Adult Coloring Supply Regrets of 2024 | Why Did I Buy These Anyway?

[@craftybeautydiva1]

I laughed so hard when you said "I questioned my life choices" and "these pencils are crap" 😆😆 thx for sharing

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Haha thank you.

[@Sailorxdaeja]

Me too. Cause we all had that moment

[@diamondlee9034]

“these pencils are crap” 😂😂 thank you, I needed that laugh today!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

You are so welcome! Hey it's just the truth haha

[@kristinaweibush7479]

So enjoyed this...I feel the exact same way with the Arteza pencils!!

[@Elmcolors]

It’s amazing to me that opinions can differ so much in coloring supplies. There were several you mentioned and I was shocked since they are favs of mine . But it is nice to be reminded that not everything works for everyone. It really is a trial and error hobby. Thanks for sharing Kori ❤️☺️

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Haha thank you my dear. Yeah it's one of those things that just shows we are all so different in what we use and how we use them :). I still love you despite the fact you don't agree hahahaha

[@colourandthecity]

Ooooh I think we all have such regrets. On the other hand, I wouldn’t have found the items I love without getting the ones I don’t…

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Good point!

[@rachelle2500]

This was a fun video! I weirdly love my Arteza Expert pencils, it took awhile but they’ve become one of my favourites especially on cheap paper so that’s really saying something 😂

[@bethbrady8146]

I do like Castle golds...they are very soft for me and work beautifully in Johanna B books!! I as shocked cause I gave away my castle art pencils and the watercolor version. I am so happy for these videos.....honesty!!!!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I actually like the Castle Art Golds (except the price sigh). They were really nice. The Castle Art Premium Soft Touch I can't stand.

[@lorakennedy5333]

What’s the cheap white pen? Come out with it. 😂 I’m so tired of trying to make my Pocsa pens work. End up with pools of paint on my pictures, ugh. Thank you for the heads up on the Tombows, currently own 42 and had the rest in my art cart until now. I’m off to search for the Lyra’s. Sure appreciate your input and thoughts on these products. I love it when an underdog beats the heavily favored.

[@Loonit23]

I would also love to know about the white pen, although posca works great for me, probably because I don't try to cover outlines with it.

[@yazosoyo]

Posca is a hit and miss, I bought a 3-pack, 2 don’t work, the other one “kind” of works… so disappointing!

[@LAWandCoach]

I have only advanced to gelly roll gel pens. I have lots of paint pens for rocks but not good for paper really.

[@katscraftcreation]

This was a great video I wish there were more of them and what is the white paint pen please xx

[@FernCurtis]

She actually put a link for it, in the description box. Description box is easy to find. Under the video, you have the title of the video. Under that will be another line that has info like, how many views the video has had, when the video was posted, etc. at the very end of that line will be the word “more”. It is lowercase letters, but in bold so that it stands out. That is the link to the description box for every single video on KZbin.

[@angellove2911]

Try those colorshift paints as dotting to enhance your coloring....precision tip bottles work beautifully

[@juliecontreras2368]

I work well with the arteza pencil. I love the water color pencils too.

[@juliecontreras2368]

Yes a comparison video please. I love these types of videos!!!

[@ladyamalthea85]

I'd rather save up and have a few good supplies than a whole bunch of cheap ones that I hate.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I completely agree with that actually!

[@alisonmartin6101]

I just discovered your channel. Oh boy, does this hit home. I have many colouring and craft supplies that I regret so strongly, I have fever dreams. 🤢I also love your gorgeous nails. 😃🇨🇦

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Thank you!

[@SyrenaEnchanted]

I love hearing what works and doesn't work for others! I've had great luck -- so far -- with the Colorit gel pens. Fingers crossed they continue to work. I like to use gel pens for mandalas, too, and I've been struggled to find a good set of pens that work consistently.

[@user-dm6oh9gg3v]

I’ve used Tombo pens for over 20 years and they are the only coloring pens I use. Not expensive. About $2 if you get them on sale or at craft shows.

