In this guide, I break down the best colored pencils for artists, from beginners to professionals, including budget-friendly options, studio picks, and the sets I trust for client pieces and long-term projects.
I have also included my guide on the main criteria for choosing the right colored pencils for you. You will find it under « Main criteria for choosing the best colored pencils for artists »
TL;DR: Best Colored Pencils for Artists (Budget → Professional)
Best for: sketches, drafts, animation underdrawings, adult coloring and beginners/young artists who need mistakes to disappear.
Erasable colored pencils with hard leads and attached erasers
Best for: sketchbook color studies, adult coloring, first “real” set (the best affordable colored pencils for artists who are learning).
Soft, smooth laydown at a friendly price; a great “first real set” for beginners and hobbyists.
Best for: speed, blending, large fills; a reliable pick for everyday art studio work.
Creamy wax cores for lush blends and fast coverage; fantastic value and massive color range.
Best for: velvety textures, smudging/erasing, mixed-media washes on toned paper.
Pastel colored pencils for velvety textures, smudging, and partial water effects; great on toned papers.
Best for: wildlife, portrait neutrals, landscapes.
Creamy core pencils with a big, natural earth palette beloved for wildlife, portraits, and landscapes.
Best for: detail passes, cross-hatching, and mixed-media layering without mushy edges.
A hard lead, oil-based control with excellent coverage; ideal for detail work and mixed media.
Best for: maximum control, archival projects, and deep layering without haze.
A gold-standard in point retention and layering; most colors rated maximum lightfastness.
Best for: commissioned originals and prints when permanence is mandatory.
100% lightfast (ASTM-tested) oil-based cores; a strong archival alternative to Luminance.
Best for: premium archival work, portrait neutrals, opaque highlights.
The colored pencils benchmark for lightfast, creamy coverage when archival permanence is non-negotiable.
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Prismacolor Col-Erase: erasable control for sketches
Best for: sketches, drafts, animation underdrawings, adult coloring and beginners/young artists who need mistakes to disappear.
Erasable colored pencils with hard leads and attached erasers
Col-Erase is great for sketching, planning, or laying in structure. The cores are firm and erasable, so they’re perfect for roughs, storyboards, or teaching younger artists who need that extra flexibility.
The colors aren’t super rich, and that’s actually the point. You’re not finishing here, just building the foundation. I always keep Carmine and Blue close by.
Derwent Chromaflow: soft, vibrant, beginner-friendly value
Best for: sketchbook color studies, adult coloring, first “real” set (the best affordable colored pencils for artists who are learning).
Soft, smooth laydown at a friendly price; a great “first real set” for beginners and hobbyists.
Chromaflow colored pencils have a smooth, soft feel and surprisingly bold color for the price.
The cores blend easily without chewing up the paper, which makes them a solid pick if you’re just getting into colored pencils or want something affordable that still performs.
They’re wax-based and now come in larger sets too.
Prismacolor Premier: creamy blends and big range
Best for: speed, blending, large fills; a reliable pick for everyday art studio work.
Creamy wax cores for lush blends and fast coverage; fantastic value and massive color range.
Prismacolor Premier colored pencils have soft wax cores famous for buttery blends and lush coverage.
The 150-color range covers pretty much anything. That said, quality can sometimes be hit or miss. For example, the off-center cores and breakage happen, and you might see wax bloom on heavy dark areas.
I still use them for speed and some unique colors you just don’t get elsewhere. If bloom shows up, you can wipe it off or seal your artwork.
STABILO CarbOthello: pastel pencil magic on toned papers
Best for: velvety textures, smudging/erasing, mixed-media washes on toned paper.
Pastel colored pencils for velvety textures, smudging, and partial water effects; great on toned papers.
These are pastel colored pencils, not your typical wax or oil cores.
They smudge beautifully, lift cleanly, and react to water just enough to soften edges without losing your linework, so they are great for atmospheric portraits, loose studies, or mixed-media layering on toned paper.
The colors have a soft, velvety finish with surprisingly strong opacity and luminosity, especially on darker surfaces.
Derwent Drawing: the earth-tone specialist
Best for: wildlife, portrait neutrals, landscapes.
Creamy core pencils with a big, natural earth palette beloved for wildlife, portraits, and landscapes.
Derwent Drawing colored pencils sets lean into a muted, natural palette with an extra-wide, creamy core that handles soft textures beautifully: fur, feathers, skin, bark, stone. It’s especially good for wildlife and earthy portraits where you need convincing neutrals without having to layer endlessly to get there.
The colors feel grounded and believable, and the cores lay down smoothly without being too soft. I often pair them with graphite or Polychromos when I want both texture and control in the same piece.
