Are these pencils as good as they say?

Following on from my last video, I thought I’d share some insight on a new pencil that Faber-Castell have just released, The Pitt Graphite Matt. I’ve spent most of my career trying to find ways of making graphite go darker without getting more reflective. And so when I heard about this pencil I was super excited to try it out. In this video I review how this new pencil holds up against other mediums such as charcoal, and whether they've truly managed to get rid of the reflection. Head to www.faber-castell.com/ to find these pencils as well as so many more.
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[@RichardLiuArt]

I've asked around a couple artists and the general consensus seems to be that it's very thick like pastel or colored pencils so take a while to get used to, but I'm super excited about the product nontheless, graphite sheen is in my opinion the biggest problem about the medium and this is a big step in the right direction. Love the color grading in this video by the way!

[@JonoDry]

Thanks, Richard! 🙂🙏

[@danieldraws]

Hey! What’s up!

[@loati94]

Thank you! I 've seen several reviews and they all say that it feels like normal graphite so I don't know what kind of graphite they use because it does absolutely not feel like regular graphite. I was starting to feel that I don't know how materials feel

[@nonzerosum8943]

@@JonoDry So perhaps I missed your best / better graphite pencil was the ? What brand. I'm subscribed and am unclear as to the final decision you made

[@wickedliquid1177]

Hey Jono I know you've probably heard this a thousand times but I just wanted to say I love your work. I'm a life long Artist myself and I learn something new every time I watch your videos. Thanks for the dedication to your craft and the willingness to help others.

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for supporting my channel 🙂🙏

[@judihart9658]

i'll second that.ty!for sharing.👍☕#beautiful artworks!💖🙂

[@akicitaa.8233]

I've been using them for two months now, and I'm deeply in love with them! They're my new go-to in my work.

[@JonoDry]

That's so awesome! 👏

[@kombajnmobilowypojazd1029]

Nice to see You again, Jono😀 thanks for video- as always helpful.

[@JonoDry]

Thanks for watching 😀

[@fayehough5164]

Thank you for taking the time to educate and inform us.

[@spikeybunny6577]

I can’t wait to try these pencils! Thank you for this wonderful review!!!

[@JonoDry]

Let me know how you find them 🙂

[@wildandwhimsicalstories4676]

I would love to have these as 0.5 lead for mechanical pencils!

[@jamesaritchie1]

I wasn't impressed enough with them to change brands, but mechanical pencil lead like this is something I would try. Really good mechanical pencil lead can be hard to find. But I would have to be able to buy several grades of pencils. At least up to 8B.

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

I tried the Faber-Castell Pitt Matt graphite pencils and the Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black pencils, both intended to be matt alternatives to standard graphite. I found that at the softest end - that is 9B-14B - I prefer the Faber-Castell pencils but from 4B down to 8B (I don't use anything harder than 4B) I prefer the Staedtler pencils. That way I get the least amount of shine - there is still some with both, though it is a tiny fraction of what you normally get with standard graphite pencils. Fortunately both products blend well with each other, so I have had no problems exploring with them.

[@thambaarts319]

You are seriously gifted at this.

[@GraphiteandCigars]

Graphite shine is part of the medium, it has and will always be there. If the artwork is framed and lighted properly the "shine" will never be seen anyways, it really is a non issue. Love your work btw, incredible talent!

[@adamjohnhurley]

dude.....yes, thank you so much! cant wait to try them out!

[@choochoochooseyou]

Just got a set of Pitt Matt graphite pencils and am about to try them on a portrait.

[@denishpandey4985]

Your art is so amazing🥰🥰🥰 But Your voice and politeness is on another level 🥰🔥🔥🔥

[@wanderlustaesthete4117]

I use Staedler Mars Lumograph black. They are pretty good. I love the Matt look.

[@therealjamespickering]

I have these as well, but I find they feel a bit too waxy. I have enjoyed using the Lyra Rembrandt Carbon pencils.

[@quintonbrown2014]

I was gonna suggest trying those they've worked great for me

[@thanhnguyenhouc1106]

I also use them for my dark area.

