The BEST Prismacolor ALTERNATIVES: I put 7 affordable colored pencil sets to the test!

What are the BEST AFFORDABLE COLORED PENCILS for adult coloring?
Today, I’ve chosen 7 popular brands to go up against my set of Prismacolor Premier Soft-Core Colored Pencils to find the BEST affordable alternatives for beginners and for adult coloring books.
Prismacolor pencils are very popular among artists and adult colorists- but they are still out of the budget for some. So my goal with this video was to compare 7 other pencil sets that are priced lower than Prismacolors to see if they can be just as good!
How do these rank against other pencils? Watch my huge pencil comparison here: • Testing ALL the BEST C...
Summary of what I’m reviewing:
0:00 - Introduction
4:50 - Prismacolor Premier Soft-Core Colored Pencils
7:49 - Arteza Premium Wax-Based Core Pencils
12:20 - Crayola Colored Pencils
13:57 - Castle Arts Premium Colored Pencils
16:21 - Marco Raffine Fine Art Colored Pencils
18:14 - Black Widow Monarch Colored Pencils
20:51 - Fantasia Artist Premium Coloring Pencils
23:00 - Crayola Signature Blend & Shade Colored Pencils
25:33 - Testing the pencils on a coloring page
28:27 - Testing the pencils on black paper
30:16 - Which pencils are as good as Prismacolors?
32:02 - Which colored pencils are the most affordable?
(You can use these markers for quick reference, but I also talk more about each of the pencils throughout the video, so I recommend watching the whole thing once first so you don’t miss anything!)
BLOG POST: sarahrenaeclark.com/best-pris...
I've included close-ups of each of my gradients, more details about each pencil, and links to buy in the blog post above.
#sarahrenaeclark #prismacolor #coloredpencils #adultcoloring
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THANKS to Claire for her help in putting together my list of pencils! Check out her channel: / colourwithclaire
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MORE OF SARAH:
Subscribe: kzbin.info?s...
Become a channel member: / @sarahrenaeclark
My channel on Nebula: nebula.tv/sarahrenaeclark
Facebook group: sarahrenaeclark.com/freegroup
Get a free coloring book: sarahrenaeclark.com/join
Find me on social media as Sarah Renae Clark!

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Watch next: My NEW favourite budget pencil - BRUTFUNER! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppian3uPdttqd6M And my Holbein alternatives review - Comparing Pastelowe, Marco and other pastel colors against Holbein - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGOVdHysbpimp6M

[@alanproud8991]

have you tried the Derwent Procolour Colour Pencils you have the best of both worlds because they are wax and oil based

[@maryandersondearing3053]

Just a note on the strong smell. When goods are put into a shipping container for import from Asia, some countries (USA for certain and apparently AU as well) required that the container be fumigated at some point in an effort to prevent species that might prove to be invasive from being introduced. It might be a good idea to let new deliveries sit out open on the porch or something to off-gas before working with them indoors. All containers go through this, clothing, electronics. An insect or spider can hitch a ride on anything.

[@ejpayawal22]

Mam can u make a video of testing all the best color pencil for drawing

[@singhnandini2009]

please try brustro they're very affordable so id like to see how they compare in terms of quality

[@ejpayawal22]

@@singhnandini2009 oooh ok

[@traceycromwell864]

Anytime I have a pencil that breaks I dont keep sharpening. I put the pencil in a heating pad, turn it on high & let it sit in for about 15 or 20 mins. Take the pencil out & let it cool completely & sharpen. The pencil will no longer break!!

[@haleybrown2836]

Thanks. Good to know. In regards to Marco Raffine here in the States they were definitely sold as oil based and they do behave as such. I am not a coloring book person and needed oil based because they work with watercolor pencils. But as far as I am concerned you cannot beat wax based when it comes to color saturation. Hence, my final layer usually consists of wax based. I do have some PC which are my go to when things didn't quite work out as I wanted them to. Hate to say it, nothing can beat PC for oomph.

[@heleavila3387]

How about microwave,is it the same as ur heating pad ?

