Choosing coloured pencils can feel like a bit of a minefield… can’t it?
There are so many brands, so many opinions, and it’s very easy to think you need all of them to get good results.
But let’s simplify it.
All coloured pencils are made from a mix of wax and oil – it’s just the balance that changes. And that balance affects:
- how they feel on the paper
- how much pigment they lay down
- how well they layer
- and how sharp a point they’ll hold
Understanding this alone will save you a lot of frustration when you’re starting out.
A Few Key Coloured Pencil Brands to Know
If you’ve ever wondered which coloured pencils should I choose, this will give you a simple place to start.
Faber-Castell Polychromos
If there’s one pencil I’d call a workhorse, it’s these.
They’re reliable, versatile, and work beautifully on pretty much every surface and with every technique.
Best for: detail work, layering, mixing with other brands, all surfaces
If you’re building your first artist-quality set, start here.
Caran d’Ache Pablo
If Polychromos are the workhorse… Pablos are the ones that make you go “oh.”
They feel precise, controlled, and give you really lovely, rich colour.
Best for: layering, precise detail, rich colour building, all surfaces
A gorgeous pencil you’ll reach for again and again.
Caran d’Ache Luminance
These are the “Rolls Royce” pencils.
Soft, rich, beautifully pigmented… and yes, a bit of an investment.
They’re especially lovely for skin tones and smoother surfaces like drafting film.
Best for: rich colour, skin tones, smoother papers and drafting film
The ones to reach for when you want depth and quality.
Derwent Lightfast
Honestly… some of these colours are just chef’s kiss.
They have beautiful rich tones, especially for animals and portraits, and they layer really nicely with other brands.
Best for: animal drawings, portraits, rich colour work, all surfaces
A brilliant range to dip into, even if you’re just picking up a few individual colours.
Best Coloured Pencils on a Budget
Not everyone wants (or needs) to invest in artist-quality pencils straight away — and that’s completely fine.
If you’re just starting out, these are great options:
- Castle Arts Soft Touch
- Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor
Best for: practising, learning techniques, building confidence
They’ll do the job and help you improve without the big investment.
You don’t need every brand. You don’t need the most expensive pencils. And you don’t need to wait until you’ve got the “perfect” set to start.
Because at the end of the day as long as you’ve got a similar colour and you understand how to layer and build it you can create the effect you want with any pencils you have.
That’s what really makes the difference.
Ready to Put Your Pencils Into Practice?
If you’re ready to stop overthinking and actually start drawing…
Join me for Coloured Pencil Week 2026 24-31 May 2026.
A full week of drawing together, step by step – where you’ll create three beautiful African animal drawings and finally feel confident using your pencils 💛
Just £10 / $13
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