[@webwarren]

@@user-dm6oh9gg3v I was introduced to Tombows during the brush calligraphy craze a few years ago. While I'm more of a pen person, I had a lot of fun playing with the Tombows and picking up new techniques

[@yazosoyo]

Hi Kori! I have many many many regrets, if I have to be realistic, my only non-regrets are my Prismacolors, Inktense, a big maybe the square Brutfuner (they remain unused), luckily I’ve been able to sell almost everything else! 😅 I’d love to see a “shopping my stash” instead of (inserts the latest hyped art supply) video

[@Melinda.H]

I wish i hadn't bought 5 sets of "less expensive" pencils, although I had a 36 set of polys. (I thought they were too good to use 😂) After the 5th set (castle arts) I bought the missing polys individually. For all the money, I could have bought a set of 120 from the beginning. Now I'm saving up for the Carandache. That's it, no more colored pencils for me. No matter how nice they look. 😄

[@lovetobecolouring2]

My polychromos are my favourites for many many years . I have purchased cheaper brands for fun ( including castle arts and artezas ) and always have thankfully returned to the Polychromos pencils . No comparison, in my humble opinion ❤

[@Melinda.H]

@@lovetobecolouring2 Yes, I felt the same way. I think if Prismas weren't so expensive here, I might have bought them. But 250 to 300 Euro for the 150 set is really too much, I think.

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

I personally love the castle art pencils for some reason they perform incredibly well for me for coloring

[@tyrenatobin7172]

I enjoy the Castle Arts too :)

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

and that's totally okay. It is all about style and how you color too, which is why some pencils don't work for one but are great for another.

[@ArtandDiamondsWithEskies]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic exactly

[@carolberres5528]

Interesting, I have several of the supplies that you have shared. I like them, and wouldn’t get rid of them or call them a regret. However, I wouldn’t call them a favorite either! Thanks for sharing😀

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

You're welcome!

[@patriciamoore7414]

As my coloring advanced, I donated pencils, pens, wa watercolors and other mediums to my local mental health services. I also donated probably 150-200 books I just "had" to have and only ended up liking 2 or 3 pages

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

That's a lovely idea.

[@AerynKDesigns]

same same same. 8 years on, I honestly couldn't calculate what ended up going right back out as donations because it stopped being exciting to me.

[@catbriggs8362]

I used the Posca red from my set on a Christmas Card project. I was disappointed at how quickly it ran out. I had to buy another one, just to complete my (relatively few) cards. I didn't like their white pen nearly as well as my white Signo pen (although it can also be a pain when it doesn't flow easilyl--but the coverage is great!)

[@lisa0j]

That was a fun video! It just shows that we all have different experiences and it’s OK if you don’t like what others love.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PaulaScardamalia]

That was helpful to hear about Holbein pencils (and a few other items). I'm loving the Luminance and Polychromos but kept hearing about Holbein and wondering if I should try them...Think I'll stick with what I have.

[@warpedweft9004]

Re your comment on Artsa pencils - I feel the same way about Prismacolours. To me they feel waxy and slippery, more like a crayon. I've had wax bloom happen with those too. The worst thing I found for wax bloom was using a colourless blender. I originally bought them for colouring but am using up my prismacolours on underlays and larger areas of my own drawing and artwork because I can't get good detail with prismas. The point wears down far too quickly.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, always a weird crayon-like feeling for me!

[@lavenderfields7990]

Great video, Kori! I would love to know what’s the white pen da works for you and I’d love to see a favorites video too ❤

[@Mocha77793]

Most excellent video. You saved me some money by watching this video. Tfs

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Glad I could help

[@wendyscolouring]

Interesting video👍🏻 I’ll definitely be having a look at the Lyra’s, tombows are pricy, and I hate how there are always so many doubles when you buy the smaller packs. Also with you the Castle arts, I can’t get on with them, too much wax, not enough pigment. Love my Holbeins though, they are one of my favourites, but totally agree folks should try a small selection before buying, as they are very different. Thanks for sharing, always good to know stuff to avoid👍🏻

[@Ninjamom_colours]

Hi! For the watercolour crayons…you said Sargent Art but showed Staedtler? Are they the same?

[@RealityofaSecondLife]

Sargent Art and Staedtler are two different companies. I think she just mis-spoke.

