Best Colored Pencils For Artists - Top 12 In 2022 - JUST™ Creative
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Menu 15 Best Colored Pencils for Artists in 2025 
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Looking for the best colored pencils for artists in 2025? Here’s our top pick straight off the bat, but for more scroll on.
Our Top Pick
Faber-Castel Polychromos Colored Pencil Set (12 to 120 Pencils) 4.8 $161.25 $92.00 Arguably the epitome of what premium colored pencils should look and feel like, the Faber-Castell Polychromos are the best in this category and our top pick! You can choose from 5 sizes ranging from 12 pencils to 120!
Pros:- Firm and durable
- Easy to hold
- Quality comes at a price
We can have all the most inventive gadgets in the world, like drawing tablets and laptops, but for artists, nothing will ever replace the power and feel of colored pencils. Growing up, we’re taught to believe that our pencils are some of our strongest tools. True enough, times have only validated that claim.
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Whether for drawing pleasure or writing purposes, pencils have been workplace staples that have helped us accurately articulate our ideas.
As such, we’ve dedicated an entire feature to cite all of the best colored pencils in 2025 that artists can purchase today!
15 Best Colored Pencils for Artists in 2025 — Overview
- Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists’ Color Pencils — The best colored pencils for artists in 2025 overall (Editor’s Choice)
- Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils (72 pack) — The best value colored pencils
- Crayola Colored Pencils Multi-Pack — The best budget colored pencils
- Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils (150 pack) — The best colored pencils for beginners
- Castle Art Colored Pencils — The best reviewed colored pencils
- Derwent Colored Pencils — The best colored pencils for professionals
- Sargent Art Premium Coloring Pencils — The best affordable colored pencils
- Marco Renoir Art Wooden Colored Pencils Set — The best easy-to-use colored pencils
- Prang Thick Core Colored Pencils — The best high-quality colored pencils
- Black Widow Colored Pencils — The best reliable colored pencils
- Magicfly Oil Based Colored Pencils — The best non-toxic colored pencils
- Caran d’Ache Pablo Colored Pencil Set — The best colored pencils with water-resistant
- Soucolor Colored Pencils Set — The best vibrant colored pencils
- Cool Bank — The best-colored pencils with improved artist-quality
- Art-n-Fly — The best oil-based colored pencils
Also, see our posts on the best mechanical pencils for artists and the best pens & pencils for artists.
The Top Best 12 Colored Pencils for Artists in 2025
1. Faber-Castell Polychromos Artists’ Color Pencils (Editor’s Choice)
As artists, we recently had the opportunity to try out the Polychromes Colored Pencil Set, and we must say, we were positively impressed with its performance. This set of 60 colored pencils is truly one of the best options for artists seeking vibrant colors and versatility in their artwork.
One of the standout features of the Polychromes Colored Pencil Set is its ability to lay down colors with delicate or strong strokes. This allows artists to create a wide range of effects, from subtle and soft blending to bold and intense color applications.
We highly recommend these, whether you are working on detailed illustrations or expressive landscapes. These colored pencils will surely deliver exceptional results.
The firm and durable nature of these pencils also impressed us. They have just the right amount of hardness, allowing for precise control and clean lines in your artwork.
The consistent performance of the pencils ensured that you could rely on them for various techniques, such as layering, burnishing, and blending.
Moreover, the Polychromes Colored Pencils are easy to hold and comfortable to work with. The hexagonal barrel design provides a secure grip, preventing hand fatigue during extended drawing sessions. As an artist, comfort and ease of use are crucial, and these pencils certainly delivered in that aspect.
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The set comes in a metal tin, which not only protects the pencils but also keeps them organized and readily accessible. The tin is durable and travel-friendly, making it convenient to carry my colored pencils on the go.
