Playdate with the Star-Joy Gold Edition Pencils | Comparison with Five other Brands & My Opinion

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Note: This video includes my personal opinion of the pencils. Everyone favours different types of pencil, so what I like and prefer may not be the same as your favourite; this doesn't make me a bad person or invalidate your opinion. Each to their own!

[@elliemcgeeart]

I have these and have never gotten on with them. I've tons of pencils, and i am primarily a pencil colorist. That was a very interesting review. Thanks!

[@ArtJourneyUK]

That's interesting Pixie, glad it's not just me! 🥰

[@pennyrockysmomma4445]

I have the Star Joy Golds and I love them!!

[@ArtJourneyUK]

I think those who like really firm will love them! 🥰

[@anathegr8est]

What a relaxing video! Medicine for my anxiety, thank you so much

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Thank You! Sorry for the late response, youtube notifications of comments don't always notify me!

[@janlorman7700]

Excellent comparison and reasons behind your choices. As a light-handed colorist, and artist, I tend more toward the polys and Arrtx. Although, I also love the Brut squares. Haven’t tried the blacks yet. Thanks for the thorough examination. 👍

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Isn't interesting that as a heavy-handed colourist I lean towards the Arrtx...because they're just the right amount of smoosh. seems like they are all things to all men... maybe they are the Holy Grail pencil we are all always looking for! Happy Colouring! 🥰

[@Kiska_86]

I'm heavy-handed and I don't like the arrtx or prismas because I find it too soft.

[@4alicekg]

I LOVE Lori, I always will until the end of time, and with her husband passing... Just awful 😥😓 So I understand what you sort of mentioned towards the beginning about what if you don't like them etc. However, I think it's totally okay if someone says they don't like them because that certainly doesn't mean they don't like Lori (hope that makes sense!) I own both the original (not Deli, I wish) Star Joy 120 set and they're absolutely incredible. So naturally I was so excited for the Gold's. But, unfortunately, they're just not for me. I don't mind "layering" type pencils, but something with these just wasn't working out for me no matter what type of paper. They're GREAT for outlining, but you still need to press so hard, but dang the tip is STRONG lol. I still feel awful for thinking or feeling this way, but what really bums me out is the Star-Joy Gold's being made are the reason why the original incredible Star-Joy's will never produce their 120 set again which makes me so so sad. They do make a smaller (72?) set of the originals, but so many beautiful colors were removed 😔 I truly hope one day the manufacturer will produce and put out the original 120 set again. Also, I know none of this was Lori's fault and I don't blame her or am mad at her or anything like that! It's just what happens in business unfortunately.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

You've explained it exactly. I have nothing against Lori at all! We never had access to the original Star Joy, or the Deli over here, so luckily, I don't know what I'm missing! 🥰

[@heavenlilly]

I love your comparison videos. I'm a really slow colourist. I love pencils that are harder and layer slowly so the star joy has always interested me but I have recently had to give up my job due to medical issues and I can't justify spending the money on them at the moment but I love watching you spending money and testing stuff out . I think I will start to save so I can give them a go Thank you for keeping me entertained and slightly sane for the last few months 💕

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Aww Natasha! I'm sorry to hear you've got medical issues 😞 You do such amazing colouring, hopefully you'll have time to focus on that a bit. See I'm the opposite, I love colouring but want instant gratification... I guess I still love wax crayons deep inside! Take care 🥰

[@heavenlilly]

@ArtJourneyUK I'm really messy when colouring and anything with too much wax in it. I smudge it everywhere. Maybe I'm just too oily 😓💧

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@heavenlilly I do the same (thank goodness for erasers 😆) I'm worse with pens, there's usually more on me than the page 😆

[@heavenlilly]

@@ArtJourneyUK same 😆

[@jessicaarmour3271]

I have almost bought these pencils so many times but talk myself out of it in favour of higher quality ones e.g. Derwent, Cretacolor, Albrect Durer etc. Trying not to spend so much on budget supplies.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Quality not Quantity, that's a good plan 🥰

[@simonebourque1061]

Thank you for entertaining the pencil/ colouring book obsessed people that we are! Loved your video. X from Nova Scotia

[@ArtJourneyUK]

You're welcome Simone! 🥰

[@elliegoddard2472]

I really like the Faber Castell black edition so I’ll be interested when you play with them, enjoyed this video 😊

[@ArtJourneyUK]

I've heard they're really good!

