Sketching is an expressive activity that enables people to manifest their emotions and artistic imagination. It is a talent that can be honed through practice, however, employing the right instruments is crucial. An exceptional set of drawing pencils continues to be an essential necessity for every artist.
Drawing pencils come in different grades and types, each with its unique features and benefits. They range from soft to hard, and the type of pencil you choose depends on the effect you want to achieve. Soft pencils are perfect for shading and creating smooth lines, while hard pencils are ideal for detailed work and fine lines.
When choosing the best drawing pencils, there are several factors to consider. The first is the grade of the pencil, which determines the hardness or softness of the lead. The second is the type of lead, which can be graphite, charcoal, or colored. Other factors to consider include the shape of the pencil, the texture of the lead, and the price.
We spent hours researching and testing ten different sets of drawing pencils to identify the ones that offer the best quality, value, and versatility. In this article, we will share our findings and help you choose the best drawing pencils for your needs.
Best Drawing Pencils
We know that finding the right drawing pencil can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available on the market. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best drawing pencils for artists of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, our list has got you covered. From light to dark shades, soft to hard leads, we’ve tested and reviewed the top pencils to help you find the perfect one for your artistic needs. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our list of the best drawing pencils.
1. Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing
If you’re looking for a versatile set of drawing pencils, the Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing might be the perfect option for you.
Pros
- This set includes 14 graphite pencils with a wide range of harnesses, from 6H to 10B, making it perfect for creating various shading effects and line thicknesses.
- The high-quality materials and manufacturing processes guarantee durable and unbeatable product quality.
- The super-bonded lead wears evenly and is easy to erase and sharpen.
Cons
- Some users might find the range of harnesses confusing, especially if they’re not familiar with the different types of drawing pencils.
- The pencils might break easily if not handled with care.
- The set doesn’t include any accessories, such as an eraser or sharpener.
We’ve been using the Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing for a while now, and we’re impressed with the quality and versatility of this set. The range of harnesses is particularly suitable for writing, drawing, sketching, and hatching, as well as for professional graphic and artistic applications on paper and matte drawing film.
The pencils are also easy to use and sharpen, and the super-bonded lead wears evenly, allowing for smooth and consistent lines. We’ve used these pencils for various projects, from simple sketches to more complex drawings, and we’re always satisfied with the results.
However, we do think that some users might find the range of harnesses confusing, especially if they’re not familiar with the different types of drawing pencils. Additionally, the pencils might break easily if not handled with care, so it’s important to be gentle when using them.
Overall, we think that the Mr. Pen Sketch Pencils for Drawing are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality set of drawing pencils. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional artist, these pencils are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
2. STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils
If you’re looking for a high-quality drawing pencil, then the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils are an excellent choice.
Pros
- The lead is unbelievably break-resistant, making it perfect for long drawing sessions.
- The pencil is particularly suitable for writing, drawing, sketching, and hatching.
- The set comes with 12 finely graded consistent degrees in a portable metal storage tin.
Cons
- The wood encasing the pencil doesn’t seem high quality.
- The pencils can break easily when sharpening.
- The darkness of the lead varies, which can be frustrating for some artists.
We highly recommend the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils for anyone who wants to take their drawing skills to the next level. The lead is super-bonded and wears evenly, making it easy to erase and sharpen.
The 12 finely graded consistent degrees in a portable metal storage tin make it easy to find the perfect pencil for any project. The lead is particularly suitable for professional graphic and artistic applications on paper and matte drawing film.
The only downside to these pencils is that the wood encasing the pencil doesn’t seem high quality, and the pencils can break easily when sharpening. Additionally, the darkness of the lead varies, which can be frustrating for some artists.
Overall, the STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils are an excellent choice for anyone who wants high-quality drawing pencils that are perfect for writing, drawing, sketching, and hatching.
3. Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil
If you are looking for a reliable and precise drafting pencil, the Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil might be an excellent choice for you.
Pros
- The 4mm tip length makes it perfect for use with rulers and templates.
- The metallic mesh grip on a slim, beveled barrel promotes control when writing.
- Weighted at your fingertips for precise drafting and template work.
Cons
- The cap to keep your eraser clean is not attached to the pencil, so it can be easily lost.
- The pencil is not refillable with regular leads, only with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer HB lead.
- The pencil may be too heavy for some users.
We have been using the Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil for a while, and we are impressed with its performance. The 0.5mm lead produces fine lines of consistent density, and the metallic-mesh grip delivers precision and control. The 4mm fixed sleeve helps prevent lead from breaking and is ideal for template work.
The Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead never needs sharpening and is equivalent to a #2 pencil. The pencil is refillable with Pentel Super Hi-Polymer Lead and Z2-1 eraser. The 0.3mm, 0.5mm, 0.7mm & 0.9mm sizes are available, and they are color-coded for fast & easy size lead size identification.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a drafting pencil that offers precision, control, and durability, the Pentel GraphGear 500 Automatic Drafting Pencil is an excellent choice. The pencil is well-designed, easy to use, and it delivers consistent results.
4. Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set
If you’re looking for a complete drawing pencil set, the Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The non-slip Comfort Grip of these drafting pencils making them super easy and fun to use by any beginner, child or adult.
- Provides ideal weight balance for fatigue-free writing and drawing. Brings you more effective and high quality tasks.
- There is a sharpener in the cap of 2.0 mm mechanical pencil, you can sharpen the lead refills easily when it is not easy to write.
Cons
- The gold paint and labels on the pencils may start to fade after using them for a while.
- The case can be a little hard to open at first.
- The 2.0 mm lead can be prone to breaking.
We were impressed with the variety of pencils and lead refills that come with this set. The non-slip Comfort Grip made it easy to use for extended periods of time without causing fatigue. The sharpener in the cap of the 2.0 mm mechanical pencil was a nice touch and made it easy to sharpen the lead refills when needed.
One potential downside is that the gold paint and labels on the pencils may start to fade after using them for a while. Additionally, the 2.0 mm lead can be prone to breaking. However, overall we think this is a great set for artists, professionals, teachers, and students alike.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a complete drawing pencil set that provides ideal weight balance and is easy to use, the Nicpro 6PCS Art Mechanical Pencils Set is definitely worth considering.
5. MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set
We highly recommend the MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set for anyone looking to develop their drawing skills. This set offers a wide variety of hardness for all your artwork needs and is perfect for budding artists and amateurs of all ages.
Pros
- The non-toxic and eco-friendly pencils conform to strict ASTM D-4236 and EN71 standards, making them safe for use by everyone.
- The set includes 14 pre-sharpened professional quality graphite pencils, ranging from 12B to 4H, which enable creating lines of any thickness and color saturation.
- With great shading and blending capability, this set is ideal for crafting detailed illustrations and textured shading like a professional artist.
Cons
- The age range for this product is not suitable for children under 3 years.
- The package dimensions are small, so it may not be the best option for those looking for a larger set of pencils.
- The pencils may be prone to breaking if not handled with care.
The MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set is perfect for students working on craft or construction paper, detailed sketching, and high-level artistic skills. The pencils offer a smooth writing feeling and top-quality sketch pencils for writing. The set is also an excellent gift for family, neighbors, and friends.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality drawing pencil set that offers endless possibilities, the MARKART Professional Drawing Sketching Pencil Set is an excellent choice. With its non-toxic and eco-friendly features, it’s safe for everyone to use, and it’s perfect for anyone looking to develop their drawing skills.
6. Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set
We highly recommend the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set for any aspiring artist or art student.
Pros
- The set includes six versatile graphite pencils with different degrees of lead hardness, suitable for sketching, shading, and graphic design.
- The break-resistant lead is a mixture of finely ground graphite and clay, ensuring a smooth and balanced laydown.
- The pencils are made from reforested wood grown from FSC certified sustainable forestry, and the manufacturing process is carbon neutral.
Cons
- The set does not include an eraser or sharpener, which may be necessary for some users.
- The hexagonal shape may not be comfortable for users who prefer round pencils.
- Some users may find the price point to be higher than other sketching pencil sets.
The Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set is a complete sketching pencil set that provides versatile and diverse drawing pencils that are ideal for sketching, graphic design, shading, urban sketching, mixed media art, dimension art, and portraits. The ergonomic, hexagonal shape and smooth graphite are ideal for adding detail, shading, and writing.
The break-resistant lead is glued the entire length of the pencil to ensure the lead will not fall out during use or sharpening. The graphite pencils are available in 6 degrees of hardness: 2H, HB, B, 2B, 4B, 6B. The Faber-Castell Sketch Pencil Set provides durable, flexible, and quality drawing supplies for the art student and aspiring artist.
In conclusion, the Faber-Castell Graphite Sketch Pencil Set is a high-quality and versatile sketching pencil set that provides a smooth and balanced laydown. The set is made from reforested wood and is carbon neutral, making it an eco-friendly option. While it may be pricier than other sketching pencil sets, the quality and durability make it a worthwhile investment for any artist.
7. YunQiDeer Drawing Pencils Set
If you are looking for a complete drawing pencil set that is portable and eco-friendly, then the YunQiDeer Drawing Pencils Set might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The set includes 18 sketch pencils, 3 blending stumps, 3 charcoal pencils, 2 kneaded erasers, 1 pencil extender, and 1 art knife, making it a complete drawing pencil set for beginners and professionals alike.
- The canvas rolling carry pouch is a great addition to the set, allowing you to store all the sketching pencil set properly when not in use. You can even tie the canvas roll bag around your waist and start your artistic creation anytime, anywhere.