[@neurotictigers]

Huh...That’s a great tip! Thanks for sharing. I will definitely try this.

[@dwilson2548]

Yes if we're talking breakage and we're talking Prisma colors that is definitely an issue however while I'm coloring if I have a point break and sharpen and break again I simply put them in the microwave for about 10 seconds if when buying a whole set you notice the first time you sharpen they all keep breaking I take that whole set put them on parchment paper on a baking sheet put them in the oven at about 120 to 140° for about 5 to 7 minutes seems to do the trick just fine Also I found it huge when and while you're coloring and or moving your pencils do not drop them do not plop them on the table take extra care and precaution and place them down on the table do not drop your pencils down. 😎😷 And as I consider myself new to adult coloring and have self-taught myself how to color within the last 3 years on KZbin all the info I just gave I found all on KZbin so anything you want to know about prismas you found the right place just as the right question of it

[@sueallen952]

Do you meen you put it in a microwave for 20 min, don't they burn!!!????

[@1000ellipses]

Giving kids good-quality pencils gives them a good appreciation of art. Otherwise, they get frustrated and discouraged.

[@aleahlrb]

I agree. I use mostly watercolors now and I love using them, but I *hated* them as a kid because the sets I had barely had any pigments and the paper I used, which was just some basic sketching paper, always got destroyed by the water. And I will never forget those plastic brushes.

[@emilyinsertsmileyfacehere8421]

Exactly! My mom gave me the very best pencils when I was 1 (just to doodle) and now I think Im pretty good at drawing

[@Meowshaaa]

Yes, but sometimes you can’t beat the old pencil and paper 🤗. At least for me anyway, don’t kill me 😭

[@bobbysmith8095]

So not true. I only had pencil and cheap stuff but love to draw. I draw all the time growing up. Never got mad that my supply suck. I think if they love art they will always love art regardless if they have expensive or cheap supplies. It all about passion.

[@laurieb348]

Some can't afford good quality art supplies ! Better have cheap art supplies than no art supplies at all

[@hearttoheart6384]

Prismacolor order: arrives My youtube recomandations:

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Awww... but the Prismacolors are awesome. I think you’ll love them

[@ZeroneRaven]

Same here dude! Watching this right after unboxing the prismas 🤦‍♂️

[@julianiazi9132]

Omg sameee 😂

[@unnamed2737]

Same! WTH!!

[@PursuingHeaven]

If you can afford them get them. Most of the tutorials online use either them or poly chromos. Alternative budget sets are ok but when everything is compared to the "standard" I usually go for the standard to learn and modify from there. 2 yrs ago I bought Prisma and now I have some lower-end and upper-end pencils. I still use Prisma all the time. They are my calibration set; everything else is compared to them. Also, I have done a ton of tutorials with them so I have learned their color line and now when I get a new set I can also figure it's color schemes fast as well because I can say, "this is like "whatever" in Prisma and I can use it for "fill in the blank"

[@boxypunkchick3357]

FINALLY someone who has brought up in a video the issue of Prismacolor pencils constant breaking. I quit buying them because of it and have not had luck with finding another brand till recently. I have started to get very fond of the Black Widow pencils. I just wish they had more colors. So I am so happy to have found this video. Thank you!

[@liveincolor3793]

Watched a video of someone using a blow dryer to fix that. Haven't tried yet.

[@boxypunkchick3357]

@@liveincolor3793 Really? That has to be interesting to try. 🤔 Maybe I might.

[@lezleevitarelli3628]

Luv black widow as well, but….can we get more colors PLEASE!!

[@maryellenthompson8261]

I’m so glad that you discovered how the Castle Arts pencils in the case smell. I bought a set for my grandson for Christmas and opened them to check them. That smell, which reminded me of a strong crayon odor, really put me off. In my experience, I’ve never smelled that on any other pencils. I returned them to Amazon and bought my grandson his very own set of Prismacolors. He loves them.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

The smell did fade quite quickly after opening. They don’t smell at all anymore. But I would have chosen the Prismacolors over them anyway! I just bought a set of Prismacolor for a family member for Christmas too.