[@BevM7373]

I’ve never heard of them and I have my massive set of shuttle art which I think are basically brutfuner and I love them so I’ll stick to them. I’m like you, I haven’t the patience to layer over and over. Thank you for the video, I did enjoy watching you colour various things in pink! 😂 And I value your opinions and your honesty. x

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Thanks Bev 🥰 And, yes, the Shuttle Art set are the same as the black barrelled Brutfuner, nice and soft. Hehe maybe I should have changed to a different colour in each book 😆

[@andrewmandywilsontatham49]

Yeah, I have most of the Chinese sets. My favourites are the Nyoni and Phoenixcolor 100, which I use together. And I'm liking my Arrtx (Pirate Pencils, ARRR ARRR). So, anything with a black barrel is basically the same pencil. Kalour and Brutfuner are using the same names and mostly the same numbers. Deli feels closest to the SJ in my opinion. I did watch Lori alot as she developed these, and tho I'm responsible for the Galaxy Blue name, I was disappointed with the set. I feel the Melody Blue and Aquaman are so close as to be indistinguishable, and her trios didn't flow as nicely as expected. However: NO OTHER person in the colouring world has ever tried to do this before. She organised her pencils in a way a beginner can understand, and aimed for a Polychromos type layering pencil. But I still don't use these often, and I had to rearrange mine cos I just couldn't deal with the layout. BTW Brut squares are different from the black barrels, and the Macaron set is fabulous. I believe the 520 set is the same cores as the Macaron set, which is a step up from the rest. Oh, and on AliExpress I came across some blurb which mentioned their happy customers (think it was on the Kalour advertising). The list was VERY illuminating. Basically, if it's on the package that the pencil was made in China, they're all from the same factory. However next time I looked on that set, the page had disappeared- very bad for business to say they're all the same! The cores might be different...BTW I'm in NZ, so what's budget up top is definitely not down under. Hence the Aliexpress queen...

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Yes, I have the same information about them all being made in the same factory, same cores etc. I agree the Star-Joy are laid out well for a beginner. I think Coloring Bliss does a good job with helping beginners, especially with her trio colour charts for many of the existing pencil brands. Happy Colouring down there in NZ 🥰

[@HarperSophia]

💀💀💀💀 pirate pencils?!??? I’m forever using that now! 🤣😂🤣😂😂😂😂

[@kellyb1765]

Hi lily, I was so excited for these with the colour blends but.....nope. I just can't get to grips with them. I find them really hard to blend 😏 looking forward to seeing the fc black edition. Xxx

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Me too Kelly!... and phew, I thought it was just *me* and I ended up getting paranoid that I just don't know how to colour "right". 🥰

[@kellyb1765]

@@ArtJourneyUK definitely not just you lovely. Im not great at picking colour combo's (thank god for Emma lol) but even i can see the colours just don't go together 😔 I think i will be donating mine to the art department at the school I work in. I'm sure the kids will enjoy them 😊 x

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@kellyb1765 Love Emma's blend videos!

[@gailhart2453]

Star Joy work better if you put a lighter tone down first, thanks for the review

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Yes, that's why they're not suited to my heavy hand.

[@windywednesday4166]

Thank you for the review. For me, the most disappointing thing is the way those three colors go together. I was expecting something better.❤

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@windywednesday4166 So was I, I'm not good at matching colours, so wanted someone to have done that for me!