However, one downside that we noticed is that the Polychromes Colored Pencil Set comes with a higher price tag compared to some other colored pencil sets on the market. While the quality and performance justify the cost for serious artists, it might be a consideration for those on a tight budget.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Firm and durable | ➖ A tad expensive |
| ➕ Easy to hold |
Buy on Amazon
Latest Price on Amazon:
Polychromous Colored Pencil Set In Metal Tin 60pc - Acid free; Imported
- Color pencils can be laid down with delicate or strong strokes to unfold their vibrant colors
- Soft, vibrant colour laydow
- High break resistance due to secural bonding process (SV)
- German (Publication Language)
Buy on Amazon 2. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils (72 Pack)
Based on our own encounters, we can confidently say that the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil is truly one of the best colored pencil options available for artists of every level of expertise.
One of the most impressive features of these colored pencils is their soft, thick cores which are perfect for achieving seamless shading and creating realistic shadows in your artwork.
The pigments are richly saturated and lightfast, ensuring that your creations retain their brilliance and vibrancy over time, even with prolonged exposure to light.
The ultra-smooth and even color laydown of these pencils further contributes to their exceptional performance. The colors glide effortlessly on the paper, allowing you to achieve smooth and consistent results.
Blending different shades is a breeze, giving our artwork a professional and polished appearance.
Not only do these colored pencils excel in terms of performance, but they are also built to last. The thick and robust leads resist cracking and chipping, ensuring that our pencils stay intact even with heavy use.
This durability gives us the confidence to work with a variety of techniques without worrying about the pencils breaking.
This colored pencil set comes with a generous selection of 72 premium colored pencils, offering an extensive range of colors to explore and experiment with. From subtle pastels to vibrant hues, we have every shade we need at our fingertips to bring our artistic ideas to fruition.
Moreover, these artist-quality colored pencils are easily blendable, slow to wear, and waterproof, making them versatile and suitable for a wide range of artistic applications.
Whether you are working on intricate details or larger areas, these pencils consistently deliver impressive results.
The package comes in a thoughtfully designed tin, measuring 9 3/4 by 8 1/8 by 1 1/8 inches, which keeps our pencils organized and protected. This convenient storage solution ensures that you can take your colored pencils wherever inspiration strikes.
Lastly, we are proud to support products made in the USA, and the fact that these colored pencils are locally produced adds to our appreciation for their quality and craftsmanship.
It is important to be aware that this colored pencil set offers soft, thick cores for smooth blending and shading; however, one drawback is that the leads may break easily when applying heavy pressure or sharpening to a fine point.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Good color range | ➖ Lead breaks easy |
| ➕ Easy to use |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 72 Count - Durable, Vibrant,... - High Quality: Thick cores perfect for shading and shadows
- Saturated Pigments: Lightfast, richly saturated pigments
- Smooth Laydown: Ultra-smooth, even color laydown
- Robust Leads: Thick, robust leads resist cracking and chipping
- Assorted Set: 72 premium colored pencils
Buy on Amazon 3. Crayola Colored Pencils Multi-Pack
During our search for the best tools to fuel our creativity, the Crayola Classpack Colored Pencil Set has certainly caught our attention.
A standout feature for us is the impressive selection of 240 colored pencils in 12 assorted colors, accompanied by 12 sharpeners in 3 different colors, making it a true gem among bulk colored pencil sets.
The array of colors in this set is truly remarkable, including essential shades like white, black, and brown and a vibrant spectrum from violet to red.
Having 20 coloring pencils of each color allows us to explore and experiment with various hues, from serene pastels to bold primaries, enabling us to bring our artistic visions to life.
What sets this class pack apart is its organized storage. The pre-sharpened colored pencils are neatly separated into individual sections within the storage box. This level of organization makes it effortless to locate the perfect color for our creative projects, enhancing our workflow and overall artistic experience.
It is also perfect for teachers as a valuable classroom supply. With its 240 colored pencils and individual sharpeners, it offers an abundance of creative possibilities for students of all ages, making art education both engaging and enjoyable.
Moreover, the Crayola Classpack Colored Pencil Set prioritizes safety with its non-toxic formulation, making it ideal for kids aged 4 and up.
We can confidently use these pencils knowing that they meet stringent safety standards, making them suitable for young artists to express their creativity without worry.
