beautiful, impressive pieces" to share with pride, potentially frame, or even gift? (As we know many "Aspiring Realists" are!) The quality and type of pencil can contribute to that polished finish you're seeking.

Thinking about the art you admire and wish to create will give you clues about the pencil properties that will best serve you.

2. The Importance of Lightfastness

How much does the long-term permanence of your artwork matter to you? Lightfastness refers to a pigment's ability to resist fading when exposed to light.

• For Hobbyists and Practice: If you're primarily using coloured pencils for sketching, practice, or colouring books for relaxation, lightfastness might not be a top concern.
• For "Serious" Art / Potential Sale or Display: However, if you plan to sell your artwork, exhibit it, gift it as a lasting piece, or simply want your creations to stand the test of time on your own walls, choosing pencils with good to excellent lightfastness ratings is crucial. You don't want your vibrant work to fade prematurely.

Most artist-grade pencils will have lightfastness information available from the manufacturer, either on the pencils themselves, the packaging, or their website. We'll look at how to interpret these ratings in more detail later in this guide.

You can also read our dedicated guide to Lightfastness in Coloured Pencils for a full explanation.

3. Your Budget

Coloured pencils range widely in price, from budget-friendly student sets to premium artist-grade individual pencils.

• Starting Out: As a beginner, you don't necessarily need the most expensive pencils to learn the fundamental techniques of layering, blending, and value control. Good quality student-grade pencils can be excellent for practice and developing your skills.
• Investing in Quality: As your skills progress, or if you're already serious about creating high-quality work, investing in artist-grade pencils will offer better pigment load (more vibrant colour), smoother application, and often better lightfastness.
• Balancing Cost and Need: Consider what you can comfortably afford, especially when starting. Remember, skill development comes from practice, not just the price tag of your tools. Later, our "Buying Advice" section (Section 9) offers tips on purchasing sets versus open stock.

4. Core Pencil Properties and Your Preferences

We've already discussed the main types of pencils (Traditional Dry, Watercolour, Pastel in Section 2). When focusing on traditional dry pencils, remember the general differences:

• Wax-based pencils are often softer, creamier, and blend more readily, laying down colour quickly.
• Oil-based pencils are typically firmer, hold a point well for detail, and are known for their layering capabilities without excessive wax bloom.

There's no "better" type; it's about what feels right for you and suits your techniques. Some artists love the buttery feel of soft wax pencils, while others prefer the control and precision of firmer oil-based ones. Many artists end up using a mix of both! Your testing (coming up in Sections 4 & 5) will help you discover your preferences.

5. Open Stock Availability (A Practical Consideration)

Before falling in love with a particular brand, especially if it's a less common one or imported, it's wise to check how easily you can buy individual replacement pencils (known as "open stock") in the UK.

If you use certain colours frequently, you'll need to replace them. Choosing a brand that has good open stock availability from UK suppliers will save you frustration and potential expense later on. This is particularly important if you invest in a set.

Taking these factors into account will help you approach the world of coloured pencil brands with a clearer idea of what you're looking for, making your testing and final choices much more focused and effective.

Now, let's look at how you can actually get your hands on some pencils to try...

Test Before You Invest: Trying Pencils Without Breaking the Bank

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you, especially when you're starting out, is to try different coloured pencils before committing to a whole set of one brand.

This doesn't mean you need to spend a fortune. Here are several ways you can get a feel for various pencils:

• Ask an artist friend: If you know someone who uses coloured pencils, see if they’d be willing to let you try out a few from their different sets. Most artists are happy to share their experiences!
• Order open stock online: Many art suppliers sell individual pencils ('open stock'). Order a few in colours you know you'll use frequently (perhaps a primary colour, a good green or brown, and a grey) from different brands you're curious about. This is a very cost-effective way to compare.
• Look for comparison packs: Some suppliers occasionally offer small "taster" or comparison packs containing a few similar colours from different brands, specifically for this purpose.
• Visit a local art store: If you have an art shop nearby, they often have scribble pads and a selection of test pencils available for customers to try. Don't be shy – that's what they're there for!
• Consider a workshop or course: Sometimes, a coloured pencil course or workshop will provide a variety of pencil brands for students to experiment with during the sessions.