[@sethmyhre4750]

ima be honest, they’re more of a colored pencil. Also the low B values resembled regular H values (2b pitt, more of a 2h). The 14b is impressive, but 14 imo is misleading, more like an 8b-9b with half the sheen. Im also not practiced or a pro with them by any means, but I did finish a piece with them and the finish didn’t seem as “vibrant”?? idk less life. It kind of put things into perspective for me, Im started to really appreciate the sheen of regulars now. It sucks to take photos of, but to the eye, where there is sheen, there is darkness/contrast/volume/intensity/intent… it’s more “piercing” in a way, idk how to describe it. However, Ill definitely continue to experiment with the pitt pencils. Also, in pitts favor, I took one photo of the pitt pencil finished piece and I was satisfied, didnt have to fight any angles or lighting due to the sheen, even in the dark values.

[@davidbenasulin]

Hello Jono. Thank you for this wonderful review!

[@JonoDry]

Glad you liked it, David! 🙂

[@Skyerscreates]

Great video, just what I needed 😊

[@artifexmom3824]

Wow! That’s impressive Jonathan. ☺️❤️ Keep safe.🙏🏻

[@haze8223]

Jono you are an amazing artist I aspire to half as Good… thank you for letting us into your thought process and skills… I learn from every video ❤️

[@JonoDry]

That's so kind of you, thank you for your support 🙏🙂

[@herediasanchezpamelayoel6078]

great, you made my day with this video, have a great day jono

[@JonoDry]

You too! Thanks for watching 😊

[@kavyakavi2545]

Each and every time when I saw your art I was like this 😱. Because it was awesome not only awesome no words to say. I can't able to take off my eyes because it was out of the world 🌍❤️love from Tamil Nadu 💫.

[@ozzygonzalez8350]

Dude, I love your channel and your style I even click like before I watch the video why ? I know something good is coming I appreciate you and your sharing thank you once again.

[@ViennaPictures]

This video just changed my life the shine is my biggest nemesis

[@huskytail]

I love these pencils. Together with the Caran d'ache selection of graphite pencils and my mechanical ones, I have rediscovered my love for graphite drawing

[@jamesaritchie1]

I use General's, and have been mixing in a couple of Mitsubishi. These pencils just don't do anything that makes me want to change brands. They have too many negatives, and do not eliminate shine. The shine is less, but it's still there. I prefer my carbon pencils, or my colored pencil. As I said in another post, though, I would absolutely love to try graphite powder made from what's inside these pencils.

[@Asianfayce]

I love your wizard sweater!

[@samanthapenuela2377]

These videos where you show a little more about your methodical work and the materials you use, are great! ☺ Here in Colombia it is difficult to find high quality graphite pencils. However, beyond the material, the artist is born and perfected with a lot of discipline, just like you are 🌟

[@jamesaritchie1]

I've been in placesw where some wonderful artists had no supplies at all other than what they could find in the city dump. The same place many of them found their food. Despite this, they did amazing work. This is why I hate it when aspiring artists, and even more so when professional artists, say you MUST have name brand this, and expensive that. No, you don't. There's an old saying that reads, "It's a poor worker who blames the tools". It's true. Some of the most magnificent drawings I've ever seen were done with a common HB pencil on butcher paper pulled out of a dump. It's amazing how often a roll of butcher paper gets thrown away when it gets down to the last three or four feet.

[@asmodevsluxuria]

Depende de lo que consideres lápices de grafito de buena calidad, pero aqui en Colombia he conseguido sin problemas los Staedtler Mars Lumograph, los Faber Castell 9000, los Derwent Graphic, y los Caran d'Ache Grafwood

[@ianabrahamse4881]

Jono, i came for the pencil tutorial, but i hit replay and stayed for the Djelleba inspired coat, with the wizards sleeves and the burgeoning moustache 😍, honestly starting to steal the spotlight from the tutorial. As much as I'm invested in the lesson, we're gonna have to start giving time to the outfit of the day. That eclectic look is inspired. Gandalf the white has nothing on you boyo 🤗. "An artiste is never late. He arrives with a new uploaded video precisely when he means to."

[@JonoDry]

😂 thanks so much, Ian! 🙏

[@danxda7jenk]

Absolutely love the work you do and the skill you show. Just wondering on how you previously would blend charcoals and graphite as this is currently my biggest issue?

[@thealchemistdaughter3405]

Very informative and useful, Thankyou.. Your art work is just a whole other level.. Incredible and inspiring.. Thanks again for all you share much appreciated this end 🤩..

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much 😀 🙏 appreciate you taking the time to watch

[@priyanshuarts7770]

I can't believe I am so early for this amazing video it's just 24 seconds.