One downside we have noticed is that it may not be as ergonomically friendly as some other colored pencil sets on the market. The pencils in this class pack do not have specialized grips or contours designed to fit comfortably in the hand.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Presharpened pencils | ➖ Not ergonomically-friendly |
| ➕ Box doubles as a holder |
Latest Price on Amazon:
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Crayola Colored Pencils Classpack (240 Ct), Bulk Classroom Supplies, Colored Pencils for School, 12... - CLASSROOM SET: This Crayola Classpack features 240 Colored Pencils in 12 Assorted Colors with 12 Sharpeners in 3 Colors.
- BULK COLORED PENCIL SET: This bulk set has 20 coloring pencils of each color, including White, Black, Brown, Violet, Blue, Sky Blue, Green, Yellow Green, Yellow, Orange, Red Orange & Red.
- ORGANIZED STORAGE: Presharpened colored pencils are separated by individual sections in the organized storage box.
- ARTS & CRAFTS ESSENTIAL: Perfect for lessons on blending, shading, and color theory; a vital addition to any school's art supplies.
- LONG LASTING DURABILITY: Specially designed for lively classrooms, these colored pencils can easily keep up with daily classroom use.
4. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils (150 Pack)
Perfect for artists in the fashion space, the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils produce rich colors that are both lightfast and do not smudge easily.
They blend amazingly with other colors, making it easy to replicate shades and colors the pack may not have.
Whether you’re a beginner, a design mogul, or otherwise, you’re going to love this find.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Metal tin protects the pencils | ➖ Smaller sets have limited colors |
| ➕ Blends easily with other shades |
Latest Price on Amazon:
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Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 150 Count - Durable, Vibrant,... - Wide Color Range: Available in a vibrant set of 150 assorted colors.
- Quality Cores: Soft, thick cores perfect for shading and shadows.
- Premium Pigments: Lightfast, richly saturated pigments.
- Smooth Consistency: Enables ultra-smooth, even color laydown.
- Strong and Durable: Thick, robust leads resist cracking and chipping.
Buy on Amazon 5. Castle Arts Colored Pencils
With over 14,000 Amazon reviews and counting, the Castle Arts Colored Pencils is one of the better-reviewed finds among the bunch.
Made of fantastic wood and waxy leads, this set is arguably the best-colored pencil kit you’ll find in its price category.
They’re easy to hold, work on several paper surfaces, and easily look and feel premium too!
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Great quality for the price | ➖ Sometimes come with a chemical smell |
| ➕ Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
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Castle Art Supplies Colored Pencils Set | 72 Premium Soft Core Colored Leads for Adult Artists |... - MADE TO MAKE IT EASY Essential range of 72 pencils arranged in color families; named, numbered and color-coded for unerring selection: flip up your choice of pencil from the 3 layers of the handsome...
- SOFT YET DURABLE Latest advanced formulation by in-house artists and technicians results in cores with soft, buttery laydown that also defy crumbling under pressure and hold their point.
- A JOY TO USE Intensely pigmented, rich, creamy colors for smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending and burnishing to add texture and achieve the perfect shade – on paper, eggshell, canvas,...
- BUILD YOUR SKILLS Unique fold-out tutorial enables you refine your colored pencil skills by re-creating the stunning unicorn illustration on the sleeve cover.
- TESTED, TRUSTED AND GUARANTEED Tested by our studio experts to beat competitors. Trusted by ultimate judges – our 2.5 million customers worldwide; backed by unique money-back-PLUS guarantee.
Buy on Amazon 6. Derwent Colored Pencils
If you’re a huge fan of watercolor art, you’re going to enjoy using Derwent Colored Pencils. The pencils in this kit impressively mimic watercolor aesthetics, allowing your illustrations to look and blend cohesively.