[@stelaminako]

I loved the video! Would be also nice to have a video of the opposite, your favorite art supplies ❤

[@charli3281]

Yes!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes, that is planned.

[@bethmegansmith4642]

Oh hon I am, so sorry you feel that way , it is hard for youtube . I understand. well done for sharing your thoughts. Love your videos xxxxxxx Happy coloring

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Thank you so much!

[@joannahaas5892]

While I've given up on my Poscas, I do enjoy my Arteza pencils. Different strokes, as they say. Thanks for an informative and enjoyable video.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Happy to help!

[@raggedblossom508]

Great video idea, Kori. I destashed my Castle Art and Arteza pencils too. I have other sets that work better for me. And I also regret the Tombows - a hasty purchase. They are not bad but my much cheaper Ohuhu markers do as good a job.

[@lealea12368]

Thank you for your openness and honesty. I believe we likely all have art supply purchase regrets. Like others have mentioned, I have given away supplies I am not using. I bet we all have found forgotten or little used supplies at some point I our lives as artists and creatives. Giving supplies to someone who could not otherwise afford supplies, even if they aren't the best, feels good and eases some of the regret too. A win for both the giver and the receiver my opinion. thank you for your video. Informative and fun to watch. Knowing we are not alone in our struggles is often comforting.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah it is nice to be able to give away those supplies and send them somewhere they will be loved and givven the attention they deserve for sure.

[@cherieberry9823]

I just watched your review on Holbein pencils. I thought your review was fair and objective by stating the good and bad about these pencils. You also repeatedly stated that it was your opinion and the pencils didn't match your style. I don't understand why people are so mean! I wanted to buy the full set and so glad I didn't. I purchased a few pencils rarely use them. My coloring style is different than yours, but for the price, I just didn't get the hype on these pencils. Thank you for your honest opinion. I really appreciate you!❤

[@beckybowen3982]

Hey I have tombows and love them. Use them on permanent inks stamps to color, . Wish I had those watercolors liquids, would also use them on permanent inked stamped I images. Love videos ty

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I don't do much stamping, so I suppose they might work well for that :)

[@Sailorxdaeja]

Thank you for this video. I have definitely seen the hype for castle arts. But the price is crazy to me & Yes I'm in the US!! 😢 also I'm so sorry you went through this. But again thank you so much

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

You and me both!

[@lemoncrinckles]

Very helpful review, Kori. I thought there was something wrong with me that I couldn't get satisfactory results with my Posca pens. The liquid pooled (once it decided to flow!), it was thin, and even multiple layers looked watery. Yuck. Another product I thoroughly disliked were the Prismacolor Very Thins. What a pain. Using them was work! You push and scrape and just maybe a little color will lay down. I couldn't get rid of them fast enough. Right now my favorites are still the classic Prismacolors and the Amazon Basics. Both are very satisfying to use, despite the price differential. 🙂

[@amandjuh8885]

I think its so much fun to see what is working for everyone🤗 we are all different and like different things🥰 i made a video like this a few years ago and it was so much fun to read the comments with people who disagree and the reasons behind it!💕

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah I might do these more often. Then destash my regrets haha

[@bluevol1976]

New to the channel. What do you do with the supplies you try but don’t like? Do you sell them? Glitter gel pens are a big hit or miss for me. Sakura is the only ones that work for me most of the time.

[@ArtyAntics]

I’ve got the pastel coloured castle arts and they look just like the shuttle art set you got. Total garbage, agree with you.

[@Msboochie2]

I have those, and they are so scratchy. I don't even feel right donating them, they are so awful.

[@Lauraisabelgonzalezart]

I'd love to purchase the Ecoline colors from you Kori. 😊

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

All my liquid watercolors? I have quite a few. If you want to buy them I'll gladly sell em. Email me at [e-mail]

[@sirmascopchanova4657]

Hello from Germany 😊 I bought a set of used Lyra markers on eBay several years ago. At the time I didn’t know these markers at all, I have only heard of Tombow (which are not readily available here). I am happy to report that I still have the markers, some are dried out, some are still very good, but I am happy my past self decided to buy the set and enjoy it. I will definitely purchase some more in the future. 😅

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I got a Lyra first in an art sub box and was like why did I spend so much on Tombows?! These are great!