What to Audition? If you're wondering which brands offer a good starting point for comparison, trying a few from ranges like Prismacolor Premier (known for its softness), Faber-Castell Polychromos (a popular oil-based pencil), and Caran d'Ache Luminance (a premium, highly lightfast option) can give you a good sense of the different price points, softness levels, and colour characteristics available.

We'll explore these specific brands and many others in more detail further down this guide. But first, once you have a few sample pencils in hand, what's the best way to actually test them?

Putting Your Sample Pencils to the Test

Now that you're equipped with a small selection of either borrowed or purchased sample pencils, it's time to put them through their paces. These simple tests will reveal a lot about how they perform:

1. Choose Your Paper: For a fair comparison, use the same type of paper for all your tests. A good cartridge paper is often recommended for coloured pencil work in the UK. Look for one that has a relatively smooth surface (which helps with detail) but also some 'tooth' (a slight texture) for the pencil pigment to grip onto. This grip is essential for building up multiple layers.
   To learn more about selecting the right surface, see our guide on how to choose the right paper for coloured pencil artwork. 
2. Test for Fine Lines: Draw some lines with each pencil. How fine a line can you achieve? Does the pencil maintain a sharp point well, or does it crumble or wear down quickly? This will tell you about its suitability for detailed work.
3. Explore Layering and Transparency: Take two or three different colours from the same brand and layer them on top of each other. Observe how translucent they are. Does the underlying colour show through to create a rich, optical mix, or does the top layer cover it opaquely? Effective layering is key to realistic coloured pencil art.
   For more in-depth techniques, visit our essential guide to layering pencils. 
   
4. Check Blending Capabilities: Try blending two different colours from the same brand together. Do they transition smoothly, or do they resist mixing or look muddy? Test different blending pressures. Discover various approaches in our blending methods page.
5. Experiment with Mixing Brands (Optional but Insightful): While you're at it, if you have samples from different brands, try blending a colour from one brand with a colour from another. Sometimes, pencils from different manufacturers work beautifully together, while others might not be as compatible. This is good to know if you plan to build a mixed collection over time.

Evaluating Key Qualities in Your (Dry) Coloured Pencils

As you test your sample pencils, and indeed whenever you consider a new brand (particularly the traditional dry, non-soluble types), here are some key qualities and questions to keep in mind.

These will help you assess their suitability for your artistic style and needs:

Sharpening and Core Strength

• How easily does the pencil sharpen to a good, usable point?
• Does the colour core tend to break or crumble during sharpening or use?

A quality coloured pencil will have its wood casing well-bonded to the pigment core, which helps prevent breakage. Remember to always use a sharpener with a keen blade for the best results. Many artists prefer manual sharpeners for greater control.

For a comprehensive guide, see our page on How to sharpen your coloured pencils. 

Colour Application and Smoothness

How smoothly does the colour transfer to the paper? Does it feel scratchy, or does it glide on?

Consider the core hardness in relation to your style. As a general guide:

• Botanical artists and those who enjoy very fine detail often prefer harder cores that maintain a sharp point.
• Artists with a more impressionistic style, or those wanting to lay down abundant colour quickly, might favour softer cores.

Note: Softer pencils will naturally require more frequent sharpening and will be used up more quickly than harder pencils.

Line Quality and Point Retention

How fine a line can the pencil achieve and, importantly, maintain? While softer pencils can make lovely clear marks, they tend to lose their sharp point more quickly than harder ones.

Consider how important consistent fine lines are for your work. This is something the "drawing lines" test in the previous section will help you determine.

Shading and Layering Performance

Does the pencil produce even, consistent shading? This is vital when you're building up tones and forms in your artwork.

How well do the pencils handle when applying one colour over another (layering)?

• Does the second layer blend smoothly with the first, or does it resist it?
• Observe whether the colours are transparent or semi-transparent (allowing the underlying layers to show through for rich optical mixing) or more opaque (covering previous layers). Cheaper brands sometimes contain more fillers, which can lead to more opaque or less vibrant layers.