Derwent’s pencils also make it easier to layer and achieve vibrant hues. This is perfect for a stretch of artists, but those looking to complete watercolor-like creations without necessarily using a watercolor set will easily fall in love with this contender.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Rich and vibrant colors | ➖ Leads break easily |
| ➕ Layers perfectly |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Derwent Inktense Pencils Tin, Set of 24, Great for Holiday Gifts, 4mm Round Core, Firm Texture,... - VIBRANT SHADES – The round 4mm soft lead core is perfect for bold expressive drawings. The highly pigmented colour is easy to apply and produces a vibrant finish. Includes a range of 24 colours....
- WATER SOLUBLE – Expand your creative possibilities. Water soluble pencils can be used dry for expressive drawings, or washed out with water to create a bright, yet translucent ink-like effect
- PERMANENT COLOUR – Pigments dry quickly and permanently when washed out, minimizing colour bleeding. Once dry, colours can be placed next to each other or layered, without fear of colour bleeding
- SURFACE VARIETY – Switch up your artistic canvas. As the colour dries permanently, it’s great on fabrics such as silk or cotton. Can also easily be used on paper. Modify the use to fit your...
- COLOUR CREATION – Make custom shades by mixing colours together. You can also obtain lighter shades of the same colour by adding water. Mix colours to create a truly unique piece of art
Buy on Amazon 7. Sargent Art Premium Coloring Pencils
One of the cheaper options is the Sargent Art Premium Coloring Pencils which are perfect for non-professional art projects, this set is an awesome solution for when you just want to articulate your ideas and draw and color your heart away.
Still, these colored pencils here are smooth, blend fairly, and are easily erasable. If you’re looking for a colored pencil set that’s straightforward and does exactly what it’s designed to do, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Affordable | ➖ Colors are not as dynamic as other sets |
| ➕ Easily erasable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Sargent Art Premium Coloring Pencils, Pack of 50 Assorted Colors, 22-7251 - Colored Pencils: Set of 50 neon colored pencils with 12 different bright colors for creativity and fun.
- Sharpened: Pencils come pre-sharpened for quick use right out of the box.
- Environmentally Friendly: Made from wood, these pencils are biodegradable and safe for the environment.
- Non-Toxic: All pencils are non-toxic and safe for kids and adults to use.
- Peggable Packaging: Pencils come in a peggable, see-through window box for easy storage.
8. Marco Renior Fine Art Wooden Colored Pencils Set
Another great affordable alternative to many premium sets is the Marco Renior Fine Art Wooden Colored Pencils Set.
Available in metal tin containers, the pencils here produce creamy and vibrant colors. The set doesn’t contain shade receptions, making sure you get your money’s worth.
Perfect for a ton of projects, those primarily looking to sketch will love this the most.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Easy to use | ➖ Colors could be richer |
| ➕ Compatible with many types of paper |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Premier Marco Renior Fine Art Wooden Colored Pencils Set for Sketching/Drawing/Coloring, Soft Core... - ◆ A wonderful oil-based colored pencil set for coloring books.
- ◆ Provides an artist with a wide range of materials in a compact, portable & nice metal tin case.
- ◆ Soft core makes coloring and drawing delightfully vivid. Ultra-smooth, even color laydown.
- ◆ Pre-sharpened long pencils that are strong and durable.
- ◆ Environmental friendly material which is harmless to your health.
9. Prang Thick Core Colored Pencils
Just because Prang Thick Core Colored Pencils is the cheapest alternative on the list, doesn’t mean it’s bad! It’s simply meant for those still exploring the coloring and sketching space.
This set’s nearly 3,000 Amazon reviews mostly praise it for being a superb coloring companion. It blends nicely with other colors and doesn’t easily break too!
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Rich colors | ➖ Fragile packaging |
| ➕ Blends effectively |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Prang Colored Pencil Sets, 3.3 Mm, 2b (#1), Assorted Lead/barrel Colors, 50/pack - Thick colored cores.
- Presharpened.
- Real wood casing.
Buy on Amazon 10. Black Widow Colored Pencils
Also one of the more affordable picks on the list, the Black Widow Colored Pencils is an awesome find for artists looking to make the most of water-soluble pencils.