[@alicel6451]

I really dislike the smell too from the one I got. And since I keep them in the original tin case, the smell stays forever... I also think some of the colors don't perform as well as the other in the set, mainly the yellows. They are just not as soft and blendable. I really wished I have brought the Arteza set instead. They run good sales year round and everything else I have bought from them so far exceeds my expectation.

[@Mom2Aiden08]

I just watching this video three years later and I actually thought it was a one off thing. Although I am brand new to art and coloring I have watched several videos reviewing colored pencils. I just returned my castle arts set to Amazon because of the smell. I let the pencils air out and it was still strong. I am not sensitive to scents at all, however this stench felt as though it was in the back of my throat. I already ordered the Prismacolor 48 pack. I had a hard time choosing between the prisma, the the small 30 pack of Caran D’ache, or the 36 Faber Castel polychromo’s. I figured the prisma’s would be better for a beginner.

[@berkbuns]

One reason why pencils break is because we are used to turning the pencil in the manual sharpener. I learned from one colored pencil company to turn the manual sharpener and hold the pencil still. As weird as this seemed to me, it really made a difference. They also said to keep the pencils in the tin and not knocking around into each other in a pencil cup, which breaks the core inside the wood.

[@jenniferdennison8315]

This works.. its how I quit breaking mine

[@crystalgillis9296]

I've been using a fluffy makeup brush to sweep off wax bloom for decades and have never had a problem with them causing streaks.

[@sharonmiller7545]

You need to try Faber Castells Goldfaber or Classic Color. Goldfaber is a step down from Polychromos and are amazing!

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I’m trying Goldfaber this week! I’ll be including them in one of my next videos 😊

[@shutterbird13]

Oh, have to agree. I have the full set of Goldfabers and I really wish they made more.

[@haleybrown2836]

I have some of Faber Castell's student quality merchandise (watercolor pencils and watercolor crayons) and found them to be quite good. I have some Polychromos which I bought way back before they became too expensive for my pocket book.

[@corinthiancraieg2768]

I have the Goldfaber and they are a very nice set. The only thing I'm not a fan of is that they don't have color names on the the pencils. But they do come with a color card.

[@melindabraun6060]

agree :) I am using the Faber Castell Polychromos 2 Decades

[@joeblankenship377]

I definitely agree on the Arteza. And for a cheaper alternative to Polychromos, the Lyra Rembrandt Polycolor are a pretty nice oil based pencil.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I’ve got some Lyra Rembrandt ready for my next test!

[@mpetersen6]

Lyra's are nice and creamy.

[@reneestipa3406]

Love Lyra Rembrandt pencils sadly I can’t find them

[@marziakht548]

Which Arteza is better, Premium or Expert?

[@anorphan5711]

@@marziakht548 They are both good i believe. It’s just the triangular shape that’s different and I love both pencils.

[@ekamarie6632]

An old art teacher of mine once used to make us put a tally on our folder every time we dropped a pencil (we had to use the pencil we dropped to make the tally). And the conclusion was the ppl like myself always dropping crap dealt w a lot more breakage than ppl. Made me hyper aware of how I handle my art supplies now especially my pencils and I rarely deal w breakage. Whether it’s a coincidence or in my head idk. But also my theory is if they break a lot straight out of the case it’s Bc the factory, shipping, manufacturing ppl whoever where tossing em around not realizing they’re shattering the lead inside the casing. 🤷‍♀️ I have also noticed my pencils that come in cylinders have less breakage, for some reason tin w plastic trays break the most in my experience, again blaming shipping and stores for that.

[@ArchieLovesMe]

Try sharpening with an x-acto knife rather than a pencil sharpener to avoid breakage. Also makes the pencils last longer because there is less wasted.

[@agircekim]

i'm using an eye makeup pencil sharpener, the pencils never break. the seller gave me one as a free gift. makeup pencils are also soft, so it makes sense.

[@garyjelsma8820]

X-acto knife works great. Fine sandcloth to touch up the tip.