[@diamondslashranch]

I don’t know if this is true or not but I read that colored pencils are made with clay and once in awhile a tiny piece of stone gets through the screen and into the pencils. I’ve found two pencils like that one in a budget pencil and one in high end brand. That’s why I looked it up. Thanks for video always enjoy them.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

How interesting! Thanks for sharing this information 🥰

[@Christine__D]

I tried the star Joy golds once and wondered what all the fuss was about 😬

[@ArtJourneyUK]

I know what you mean.

[@leslieladyhawke]

I like the original SJs a little better than SJGs. Thx for doing this experiment! I was thinking of doing a similar vid with some of pencils I have.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

I don't think the StarJoys were ever available here in the UK. The Golds were only available because a third-party bought them in.

[@leslieladyhawke]

@@ArtJourneyUK Wow. Im sorry. Im not sure what shipping cost would be but I could send them to you.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@leslieladyhawke aww that's a sweet offer... but no more pencils for me!! 😆

[@leslieladyhawke]

@@ArtJourneyUK Haha! I hear ya! I keep saying that & then something goes on good deal.

[@wendymaddock7705]

Looks good a love pollycromos like the way they colour xx loving your Chanel xx😊xx

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Yeah the Polys are fab aren't they? Expensive... but fab 🥰

[@Victoriacolouringquest]

I have the star joy, luckily I got them for About £35 and don't think there great, I don't like the colour combination they come in but colour with Claire did a family chart on her kofi shop for free and it's so much better, she has quiet a few which I find very helpful. Thank you for the vid, very interesting and I really liked the music in the back ground, very relaxing xx

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Hey Vickster 🥰 I got mine for £41, so not terribly high priced. Yes, I saw a few people have put them in colour order. I particularly bought them for the trios though... I've got enough other sets of pencils in colour order 😆

[@colorcrazy2944]

These sounded really nice when they were developing them but I decided not to buy them. I did try the Deli & first Star Joys and wasn't impressed. I think maybe whether you color light or heavy might be why. I like the idea of lots of layers until I am actually coloring. lol I am sorry you didn't like them but you really gave them lots of chances. I liked that you compared so many pencils and papers so they had a good chance to shine.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

I never tried the Deli or the original Star-Joy so had no idea what these would be like and yes, you're right, being light or heavy handed definitely makes a difference to what you like. 🥰

[@loveidbareminerals1]

Can i ask if there's a reason why you don't sharpen your pencils before using them the first time? I've watched so many reviews and swatches and nearly all will say to sharpen them first. Do you think there's actually anything to it or is it just one of those things that everyone thinks you SHOULD do but isnt really necessary? Im genuinely curious...lol

[@ArtJourneyUK]

If I'm honest, I really don't think pencils have to be sharpened before use. There's many videos on KZbin about how coloured pencils are made and not one of them dips the point in anything before packaging, the core is the same all the way through. However, I usually try a pencil first and then, to give it the best chance if it's under performing, will sharpen it. With the Star-Joy the leaflet said they were "pre-sharpened" so didn't think it was necessary... but still did to see if that made a difference. 🥰

[@spare_room_studio]

Interesting comparison, that first pencil was weird though! It really does seem like there are different pencils better suited on different papers, I wish there was one set that worked in anything and everything 😂

[@ArtJourneyUK]

One set to rule them all... maybe that's the Polychromos... dum dum dahhhh! 😅

[@spare_room_studio]

@@ArtJourneyUK 😉

[@chereneclarkson6955]

I think they’re not working for you because the tri-set is main colour with under tone and over time. So the middle colour is your main colour, then use the dark one for shadows and the light one for highlights.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

I wish the tri-set was a main colour with an undertone and shade, because that was exactly what I was looking for. The tri-sets were not the same hue.

