Are expensive pencils worth it?

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I often get asked what pencils I use and the role that plays in my practice. In this video I tested out a bunch of pencils, ranging from expensive to cheap. I hope it is helpful but it might not be what you think!
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[@distortedblack]

I have learned a long time ago that it's not the instruments used but the artist's ability to work with the instruments. I've seen people use a regular Bic Ballpoint pen to create beautiful works and I've seen creatives make a masterpiece out of a regular Wal-mart HB pencil found in a twelve pack for back-to-school supplies. Time, patience, and honing your skills can allow you to develop extraordinary works of art. Today the timelapse video gives the wrong impression that a piece is created in a matter of minutes when in real-time it's days sometimes weeks or even months. Allow yourself to develop your own skill and your own creative developmental style. What works for one, will not necessarily work for another. Draw every day! Sketchbooks are amazing and meant to be destroyed and abused. Not every page should be a masterpiece. Allow yourself room for success and failure and overall; just have fun! Excellent video and thank you for sharing your creative direction.

[@mariatanner7507]

Practice,,,practice,,,that's what I have to do to make my soul happy,,,beautiful

[@Godwintitusss]

Wooow

[@jordangosselin579]

Most accurate comment regarding art work

[@sandramaessen5548]

...so true...but you can really "feel" the difference in quality though! I use Faber Castell brand now but began with regular pencils when I was younger.

[@HeribertoNieves]

I totally agree with you, but i got a dilemma, i think walking barefoot works but using shoes helps a lot. But at the same time i seen exactly what you are saying.

[@ArtySubu]

You're so right, Jono. It's what you do with your tools that makes the difference. And practice of course. 👍🏼

[@experts_sketch1051]

1:03 oh that's a really smooth transition 🤩

[@gamuchirayichitambo8692]

The sarcasm in this video is killing me😂😂

[@beaghmne2369]

I always learn so much from your videos, thank you Jono! I had never heard of the pencil being a problem w the way I can draw shapes, I'm excited to test it out w some of the different pencil brands that I have.

[@davidmenke7552]

It's so weird watching Jono draw a stick figure cat and basic shapes. It's like the twilight zone or something.

[@diegosalazarmendoza9826]

Loved this video, and the make-up sponges one too, all my admiration for you Jono

[@amburbyler7721]

I use to have to use multiple types of pencils because I couldn't control my pressure, now I mainly use HB, B, and 2B. Mainly 2B in my mechanic Faber castell pencil. I started only using HB when Jono said that was one of his favorite, it make me a much better artist. Little gems of info like that impacts me incredibly in my art.

[@ninomiguelbacuetes3455]

Thanks for giving us an idea of choosing pencils to use❤️ I really hope to see you doing a tuturial about using different blinding tools❤️ thanks mate.

[@Sharlz88]

Thankyou for sharing this with us, I luv your art, you are an amazing artist

[@JonoDry]

Thank you for watching! 😊

[@savannahcarlon7033]

I had been using Koh-i-Noor for years but last year I discovered the Faber-Castell 9000 pencils, will never use anything else after these. They're so smooth, they blend beautifully, and they know how to draw all of the shapes.

[@JonoDry]

even a circle? 🤭

[@chloeivan1296]

I’ve used the arches paper you speak of and holy cow, I noticed a huge difference compared to Bristol vellum 500. Thanks for the tip! Fabers are my favorite pencil also!

[@johnhoffmanpaintings8512]

i am so glad you brought this video out,,I have not been able to find the pencil for long cat noses..thankyou thankyou thankyou..no more wasted taxi journeys..

[@JonoDry]

Glad it was helpful! Those cat noses can be so tricky 😊

[@kelleybennett7075]

Thank you! I love your videos. Very helpful 👌 I would love to see one of these but with paper!

[@oldschoolcajun]

I prefer a smooth graphite pencil over the gritty ones. I find that the cheaper are good to learn with but frustrate me when its gritty and feels scratchy and not so pigmented.