[@heatherwarner865]

I have this regret on the Castle Arts at times too...I didn't buy the Gold, just the regular set. I'm glad I never bought the Pastel set and chose the Brutfuner ones instead. The set I'm surprised I don't regret is the 520 set of Brutfuner because I use them all the time. I find they blend the best with my Prismacolor. My biggest crafting regret in general has now become my Cricut Explore because I never use it (actually only used it 2x) when I need something I still hook up my old Expression insert a cart and on my way. I hate that it has to stay tethered to an app and the internet. Probably will get rid of it this fall.

[@tcconnection]

Oh I have to check your battle videos, thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with artsy products

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yes of course! Check out the battles. I have more coming out soon too.

[@bethbrady8146]

Thank you!!!! The arteza glitter pens I waired for...tried both types, still have them. Never could make them work to color. This was so good!!!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

The ones that work like Sakura were great, they are my favorite and I buy them every time they pop up, but yeah the other ones are awful.

[@Bloomkyaaa]

Instead of Tombows/Lyras, try the Amazon Basics version. They even come with a stand for all of them. If you plan on getting rid of the Arteza colored pencils, I'd be happy to purchase them, I've been trying to find them for a while and I want to try them out! I actually love my chameleon colored pencils and I'm sad they're so unpopular/discontinued, I don't use them often so they don't run out too fast.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I'll try the Amazon ones and see what I think

[@virrethegreat]

Oh no, not the posca pens! 😱 I love them!! 😮 Well I use them for all kind of craft so maybe they work better for me. Thanks for a great video!! ❤❤❤ New subscriber here ☺️

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Thanks for watching!

[@askialuna7717]

Great video, it will help me think about my purchases in the future and reflect on the things I have purchased. 🙂 For example, I didn't know years ago that things that have been used and worn out a bit, such as coloured pencils, can also be exchanged. I didn't have to keep these. Well, there weren't many coloured pencils that I didn't exchange because of it. It was actually just a Coloursoft 12 set, unfortunately mine was too waxy and was very spotty when applied. Small mountains form and other areas hardly get any colour. I've only ever heard the opposite, that they should be too dry. My Prismacolor are OK but not earth-shattering. I'm not sure whether I would exchange them, many of the pencils are a little harder than others. some of them aren't smooth because the pigments aren't good mixed with the binder. I had the opportunity to buy the 72 Polycolor from Koh-i-Noor for a little less than half of the price of a Prismacolor 132 set. Back then, I was looking for a set with lots and rather unusual colours and there were a few sets with lightfast rating in this price range of them. Approximately the same proportion of the two pencil lines are lightfast. I had ordered a few individual Polycolor from an art shop to test and the 4 were much too dry and strange, like a hybrid of pastel and coloured pencil. The Prismacolor won it. My Prismacolor have hardly broken so far, and at the beginning I had a pencil sharpener from Faber-Castell that had two sizes of graphite and for coloured pencils. It wasn't as pointy as other average sharpeners. But it was just a metal part without a cover or my Kum sharpener, which doesn't make it that pointy either. I now have an adjustable one from T.G.G.A.L or something similar that works best.

[@SilverHyenaTV]

I for one appreciate your brutal honesty!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Awe thank you

[@rachaelcarney8332]

Oh no don't give up on the liquid watercolor!! They are incredible!!!!!!!!! Promise!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Haha they just aren't for me. I have too many watercolors I love.

[@Art_by_Nicole]

I didn’t expect the Arteza between them. I love the Arteza expert. I hoped to find the 100 set but they don’t produce them anymore. Such a bummer. I did notice that one or two colours of the 72 set act really weird. I do agree with the smell though.

[@vashtiadajen7718]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Thanks for watching!