[@janetstorey416]

Can anyone tell me which Brutfuner are the black barrels.? I am so mixed up about which to get. I have some Brutfuner but the barrels are coloured.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Hi Janet, this is the 180 Set amzn.to/3O5fS27 And this is the 100 Set (packaged as Eifmeso) amzn.to/3OoDz6X

[@janetstorey416]

Thank you. BTW I colour like you do, also a bit heavily, but I 'm not going to apologise for that, I 'm happy with what I do and I like the results so it follows that I love the way you colour, it's so effortless and enjoyable. Everyone seems to take a relaxing pastime so seriously that it seems to negate the pleasure it should be.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@janetstorey416 exactly Janet, exactly! I enjoy the way I colour, its fun and enjoyable, I don't have the time (or the inclination lol) to layer for days but I love seeing other people's results. You've gotta enjoy the process 🥰

[@Welcome_to_colour_time]

I absolutely love the star joy just ordered a second set as there down in price right now.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

It's fab that there is a pencil type for everyone. Enjoy your bargain! 🥰

[@Welcome_to_colour_time]

@@ArtJourneyUK I've seen Sarah vedios on these she said there more of layering pencils than the bleeding side of things I find they work nicely in johanna books and hanna karlzons books.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@Welcome_to_colour_time Yes, I said that in the video. Which is why they are not suited to my heavy hand 🥰

[@juliereeves6350]

I just think you can’t go wrong with Arrtx and Artezas they so generic, seem to work lovely on any paper.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

I agree Julie. I used to love my Arteza and Arrtx are similar... if slightly more smooshy

[@HarperSophia]

Unless it’s Amazon paper from the Las Vegas facility 😫😩. Truly wretched paper. Only the prismas work on that paper sigh. I tried lumis to arrtx.

[@wendyscolouring]

Oooh interesting video,👍 I've had these in and out of my basket so many times, I don't think I like the hype around them, and it has put me off. But as the price is more reasonable here in the Uk, I was thinking I might give them a try. after watching this, I don't think I will, not sure they are adding anything to my collection. I've just got the Amazon basic 72 set, and having watched this I think they are better, and are so cheap in comparison. Thanks Lily, I think you've just saved me £50, 👍

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Yes, I agree about the hype, but I was keen to try them for the trios. I was looking forward to benefitting from another colourists blend choices, but I found those disappointing. Quality wise they're fair, a bit inconsistent in performance across the set especially for the money. Arrtx are definitely better... and that's making me edge even closer towards that 126 set 😆

[@wendyscolouring]

@@ArtJourneyUK Aah, yes I have 126, I do like them, nice colour choices, I will be getting a backup set whenever I see a deal on the 126's. For £50, I think they are a good pencil buy.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@wendyscolouring they went down to the £50.99 price again yesterday... that's the lowest they've been for a while... trigger finger itching 🫳🏻 😆

[@wendyscolouring]

@@ArtJourneyUK Do it!😂

[@chelseascreativecolouring]

Loved this video Lily i was so tired while watching this and it relaxed me even further so relaxing i havent tried the starjoy i have heard good things i want to try them at some point in the future and maybe the arrtx too but i have quite a few sets thats keep me satisfied for now coz they are a bit procey for me anyway 💜💜

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Aww glad to hear it was relaxing, I really enjoyed playing with my pencils! I must try to be satisfied with what I already have too.🤣 🥰

[@MyColouringCornerwithRene]

I use the SJ golds for testing electric sharpeners ...... was the only thing I found them any good for

[@ArtJourneyUK]

aha! So there is some use for them! :)

[@leslieladyhawke]

I put my set into color family order. The 3s order through me off. But the 3 order isnt offensive. I just like CFO better.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Yes, I saw a few people have done that. I particularly bought them for the trios though, I've got enough other sets in colour order 😆

[@leslieladyhawke]

@@ArtJourneyUK Makes sense!! That gives me an idea. I can color match them w Primas & find combos there. I already have my other sets matched w Primas. So I can make combos based on SJG.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@leslieladyhawke ooo good plan!