[@JamieBoots]

Another really entertaining video. Switched from Derwent years ago they where inconsistent with tone and full of grit, the best one I had came in a set and it was banana shaped😂 I was given a CARAN d'ACHE to try when the Grafwood's came out and then gave all my Derwent pencils away. The Grafwoods are very smooth and have a great feel to them. I have finally managed to get some of the new Faber Castell matt pencils to review but am very happy with the CARAN d'ACHE. They are probably the most expensive but as I use most of them blunt they last a long time.

[@grannysmithart]

ha ha ! love your play on reviews! you are for sure right, its more the skill (= practice) than the tools.

[@johnwayne2103]

I don't draw but I do write and I have always been satisfied with a Eberhard Faber Blackwing 602. To me it's the just right pencil. I've used other pencils in the same category as the 602 but this one seems to always be the right shade of darkness while being buttery smooth.

[@christopherjames3451]

Agreed!

[@carolinependleton8445]

I have the Blackwing, very nice pencil.

[@artifexmom3824]

Thanks for the tips Jonathan. Keep safe.☺️🙏🏻❤️

[@JonoDry]

You too! 🙂

[@ianabrahamse4881]

Loved the exploratory nature of this video Jono, both with regards the differences between pencils - the tools of your trade - as well as a more adventurous theme in video making and editing. The establishing shot of The Deckle Edge as a supplier is a bold move... they're going to owe you for that punt when sales increase :) Your videos are becoming as adventurous and nuanced as the oeuvre of your art works. More signs of growth from an abundantly talented artist. Kudos to your editing team too. We're as good as the teams of people we surround ourselves with.

[@JonoDry]

appreciate that so much, Ian 🙏

[@JudeandherPencil]

I really can’t tell whether you’re being serious or you’re making fun of product testing, because you’re tests were ridiculous and wasn’t at all controlled 😂 either way, very info-taining!!❤️🙌

[@T2kizz]

Your humor is amazing, this video was a complete delight!

[@JonoDry]

So glad you liked it, Toni! Thank you 🙏

[@blissyogi8699]

Brilliant! 😂😂😂 I cried streaming tears down my face! Have not laughed so hard in years. Thank you 💕💕💕 “some pencils can’t draw circles”!!!

[@JonoDry]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@Asianfayce]

Using cinema magic tricks! Love your videos, you're so entertaining! Especially banging on the door to be let in lol

[@chrismaggio7879]

Laughing so hard! It seems no one below figured out what you were doing! Well played. hahaha Love your work and you are an inspiration to myself, and the many students I send to your videos.

[@chrismaggio7879]

That said, when I teach my Organic Sketching Workshop I have my students using Prismacolor VERITHIN. pencils on Hammermill digital color copy paper (11 x 17 24lb bright white), because the feel of the two together is incredibly forgiving and responsive. I am able to teach them extensive pencil control and light touch. The Verithins keep a very good point when you require it, as well as shade spectacularly, and you can also get deep darks (depending on the color you are using of course) or solid smooth dense pigment areas. Only issue is with the terra cotta color as it very often is gritty. Chris

[@JonoDry]

Glad you enjoyed it, Chris! 😊

[@sebinsart2610]

Amazing works sir❤️❤️

[@JonoDry]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@mariatanner7507]

Thanks for show what different pencils can do for drawing,,,,,and to feel the floating of the pencil in the hand,,,,BEWILDERING

[@dylanbolt1771]

Thanks Jon yeah this was really informative and it was a good idea to film going to the art store.