[@leeanderson2912]

I just use 800 grain sand paper to point my pencils. I only use a sharpener when they break.

[@cinalaffoon6617]

That's how we were taught to do it in art class to make them last

[@Menoetia]

This is what I do with the ones that repeatedly break in sharpeners! It's also how I save lead when I need a sharper point but the pencils isn't really down to a nub worth sharpening.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I think I have a new favorite cheap pencil! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppian3uPdttqd6M

[@JeanClaudePeeters]

I think I have a new favourite YT CHANNEL ❤

[@marcellek]

Thanks for the comparison, it's always good to see how they stand up against each other! I used the standard Faber Castell Watercolour pencils before getting a set of 72 Marco Raffine, which opened a whole new world. I used the Marco Raffine for a long time before I could afford a 36 set of Faber Castell Polychromos (which I loved) then finally could afford a set of 150 Prismas. I still pull the MR's out and am never afraid to let the kids use them. I must admit it did take me a while to get used to how the Prismas work after using the MRs and Polychromos. I use my Prismas most these days just because of the variety of colours (I'm lazy these days when it comes to mixing).

[@spicyporkbuns7279]

I've been using Crayola and its so frustrating, it feels like I have to go over the same parts 10 times for the color to be opaque enough. Finally switching!! 🥳👍

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Also check out Brutfuner that I just reviewed in my latest video

[@wigglesniggle3267]

@@SarahRenaeClark At last finally an artist that mentions Brutfuner! My daughter is 14 and has a definte gift in art. I brought her a Brutfuner set to start off with last year and what attracted me to them was their massive choice of 180 colours and their v cheap price. They are also watercolour pencils, so versitile and I was v pleased with them for the price and quality. After being satisfied that she wants to take her art abilities further and has chosen art for a GCSE subject and already wants to study it for A Level. Then after watching your comparison of the top adult professional coloured sets on the market, last Christmas I brought her Caran D'ache Luminance and Pablo pencils. My daughter saved up £100 towards their price and I paid the rest. Previously we were considering Polychromos and Prismacolor. But thanks to your video, my daughter and I knew she would get far too angry and frustrated with Prismacolor. Again, thank you so much, as Caran D'ache, although so v expensive, we are glad we purchased these as they are such high quality and a pleasure to draw with. Also although v expensive to first buy, replacement pencils are relistically affordable, as you do not need to replace all of them in one go. So again we are so grateful for your professional expertise and advice. Thank you so much.

[@shaunaburton7136]

Crayola break all the time

[@Lack_BB]

What's Crayola?!

[@jx5559]

@@Lack_BB It's a color brand-

[@HaydenStefano]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video! It was super helpful and informative!

[@serenityjewel]

I came to the opposite conclusion when I compared the Arteza and Castle Art. The Castle Art doesn't break, doesn't bloom, blends great, and look better to me than the Arteza. But I also like Polychromos and they feel more like the Polychromos while Arteza feels more like Prismacolor. Maybe the smell just threw you when it came to the Castle Art.

[@peggygoshey7106]

I use Steadtler and I love that they are soft core. And they seem to blend well. They are also affordable to people on a budget.

[@parystyrell]

Thanks for that I'll look into them

[@debbieporter8610]

Thank You

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I’ve just published my NEW review with 26 brands! Testing ALL the BEST COLORED PENCILS: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHSVcnionch-h6c

[@gchap3538]

Idk if this will help with the breakage, but my art professor suggested that our class use a box cutter or exacto knife to carve the pencil instead of using a pencil sharpener (while being mindful of safety of course) Not only could it prevent breakage while sharpening, but, if done carefully, it could save the “lead” and if you shave it to the point where you have more “lead” exposed, it’ll keep you from having to sharpen it a ton. Don’t know if you’d want to sharpen a pencil with a knife, but it was just something I thought of while watching the vid. I hope it helps.☺️

[@SarahRenaeClark]

My art teacher did the same! Although personally, I really like the smooth rounded point and I don’t think I’d ever get that with a knife

[@smencosdepasol]

@@SarahRenaeClark STABILO , schwan art, still missing XD; hope you can review it.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Had to stop somewhere.... maybe one day!