- The art pencils are made of eco-friendly material, providing protection for your health. The durable art knife, portable and dirt-resistant canvas roll bag, and premium sketch pencils make the set an excellent choice for drawing enthusiasts.
Cons
- Some customers have reported missing erasers and random pencil sizes upon arrival of the product.
- While the sketching pencil set may have average quality in terms of performance, it is still a great gift option due to its elegant packaging and size.
- The set might not be suitable for professional artists who require a higher quality of pencils.
Overall, we believe that the YunQiDeer Drawing Pencils Set is an excellent choice for beginners and art students who are looking for a complete and portable drawing pencil set. The eco-friendly materials, durable canvas rolling carry pouch, and premium sketch pencils make the set an ideal gift for drawing enthusiasts.
8. Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set
We highly recommend the Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set for anyone looking for a high-quality set of colored pencils.
Pros
- The range of 120 pencils arranged in color families makes it easy to select the perfect color for any project.
- The 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.
- The intensely pigmented, rich, creamy colors provide smooth coverage and effortless layering, blending, and burnishing to add texture and achieve the perfect shade on paper, eggshell, canvas, wood, and more.
Cons
- The fold-out tutorial could be more detailed.
- Some of the colors appear the same.
- The price may be a bit high for some.
The Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set is perfect for artists, professionals, and colorists who want to build their skills. The set comes in a protective, go-anywhere, fabric zip-around case that makes it easy to take your pencils with you wherever you go.
The pencils are tested by studio experts to beat competitors and are trusted by ultimate judges – their 2.5 million customers worldwide. The unique money-back-PLUS guarantee ensures that you can purchase with confidence.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a high-quality set of colored pencils that provide a wide range of colors, soft, buttery laydown, and intense pigmentation, the Castle Art Supplies 120 Colored Pencils Zipper-Case Set is the perfect choice for you.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best drawing pencils, there are several factors to consider. We have compiled a list of features that you should look for when making your purchase.
Lead Grade
The lead grade of a pencil determines the hardness or softness of the lead. The most common lead grades are HB, 2B, and 4B. HB is a medium hardness lead that is suitable for most drawing applications. 2B and 4B leads are softer and darker, making them ideal for shading and creating depth in your artwork.
Lead Type
There are two main types of lead: graphite and charcoal. Graphite is the most commonly used lead in drawing pencils, as it is versatile and easy to work with. Charcoal, on the other hand, is softer and darker than graphite, making it ideal for creating dramatic effects in your artwork.
Barrel Shape
The shape of the pencil barrel can affect your drawing experience. Round barrels are the most common and provide a comfortable grip for most users. Hexagonal barrels prevent the pencil from rolling off your work surface and are ideal for artists who prefer a more secure grip. Triangular barrels are designed to reduce hand fatigue and are ideal for artists who work for long periods of time.
Erasability
The ability to erase mistakes is an important feature to consider when choosing a drawing pencil. Some pencils are designed to be smudge-resistant, which can make erasing more difficult. Other pencils are designed to be easily erasable, making them ideal for artists who want to make frequent corrections to their work.
Price
Drawing pencils can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. While more expensive pencils may offer better quality and more features, they may not be necessary for all artists. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when making your purchase.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best drawing pencils for your needs and create stunning artwork with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best graphite drawing pencils?
The best graphite drawing pencils are those that offer a wide range of hardness and softness levels. The most commonly used graphite pencils for drawing are HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B. However, some artists prefer to use harder or softer pencils depending on their style and technique.
Which professional art pencils are the most recommended?
Professional artists often prefer pencils from reputable brands such as Staedtler, Faber-Castell, and Prismacolor. These brands offer high-quality pencils that are consistent in their lead quality and durability.
Are Faber-Castell drawing pencils worth the investment?
Faber-Castell is a well-known and respected brand in the art world, and their drawing pencils are no exception. They offer a range of graphite pencils that are consistent in their lead quality and are known for their durability. While they may be more expensive than some other brands, many artists find that they are worth the investment.
Where can I find the best drawing pencils on Amazon?
Amazon offers a wide selection of drawing pencils from various brands, making it a great place to find the best drawing pencils. When searching for drawing pencils on Amazon, be sure to read reviews and compare prices to find the best option for your needs.
What is the best pencil for shading and blending?
The best pencil for shading and blending is one with a soft lead, such as a 4B or 6B pencil. These pencils allow for smooth shading and blending, creating a more realistic and cohesive drawing.
What are some high-quality graphite pencils used for drawing?
Some high-quality graphite pencils used for drawing include Staedtler Mars Lumograph, Faber-Castell 9000, and Prismacolor Premier. These pencils offer consistent lead quality and are known for their durability, making them a great choice for artists of all levels.
