Best Budget Friendly Colored Pencils for Beginners
Starting your journey into the world of coloring and drawing doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether you’re a student, hobbyist, or budding illustrator, finding budget-friendly colored pencils that deliver quality without draining your wallet is entirely possible. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right set?
This guide dives deep into the best colored pencils for beginners on a budget — backed by artist reviews, product testing, and practical insights. From smooth laydowns to blendable pigments, we’ll help you understand what makes a pencil worth your money.
Why Budget Colored Pencils Matter for Beginners
When you’re just starting out, investing in premium pencils like Prismacolor or Caran d’Ache may not make sense. Budget pencils offer an affordable entry point, allowing you to experiment, practice techniques, and build skills without the pressure of preserving expensive materials.
However, not all cheap pencils are created equal. The best budget options manage to balance affordability with essential qualities like pigment strength, blendability, and durability. These qualities are especially crucial for new artists who are still developing their style and experimenting with layering, shading, and color theory.
What to Look for in Budget-Friendly Colored Pencils
Before diving into specific brands, it’s important to understand the criteria that make certain colored pencils more suitable for beginners:
- Color Vibrancy: The richness and visibility of the pigment on paper.
- Blendability: How well the colors mix and layer with each other.
- Core Strength: Softer cores are easier to blend but may break more easily; harder cores are more durable but less vibrant.
- Lightfastness: Resistance to fading over time (less critical for beginners but worth noting).
- Price per Pencil: Value for money without sacrificing too much on quality.
Now, let’s explore the top contenders that deliver on these fronts without exceeding a beginner’s budget.
Top Budget Colored Pencil Brands for Beginners
| Brand | Price Range | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arteza Expert | $20–$30 | Blending & Rich Color | Soft wax core, smooth application, good layering |
| Faber-Castell Classic | $10–$15 | Durability & Sketching | Harder core, great for beginners, consistent quality |
| Crayola Colored Pencils | $5–$10 | Absolute Beginners | Widely available, kid-safe, decent pigment |
| Black Widow | $25–$30 | Dark Tones & Shading | Vibrant darks, smooth core, artist-preferred |
| Castle Arts | $20–$30 | Color Variety | Large sets, good blendability, soft core |
1. Arteza Expert Colored Pencils: A Popular Favorite
Arteza’s Expert line has become a go-to recommendation across art forums and communities. In a Reddit discussion on budget colored pencils, many users praised Arteza for offering a soft wax core that mimics the feel of higher-end brands. The pencils provide excellent color payoff, making them ideal for blending and layering techniques.
While some artists suggest that the Black Edition line offers slightly better performance, the Expert series remains more accessible and widely available. It’s a strong choice for beginners who want a taste of professional results without the premium price point.
2. Faber-Castell Classic: Dependable and Durable
According to The Art Gear Guide, Faber-Castell’s Classic Colored Pencils are a top choice for budget-conscious artists, especially for sketching and line work. These pencils use a harder core, which makes them more durable and less prone to breakage — a practical advantage for beginners who may apply uneven pressure.
Despite their lower price, these pencils offer consistent pigment and a smooth drawing experience. They’re also great for classroom use and bulk purchases, making them a frequent choice for educators and parents.
3. Crayola Colored Pencils: The Starter Set
Crayola may not be the first brand that comes to mind for serious art, but it has its place in the beginner’s toolkit. As noted in Sarah Renae Clark’s guide to Prismacolor alternatives, Crayola offers a surprisingly decent pigment and smooth laydown for its price point — often under $10 for a full set.
These pencils are especially useful for younger artists or those just exploring coloring for stress relief or casual hobby use. While they lack the depth and blendability of higher-end options, they’re a solid stepping stone for beginners.
4. Black Widow: A Dark Horse in the Budget Category
Black Widow colored pencils have gained a cult following among colorists and illustrators who love working with dark tones. They’re slightly pricier than Crayola or Faber-Castell Classic, but still fall within the budget category. With a smooth, blendable core and rich pigmentation, they’re ideal for shading, portraiture, and fantasy art.
Coloring Bliss, in their comprehensive budget pencil review, highlighted Black Widow’s ability to produce deep, saturated hues that rival more expensive brands. For beginners interested in exploring moodier palettes, this set is worth considering.
5. Castle Arts: Variety Without Compromise
Castle Arts offers large sets at a reasonable cost, making them perfect for beginners who want a wide range of colors to experiment with. Their pencils have a soft wax core that lays down smoothly and blends well, especially on textured paper.
Their packaging and presentation are also a step above most budget options, which can be motivating for new artists. Castle Arts pencils are commonly recommended for adult coloring books and casual sketching.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Budget Colored Pencils
Even the best pencils need the right techniques and tools to shine. Here are a few tips to enhance your experience with budget-friendly sets:
- Use the Right Paper: Choose paper with enough tooth to grip pigment — smooth cardstock or mixed media paper works well.
- Layer Gently: Build up color gradually rather than pressing hard. This prevents wax bloom and core breakage.
- Invest in a Good Sharpener: A poor-quality sharpener can ruin even the best pencils. Look for a handheld sharpener with a steel blade.
- Try Blending Tools: Blending stumps, cotton swabs, or even baby oil can help smooth transitions between colors.
Final Thoughts: Quality Art Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Choosing the right budget-friendly colored pencils as a beginner can set the tone for your artistic journey. With brands like Arteza, Faber-Castell, and Castle Arts offering high-performing options under $30, there’s no need to sacrifice quality for affordability.
Whether you’re coloring for relaxation, developing your drawing skills, or preparing for more advanced mediums, starting with the right tools can make all the difference. Explore a few different sets, experiment with techniques, and most importantly — enjoy the process.
For further reading and comparison reviews, check out:
Remember, the best pencil is the one that helps you create — no matter the price tag.