[@ArtbyAaryan]

I really wanted this video thank you so much for your guidance and i am also shift to better quality pencils this video helped a lot thank you once again

[@davianburke]

You are so low key hilarious, and serious with it, its weird in a real good way

[@jadedenthusiasms]

Very cool video...the information, but also the editing! I'm sure its just cuz I am not very bright, but I had to rewind when those pencils appeared before you!! Aaahahaha! I was like "wait, did I just not notice them a second ago?!?!" So looked again and I wasn't crazy...well, not about this😆🤦🏼‍♀️ but, a nice edit there cuz you seems to be smoothly speaking with no cut. Very cool. As far as pencils...I taught myself to draw late in life, early 40's, and used cheap pencils and they served me fine enough because I was just amazed I could draw even a simple poppy, so I was thrilled! But, as I got a bit better I got more frustrated with the breakage and the thing where it has, I guess, some sort of what feels like a rock that won't make a mark other then scratches. So, just last year, when we had a bit of work unlike now, I bought a set of Faber-Castell 9000 I think...in a tin with the basics plus some fat ones and water soluble ones and some very dark sticks and eraser...so that been awesome. Although I do find myself being nervous using them for some reason...like having good pencils I don't want to waste them on junk drawings. I know that's dumb, because its a waste if I don't use them. I'm just a goofball that way and over think it knowing I can't buy more right now. But, I do like them a lot better and will, I think, be able to buy them separately as I use up a specific one. But they're very nice and a fun splurge :) I look forward to a video on paper when you do that too :) Thanks a bunch!!!

[@pretpaulsiingh5490]

Thanku for the information sir..❤️ U r the best!😍 God bless u..!😊

[@akashsart2692]

You are my inspiration jono💓

[@sohamdeshnehere7147]

Love you jono!

[@paul_domici]

I really love mechanical pencils! From .30 to 5mm it's so much easier to keep them sharp! Thanks Jono!!!

[@artistrywepons1973]

I loved your vlog and the art new information

[@fairuzrity9608]

You're the most amazing artist in the world

[@JonoDry]

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

[@mike777881]

I really like to have sharp details so I switched very early on to using a standard mechanical pencil. I was suspecting that maybe the softness of the graphite could effect the range of values you could get but I never tested it, though it makes sense that the paper would effect it more. Another thing is you can use charcoal pencils to get deeper blacks while matching the rest of the drawing. A black colored pencil is the darkest, but the waxy material doesnt play well with the graphite and can look out of place. Ink can work aswell but will have the same problems but worse. Granted I've been doing colored drawing for years and haven't touched graphite since I switched.

[@nonogirisadic3462]

Love your videos!♥️

[@JonoDry]

Thank you! 🙂

[@aisy4559]

Wow, I learnt something from you again, you are the best jono, amazing Artist ❤️😩

[@aisy4559]

Thank you ❤️🙏

[@Ahmedali_-qd9eg]

Thanks Jono

[@JonoDry]

Thank you for watching 🙂

[@deeakadianeschware6383]

Now I need to put my pencils through the test and figure out which one can draw the better triangle, circle and square. I no longer have to blame myself. 😂

[@JonoDry]

100% guilt-free!

[@samanthapenuela2377]

A quick and enriching class with you today. By watching this video, I can tell that you don't need pencils, graphite and charcoal; they need you 😉 Thank you for the contribution in this video, it is not superfluous to tell you again: Jono, you are a master! ❤💯

[@anubhav-suryanshu3424]

Been waiting for long time for a new video, amezing art with amezing videos sir 👏

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Xxxx_Yyyy_97]

You always amaze us❤😊

[@paulpassano8156]

When you said it’s a powerful pencil 😆…like magic wands choosing their wizards. I can imagine the vendor at the art shop dusting off an old box 🧙

[@donnaberry1006]

I have always used Derwents both lead and coloured. I've had great success with them and I paid a fortune for the boxed set when I got my inheritance, those and my new car. Dad always wanted me to have a brand new car and my dream purchase....my pencils. I love them and I am now very aware of which papers I use them on. I really enjoy your videos. I feel inspired every time. I've been unwell and bedridden for a long time(almost 2yrs!) and I'm almost at the point where I can join the land of the living again. Do you work with colours at all? I would love your input in that area. As I previously said, your lead work inspires me and I've learned a lot. I know this is naive but I'd never heard of a kneadable eraser!! My go to was rubbing the lead into the picture with tracing paper!!?🙃🙂 Thanks again. I love your work. ❤

[@graphitesmiles9688]

Thank you for sharing 🥰🥰

[@priyanshuarts7770]

You always inspire me:)

[@djsubliminalreeve]

i use derwent graphic and mars lumograph together for portraits as they work nice together i did used to use faber castell but at the time i didnt have as much money i got the derwents and was very happy. i do also use dark black coloured pencils sometimes when i need to be darker as i hate using charocal lol i always accidently manage to smudge it even with paper over the top.