Caran d’Ache Pablo: precise, oil-based control for details
Best for: detail passes, cross-hatching, and mixed-media layering without mushy edges.
A hard lead, oil-based control with excellent coverage; ideal for detail work and mixed media.
Pablo colored pencils are oil-based with a firmer core that gives you excellent control without sacrificing coverage.
They hold a sharp point longer than most, which makes them perfect for fine lines such as hair, whiskers, detailed textures, or clean edges in architectural work.
The 120-color range is well balanced, with solid lightfastness across most of the set (worth checking the chart if you’re selling originals). I often use them alongside Luminance because they layer together effortlessly and make a strong mixed media combo when you need both precision and richness.
Faber-Castell Polychromos: the most popular choice
Best for: maximum control, archival projects, and deep layering without haze.
A gold-standard in point retention and layering; most colors rated maximum lightfastness.
Polychromos colored pencils use an oil-based core that’s famous for holding a sharp point, building up clean, controlled layers, and avoiding the usual wax-related issues like bloom or smudging.
Each pencil is labeled with a lightfastness star rating, and 102 out of the 120 colors hit the highest mark. This is one of the main reasons so many professional artists rely on them for client work and commissions.
The open-stock availability is also a big plus; it’s easy to replace your most-used colors without having to buy a whole new set.
Derwent Lightfast: archival oil-based alternative
Best for: commissioned originals and prints when permanence is mandatory.
100% lightfast (ASTM-tested) oil-based cores; a strong archival alternative to Luminance.
As the name suggests, every color in the Derwent Lightfast range is rated 100% lightfast under museum-quality conditions, and the entire line is tested to meet the ASTM D6901 standard.
The cores are oil-based and have a smooth, creamy laydown that still gives you the control you’d expect from a firmer pencil. It’s become much easier to find now too because the full sets and open-stock singles are widely available.
If you want the precision of something like Polychromos but with guaranteed archival permanence, this is the one to reach for.
Caran d’Ache Luminance: the archival, creamy benchmark
Best for: premium archival work, portrait neutrals, opaque highlights.
The colored pencils benchmark for lightfast, creamy coverage when archival permanence is non-negotiable.
Luminance colored pencils combine an ultra-creamy laydown with full ASTM D6901 compliance, meaning every color in the range meets the highest standards for lightfastness.
The texture is rich and painterly which is ideal for building depth, subtle blends, and soft transitions. Portrait artists especially love the skin tones and muted neutrals, which feel thoughtfully chosen rather than just added in. I reach for the Luminance white constantly because it’s one of the few that can cleanly sit on top of darker layers without getting lost.
The curated 100-color palette is available in sets and open stock, making it easy to restock your go-to shades.
Main criteria for choosing the best colored pencils for artists
Colored pencils comparison table (1 = low, 5 = high)
These scores reflect my studio experience plus the specs below.
| Product | Lightfast | Pigmentation & Opacity | Blendability & Layers | Smooth /Hard Core | Durability | Open-stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prismacolor Col-Erase | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Hard | ★★★★☆ | Yes ✅ |
| Derwent Chromaflow | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Soft | ★★★★☆ | Yes ✅ |
| Prismacolor Premier | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Very soft | ★★★☆☆ | Yes ✅ |
| STABILO CarbOthello | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Soft | ★★★★☆ | Yes ✅ |
| Derwent Drawing | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Soft | ★★★★☆ | Yes ✅ |
| Caran d’Ache Pablo | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Very hard | ★★★★★ | Yes ✅ |
| Faber-Castell Polychromos | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | Very hard | ★★★★★ | Yes ✅ |
| Derwent Lightfast | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Creamy | ★★★★★ | Yes ✅ |
| Caran d’Ache Luminance | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Creamy | ★★★★★ | Yes ✅ |
Lightfastness (Archival Stability)
If you’re selling originals or archival prints, I think lightfastness is a must. I wouldn’t want a client coming back with a faded piece a year later. That’s why I only trust pencils that clearly list their lightfast ratings; either ASTM D6901 I or II, or star systems on the barrel.
- Caran d’Ache Luminance: Fully ASTM-rated across the entire range. It’s my default for anything I sell, especially commissions meant to last. Download the Luminance color chart here.
- Derwent Lightfast: Also fully rated, performs well across papers, though slightly drier than Luminance. Still a great archival pick.
- Faber-Castell Polychromos: Over 85% of the line is rated Lightfastness I. Ratings are printed on the barrel so you can avoid poor performers.
- Prismacolor Premier: No ASTM or consistent lightfast rating. I love them for sketching and studies, but not for client work that needs to last.