And thanks to their hexagon shape, these pencils are easy to hold and use, too! All that said, there’s a lot beginning artists will love here, and one of them is how sturdy and reliable these pencils are.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Easy to hold | ➖ Limited color range |
| ➕ Rich color |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Black Widow Coloring Pencils for Adults – 24 Wax Soft Core Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring... - Open Stock Pencils Available - Replace your favorite pencils without the need to purchase a new set. Silky smooth color pencils for adult coloring books. Soft, wax points for all skill levels. Note -...
- Vibrant Colors without Duplicates - 24 vivid colors like Pumpkin and Lady Bug, your professional colored pencils come pre-sharpened and ready to pop off the page. Adult colored pencils come with a...
- Rich pigments that blend and layer like velvet - Coloring pencils for adults coloring books with wax core to apply without smudging or strain. Best colored pencils for adult coloring books that blend...
- Stays sharp longer. - The soft wax core and tips of this color pencil set for adult coloring will not break when sharpened or applying pressure when blending. This means less sharpening and longer...
- Comfortable to hold and cool to display - Professional colored pencils for artists look great with their sleek black barrels, and the hexagon shape provides more comfort and won’t roll off your...
Buy on Amazon 11. Magicfly Oil Based Colored Pencils
If what you’re looking for are oil-based drawing solutions, you’re going to have fun with Magicfly Oil Based Colored Pencils.
Made with 100% non-toxic materials, these pencils are perfect for artists of all kinds, regardless of one’s level of expertise. From shading and layering to sketching and basic coloring, this kit is sure to keep you productive and busy.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Oil-based | ➖ Blending can be difficult |
| ➕ Durable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Magicfly 72 Colored Pencils, Professional Oil Based Colored Pencils for Adult, Art Colored Pencils... - 【72 Vivid & Bright Colors】Magicfly oil pencils set for coloring comes with 72 assorted colors, providing smooth coloring and shading. Highly pigmented colors are easy to mix to create other...
- 【High Quality & Safe】These soft core colored pencils are made of non-toxic materials, which are safe for users and environment. Conforms to ASTM D–4236. As the cores are made of soft leads, we...
- 【Easy Organization & Color Identification】Each pencil of our coloring pencils set is marked with color name, color number & light-fastness for easy recognition. This set also comes with a delicate...
- 【Practical Color Pencils Set】Magicfly colored pencils are perfect for drawing, colouring books, sketching, shading, etc. Great range of colors and high quality guarantee a wonderful drawing...
- 【Ideal Gift Choice】Magicfly 72 colored pencils set is a perfect gift choice for those who love drawing, and helps unleash their creativity.
12. Caran d’Ache Pablo Colored Pencil Set
One of the more premium finds on the list is the Caran d’Ache Pablo Colored Pencil Set. Overtly leaning towards the pricier side, this pick is a dream come true for many serious artists.
Loaded with 120 dynamic colored pencils, this set is water-resistant, excellently holds up to sharpening, and sports hard leads, ensuring that you can sketch as passionately as you need to without worrying about breakages.
A perfect example of what professional colored pencils should be like, this set is worth every buck!
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Water-resistant colored pencils | ➖ A bit pricy |
| ➕ Durable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Caran d'Ache Pablo Colored Pencil Set Of 120 Metal Box (666.420) - Creamy - soft - water-resistant
- Set of 120 pencils
- Ideal for shading - mixied media
- Exceptional covering power and superb lightfastness
- 3.7mm leads
Buy on Amazon 13. Soucolor Colored Pencils Set
Great colored pencils are a gift for artists as they give life to their sketches. Soucolor Colored Pencils Set is one such set that offers 180 vibrant colored pencils.
They are bright and vibrant color that offers smooth coloring, easy blending, and shading. Unlike other pencils, they have soft leads and they won’t break easily.
These premium colored pencils are an efficient solution to brighten any of your sketches.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Metal tin protects the pencils | ➖ Strong smell |
| ➕ Safe to use | |
| ➕Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Soucolor 180-Color Artist Colored Pencils Set for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core, Professional... - WHAT YOU GET -- 180 Vibrant Colors Numbered colored pencils + 1 Gift Metal Tin Box. Convenient to storing and keeping the color all visible, easy to find the colors. Great color pencils gift ideas.