[@herbcroneart]

Great video! What’s the white pen you love? Left me hanging there lol I have the Shuttle Art pastel coloured pencils and mine aren’t scratchy. Crumbly yes but okay for the cheap price. Perhaps it is luck of the draw? I feel the same about the soft touch castle arts however the Gold ones I use all the time and love them. I admit I like the smell of them too. Don’t tell anyone else I said that 😊😅

[@bubbleofcoloring]

I own like 6 Tombow markers and I really don't like them. They are also to big in size so they don't fit into the boxes I have for storage. All the other markers and pencils do. Such a pain. Thank you for sharing the alternative. Big fan of waterbased markers over here! I would love a comparison video.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah maybe I can go ahead and do a comparison :)

[@tinniaphillips4059]

I agree about the arteza pencils. But i keep giving them a chance and struggle to color with them lol

[@Chroniccolourist]

Thank you for this … I have bought quite a few things recommended by KZbin colourist…. Only to realise these products don’t stand up to the test of time….lightwish golden markers for example…. Dry up quickly, clogging up… and yes wash the nibs etc but I don’t have time for this every time i use 14:52 them… Then other products like paint pens, recommended but then don’t actually have videos on how to or where they use the…. It’s upsetting and frustrating

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Sorry about that!

[@cate7777]

While I don't have a problem with Holbein, I agree with most of your other color pencil regrets. Marker regrets for me in general. I've bought them find that I don't use them. I tried but they don't work for me. Ecoline watercolors are basically inks and not light fast. I have a few, but then I saw there was no point buying more because I could just pull out some of my fountain pen inks and use those instead. It is what it is. I do appreciate you reviewing all these products so we don't have to buy them ourselves... so thank you for your troubles.

[@AerynKDesigns]

There's only a few in there I've bought because, thankfully, I don't see a ton in the community and I definitely don't buy into hype. I'm the "takes so long to research something before a purchase everyone's interest is already gone" person. I have no regrets on my tombos or holbeins (mine were 200$ cheaper than yours tho, that definitely colours the opinion for sure!), but I also agree those Castle Art pencils were not good. I had a viewer buy them off me.

[@christinescoloringandcrafts]

Completely agree about the ColorIt Gel Pens. Mine sit, gathering dust. I also DO NOT like POSCA! I got a cheap Temu white paint pen that holds up better than the Posca. However I do love my Holbein and REALLY wish I got that set from you. lol

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Haha yeah someone offered me money for the Holbeins and I thought you know what, let's go for it ha.

[@manthasagittarius1]

Hmm. I like my Arteza's, the 72 set, especially the color range in greens and browns, but I know what you mean about the waxiness. To me, they seem like Prismacolors except a very little bit harder and less breakable. I am slowly finding I like very light, gradual multiple layering best to get the effect I want, so next jump will probably be to oil-prominent pencils anyway.

[@patriciamoore7414]

I love my Castle Art Soft Touch pencils...they lay down beautiful color on some papers that won't do well with the more expensive pencils

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

We are all so different in how we color. There is NOTHING wrong with you loving those pencils -- a lot of people do :)

[@tinniaphillips4059]

I bought a bunch fo distress inks a couple yrs ago and have only used them a couple times. Thats my regret buy lol

[@lauren_read_color]

We all have these regrets, One of mine is the Derwent Pastel pencils which I never use. I also have the original Castle Arts (without the color names) and I love them, They are very creamy. I was thinking of getting the Castle Arts Gold to replace them but I've hear mixed reviews and they are quite expensive for a budget pencil. I think I would rather save up and get the Chromaflow. Thanks for the video.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I never did try the Derwent Pastels, but I have found that I'm not a fan of pastel pencils. I have a few sets to review.

[@sharonkeever1926]

I love liquid watercolors, but haven’t tried the eco line brand. If you’re serious about detaching them, I would love to receive some colors!!! 2:52 2:55

[@samwright5724]

I love my liquid watercolour!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Awe I wish I could

[@desireebryant3658]

Thanks for sharing. What is the white acrylic paint pens you use please?

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I added it to the description since there are two of them.