If the longevity of your pencil artworks matters, don’t compromise. Get Caran d’Ache Luminance, Derwent Lightfast, or Faber Castell Polychromos!
Pigmentation & Opacity (Coverage)
Strong pigmentation and good opacity let you get full color without having to overwork the surface. This matters to me when I am layering heavily, working fast, or need consistent coverage across mixed media.
- Caran d’Ache Luminance: Excellent pigment density with strong, even coverage, even over darker layers or painted surfaces. The white pencil performs reliably across watercolor, gouache, and acrylic, making it one of the few whites I trust for final highlights.
- Prismacolor Premier: Soft wax core with high pigment load. Colors apply smoothly with minimal pressure, but some shades are noticeably softer than others, leading to uneven wear across the set.
- Polychromos / Pablo: Oil-based cores offer firmer application and better point retention. You gain more control for detailed work without losing depth of color, though opacity may require more layering.
- Col-Erase: Hard, low-pigment core that starts very faint. Best used for underdrawings or loose sketching where you may want to reinforce only certain areas later. Requires consistent pressure for stronger color.
A softer core gives you faster coverage and expressive application; firmer pencils are better for control, detail, and precision.
Blendability & Layering Capacity
From my experience, good quality colored pencils let you build color gradually without clogging the tooth too early. Smooth blends, clean transitions, and the ability to keep layering; these are all essential when you want depth and subtle variation.
- Luminance: Soft and creamy. Layers build quickly, and transitions are smooth. Some shades, like Manganese Violet, feel slightly greasy compared to the rest, but overall the coverage is strong. Because they’re soft, they wear down fast, especially if you’re working large or pressing hard.
- Prismacolor Premier: Still smooth, but slightly firmer than Luminance. They allow for a few more layers before the paper starts to resist. Less buildup and slightly better for extended blending work.
- Polychromos / Pablo / Derwent Lightfast: Firmer texture means you’ll need more passes to reach full saturation, but you gain more control. Better for fine detail, gradual transitions, and pieces that require a more deliberate pace.
- Col-Erase: Not designed for blending, but they can layer if you take your time. You’ll need a steady hand and patience. I use them when I want a slow buildup or when sketching structure that might later be refined.
Softer pencils are faster for blends and loose transitions; firmer ones give you control when layering matters most.
Core Feel: Smoothness vs. Point Retention
How a pencil feels on paper and how well it holds a point, makes a real difference. Too soft and you’re constantly sharpening. Too hard and you lose flow. I switch between both depending on the stage and subject.
- Polychromos / Pablo: Excellent point retention. Ideal for fine details like fur, foliage, or architectural lines. Stays sharp longer, which helps keep edges clean.
- Luminance: Very soft and smooth. Great for filling areas and painterly blending, but wears down quickly. I go through them faster, especially on textured paper.
- Prismacolor Premier: Sits in the middle. Still smooth to apply, but doesn’t crumble easily. You can hold a tip for a while unless you over-sharpen.
- Col-Erase: Hard core that holds a point well. Reliable for clean linework and sketching structure. Can scratch if you apply too much pressure while blending.
I recommend softer cores when you want a big coverage and fluid marks. For fine lines or detailed work, go firmer—and switch between as needed.
Burnishing
Burnishing is useful when you want to smooth out the texture of your layers and push pigment deeper into the paper, especially if you’re not sealing the piece afterward. In my experience a quality pencil should fill the tooth without leaving streaks or muddying the color.
- Luminance: Generally performs well, but it depends on the color. Some shades blend cleanly and cover the surface fully, while others can leave uneven patches under pressure.
- Prismacolor Premier: Very effective for burnishing. Smooth application that fills the grain evenly, creating a polished surface without dulling the color underneath.
- Col-Erase: Capable of covering tooth, even on textured paper, but tends to leave streaks if pressure isn’t consistent. Needs more care to avoid uneven buildup.
For smooth, finished surfaces, Prismacolor is the most consistent. Luminance can also work well, but requires a bit more attention to which colors you’re using.
Durability & Quality
A pencil that breaks easily slows you down and wastes material. That’s why I think the core strength, wood quality, and how well it’s centered all affect how dependable a pencil feels during real use.
- Polychromos / Pablo / Luminance: Well-made with high-quality cedar and properly centered cores. Rarely break, even with firm pressure. Consistent and reliable across the board.
- Prismacolor Premier: Great pigment, but frequent issues with off-center cores and internal breakage. I still use them, but I’ve had to replace certain shades more often than I’d like.
- Col-Erase: Durable for a harder pencil. Holds a point under pressure and rarely crumbles, even when sharpened to a fine tip.
