Are MATT Graphite Pencils Worth Buying?

I really like working with graphite, but I always get frustrated with how reflective it is - especially when I'm trying to draw on camera!
I heard about these Matt graphite pencils from Faber Castell a while ago and I'm just getting round to trying them. Let's see if they solve my main issue with graphite.
This drawing is part of my Patreon library - You can draw along in real time with detailed tutorial chapters here:
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Materials List
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Amazon US
Faber-Castell Matt Graphite Pencil Set: amzn.to/44qdCZT
Strathmore Bristol Board Paper: amzn.to/2Ldu2BQ
Faber-Castell Putty Eraser: amzn.to/3rRPkpa
Electric Eraser: amzn.to/3u51Otu
Amazon UK
Faber-Castell Matt Graphite Pencil Set: amzn.to/3PFmKFR
Seawhite Bristol Board Paper: amzn.to/2KQ2iU2
Faber-Castell Putty Eraser: amzn.to/3omQPJO
Electric Eraser: amzn.to/3ovBBmW
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[@kityac9810]

In my experience with them, I've achieved the best results by layering them as I would colored pencils. It could just be my preference for Faber Castell, but the layers seem to produces a nice richness and depth to the finished work. For paper, I had the best results on Arches Hot Press watercolor paper. When I used paper that was too smooth, I got a lot more shine. Arches had just enough tooth to avoid heavy shine without messing with crisp lines and detail.

[@LynnePriceStudio]

Beautiful!

[@sandyphillips2467]

Brilliant thank you Sandy

[@JoeB_BSc]

Hi Gemma, yes, I am glad you came to your conclusion because that is mine. I bought the full set which included a 14b if I recall correctly. In my opinion, as I photograph my graphite art, having the graphite non-shine, makes a huge difference. I have yet to use fixative on them but hopefully a matt fixative will be available. I think, using conventional graphite might be helpful if drawing glass or even the shiny parts, with non-shine in shadows might be interesting. Thanks for your demonstration and regards, JB

[@TheNorthernLights55]

Can't believe I have missed these! I hate that graphite shine, will definitely be trying them out.

[@appletinitwoappletinis7249]

There is even a 14B. But I mix graphite with a black colored pencil for RLY dark spots.

[@RobMillwardPodgekins88]

Does that work well? Do you put black polychromos over graphite?

[@appletinitwoappletinis7249]

@@RobMillwardPodgekins88 Yes, try it on a separate piece of paper and see if you like it. try with the intensity of the black. It might also depend on the type of paper you use.

[@nickvreys]

Took me a while to get used to them, to be honest. But now I regularly use them for my graphite work. Especially when I'm doing portraits with dramatic lighting and lots of contrast. Put the bigger set in my basket for my next purchase.

[@nBasedAce]

The paper you use really affects the performance of the Matt pencils. The more texture the paper has the less shine there will be. If you use it on smooth paper then it will reflect just like lower quality graphite pencils.

[@wilmatiemessen994]

What kind of paper do you use for the graphite portrait.Your explanation is good👍

[@markyteo]

Amazing. Makes me want to break out my colour pencils

[@CathyPowellGlass]

I love these matt graphite pencils. I've tried charcoal but hate the mess, and I've tried traditional graphite on and off but struggle with the scratchy feeling on the paper (sensory issues). I received these pencils last Christmas and I love them. They are the perfect middle ground to me. I love coloured pencils and feel these are more similar to those in how they feel to put down on paper. I'm so glad I didn't write off graphite as I often get the urge to work with tonal pieces as a change from colour. I'm still trying out different papers with them. Any suggestions?

[@raycooper3269]

Bristol board ( plate ).

[@CathyPowellGlass]

@@raycooper3269 Thank you

[@m_1art]

❤😊