This week I want to take you back to the beginning. Back to when I was sat with my colouring books in 2015, hiding away in the evening with a pack of pencils and a whole heap of self-doubt. I had no idea back then that I’d one day be running a business teaching thousands of incredible artists how to create realistic coloured pencil drawings. So I thought I’d share the five things I really wish I’d known when I started coloured pencil drawing. Because trust me, these would’ve saved me a few headaches (and probably a small fortune in the wrong paper… we’ll get to that).

1. It’s Not Just Colouring In

Let’s get this out the way first: coloured pencils are NOT just for kids.
Yes, we used them in school. Yes, some people call them “crayons.” And yes, I started with adult colouring books too (which are still brilliant for mindfulness, by the way). But what I didn’t realise at the start was just how powerful this medium is.

Coloured pencils can create museum-worthy portraits. They’re used by professional artists worldwide. You can build a business with them, a community with them, a whole new life with them.

I wish I’d known that from the start—because I think I would’ve taken myself more seriously a lot earlier.

2. It’s a Slow Medium… and That’s Actually Wonderful

Oh goodness, it’s slow. Like… painfully slow at times.

I remember thinking, “Right, eyes done, let’s just slap a bit of fur in here and a quick background there…” Nope. Doesn’t work like that. With coloured pencil drawing, everything takes time. Especially realism. Especially layering.

But here’s what I’ve come to love about that slowness: it’s healing.
Drawing slows me down, quiets the worry, and clears out the noise in my head. It doesn’t empty my mind but it gives me space. And that’s often what we’re really craving, isn’t it?

So now, I don’t fight the slow—I embrace it.

3. Paper Matters More Than You Think

Oh my word, if I could shout one thing from the rooftops to every new artist it would be: don’t skimp on the paper!

I started on printer paper (don’t judge), then cheap sketchpads… and everything felt hard. It wasn’t until I invested in better surfaces, like Pastelmat, that my drawings really started to transform.

You’re honestly better off buying great paper and cheaper pencils than the other way around.
Because even budget pencils behave beautifully on quality paper. And battling a rubbish surface can get quite soul-destroying.

4. You Don’t Need All the Pencils (But You’ll Probably Want Them Anyway)

Now, I know this is controversial coming from someone who has a desk full of jars and drawers bursting with pencils… but you really don’t need every pencil on the market.

I know how overwhelming it can feel when you see an artist using 60 different colours and you’ve got a tin of 12. But I promise you, it’s not about the quantity, it’s how you use them. I always say: use what you have. Get to know your pencils. Work with your budget.

And yes, if you want to treat yourself to more (and let’s be honest, you probably will)… go for it! But don’t let lack of supplies stop you from starting! 

5. Your Inner Critic Is a Big, Fat Liar

Ah, the big one. Your inner critic, the voice in your head that says, “You can’t do this,” “You’ve never been good at drawing,” or “Who do you think you are?” is full of it.

That voice is trying to keep you safe. It doesn’t like change. But creativity is change. And it’s uncomfortable. Especially if you’ve been told at some point in your life that art isn’t “real” or “worthwhile.” Mine used to pipe up all the time. “Why are you drawing?” But I kept going. In secret at first. Quietly. And eventually, I proved that voice wrong. You can do this. You just need to keep going. You might not be perfect at first, but if you practice… oh, the places you’ll go.

If you’re just starting your coloured pencil drawing journey, I hope this helps. You’re not too old. You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Keep showing up. Keep practising. And tell that inner critic to take a walk. You’ve absolutely got this.

AND If you’re looking for a bit of extra support on your coloured pencil journey, I’ve got a whole library of free resources waiting for you right here. Dive in and help yourself!