[@coffeesomething]

First time ever I heard the term "stresstest for a pencil". Love it :)

[@JonoDry]

😁

[@padamvara]

New video 😍... you are an incredible artist jono... Love from india ..

[@gretzgarcia2647]

The pencils works like a magic wand... your creations are always magical...

[@emadmoussa2576]

I think over the years I probably collected and tried 15 pencil brands. One fact stuck, a good artist can make do with any type of pencil as long as: it sharpens well, has consistency, and can layer well. I produced atelier level artwork using bottom of the range pencils, along side Faber Castell or Staedtler ones.

[@wilkinsonthomasdarryl]

😂 love the review (and your serious cat)! 🐈

[@JonoDry]

😂 thank you!

[@k.d.5786]

Ha, ha, ha!!! Loved your video! You were right; the cat definitely seemed a little angry (what an expressive artist you are?!). Love your work Sir!

[@misterfox6094]

Dude you had me cracking up, so freaking funny! Wasnt sure uf youre trying to be but either way 🤣 The editing on this video was slick btw.

[@JonoDry]

Thanks, Mister!

[@jayart5980]

The pencil master... You are always amazing bro😁😁😁👍👍👍😍❤️

[@JonoDry]

Appreciate that, Jay! 🙏

[@ingridkarm8922]

dont know how you managed that first portion without laughing

[@alexmaritz1035]

Very entertaining, like the vlog aspect...however I've been drawing for years and I can say for myself at least some pencils are by far better than others, but any can do in a pinch. that being said I believe Faber-Castell are the best overall brand, and I see you also use them. Anyhow love your work, love your vids, keep up the great work Jono. looking forward to seeing any new content you release. Kind Regards Alex

[@JonoDry]

appreciate that, Alex! Thanks for watching 🙂

[@tannertate2016]

From my personal experience with doing hyperrealistic portrait drawings I've experimented with Lyra, Faber Castell, and a renowned brand Caran d'Ache (also relatively the most expensive). After using these brands I've actually found Lyra to be a really exceptional brand. Depending on the paper material I will switch between Faber Castell for more prominent areas of my drawing, but when it came to blending different values I always will switch to Lyra pencils to deliver really smooth textures and transitions. I really hope you give Lyra a chance and try the full set I really think you may reconsider. Thanks for the great videos as always Jono!

[@tannertate2016]

Wanted to add as well that I was originally inspired by an incredibly talented Italian artist named Emanuele Dascanio to get me to try hyperrealism in the first place. He also uses the Lyra brand, but of course it goes without saying the skill of the artist is most important regardless of what brand you use.

[@MarjoleinCaljouw]

Interesting, I was looking for a possible difference in blending. I haven’t heard of Lyra before. I have the Faber Castell 9000 and ordered the Mitsubishi hi-uni, as they are known for their smoothness! 🥰 Would like to try Lyra as well!

[@danhaley4465]

This is actually a hilarious video! Gained a subscriber!! 😂

[@strandedinseattle9931]

I'm fine using Derwent pencils. Heck, even a #2 Black Beauty is nice. However, every time I hold a Caran D'Ache Grafwood the clouds part and this beam of sunshine lances through the window onto my sketchbook. I'm still trying to figure out where the choir is hiding. (The Grafwood seems to have more intensity than my Derwent, but both are nice to work with.)

[@mohammednadeemanwar2213]

I use Caran D'ache Grafwood and Technalo from their Graphite Line. For aquarelle work, it's Creatacolor Aqua-Monolith 4B, and Caran D'ache Technalo and Viarco ArtGraf.