[@colourchillwithlanie6339]

Hi Kay are the brutfuer black different to the other brutfuners

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Hi Lanie, it's Lily. In my opinion the cores are the same, some Brutfuners have thicker cores, but the composition feels and acts the same across all the Brutfuner pencils I have (6 different sets)

[@colourchillwithlanie6339]

Hi Lilly thanks for your reply. Sorry I got your name wrong😂❤ love your videos

[@waymire01]

Looks like a piece of foreign matter, easiest thing to do is break off the tip and resharpen. Every so often you find a pencil with a chunk of unground pigment, I've had this happen with many different brands from all price points, but never found one with actual rock or metal in it yet.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Pigment is usually finely milled for pencils. Someone else commented that it could be a micro-sized stone from the clay that got through the filter. That would make sense 🥰

[@leonnehaaijman4709]

Not enabled, to be honest with you 😂 I will however look up your video about the Castle Art Gold set.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Talking of enabling... you must have missed my recent haul... you got a mention 😘

[@leonnehaaijman4709]

I skipped bits! I’ll watch it again 😊

[@purplelorain6180]

Fab video Lily 🤩 I don't understand folk who get all hot under the collar when a creator doesn't like their preferred pencil 🙄. Like you said, it's each to their own plus, if a creator favours the type of pencils I like then I'm going to value their opinion over someone who prefers something I don't get along with. I don't like squidgy soft pencils so I don't take any notice of a review from someone who loves Prismas, wouldn't dream of saying their opinion is wrong though! xx P.S. please could you show the barrel size in comparison to the other pencils on your next review type video, I love a bit of girth in my hand 🤣😉

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Ooer missus! 😆 I do usually compare girth... the Star-Joys have the same girth as the Castle Arts, I beleive, but will check. 🥰

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Hey Lorain, ok so I've measured the Star-Joys, the Black Barrelled Brutfuners and the Castle Art Golds and the Castle Arts are the girthiest 😅 with the Brutfuner's next and then the StarJoys are the slimmest of the three. They are similar girth to Prismas... Hope that Helps

[@purplelorain6180]

@@ArtJourneyUK Ta very much Lily, I don't have any of the above but have heard that Prismas are about the same girth as the Chromaflow that I do have. I've just bought the Brut Macarons, they are a smidge less girthier than Polys so I'm quite happy handling them

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@purplelorain6180 Yes, the Chromaflow and Prismas are skinnier and these are comparable to those in girth. (I've typed that word more times in the last 24 hours than my whole life 😆)

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Hey Lorain, here's a short that shows exact measurements kzbin.infolH2Y32XG_H8

[@sonyaoart]

You said you’re not good at coming up with your own colour blends, but all the ones you chose were so much better than that blending trio.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Aww thanks Sonya 🥰

[@waymire01]

One of the biggest issues this set has is the color sorting. It's just.. awful. Even if the "trio" thing appeals, the color selection of most is just wrong.. mismatched color tones, poor transitions. Colour with Claire has a color family swatch chart for them for free on her KoFi. I'd start with that it would at least put them in a functional order.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Yes, I watched Claire's video after I played with them. Seeing the whole set in families made me realise they're not a great colour range, so they're no longer in my collection 🥰

[@deborahjane68]

Do You Have A Craft Room You Colour In? I'm At My Kitch Table Love Look Of Those

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Yes, it used to be just a craftroom but since the pandemic it's also been my work-from-home office 😊

[@deb.e.mixedmedia]

I came to the same conclusion, they don’t work for me. Thanks for the honest review. Hope you had your dinner after this video. 😂❤

[@ArtJourneyUK]

I did! My stomach was rumbling very loudly lol!😄

[@rebeccahicks3554]

Nice, you are so patient, thats why i couldnt be a you tuber. I really hope i didnt give you a bum steer? All i can say is im probably used to reaaly hard pencils and the Sj's on the swatch sheet included were polar opposite to what im used to. Anyways coll video & keep on slurping.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Haha thanks and no Rebecca, absolutely no bum steer, I had them already bought 😆 I think the first one I tried having that scratchy metal thing in it didn't help me warm to them!