[@jamie6360]

I dont use my castle arts either, nor do i use arteza either or brutfuner squares i dont use

[@brendaj6777]

Hi Kori, I only have the Castle Arts 72 set and don't use them either. Other Castle Arts I have are the Pastel tints and gotta say I don't turn to them either. The other sets I have are Derwent Procolour and Lightfast which sit too along with Prismacolor. I know they're your favs and a lot of people love them but I have a set that dates back to the early 70's.... and just to say that dates me. The quality is no where near what it was then. So they aren't used. I also have Ohuhu watercolor pens that I regret buying because I really don't use them. I could go on but this is lengthy already but my go to is usually Polys, Pablos, and I've started collecting Luminance although these ones are a challenge because the colours are interesting and for the cost of them here in Canada I'm trying.

[@katrin428]

A fellow poly lover :D I just have 3 lumis and 1 of them is kinda strange in texture....maybe it's from an older stash or it sat to long on the shelf....I'm trying to find "pastel" colored pencils to go with my polys....missing a lavender/light violet in them.....

[@brendaj6777]

@@katrin428 I actually have about 3 of my lumis that are like that too. I'm not sure if they're missing enough of some component that makes them that way but it's a bit of a challenge when blending them.

[@trueblue9898]

Love my Lyra’s brush pens. I purchased them because I couldn’t afford the Tombows (where I am from the Lyra’s are a third of the price of the Tombows) and I can firmly say that thy last at least 5 years. They are still going strong and don’t dry up. My only disappointment is that there are way less available colours in comparison to the Tombows. Also I find that their colours have a tendency to be quite warm toned (except some pastels).

[@debbierodwell2647]

Thank you for your video..really enjoyed your observations 🩷

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@shannieblue]

I haven’t watched this but I know one thing that better be in there!!!!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Buahahaha.

[@beatricenowell8207]

Thank you for the video and honest opinions. I appreciated the comic value and that you provided the reason you didn't care for the products. Please do a Tombow verses Lyra comparison video. I purchased a set of Tombow water brush markers due to several colorist reviews. I wasn't impressed but assumed the issue was with my ability to use them. About the water color crayons, is it Sargent Art brand that's not so good or the Staedtler (shown in video)? I have Sargent Premium Watercolor Crayons in my Amazon cart but hesitated because the box looks the same as the Gallery Mungyo; which have a much lower Amazon rating (3.2 vs 4.6). I'll watch your previous video as well. I wish I could say I have so few regretted purchases in my coloring stash, although these 13-15 products probably cost more than my regretted purchases. The cheap supplies I purchased initially are my greatest regrets.

[@jicolourist]

The ecoline watercolours are also refill bottles for the ecoline brush markers. If you have those markers. I have some but not the whole set. Thanks for your opinion, I hate Prisma’s so everyone has a preference for sure 😊🖍️📚

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I don't have the markers -- out here they are pricey but cheap if you are in the UK

[@user-cv3xe9ie1x]

I was on a Holbein hype some time ago and desperately wanted to get them. And then I watched your review and got cured, lol. Thank you for helping me save a lot of money! My first pencils was Castle Art - 72 set. They had a lot of positive reviews, so I decided to get them, however I hadn't liked them from the first moment. I had to air them out for a few days - they had a horrible, plasticky, / nothing natural smell. Then I never got them to work for me, so they have been sitting on my shelf. My least favorite pencils and I don't recommend them. They did have a nice tin though!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah Holbeins unfortunately were a bad experience and I had made that review to just help make sure everyone was informed about what they may or may not experience

[@MerryScraps]

Thank you for the information. I have almost used up my Prismacolor pencils. I've had them for years. I am looking at buying new pencils. Have you tried the brand Soucolor? Is there a cheaper brand on Amazon that you might recommend?

[@GwyllionFaye]

Thanks for taking the time and for your honesty. I started coloring a few years back and watched tons of videos with “reviews”. I do have quiet a few things I do regret buying as well. I am happy I waited a bit and got the 150 Prismacolor set to color with as opposed to buying even more budget sets. I will now take the hour drive to a Blick store to but a few test pencils (such as polys etc) or order online to make sure. I have given away so many art supplies over the years I feel like I could have opened my own Art store instead 🫣

[@kahunamatata4997]

Regarding the watercolour crayons...you talk about the Sargent Art crayons being terrible and scratchy whilst showing a box of Staedtler? Now I'm just confused, lol. Could you clarify if you disliked both of these brands, or perhaps one of them was worthwhile? Thx

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I meant Staedtler...not sure why I said Sergeant Art.