[@humanbutterfly]

I appreciate and respect your method of testing. Thank you for all the time you spend on these videos.

[@shelleydeacon8898]

I don't know why but in the UK it just seems impossible to get prismacolor premiers and all of my online social media colouring groups rave about them. I'm glad that you did this video because I have been struggling with the spectrum noir pencils for a while and wanting a change. I have just purchased some Arteza to see if I get on with them better. You are still the first artist to inspire me to get my colouring pencils out; I am an alcohol markers gal usually!!

[@traceybartlam7737]

I think I got mine from Amazon. I have some Polychromos too and some Spectrum Noir. I like the softness of the SN tbh as I like the creaminess of Prismacolor. I like the Polychromos but prefer a softer pencil.

[@judithpharo8073]

As usual I love your site all the love, time and care you put into your videos , thank you so much, you were one of the first sites I found when I started coloring and I always check what you have to say before I purchase anything. Keep up the good work!

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Thank you!

[@LovinLife-pv7op]

My OCD appreciates your OCD in immediately sorting out the colors by rainbow!

[@jenniashbart8233]

For all of my soft core pencils (including colored pencils and even softer graphite pencils) I use an adjustable pencil sharpener that leaves more of the casing on while still getting the lead sharp and makes it look like it did when it came out of the package. Also I was taught in art class to make sure you don't drop them that will cause the lead to crack inside the casing - which is lame but it is what it is.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

+JenniashbArt interesting! I’m curious to try some different sharpeners but don’t even know where to start!

[@ceceliasmithers9968]

What brand is your sharpener? Is it nechanical or electric?

[@heheing]

What is the name of your sharpener?

[@leeanderson2912]

Yes. Try not to drop your pencils onto a hard surface. Like a floor. That includes your harder lead drafting pencils.

[@kmatto_kmatto]

Happy to see this test. I'm new to using colored pencils with my crafts. Good to see the pros and cons of the different varieties.

[@cherrae1887]

I wanted to try Arteza for a long time and this video just.. Ordered me to buy them. Thanks for the review. A new subscriber earned

[@MissIdolize]

I have several brands of coloured pencils including Arteza, which I really like. The only downside with these pencils - and most of Arteza's product range - is this: they are available in sets only. Whether it's paints, pens, pencils, etc - you can't buy singles! I think this is really important as I certainly will not be buying a complete new set every time I run out of a certain colour! I did contact Arteza about this and they are hoping to offer this option at some point, but when - I don't know. If this rule applies to any brand or art product, I really feel it should be mentioned in product reviews. Great video with excellent tests. Thank you so much!

[@SarahRenaeClark]

That’s a great point! I’m doing a huge review soon with all the different pencil brands and plan to include this, because it’s definitely an important consideration

[@capyboppy]

I have said this often: it is not cost effective to purchase pencils in sets where they are not available open stock. Even for beginners or those financially restricted, it doesn’t pay. Better to buy a few primary colours and blend. Many have found out they end up having half a box of pencils left over,while their most used colours are worn down with no chance of replacement unless buying another box. Adore your uke by the way.

[@MissIdolize]

@@capyboppy I absolutely agree! And... what's a uke? :o

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I think it works if you’re happy to mix brands, but otherwise I agree. The cost to replace a whole set for the few popular colors isn’t worthwhile in the long run

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Uke = ukulele ... the one on my wall :) Thank you! I decorated it in an earlier video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJW3dKWBjbyLqpI

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I've just published my blog post with more details, a closer look at my test pages and links to check out each of the pencils on Amazon: sarahrenaeclark.com/best-prismacolor-alternatives/

[@pamallebach5269]

Thank you Sarah! I went ahead and asked my kids for the Prisma Premier for Mother’s Day, they are adults! And..... I love them! My favorite part is their blending ability for shading! They make me feel like an artist! Thank you for your series.