[@adeomic]

Hello from Croatia. I just buy Pitt matt and im very happy .really great pencils

[@ellizeanthonyorbeta7768]

Hopefully this will be available in the PH.

[@HeribertoNieves]

Hey, love your videos, your drawings everything! Quick suggestion, you suggested to watch another video you did previous to this one, you should link it in description or a clickable card at the moment of suggesting it. I want to watch it and will look for it because i really take your tips and teaching to heart but someone that may not follow you as much as i do will not feel incline to manually search for it. Thanks for everything that you do

[@thambaarts319]

You are really good at this

[@Ahmedali_-qd9eg]

Thanks Jono, it helpful.

[@JonoDry]

That makes me so happy to hear👏

[@graphitesmiles9688]

Thank you for the fantastic review 😊

[@JonoDry]

Thanks for watching!

[@graphitesmiles9688]

@@JonoDry 😊😊

[@amart8577]

Hello Jono your art work very realistic and unique style👍👍👍I love it

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much 😀

[@meriemelbatoul1699]

Great artist and beautiful graphics💯❤👏

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much 😀

[@grafikghost5405]

The amount of details in your work is beyond words can describe . Bravo.man WORDS FROM A HUGE FAN FROM INDIA ..

[@JonoDry]

appreciate your support 🙏

[@sreyanshudey7157]

I too face the same problem with the shine and search for a better pencil which would have less shine. I also have a hard time photograph my sketch because of this shine and not only that a lot of people face the same problem. I have sent this video to some of my friends who do pencil shade and found it really helpful. Really sir, this video helped a lot and btw some of my friends have also become a fan of you after seeing this video and your art but on a serious note this video really helped. Thanks sir, thank you and best of luck for your future.

[@JonoDry]

Thank you for watching! 🙏 so glad it was helpful

[@jamesaritchie1]

I've never found it at all difficult to photograph a graphite drawing. Shine should not be a problem. If it is, the lighting is wrong,, or the way you're using the camera is wrong. This said, I do not use a phone camera to photograph anything important As good as they are, professional quality they are not. You can do infinitely better with a quality digital camera and the right lenses.

[@Soham_Trivedi]

You deserve more than 10 million subscribers ❤👍

[@rogerlangdon4620]

Mmmm want to try them today .... hope Deckle Edge got dem' .... running

[@chloeivan1296]

Hi uni Mitsubishi pencils are pretty solid too, smooth and get dark for a 6-10b. They’re my faves next to fabers. I will definitely try these.

[@jamesaritchie1]

I use General's as my fulltime pencil brand, but I have mixed a couple of Mitsubishi in, and may mix in some more. They really are excellent pencils.

[@Kliffot]

They seem to be like the Staedler Mars Lumograph Black. I tried those, they re nice, but not the same super smooth blending as pure graphite. If i want smtgh dark and without shine I just use charcoal ( vine and powder ) and carbon pencils ( Wolffs Carbon & Conté Pierre Noire ) Harder to control but nothing beat them in that regards.

[@jamesaritchie1]

That's pretty much what I do.

[@sheriewelsford]

I used to spray fixative to try to tone down the shininess of the graphite but that caused the drawing to became flat and lifeless. So I changed pencils and started using Faber-Castell pencils. I loved the way those pencils moved across the surface of the paper. I haven't tried the Pitt Graphite Matt pencils yet, but will give them a try.

[@jamesaritchie1]

Faber-Castell isn't my pencil of choice. That would be General's. But Faber-Castell does make great pencils. In truth, many companies do. But something I've come to believe completely is that the best pencil brand in the world, is, and always will be, the brand a given artist most loves using. I know several professional artists who earn good money from their art, and who do this using cheap Chinese pencil brands. I've tried those brands, and I had no complaints whatsoever. Some bad pencils come out of China, and out of America, and oput of every country that makes many pencils. But there's a strong artistic culture in China, and pencils and paper are part of it. China makes bad pencils for companies that won't pay just a few cents more for good ones, but they make some excellent pencils, as well, because they don't want to use the bad ones.

[@noora2659]

@@jamesaritchie1 how do you all create the pitch dark background with pencil? I am a learner ...

[@warnakumara2201]

Thank you so much. Good lessons, good luck ! බුදුසරණයි !

[@JudeandherPencil]

Love love love❤️🙌these are fantastic!