The "layering colours" test from the previous section will give you direct insight here.

Lightfastness Rating (Vital for Longevity)

Is the pencil or its packaging marked with a lightfastness rating?

• Common rating systems include stars (e.g., I, II, III) or codes like ASTM D6901 (LF1/LF2 for the US standard) or the Blue Wool Scale (BWS). This rating indicates how well the pigments resist fading when exposed to light over time.
• If the rating isn't on the pencil itself, check the manufacturer's website or the product tin/box.

For hobbyists colouring in books, lightfastness might not be a primary concern. However, if you intend to display your art, sell it, or gift it as a lasting piece, choosing pencils with good to excellent lightfastness is essential to prevent your hard work from fading.

An Overview of Popular Dry Coloured Pencil Brands

Now that you have a better understanding of the main qualities to look for in a coloured pencil, let's explore some of the popular brands of traditional dry (non-soluble) pencils available to artists in the UK.

Remember, this is an overview to give you a general sense of what's out there. For more in-depth reviews and specifics on each brand, please use our comprehensive A-Z list:

Your A-Z Quick Brands List with Links to Individual Brand Pages

Arteza  |  Bruynzeel  | Caran d'Ache  |  Conte  |  Cretacolor  |  Daler Rowney  |  Derwent  |  Faber Castell  |  Holbein  |  Koh-i-noor  |  Lyra  |  Mitsubishi Uni  |  Royal Talens  |  Staedtler  |  Spectrum Noir  |  Prismacolor |  White Nights

The brands below are grouped by their general characteristics, primarily their core softness, which often dictates their best uses.

Soft Pencil Brands

These pencils typically have a higher wax content, making them feel creamier. They lay down colour quickly, blend easily, and can produce vibrant, smooth results.

Prismacolor Premier:

Many artists, particularly in the US, will recognize Prismacolor Premier pencils. They are renowned for being among the softest available, which aids their excellent blending capabilities. Their high wax content contributes to their smooth, vibrant finish.

• Benefits include: Affordability (though this can vary in the UK with import costs) and a wide colour range (150 colours).
• Potential downsides: Being wax-based, finished artwork can sometimes suffer from wax bloom (a hazy film that can appear over time). They are also known by some users to have issues with core breakage during use and sharpening, and they often need frequent sharpening to maintain a point. 

Derwent (ColourSoft and Chromaflow): 

Derwent, a well-respected English company, offers both ColourSoft and the newer Chromaflow pencils in their soft range. These are also soft and waxy, though generally not quite as soft as Prismacolor Premier. They offer good colour laydown, with Chromaflow being particularly vibrant. The colour ranges are typically smaller than Prismacolor's full range.

Caran d'Ache Luminance:

Often described as the "Rolls-Royce" of coloured pencils, the Luminance range from Swiss manufacturer Caran d'Ache is a premium soft pencil. They are celebrated for their smooth application, vibrant colours, and exceptional lightfastness ratings across the entire range. As expected, they come with a correspondingly high price tag.

Holbein Artists' Colored Pencils:

We'll include Holbein pencils here as they are also known for their soft, creamy, and smooth application. This Japanese brand was once quite difficult to obtain in the UK but has become more accessible. They offer a unique colour palette.

Medium-Grade Artist Quality Pencils

Most coloured pencil brands used by artists fall into this category. These pencils often have a higher proportion of oil in their binder (or a balanced oil/wax mix), making them feel firmer than the softer wax-based pencils. This can provide more control and allow for more detailed work while still offering good blending.

Caran d'Ache Pablo:

A very popular choice from Caran d'Ache, their Pablo pencils have a lovely velvety feel and come in a range of 120 colours. Many landscape and animal artists favour these due to their excellent selection of natural and earthy tones. They are oil-based.

Faber-Castell Polychromos:

Another leading artist-quality oil-based pencil, Polychromos pencils from the German manufacturer Faber-Castell are a staple for many professionals and serious hobbyists.