[@mattiganoleary3102]

Teal's actually my favourite color too. I've started swatching the full blue-green range of any art supplies i buy first just because I love looking at the color. Until I found your channel I'd actually never met anyone else whose favourite color was teal so I thought that was kinda cool. Love the video as always!

[@lanecash7085]

Ahh I’ve needed this! Thank you!

[@monmoraes]

Love this video!!! Thank you for your time doing it.

[@TheArtRoll]

I found you from Jazza's video and have been hooked onto your channel! Thanks so much for this amazing video! This was *SO* helpful!

[@YourMajesty143]

I did lots of research and got the oil-based Brutfuner 120 ($35) & Deli 120 ($28) as Polychromos dupes. Schpirerr Farben is also great, but I'm waiting for them to go on sale. As for Prismacolor dupes, I bought Colleen 120 ($59). They're as soft as Prisma, but a bit sturdier lead. Black Widows' full sets of 144 pencils end up costing way more than Prismacolor in the long run. Arteza are a good dupe, but still very pricey for their 120 set. For another $10, you could get Prisma 150 for the same price. Castle Art, Creyart, Shuttle Art, Soucolor, Soundance, Cool Bank, etc. all come from the same factories. Crayola 120 is the cheapest out there and is going to be my next set, mainly bc of its color variety & nostalgia. After that, no more. I'm trying not to turn into an addict lol.

[@cowbutt6]

The trick with Arteza is to sign up to their mailing list, and wait for one of their regular promotions (e.g. Black Friday, Christmas, Boxing Day, Easter, Halloween...). Combine that with one of their promo codes (e.g. currently, CART15) as well as redeeming any rewards from joining their mailing list and previous purchases, and their prices come down tremendously: my last set of their 120 colouring pencils cost less than £27.

[@YourMajesty143]

@@cowbutt6 - First things first, I LOVE your name lol. Second - ooooohhh, wow what great insider tips! Thank you so much for sharing that!!!

[@FairytaleSF]

@@YourMajesty143 The Castle Arts aren't like Shuttle Arts

[@AquaLady153]

Where'd you get those pencils?

[@dantepraxedis]

I found my Prismacolor 36 box for $9.99 in special. If you are patient you can find a good price

[@Keeva-]

If you're in the UK, WHSmith's own brand of pencils are really great if you're on a tight budget. They're better than Crayola and other pencils in a similar price range. I paid just over £10 for a set of 48 and I was really surprised by how well they performed. The downside is there's only 48 colours, but they blend very well.

[@sueallen952]

Keeva, they are great pencils surprisingly, I just bought the whs erasable coloured pencils this week and they are good to

[@Frostfern94]

I’ve been told they’re pretty good! I might go to WHSMith and get some one day

[@kathleenpeel-is4rj]

I also bought WHSmiths coloured pencils (the spectrum sings) they are really good for a beginner ,not enough colours tho !

[@Art4LadySage]

CONGRATULATIONS! You finally reached your 100,000 subscribers! I am so happy that I recently joined your channel…

[@A-Minor-Music]

Best comparison I have seen on youtube. Thx for posting this.

[@ff46]

Thanks Sarah for this review. A few additional thoughts though: 1) Let's keep in mind that this is about matching Prismacolors and their garish colors. Not everybody likes overburnished pictures (I don't) so this is a review on getting very saturated colors, again, not to everybody's taste. 2) I really get the feeling that Castle Arts didn't get a fair trial, probably because these pencils are more suited to drawing and coloring as opposed to "trying to make colored pencils look like paint". I really don't understand what all that commotion about the smell comes from. I have the most sensitive nose ever and I can hardly smell anything, or at least nothing I could find even remotely disturbing. 3) Nothing is said about the kind of paper Sarah has used. See review of Castle Arts pencils in Bruno Art Gallery's channel on proper paper - completely different. 4) Wax build-up IS a huge issue. 5) Arteza Expert pencils are better quality than those showed here. Not that cheap either... 6) What about color ranges? Marco Raffinés are exceptionnally well-designed in this respect, Arteza not so much. even the 120 set is relatively poor in pinks and skin tones, few pastel colors. 7) What about Guang Hui (Brutfuner, Laconile, etc.)?. These will give you huge bang for your bucks. 8) Back to Prismas. They are the easy way out since a 5 year-old can blend them easily but I really wish they hadn't become such a standard. They are OVERPRICED, especially in France, quality has rocketed down and people only want them or similar results. Give me Polychromos any day. These ARE quality pencils. And let's root for quality and variety!