- PREMIUM COLORED PENCILS-- 180-color professional art coloring pencils have soft leads, easy to sharpen, they won't breaking, cracking or crumbling.
- MULTIPLE COLORS -- 180 Numbered individual vibrant colors, rich colors provide smooth coloring, easy blending and shading, colorful illustrations Perfect for drawing, sketching, adult coloring books.
- METAL TIN BOX, SAFE To USE -- Odorless Materials. With safety certificate. Note: Choking Hazard: Small parts, our products are not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Buy on Amazon 14. Cool Bank
Cool Bank colored pencil lives up to its product name featuring 160 different colored pencils in a tin box. This is a safe choice for sketching, shading, and coloring.
This improved artist-quality colored pencil set delivers the same professional quality that you would find from more expensive brands.
You can enjoy your creative freedom and this pick is an awesome choice for professionals who wish to fill vibrant colors.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ New and improved artistic quality colored pencils | ➖ They are not watercolor pencils |
| ➕ Affordable |
Latest Price on Amazon:
160 Artist Colored Pencils, Oil Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books, Soft Core with Vibrant... - ARTIST GRADE COLORED PENCILS: Unleash your creating possibilities with 160 oil-based colored pencils, crafted for both professionals and hobbyists. Each pencil is numbered and color-coded for clear...
- VIBRANT COLORS WITH RICH PIGMENT: Immerse yourself in a world of rich pigments and vibrant colors with our art colored pencils. Designed for art lovers of all ages, our professional art coloring...
- NON-TOXIC & DURABILITY: Crafted from durable basswood, our pencils boast soft yet durable cores that resist breakage. Packaged in a metal box with integrated trays, they ensure secure organization and...
- EASY TO BLEND & SHADE: Elevate your artistic expression with our oil-based colored pencils, renowned for their creamy smooth texture ideal for easy blending, layering, shading and detailing. Whether...
- LAYERED PACKAGE FOR ORGANIZATION: Discover the freedom of artistic expression with our adult coloring pencil kit, organized in a metal box with layers. Crafted for all creative souls, this compact set...
15. Art-n-Fly
Are you looking for oil-based colored pencils? Art-n-Fly is an excellent choice, as it features a rich pigment for vibrant and long-lasting artwork.
These colored pencils are studier and more pigmented, which gives you a perfect finish to your artwork. It contains 48 vibrant colors for a wide range of pencils for drawing, coloring, and sketching.
These professional-grade art pencils won’t fade with exposure to light and they require very little pressure to lay down color. Art-n-Fly is one of those pencils that match perfectly with your creative ideas.
Pros | Cons |
| ➕ Superior Colored Pencils | ➖ Color name is not printed on the pencils |
| ➕ Smooth Layering |
Latest Price on Amazon:
Art-n-Fly 48 Oil Pastel Pencils for Artistst - Oil Based Colored Pencils - Drawing, Sketching and... - Superior Colored Pencils: Our high-quality drawing pencils feature a rich pigment for vibrant, long-lasting artworks. We’ve constructed our coloring pencils to be stronger, brighter, and better...
- Innovative Oil-based Core: Compared to wax sketch pencils, oil sketching pencils are sturdier and more pigmented, allowing them to hold a finer point, and never finish with a waxy film. Whether...
- High Lightfast: All of our painting, drawing, & art supplies are made to last, and this color pencil set is no exception. Our professional colored pencils are lightfast, meaning they won’t fade with...
- Smooth Layering: The queen of art supplies, our color pencils boast soft, thick cores, which layer flawlessly. The perfect choice for adult coloring books, oil pastel pictures, and manga-inspired art.
- 48 Colors: This art set features 48 vibrant colors in an incredible range, including a white pencil and skin tone colored pencils. No matter whether you’re just learning how to draw, or have been at...