[@cmphillips1968]

I agree about the posca pens, what one do you use that is better, I am looking for a better one..

[@nikcoloring]

I regret buying the arteza pastel set, with the castle art pencils, I enjoy them in my Lulu Mayo books and blended with my Carandache blender.

[@jackiehoward7300]

Hello, I’m a new subbie. The worst colored pencil I’ve ever used were Colorit. I used to love Colorit books too but they are way too expensive.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Ah yeah I do have some ColorIt pencils and they weren't great either. I plan to get more reviews on all the sets I have out from here on out

[@brendabippes7065]

Thank you for saving mme my own Castle Art pencil regret .

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

My pleasure 😊

[@leanneabridged]

Do you ever buy one or two in (especially the more pricey) items to see if you like them before buying large sets, or lots of colours? Or do you tend to dive in and get heaps before knowing? It must be tricky having so many supplies you hate but jave heaps of, or haven't used 😢

[@ghoulchan7525]

For Ecoline you need thick paper since it's a liquid. You could use it more like an ink. But it's probably not good for coloring books. Also it's not light-fast. So it's good for stuff to scan immediately or it get put into storage after.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah I have used it on watercolor paper and not just adult coloring books, but didnt like their performance. Liquid watercolors just aren't for me.

[@ghoulchan7525]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic that's fair then.

[@deba1289]

Holbein's didn't float my boat either. Bought a few open stock and that cured me. I've heard that Holbeins come with a steep learning curve. What that curve is I never found out. Out of curisity how do you store your gel pens, paint pens and markers. They should all be stored horizontally. That might help with the leaking and clogging. Just a thought.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Yeah they are all stored properly, the ones with the bubbles and issues arrived that way though, so they have just been tossed into a pile of "give to the kids later" lol

[@A-Minor-Music]

In mid priced pencils for coloring, I do like my Arteza and Castle Arts sets bcs I like their color ranges, and for fun coloring I'm not doing a lot of layering. In the cheaper lines I have found Brutfuner, incuding their Macaron pastel collections, to be quite satisfactory. I dont use a lot of gel pens since they all seem to perform unevenly for me.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I actually enjoy Brutfuners.

[@ReverieOfThorns]

I had been considering getting some Tombows before but never did because of the cost. It's great to hear that those Lyras are good. I'll be considering those instead. I'm surprised you don't like the Artezas, I've heard such good things about those. I'd been choosing between those or the Kalour pencils for a budget set. I typically only use artist grade pencils, but I kind of wanted a budget set to carry around with me instead when I want to color while traveling or outside as I tend to lose or drop things. Would you recommend the Kalours instead then? Or is another set better? My favorite pencils are Prismacolor, Polychromos, Lightfast and Holbeins for reference, if that helps anything. I'm in the market for new gels pens so I'll avoid the ones you didn't like as well lol. Also please share what paint pens you use instead of Posca! I usually use them for other things but whenever I do use them for colored pencil pages I always seem to steuggle with them. I used my gold one for accents on a picture I finished and the paint pooled everywhere. It was super annoying. I've used other paint pens before in the past without issue and some of my other Poscas work just fine without issue, nor am I being heavy handed with them, so I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. I also don't like that the white doesn't cover up the black paper as well as I wish it did.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I did list the paint pens in the description. For budget pencils I've really enjoyed Brutfuner 120 square set. I love their color range. I have tried all of the Kalour sets including the 520 and still have the 300 count set of theirs and they are okay, but they aren't my favorite budget set if I'm being honest. The Brutfuner squares are more my favorite. They layer but also smoosh nicely. They are smooth, color selection is great too. Sadly they go in and out of stock on Amazon :(

[@ladyh2743]

Wow, so I'm not the only person struggling with Posca, especially the white one 😂 what kind of brand are you using instead?