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@DavidQuin]

Hi Jono I have been using the new Pitt pencils for a few months now, I agree they are a compromise but they have definitely replaced the need for charcoal in many situations, although I do love my charcoal so it won’t be getting discarded. Thanks for the video blessings David

[@JonoDry]

Thanks for watching, David! 🙏

[@sketchshinaver2137]

I absolutely love mine . There is still a slight shine but way better than pure graphite

[@gennydavidsonsmith85]

Thank you Jon. I’d be interested to know your thoughts on Black Wing pencils (Pearl, 602 & Matt). Are they worth the high price?

[@olgahein4384]

So, it seems i'll have to take a little trip into the next store that sells pencils and get myself some (One of the few advantages of living in Germany: Faber-Castell is literally EVERYWHERE).

[@ameer.alkaby]

I've worked on all pencils and have never seen a better 8b Faber-Castell

[@jamesaritchie1]

It's not that I don't like them, it's that I don't like them enough to change brands for them. I used them for two weeks, and just felt "meh". That said, what I would like to try is graphite powder made from what's in these pencils. Covering very large areas with a pencil is not something I enjoy doing at all. Graphite powder just makes it far, far easier, at least for me. I really would love to try graphite powder made from this type of graphite.

[@mellissabushby2712]

I love them. They do seem a little less pencil-like than the 9000 series, more buttery almost, if that makes sense, but they've become an integral part of my drawing repertoire. Great video Jono, thanks!

[@JonoDry]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@linsaraillustration]

Hmmm interesting. Thanks for sharing

[@wesc4088]

Have you tried the Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black? its the same matte concept, just curious how these compare.

[@rsmrsm6748]

I'm the biggest fan of you Jono ,I want lern drowning from you🖤🖤

[@sherrytelle]

As a coloured pencil artist first I am absolutely going to try these pencils as I think the transition will easier for me.

[@WiwinWinkky]

I would be glad if I have one of your art

[@amburbyler7721]

I just bought a pack of Faber Castel B pencils and so far love them. I really do like all the Faber Castel items I have, however the the shipping process ruins the containers they're in🙄

[@bettyboop425]

Hi Jono, just found your site, interested to try FC pencils. Out of interest which is your favourite watercolour paper? Your work is inspiring. Thanks

[@zayolsen1418]

There’s mentioned there is a bit of wax residue. How do they blend with themselves? Does it feel pretty similar to standard graphite?

[@Engelhafen]

Hi Joni - hope you are well 🤗

[@jimmyknopflericussi6488]

I like the Matt series although it is not perfect: to draw details, is much more difficult with the Matt pencils, especially with the soft-lead ones; and the 14B should be darker, there's not so much difference between this one and the 8B - minus shine - of the 9000 series. These are my personal impressions. What I like about them very much is the slight brownish tone.

[@privatel_real]

I find almost no difference between 10B to 14B. It's very slight.

[@jerryjenson6225]

Hi , I have been using Mars Lumograph Black for while , this one seems new to me , Mars vs Pitt ? Which one better ?

[@Irisphotojournal]

I bought the full set of these and if I'm honest they don't handle like graphite and the 14B is no darker than my Grafwood 9B. They are also soft, break easily and more like a polychromos black. They may have graphite in them but they are quite different from the FC 9000 series or most of the other brands I have. I havent used them in anger yet and they are quite expensive but I like them enough to keep them.

[@jamesaritchie1]

I actually use a Polychromos Black in many graphite drawings. It works well for small areas. And you're right, these pencils are a lot like the PB. I also notice that the 14B was not as dark as my 9xxB, and not even as dark as a 14B I have that was made in China.

[@gin633]

Can't wait to see how pencils will evolve now

[@jamesaritchie1]

Not this way, I hope. I love my General's graphite pencils, and several other brands, as well. These pencils did not evolve, they simply stopped being graphite.

[@therealjamespickering]

What is your opinion of the Lyra Rembrant Carbon pencils?

[@rhedfind899]

How do u make a smooth black background of your drawing

[@nonzerosum8943]

What about matte fixative or a solution of matte medium to eliminate shine ?

[@shanukatennakoon4494]

Nice bro

[@joepol905]

Im a new fan btw sir what is the technique to blend pencils?

[@rafidulrahim6175]

Can we able to blend this matt pencils with normal graphite..?

[@paul_domici]

I always wind up using a charcoal pencil to get some nice dark details!

[@directorballer]

The minute I saw the coat.... All I could think of was the resemblance of the drooping length at the wrists which resembles that of the Chinese traditional attire....'Shifu Jono'

[@neshiah4747]

Staedtler make these type of charcoal-graphite mix pencils also: “Mars Lumograph Black”.