- Luminance (detail): Holds up well, but like most soft cores, the tip can snap if sharpened too fine and used at an angle.
Build quality isn’t always tied to price, so it’s important to know which pencils can take pressure and which ones need lighter handling.
Wax Bloom Resistance
Wax bloom is a hazy film that can appear over time, especially in dark, heavily layered areas. It’s something to watch out for if you care about archival quality or fine surface detail.
- Prismacolor Premier: Prone to bloom, especially in dense applications. You can wipe it off or seal the drawing, but it’s an extra step and not ideal for pieces intended to last.
- Polychromos / Pablo / Derwent Lightfast: Oil-based cores mean minimal to no wax bloom. Much more stable over time, and better suited for finished work or anything being framed or sold.
For long-term clarity and clean surfaces I recommend oil-based pencils as the safer choice.
Color Range & Availability (Open-Stock Access)
In my experience, having a wide range is useful, but being able to replace individual colors matters more to professional artists. Open-stock access is what makes a pencil line useable long-term.
- Polychromos / Luminance / Prismacolor Premier / Derwent Lightfast: All available open-stock from major suppliers and online stores. Easy to replace essentials or expand your range without buying a full set.
- Col-Erase: Still sold open-stock, but the range is limited. Some colors are harder to find, especially outside the core selection.
Open-stock availability is important if you use certain colors heavily or work professionally and need to build your own color palette.
Price & Value
I think the price only matters in context. What counts is how the pencil performs in your workflow, e.g. how much time it saves, how consistent it is, and whether it holds up in finished work.
- Chromaflow / Prismacolor Premier: Affordable and easy to work with. Great for sketching, studies, or any high-output work where you need good color but not museum-level permanence. Just be prepared to replace frequently used colors more often.
- Luminance / Derwent Lightfast: More expensive, but you’re paying for consistency, blendability, and archival quality. These are pencils I reach for when the final result has to hold up, whether for clients, framing, or long-term display.
Use lower-cost pencils for practice and volume work; invest in higher-end sets when durability, permanence, and surface quality matter.
Overall Drawing Experience
Design details like barrel shape, finish, and labeling may seem minor, but based on my experience they may directly affect how smoothly you work. If a tool slows you down or breaks your focus, it doesn’t matter how good the pigment is.
- Col-Erase: Hexagonal barrel is comfortable and stable in the hand. Built-in eraser is fine for quick corrections but not reliable for finished work.
- Luminance: Smooth round barrel, comfortable to hold, but the natural wood finish makes it harder to spot colors quickly, especially compared to full-color pencils. Labeling is clear, but not fast to scan mid-session.
- Prismacolor Premier: Colored barrel helps with quick visual sorting, even if the barrel color isn’t always a perfect match to the core. Grip is decent, even with the round shape.
Comfort and efficiency matter. Choose pencils that support your workflow, not ones that interrupt it.
A note on standards & materials
If you are new to lightfastness, the Colored Pencil Society of America explains why ASTM D6901 matters (it tests actual pencils using daylight and xenon arc).
In short: if you sell art, prioritize LF I/II sets/colors. Wax bloom, meanwhile, is a harmless haze from heavy wax layers; you can wipe it or fix it; oil-based cores reduce the risk.
My short list by use case
- Best budget colored pencils for artists / beginners: Derwent Chromaflow; Prismacolor Col-Erase for kids and line planning.
- Best affordable colored pencils for artists (big range, soft blends): Prismacolor Premier.
- Best brand of colored pencils for artists who need detail & archival performance: Faber-Castell Polychromos (with Derwent Lightfast for permanence).
- Best colored pencils for professional artists selling originals: Caran d’Ache Luminance or Derwent Lightfast; both meet stringent lightfast standards.
- Best mixed-media textures: STABILO CarbOthello (pastel), Caran d’Ache Pablo for crisp overlays.
Final advice from the studio
If you’re building your first serious kit, start with Polychromos or Derwent Chromaflow (value + control), add Prismacolor Premier for buttery blends and special hues, and keep a Luminance white in your pocket for high-coverage highlights.
For gallery or commission pieces, upgrade to Derwent Lightfast or Caran d’Ache Luminance and sleep well knowing your colors will still sing decades from now.
Other articles in the drawing pencils, pens, and markers series:
- Best Pencil Sharpener for Colored Pencils
- Best Watercolor Pencils
- Best Mechanical Pencil for Drawing
- Best Drawing and Sketching Pencils
- Best Erasers for Artists and Crafters
- Best Drawing Pens
- Best Copic Alternatives
- Best Markers for Coloring Adult Coloring Books
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Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