[@user-pr7fu5lk8h]

@@ladyh2743 I legit got one off temu and it’s amazing 😂

[@katrin428]

The last few days I watched art haul videos on youtube and with this video of yours I wanted to know what the opposite videos would be like. I bought a posca set on amazon, mixed pack black/white in different sizes, to test these and I agree with you that i'm unsure if I like the white ones or not....the silver one I bought today is much more to my liking :3 Maybe I should try out a white sakura gelly roll or a white pen from artistro as I like their glitter pens. my liking for the arrtx colored pencils is 50/50, but it's not their fault I think in my test in a coloring book the paper was kinda to smooth for them. I also tested caran d'ache luminance and I think I like them ? Just the one color I bought is kinda strange in texture/feel compared to the other 2 I bought at the same time.

[@StoneWolf99801]

How would you go about rehoming the liquid water colors? I've never used them before, but I've painted water colors for 30 years. Just never tried the liquid kind..... I'd be interested in giving them a new home for you if your interested....

[@veganbyday3771]

I love my Arteza pencils :)!

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Nothing wrong with that at all

[@DesireeStamat]

Lyra art brush pens hmm? Those look good! I was looking at the Ohuhu ones, but i rarely use my Tomobows so I should probably skip them. Thanks for the headsup.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I have the Ohuhu ones, but the Lyra are way better IMO

[@DesireeStamat]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic that is good to know.

[@366lola]

I love my chameleon pencils- mainy i use them on cards so not a huge use and i can’t find them anymore makes me sad

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

They have their uses for sure -- just not for me.

[@366lola]

I wish they still sold them

[@edeez1975]

I’m same way I usually try them out and donate them to a niece to use while they are learning

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

Nothing wrong with that!

[@avigail5356]

As for the markers that dried out- add some glycerin to it, they will work again and will not dry so fast

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

It's more the fact for the price they dried out so quickly -- I have copics that are 6 years old and not dried out, and alcohol evaporates

[@avigail5356]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic I hear you, they shouldn't dry so fast, I is always irritating when you spend so much money and expect your art supplies to perform, but they dry out before you can enjoy them...

[@Allison_Troy]

I picked up the Castel Portrait set -- it was my first Portrait set as it was like 20 bucks. It was a good starter set, but it's been months since I've opened that tin. I'd thought about picking up some of the other sets -- the Artist Set Picasso one has been in my cart for too long and has slowly gotten too spendy for what it is. I just gave away a couple budget pencil sets I picked up to try out and fulfill that "New Set of Pencil" excitement. I think half of the reason I keep picking up new sets is for that thrill of the swatching and that secret hope that one day I'll find *the perfect* colors and can put together the perfect set from all these different sets... then think about how it would drive me a little crazy to see Prismas living next to Black Widow living next to Star Joy Gold living next to Kalour Metallics. lol. I did recently pick up the Star Joy 72 set thanks to your link -- and I gotta say I'm digging them. So thank you for the recommend.

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

I have bought a few of their curated sets, which aren't bad, but it is just the performance of the pencil that turned me off.

[@Allison_Troy]

@@ColorfullyOptimistic Now that I'm practiced enough -- 100%. I can't get as many layers with them before the paper is just gone -- and with skin tones I've found my best ones are when I can do layer upon layer and blend and then add more layers then blend, etc until I'm happy with it.

[@primadonna2312]

Can you please make a review of Chameleon pencils? I'm very interested to hear why you didn't like them, because I heard good things about them and was considering buying them.

[@heddynae]

I’ve got a few regrets as well… I usually give them to my grandkids or the schools the go to lol

[@ColorfullyOptimistic]

It's always good to have a place to send them though :)

[@Poohtle]

I bought two sets of artist grade pencils for hundreds of pounds then pro markers and another set of expensive markers before I realised that great supplies don’t magically make you good at colouring, which is my weak point no matter how many tutorials I tried. In the end I sold all the artist grade products, bought some Crayola pencils and learn to live with the fact that colouring is just not my forte.

[@angellove2911]

My fav glitter gel pens are from dollar tree

[@SmallhouseModelsLLC]

I find the Castle Arts Softtouch pencils work really well on crappy Amazon paper. Any quality paper though, yeah they suck.