[@eliasgotzfried1131]

there also the staedler black

[@Neena1515]

What about Mars lumograph black pencils by staedtler?

[@artistrywepons1973]

Nice mustache and information video I love your art .

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much 😀

[@padamvara]

1st comment from india ❤️..

[@kaagazpencil]

This pencil is my dream

[@ivvie1452]

is it too random to ask where you cot that cardigan from? i want it

[@quinn8745]

I really love Faber Castell pencils but this pitt matt is not yet available in my country. So what I'm using is the Staedtler Lumograph black since its what's available here. I wonder what's the difference with Faber Castell Pitt Matt and Staedtler Lumograph.

[@tracybraggins2560]

I never liked the lumograph but i do like these

[@spoonierv1543]

Lumigraph is more blendy than regular graphite. Matt is less blendy. Some people are saying like color pencil and I do not agree with this - if you use the matt graphite on very smooth paper it is blendy close to regular graphite.

[@PanzerBuyer]

I'd love to see you and Laurie Lipton do a collab video sometime.

[@EV4UTube]

I have successfully used acrylic matte medium with powdered graphite and "paint" the graphite onto the paper to create an insanely-dark value with no shine.

[@jamesaritchie1]

That sounds very interesting. Along those lines, while I am not impressed enough with these pencils to change brands, I would LOVE to try graphite powder made from them. Anyway, how does that work for very small, highly detailed areas?

[@spoonierv1543]

Seeing comments comparing these to Mars Lumigraph, but they are the exact opposite - Mars is more smudgy than regular graphite and these are less. Also seeing them compared to color pencils and I guess, especially textured paper where they do not smudge as much as regular graphite. But on especially smooth paper that smudge quite a bit like regular graphite (though admittedly still a little less). My suggestion is if you want the most graphite-like experience, use very smooth paper.

[@alexmaritz1035]

Hey Jono do you know if these pencils available in South Africa (Capetown) yet ?

[@JonoDry]

Hey, Alex! Honestly, I'm not sure. Maybe try give The Deckle Edge a call 🙂

[@peggycearnach8034]

The moment I first saw these I thought of you. I haven’t ordered a set yet but they’re on my list 👍

[@amehayami934]

14B!! I didn't even know it went that high I thought there was just 8B I have to get me a set.

[@atiknirob4823]

Nice

[@jamesaritchie1]

I'm curios. Has anyone tried using a black pastel pencil in a graphite drawing? One of the black pastel pencils I have is remarkably black, and has zero shine. I can see some problems, but I think I'm going to try it.

[@puchopro1103]

How did it go?

[@tracybraggins2560]

I like them but not easily available in aus, mine came from England and unfortunately the wanted far too much for the full set so only got the 6 piece set. I want the 14b 🤣

[@jamesaritchie1]

The 14B is, many think, a complete waste of time. It's absolutely no darker than my 9B, and not as dark as my 9xxB. It's not even as dark as a 14B I have that was part of a cheap Chinese pencil set.

[@tracybraggins2560]

@@jamesaritchie1 I'm enjoying them and find them much darker, quite like the 14b so clearly not everyone thinks its a waste of time

[@skybluelife1]

I had been using the Staedtler Mars Lumograpgh pencil. I compared the Staedler 8B to the Faber Castell 8B matt pencil and found the Staedler 8B had no shine and Matt pencil had a lot. I was very diasappointed

[@loric.23]

FYI, you can use kitchen oil (or linseed oil) to bring the Pitt graphite Matt even darker. Be wary of using a suitable paper when doing so

[@hisbullahkhan]

do u use 2mm lead holders

[@GODU13]

Can I give you some serious suggestion☺️ I can hardly hear your sound It's too low Please increase the sound volume 😀

[@reubination]

Conte a Paris Pierre Noir is the best there is for me. Very malleable. But each artist will find their own liking.

[@ATRIJITECHNICAL]

Sir , it's my humble request to plz use tombow pencils they are good then fb

[@susanandrews8069]

I see you put a spray on it. Which one do you use and does it help with shine. Thanks 😊

[@JonoDry]

Hey, Susan! I use Grumbacher fixing spray. It doesn't help with shine, but will preserve your work

[@susanandrews8069]

@@JonoDry Many thanks. Will see if I can find that in UK.

[@ahmadsky8470]

👍