[@LensEthics]

LOOOOOVE your videos. I'm always trying to extend the life of my favorite pencils. What pencil extender/lengthener do you use? I've seen you use a wooden one on your videos and have been trying to find one like it. My son has become a huge fan of your videos also. ❤

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much to both of you 🙂 I use a generic pencil extender that I got from my local art supply store

[@thambaarts319]

I am really impressed with your talent

[@JonoDry]

Thank you so much, Thamba!

[@artkid1013]

Great video and tip Man always find your work inspiring and motivating🙏❤️ also is it best to buy a complete pencil set or separately?

[@JonoDry]

Thank you! depends on the work you do and your budget 🙂

[@musadavidoluwayanmife]

Well I really feel that the quality of the pencil and not just the paper we use also determine the quality of the type of shades you would be able to get. Please can you give a link(online store) to where you get your watercolor paper , this would be really helpful to me and I believe any other person who is watching this video….

[@in9463]

My guess is that Jono's using hot pressed Arches 300gsm paper on roll, which is one of the more expensive paper types.

[@tristandesmet7238]

One draw back of the Faber-Castell, is the green color melting on my fingers.

[@timkruger6481]

Faber castell released new graphite pencils that are declared to reduce shine by a good amount. They also go up to 14B in value which I think is quite interesting. Haven't tried them out yet, but they look promising.

[@raju.a9826]

Name please?

[@viridian232]

@@raju.a9826 it’s kinda late but they’re called the Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt pencils

[@greekveteran2715]

Faber Castell (Both wooden and Clutch are the BEST!!! Next, Stadtler wooden and Pentel Mechanical pencils, like the P205, Graphgear 500. I recomend the Faber Castell TK 4600 and 9400, for longivety and great drawing performance, that none other clutch pencil can provide. As for erasers, Japanese have the upper hand, followed by Germans (Tombow, Pentel Light are some of the BEST) Sharpeners : KUM

[@timodell224]

I've been using the new faber-castell Pitt matt pencils and the jury is still out on them, I still prefer the 9000 series but the matt ones go up to 14b.....comparing these to the mars "black" which are also supposed to be matt I think they beat those but I'm guessing it's the amount of charcoal blended into the graphite which is the difference...the mars black have always felt like dragging a nail across the paper....I'll keep on with the faber matt pencils for a while yet, time will tell

[@MayanksArtWorld]

Thanks for sharing

[@JonoDry]

Thanks for watching!

[@gossamyr]

You totally got me with that square circle test, I leaned in trying to pay attention more as if it were secret or real thing, lol. ps my fave doodler is the garbage #2 pencil used in US schools, just due to the familiarity.

[@Eric_artist]

I've found that the one pencil that makes a difference is the fiber Castell matt pencils to help reduce the shine

[@dianaclift9271]

Completely agree, you don't want your pencils to be unresponsive or doing there own thing :-D

[@ApurvoPal]

Please make a video on what instruments u are using in 2022

[@Sick1982]

I never thought about that one.. now I can start telling people I can draw very well, but it's the cheap pencils not creating the shapes I intended to draw!

[@Grandpaplaysbass]

The pencil couldn't draw a right triangle. That was hilarious. 😂

[@JonoDry]

😂

[@secretfolders6069]

If its jono I will stop all things I'm doing to watch it

[@TylerSpite]

As soon as he blamed the pencil for the shape of his triangle I was like… it’s a prank

[@flokarp]

I snorted with laughter throughout. I will from here on in blame my pencils for wonky circles and crappily drawn dots. ;) Well done.

[@sreyanshudey7157]

I was really waiting for this kind of video on pencils. It really helped a lot. Thanks sir

[@s.w41k3r3]

idk, i just have to look at the eye behind him its amazing

[@26dots45]

I like how he keeps the ten minute and one hour drawing on the shelf

[@Catalyst2812]

I know exactly which art shop that is because I go to it atleast once every 2 weeks 😂😂

[@Davearmstrong42]

I've yet to find a pencil good at mobius strips. Jokes aside, I'm loving my faber pitt matts... so nice!