• Their range of 120 colours includes a useful set of 6 warm and 6 cool greys. Like the Pablos, animal artists find the natural shades very suitable for their work, but they are also excellent for botanical art, with plenty of lightfast reds, yellows, and oranges.
• Polychromos pencils are generally a little harder than the Pablos and can be sharpened to a wonderfully firm, durable point, excellent for detail.
• A bonus is that I have found Pablo and Polychromos pencils tend to work very harmoniously together if you choose to mix brands.

Derwent Procolour:

This range from Derwent was introduced to fill a gap between their softer lines (like Coloursoft) and their harder lines (like Studio/Artists). Professional artists were initially very interested. However, a significant number of pencils in the Procolour range have lower lightfastness ratings, which has unfortunately ruled them out for artists who need their work to be permanent. Always check the lightfastness ratings for the specific colours you intend to use.

Lyra Polycolor and Talens Van Gogh:

Both Lyra Polycolor (from Germany) and Talens Van Gogh (from the Netherlands) are good quality pencil brands, though they may not be as readily or widely available in the UK as some others, particularly in terms of open stock.

Users familiar with Polychromos may recognise some similarities in the colour range of Lyra Polycolor pencils. These pencils tend to be a little thinner, slightly softer, and often less expensive than Polychromos.

I find the Van Gogh pencils lovely to use, but a potential drawback in the UK has been the difficulty in purchasing individual pencils (open stock) when you use up a favourite.

Other Pencils to Mention in this Arena:

• Bruynzeel Design: Offer a limited range of nicely presented, good quality colours.
• Cretacolor Karmina: Another brand with a relatively small set of colours available.
• Koh-i-Noor Polycolor: These are generally considered good pencils offering decent quality at a lower cost, but historically, they have not always been easy to find available as single, open-stock pencils in the UK.

Hard Wax Pencils

Sometimes, you'll find a definite need for a harder grade pencil. These are excellent for:

• Tidying up outlines and edges.
• Adding very fine, crisp details.
• Techniques like indenting fine lines into the paper before applying colour

Derwent (Studio and Artists):

The original primary options in this category came from Derwent.

• The Studio pencils are available in a range of 72 colours.
• The original Artists pencil range was reduced from 120 colours to match the 72-colour Studio range in 2022.
• How do these two ranges differ now they have the same colour palette? The short answer is mainly in size and shape: the Studio pencil has a thinner, hexagonal barrel, while the Artists pencil has a more traditional round barrel. The core formulation is very similar, if not identical.
• These harder Derwent pencils are another favourite with botanical artists for their precision. However, it's very important to be aware that many colours in these ranges have lower lightfastness ratings, especially in the reds, pinks, and purples. Always check before using them on work intended to last.

Prismacolor Verithin

Prismacolor also manufactured a hard-grade option called Verithin. As the name suggests, these pencils had a narrow, hard core. They were useful for sharpening edges and fine work. A drawback was their limited colour range (typically 36 colours) and, like their Premier counterparts, UK availability and consistency could sometimes be an issue.

Craft Pencils / Budget Options

If your main use for coloured pencils is for adult colouring books, casual sketching, or crafting projects where long-term lightfastness isn't a primary concern, there are many cheaper options available. Keep in mind that these pencils may:

• Not be lightfast.
• Not be available to buy as single, open-stock pencils.
• Have harder, less pigmented, or more brittle cores.

Spectrum Noir:

These pencils are often advertised in the UK craft press and on TV craft channels. They could be considered a student-quality or craft-focused pencil rather than one designed for serious, professional coloured pencil artists aiming for fine art results.

Arteza Everblend

Another of the budget-friendly pencil brands you may come across is Arteza. From my own experience, I have to say I initially loved using them – they felt good and laid down colour well. However, I was very disappointed by how quickly the colours faded when I did my own lightfastness tests. Therefore, I am sorry to say I cannot recommend them for any artwork you might intend to sell or that you want to last.

Beyond Traditional Dry Pencils: Choosing Watercolour and Pastel Pencils

If your artistic interests lean towards the versatility of watercolour effects or the unique texture of pastels, it's worth knowing that these specialized pencils have their own distinct characteristics to consider.

While you can still apply some of the general testing principles we've discussed, here are some specific points for evaluating watercolour and pastel pencils:

Key Questions for Watercolour Pencils

Watercolour pencils, often marked with a small paintbrush symbol on the barrel to indicate their solubility, offer a wonderful blend of drawing and painting. 