What to Consider When Buying Colored Pencils
Color pencils are a dynamic medium for artists as they are easy to use and are simple to learn. Most importantly, they produce cleaner creatives in comparison to other mediums. However, there are a few factors to consider before you buy colored pencils:
Quality
There are many considerations to take into account before purchasing color pencils for artists. However, the most important factor is the quality of the color pencils.
When it comes to quality, there are two types of qualities that you will come across while shopping, which are student grade and artist grade.
If your budget allows, it’s always best to buy artist-grade pencils, which are noticeably superior. They contain a higher proportion of pigment, which yields richer, bolder, and more vibrant colors, and are also more lightfast.
On the other hand, student grades are not of superior quality but are the best choice for beginners, when practicing, and for hobbyists.
Consistency
Consistency is one of the most important factors when it comes to colored pencils. Their consistency depends on the lead it uses. This may vary depending on the brands, types, and particularly on the formulation used.
In general, these colored leads are made up of pigment, gum binder, filler, and wax that’s encased in wood.
They have types that go like soft colored pencils that are easy to lay down and can blend well. Many artists prefer them due to their consistency. The other type is hard colored pencils which have a very fine point. These student-grade pencils are good for students, with textures like grass, hair, fur, etc., They are also used for binding and filling, but they might not give the same results as soft colored pencils.
Color
Most colored pencils come with a wide range of colors as they are difficult to blend and create hues. It is best to purchase a pencil set containing 24 pencils and then purchase additional pencils individually as necessary.
Lightfastness
Lightfastness defines the amount of light the color resists the light to avoid fading when bright light reaches your project. The higher the lightfastness the more permanent or the longer the color stays on the surface or the medium you use.
Blendability
Like many traditional art forms, colored pencil drawings and illustrations require having to layer and draw over existing lines and shades. To make these colors naturally cohesive and visually palatable, serious artists must consider how colored pencils mesh well with each other.
Vibrancy
The whole point of optimizing colored pencils is to produce dynamic and vibrant works of art. On that note, pencils created with more pigment levels generally appear richer. Consequently, a ton of pigments naturally lose their luster as they are exposed to light over time. That said, it’s best to optimize lightfast pencils for more complex and larger art projects.
Durability
All pencils break, and that’s a given. As such, pick sets that are made with premium wood. High-quality wood pencils are less likely to break when you accidentally drop them or after a fresh round of sharpening. It also isn’t new knowledge how the firmer pencils are easier to use.
All things considered, the colored pencil sets that you choose for yourself have every power to dictate how stellar, realistic, and inspiring your works of art turn out. So to help you in your quest for the best-colored pencil artwork, we’ve jotted down all the top colored pencils in 2025 to help you streamline your search.
Budget
To avoid overspending on something unnecessary, having a budget plan is important. Make sure you purchase the one depending on your requirements and the type of projects you handle.
If you’re interested in adult coloring, Read about Best Markers for Adult Coloring to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand of colored pencils do artists use?
Prismacolor, Faber Castell, Caron D'Ache, Lyra, and Derwent are a few popular colored pencil brands that most artists prefer.
Do professional artists use colored pencils?
Yes, professional artists do use colored pencils for sketching, shading, and coloring in their drawings.
Do Prisma color pencils need a specific sharpener?
Yes, it is best to use Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener, as it features two different blades, and it can deliver the right level of sharpness to your Prisma color pencils.
The Top 15 Colored Pencils for Artists in 2025
Overall, the Best Colored Pencils in 2025 are all amazing picks, each targeted to certain audiences and expertise levels. Find a set that resonates with you the most and tailor-fit your selections to the kinds of art projects you naturally gravitate towards. At the end of the day, the best-colored pencil sets for you may not be someone else’s.
All in all, we hope this list has helped you narrow down your choices.
Good luck and stay creative!
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About Jacob Cass
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Jacob Cass is a brand designer & strategist, educator, podcaster, business coach and the founder of JUST Creative, an award-winning branding & design consultancy that doubles as an industry-leading blog. Get in touch. Search for: 53386 sponsored message
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