Colored Pencil Ratings: 2023's Top Brands Reviewed

Prismacolor Scholar

Prismacolor Scholar colored pencils are a favorite among beginners and advanced artists alike, renowned for their vibrant colors and smooth application. They boast a rich, creamy texture that enables layers to be built up seamlessly, allowing for intricate shading and blending.

However, they are prone to breaking, which can be a deterrent for users who prefer a sturdier pencil. Moreover, their lightfastness ratings are not as high as other brands, which can lead to fading over time, especially when exposed to sunlight.

Advantages

• Vibrant colors with excellent coverage.
• Smooth application for easy shading and layering.
• Affordable pricing for a wide range of users.

Disadvantages

• Prone to breaking with heavy use.
• Lower lightfastness ratings, leading to potential fading.

F'absence

Fتمي/apache's colored pencils stand out for their exceptional lightfastness ratings, making them an excellent choice for artists focusing on portraits or works intended for outdoor display. They offer a diverse range of colors with strong pigments and a slightly harder core, ideal for detailed work and intricate shading.

Their harder core does mean they're less forgiving when it comes to layering, and their colors may not blend as seamlessly as softer pencils. They're also priced higher than many other brands, which might not appeal to beginners or budget-conscious buyers.

Advantages

• Excellent lightfastness ratings for durability and longevity.
• Wide color range with strong pigments.
• Ideal for detailed work with a slightly harder core.

Disadvantages

• Higher pricing point may discourage beginners or budget-conscious buyers.
• Less forgiving for layering and blending due to their harder core.

Caran d'Ache Luminance 6901

Caran d'Ache's Luminance 6901 is a premium colored pencil brand revered by professionals and serious artists. They feature an ultra-smooth and creamy texture, allowing for effortless layering, exceptional blending, and smooth shading. Their colors are vibrant and rich, with excellent lightfastness ratings to ensure your artwork continues to shine over time.

Their high price point and limited color selection can be a drawback for some. Moreover, their soft texture may result in frequent sharpening, which can be time-consuming and lead to a higher pencil consumption.

Advantages

• Ultra-smooth and creamy texture for seamless layering and blending.
• Vibrant and rich colors with high lightfastness ratings.
• Ideal for achieving a professional finish.

Disadvantages

• High pricing and limited color selection may not appeal to all users.
• Frequent sharpening required due to soft texture.