Here’s what to look for when testing them:

How easily does the pigment dissolve?

This is the crucial test! Draw a line or a small patch of colour on your test paper (preferably watercolour paper for these tests). Now, take a damp brush (not too wet) and pass it over your marks.

• Observation: While you might not see a pencil line completely vanish (especially if applied with heavy pressure), you should see a good, smooth wash of dissolved colour spreading onto the paper. An evenly shaded block of colour should dissolve more thoroughly, ideally transforming into a watercolour wash that you can then thin out further with more water if desired.
• Important Tip: Applying Water It's best to apply the water to the pigment on the paper, rather than dipping your pencil point directly into water or wetting the brush and then dabbing the pencil core. Wetting the core itself can sometimes lead to it becoming overly soft, potentially causing breakage or making it wear down much faster.

How permanent is the colour once dry?

This varies between brands and specific lines. To check, after your wash has completely dried, try gently lifting some of the colour with a clean, damp brush and dabbing it with an absorbent paper towel.

• Observation: Some watercolour pencil pigments can be lifted or re-wet to some extent even after drying. Others, like the popular Derwent Inktense range, are designed to become permanent and ink-like once they have been wetted and then dried. This permanence is great for layering further washes or dry media on top without disturbing the underlying colour.

For a full introduction to this medium, see our guide: New to Watercolor Pencils? Here's Everything You Need to Know to Get Started.

Key Considerations for Pastel Pencils

Pastel pencils offer a unique drawing experience, quite different from traditional wax/oil-based or watercolour pencils. Here’s what you need to know if you're considering them:

Distinct Handling and Surface:

• The colour laid down by a pastel pencil is essentially a dry, somewhat fragile, chalky pigment that sits on the surface of your paper.
  
  This allows it to be blended beautifully directly on the paper. Because of this, pastel pencils typically require a different type of paper than standard coloured pencils – one with a softer and rougher surface, or even a gritty texture (like a fine sandpaper), which helps to grip and hold the loose pigment.

Core Characteristics and Sharpening:

• You'll be looking for a quality pastel pencil that offers a smooth, finely ground pigment core. While chalky, the core needs to be strong enough to be sharpened to a reliable point for details.
  
  Many artists prefer to sharpen pastel pencils carefully with a craft knife to achieve the best point, as the cores can be more brittle than wax or oil pencils.

Usage Rate and Availability:

• Be aware that you will likely use up pastel pencils more quickly than traditional coloured pencils due to their softer, more powdery nature.
  
  Therefore, it's very useful to check how easily you can find individual replacement pencils (open stock) for any brand you consider, especially for your most-used colours.

Brand Differences and Compatibility

• There often isn't a vast difference in the fundamental composition between pastel pencil brands from the main manufacturers. Generally, they will all work well together. The main variation you're likely to find is in the softness of the pastel core.

The "Soft over Hard" Rule (Actually, "Hard over Soft" for initial layers is better practice):

A key rule when working with pastels (both stick and pencil form) is how you layer them.

It's generally best to apply your harder pastels first and reserve your softest pastels for the later stages of your picture.

Trying to apply a hard pastel pencil over a very soft, thick layer can be difficult as the hard pencil may struggle to make a mark or may just disturb the soft layer.

• Clarification: Harder pastel pencils generally give you sharper and more durable points, which are excellent for initial marks and details. Softer pastel pencils are often easier to blend and cover larger areas with rich colour.

Making Your Purchase: Sets, Singles, and Smart Strategies

Once you have an idea of the types of pencils or specific brands that might suit you, the next step is actually making a purchase. Here's some advice, drawing from our combined experience, to help you invest wisely, whether you're starting out or expanding your collection.

The Allure of Sets: Pros and Cons

If you're keen on art and looking for a brand that will support your requirements over a long period, it can seem appealing to buy a good set. This often gives you the benefit of a broader colour range straight away and usually comes in a convenient box or tin for ease of access and storage.