[@lendmeyoursoul7562]

I love you man

[@DS_portraits]

I found a nice set of koh-i-noor graphite pencils, really cheap and smooth Theyre orange have a look out

[@nadirnadir8715]

What about the non-reflective faber castell pencils ?, i really want you to review these pencils

[@hushingsilence]

My red elementary school pencil can draw circles around yours. ... :P

[@JonoDry]

I don't doubt it 😂

[@eliasgotzfried1131]

Hi Jono, I really enjoy watching your videos and I really admire you and your pieces. But i also wonder what you think about digital art, would you consider it comparable, superior inferior or maybe no art at all? I like drawing with my tablet because it is much more portable and practical as a student to use. I would say that my artworks that i do digitally are superior to those that i have done on literal paper. Also I think my art is far inferior to what you are doing. Would love to know Ps: You are a huge inspiration!

[@Strider1122]

😂 I'm not too sure if he was joking with a couple of the pencils- not been able to draw a triangle, a square, a circle etc. I can understand a comfort in drawing of the circle and the comfort of drawing the triangle and how the pencil would feel, but I'm still not too sure if he was being for real or joking because as someone has already said, it does not matter what tool you use it is the work that is done period. And I'm pretty sure this guy could do a masterpiece with any of those pencils but it is how comfortable they feel just as a carpenter would choose his tools wisely so yeah cool video. I like blackwing they're pretty cool pencils and also fabre. Looking at pencils like a scientist!!! Cheers Jono!

[@jamesaritchie1]

I've used General's for a long time just because they're t6he ones I stumbled into first. But thanks primarily to friends and family who think pencils are the perfect gift for every occasion, and they're right, I have full sets of Staedtler, Derwent, and Faber-Castell, along with a very large mish-mash of Tombow, Caran d'Ache, and Mitsubishi pencils. These pencil sets all have some variation in tone with a giver softness, but all are excellent. The thing is, some of my friends and family think a pencil set is a pencil set, so I also have five brands of made in China art pencils. And you know what? These friends were right. I have no complaints at all about these Chinese pencils. They're every bit as good as the big brand name pencils that cost three times as much. Plus, the Chinese pencils came in a very nice nylon pouch that is loaded with numerous accessories. I know several professional graphite artists who use Chinese made pencils, and who say they actually prefer them. I thought they were just being cheap until I tried mine. Seriously, these pencils are just as good in every way as any of the brand name pencils I have, which is almost all of them. Again, the tone of a given degree of pencil may be a bit different, but this is true of the big brand names, as well. Even if my family and friends stop buying me pencils at every opportunity, I'll still use the Chinese made pencils I have. There simply isn't anything I can't do with them as easily and as well as with any of the big brand name pencils. Honestly, I think snobbery and peer pressure about in the art world, and pencils of all kinds may be the main area where these things exist. There's an old adage, "It's a poor worker who blames the tools". It's true. Especially when the tools are excellent, and the Chinese brands I have are excellent, which just means there is no reason they can't be used to draw ANYTHING. The only limit is in the artist, not in the pencils.

[@isaacgreenough3448]

You are good !!!! 👌💪❤

[@sam6030]

That lion was sick! Lol

[@bhavyakhattar5704]

dear Art Lord, thankyou for blessing our feed! Amen

[@interestgainer9801]

You have seen the difference when I was doing way to very cheap pencils and stadler is a very expensive pencil for me in my country so I was using percent of price of those when I move there from brustro it was very good and I will move up when I will improve my abilities more

[@susanandrews8069]

I couldn't see what the top end pencils were, but I don't think you tried the Tombow Mono pencils which are a dream to use, especially on smooth paper.

[@olgahein4384]

I'm very sure that at least the outer one, completely in black, was a Faber-Castell 'Grip Design Black' pencil. Even the wood casing is dyed in black. My favorite pencil of the Grip series and it costs 3€ in Germany.

[@kittenwiskerz299]

Your deadpan delivery, LOL! "Some pencils can't draw circles...other pencils can only draw circles..." 😂 I need to do these 'stress tests' on my tools to... I don't want a pencil that deceives me..😱😶