[@thelipsofanangel90]

Aaaw, man left a very long comment and than youtube deiced to have an error and it all got lost xD Anyways all the 120 sets of artxx (59,85 gbp), arteza (74,81 gbp), castle arts gold (61,42 gbp) or starjoy golds (69,75 gbp) wouldnt be classed as budget pencils in my country more of a midrange.. I do love my FC polys and you can kinda sqush them useing alot of force, love the colour pay off but its not good for my hands, i end up with a lot of pain. I am also heavy handed and dont love layering, i dont have the patience also i am a slow colourer. So i too was intrested in these pencils due to the blends and them looking beginner friendly. But saw the price and went woah no thank you, than saw multiple videos of them and thought they looked rly bad and also i can do waay better blends than that myself.. No shade, just an opinion. When it comes to the pencils in this price range i rather just save and buy open stock of the more expensive brands that most likely wont go anywhere. I too like softer pencils but prismas are 2,99 pencil here which is pretty much what i'd pay for a DW lightfast and obviously not same qulity. Only TRUE budget pencils i have i grabbed of aliexpress during like 2020 i think. Those are Deli pencils which from what i gather is where the starjoys originated and they are scratchy a lot of them, dont rate them at all compared with the square brutfuners and nyoni pencils i bought too. Both the brutfuners and nyonis (supposedly same as Markart) are lovely pigmented and rich, easy to blend. I find i go through the square bruts fast cus they are smaller to begin with and soft. Are all brutfuners the same? Or are they different depending on if its a square, black or full colour barrel? I have been looking at the macaron bruts cus i would like some more lighter pastel tones cus cheap pencils are often lacking there aswell as very deep tones. But than someone said brutfuners and Kalour are from the same factory, named almost the same too so now i am like do i buy both or one set and if one which one? Pencil life is complicated xD Wish they would have to state exactly where and what factory they are made for simplicitys sake xD Also dont ever change Lilly, we love your honesty and the fact that you keep it real. I find you rly relateable which i dont do with lots of the colouring community. Lots of love from my lil corner in the world. I am located in the swedish woods btw. We dont get as good prices as you girls over the pond.

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Aww what a lovely comment Angel 🥰I agree with a lot of what you said, especially regarding the blends. I totally agree with regard to the Polys, I'd rather spend £50 on open stock Polys than the the other oil-based pencils mentioned. They do have such amazing payoff.... pigment for days 😅 I do believe the Kalour and Brufuner are the same too... I have both the sets of pastels. Have been using the Brutfuner ones for a while (love them) and recently got the Kalour ones to compare. Stay tuned for that! Take care in those woods! ❤

[@scottcullen2832]

Than oh s f😂or this I’ve immediately and aahed as I’m not a massive pencil user and I’m not keen on firm, to me the trios are reminiscent of marker trios where the colours pop so the gradient doesn’t need to be as subtle, the trio’s you tried look to have pulled distinctly warm and cold colours together which essentially contrasts rather than compliments the eye view so to speak ❤️❤️❤️

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Interesting. Thanks Scott! 🥰

[@crossstitchbutton]

Yes they won’t be for me either like my polys,albrecht and coloursoft the Chromaflow are not bad to.Stick with the ones you really like Lily. In my opinion I feel factory’s are pumping out pencils Willy billy now with not a care about the content in them just my opinion, so enjoy what you like to my eye the colours didn’t look like they were close in colour with the star joy? 🥴

[@ArtJourneyUK]

Yes I must stop looking for the next best thing 😂 Out of all the pencils I have, there are definitely some that are favourites so will be sticking with them. I do think there is a market for a beginners set, with colour blends already setup but, like you say, I did think the colour trios I tried were a bit off, which to be honest was the main reason I bought them, some other clever colorist showing me what colours go together? Yes please! 😃 Although its probably better to learn by trial and error and have fun playing and discovering. Either way, I had fun playing with pencils for a couple of hours! 🥰

[@crossstitchbutton]

@@ArtJourneyUK you can always sell the ones you don't like put money back into the piggy for the ones you do like 😇

[@ArtJourneyUK]

@@crossstitchbutton good idea batman!

[@crossstitchbutton]

@@ArtJourneyUK Your welcome Robin 😁