However, consider this:

• Small Sets (e.g., 12 Pencils): These often include a number of basic bright colours (true red, yellow, blue, green, plus white and black, and perhaps a violet). While these are staple colours, you might not use all of them very frequently for certain subjects.
• Medium Sets (e.g., 24 Pencils): A set of 24 from the same brand will likely contain those same 6 or 7 brights found in the 12-set. But, the crucial difference is that you'll have a much larger proportion of other useful tints, tones, and shades to work with – perhaps around 18 versatile colours instead of just 5 or 6 from the smaller box. This often makes a 24-set (or larger, like 36) a better starting point for serious work if your budget allows.

Before You Invest in a Large Set:

Especially if you're considering quality pencils that might cost over £1.50 each (a common price point in the UK for artist-grade open stock), always check the availability and typical prices for single replacement pencils (open stock).

It's incredibly frustrating (and costly!) to have to buy another whole set just because you've worn down a couple of your favourite or most-used colours.

The Economy of Open Stock (Buying Single Pencils)

For many artists, especially those who specialise in particular subjects (like pet portraits, botanicals, or landscapes), the most economical way to build a collection over time is to buy just the colours you need as single pencils.

• Flexibility: You can pick and choose the exact shades you require from various brands if you wish.
• Cost-Effective Replacement: You only replace what you use.
• Storage: You can then store your curated collection in colour sets in versatile pencil rolls or larger cases designed to hold many pencils.

Mixing and Matching Brands

A full set from one manufacturer can usually be supplemented by additional individual colours from another similar make, especially if they are of a similar type (e.g., both oil-based or both wax-based, though many artists mix successfully).

This approach allows you to build a truly personalised palette tailored to your preferences and subject matter.

Final Thoughts and Your Coloured Pencil Journey

Choosing your first (or next!) set of coloured pencils can feel like a big decision, and as you've seen, there are many excellent options available, each with its own unique characteristics.

We hope this guide has demystified the process, helped you understand what to look for, and given you the confidence to select pencils that truly suit your artistic style and aspirations.

A Note on Our Unbiased Approach

The world of art supplies is vast, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice or swayed by marketing.

Peter Weatherill, the original founder of Pencil Topics, amassed an incredible collection – over 5,000 pencils from a wide variety of makers, as he often fondly mentioned, "More than I could use in three lifetimes!"

His philosophy, which I am committed to continuing, was always to provide honest, experience-based guidance to help fellow artists, especially those new to the coloured pencil world, avoid costly mistakes due to a lack of information.

The opinions and insights shared throughout this guide, drawing on both Peter's extensive experience and my own, are entirely ours and are not sponsored by any manufacturers.

Peter also believed in seeking multiple perspectives, and he often recommended the work of his friend, Ivor Harrison, a skilled UK-based artist who tests new coloured pencils and publishes videos on YouTube under the name "THE ART GEAR GUIDE." If you enjoy video reviews and want another experienced, unsponsored viewpoint, do check out Ivor's channel.

Your Path Forward with Coloured Pencils

Ultimately, remember that the "perfect" coloured pencil is the one that feels right in your hand and allows you to create the art you envision.

• Enjoy Experimenting: Don't be afraid to try a few different pencils or brands over time as your skills and preferences develop. What suits one artist perfectly might be different for another. That's the joy of the journey!
• Skill Over Supplies (Mostly!): While quality tools certainly help, especially as you progress, your growth as an artist will come primarily from practice, observation, and learning techniques. Even a modest set of good quality student pencils can produce wonderful results when combined with skill and dedication.
• Focus on the Fundamentals: Regardless of the brands you choose, understanding core concepts like layering, blending, value, and colour theory will be the true keys to unlocking your potential.

This website is here to support you every step of the way. Now that you have a better understanding of coloured pencils, perhaps you're ready to:

• Revisit your "6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing Coloured Pencils" PDF with fresh eyes?
• Try your hand at our simple Your Very First Exercise from the Getting Started Hub. 
• Explore our Foundation Skills Hub or Core Techniques Hub to build your knowledge?

Whatever your next step, I encourage you to pick up your pencils and enjoy the wonderfully rewarding process of creating with colour. Happy drawing!

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