How to Get Better at Choosing Your First Coloring Pencils

Choosing coloring pencils isn't a one-time decision — as your skills and preferences develop, the pencils that suit you best will change too. Here's how to get better at picking (and building) a set that actually fits how you color.

Start by Understanding Your Current Habits

Before upgrading anything, pay attention to how you already color. Do you press hard and often break tips? Do you love blending colors together? Do you tend to reach for warm tones more than cool ones? These habits are useful clues for what to look for in your next set, rather than guessing based on packaging alone.

Practice Testing Pencils Like a Pro

Color a small swatch of each pencil at both light and firm pressure to see its full range.
Try layering two colors on top of each other to see how well they blend.
Check how the tip holds up after a few minutes of continuous use.
Compare how a color looks on white paper versus slightly textured paper.

Build Skills Alongside Your Set

Getting better at choosing pencils goes hand in hand with getting better at using them. As you grow more comfortable with basics like applying even pressure, you'll start noticing pencil qualities you didn't even think to check for before, like how a core performs specifically under light, feathered strokes versus heavier ones.

A Simple Upgrade Path

Instead of replacing an entire set, add a handful of new pencils that fill real gaps — a better skin tone, a richer blue for skies, or a softer black for outlines. This targeted approach teaches you more about what you value in a pencil than buying an entirely new set every time, and it keeps costs manageable while you're still learning.

Tips for Steady Improvement

Keep a small notebook or note on your phone listing which colors you use most and least.
Revisit pencils you didn't like after a few months — your technique may have improved enough to change your opinion.
Don't chase every new brand; consistency with one core set helps you learn its quirks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I reassess my pencil set?

Every few months is plenty for most beginners. Skills and preferences don't usually shift dramatically week to week.

Is it better to buy open-stock (individual) pencils or full sets?

Open-stock pencils let you replace or add exactly the colors you need, which is often more efficient once you know your habits, while full sets are a great starting point.

Should beginners worry about pencil brands at all?

Not much at first. Focus on comfort and smoothness rather than brand names — plenty of budget-friendly options perform very well.

Conclusion

Getting better at choosing coloring pencils is really about paying attention to your own habits and adjusting gradually. Small, thoughtful updates to your set will serve you far better than starting over on every coloring page.