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Thanks for the feedback! I considered including more in my review, but with so much time already, I didn’t want to make this video any longer, so I’ll be including some of these details (like color range and how they perform on different types of coloring) for a later video where I’ll be comparing 20+ pencils side by side. 1) In this case, my goal was really aimed at matching the features of Prismacolors... and I agree, not everybody likes them. So in some cases, you may prefer some of these other brands that are less buttery or less vibrant. You can also choose to apply less color, or burnish less. My test just shows the possibility of bold colors for those who are looking for it with the Prismacolors. 2) I’ll give the Castle Art pencils more of a go too. Obviously it’s hard to compare fully in just a few minutes, so I plan to try using them more before my next video. The smell was horrible when I first opened them, but has faded now almost completely (about a week later). 3) Regarding paper, I am a Derwent coloring pencil pad. It’s a thicker stock with tooth, intended for colored pencils.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

4) this depends on if you are just a hobby colorist, practicing as a beginner, or working on something you really want to showcase. 5) The prices I listed for Arteza ARE the Expert pencil prices, even though I used the Premium pencils for the test. I’d love to try some expert pencils to see the difference, but on Amazon the company said the only difference was the shape. 6) I’ll talk about color ranges in my upcoming video 😊 7) I hadn’t heard of these! Good to know there are some other good quality, affordable options. 8) I agree. This is why this video is aimed at showing that there are alternatives to Prismacolor. But comparing Polychromos is another thing again- wax vs oil pencils is a whole new topic I’ll cover in the future! Thanks for all the feedback

[@ff46]

@@SarahRenaeClark Your channel is great. It's the Prismas - and the style they seem to be imposing on everybody - that I'm fed up with ;-). Keep up the good work. :-)

[@kerryfraser695]

Well said. I absolutely loved my polychromos.

[@bluesonicstreak7317]

Prismas are unfortunately the Chevy of colored pencils. They used to be a VERY solid brand, basically the American gold standard. Then they moved manufacturing to Mexico, and their quality shot down. They remain popular in North America over Polychromos though, due to the price here. E.g. The 150 set of Prismacolors set me back $140 Cdn with free shipping on Amazon.ca, but the Polychromos would cost about $270 for the 120 set plus $10 shipping. And they are harder to find in general - my local crafts store carries all the Prisma sets up to 72 as well as the themed sets and every pencil open stock; but only has the Goldfaber pencils from Faber-Castell and not the Polychromos at all. I have to order Polys online - I got the 24 set and they are nice, but I can skip on "$280 nice" for now. Meanwhile, I can replace any Prismacolor pencil from my set by walking 10 minutes to the store.

[@deborahesposti2473]

Great comparison test. I do love my Prismas and Arteza and I agree with you, Black Widow would be my next choice. I really like their colors and they do blend well. Being the pencil addict I am, I just purchased Castle Art and are awaiting their arrival. I wanted to try then out and Castle Art had them on sale for 35% off, so I though it would be a good time. However, trusting your reviews, they may be yet another pencil to hand down to my grandkids. Time will tell. Thanks for another great video!

[@marziakht548]

I'm considering buying Arteza would like to know which one's better, Premium or Expert?

[@ArtistrybyLisaMarie]

Love finding affordable art supplies. Thanks for sharing!

[@kristinalapp388]

As someone who bought a basic Crayola set just to get started and am looking forward to when I get frustrated by seeing what other people are doing that is super hard for me... I appreciate this video so much. Got the Arteza set in my wishlist waiting for that day!

[@lisathaviu1154]

I like the Arteza pencils, and have used them along with my Prismas and even with Fabers. Unfortunately, some of the really pale colors are just like coloring with a birthday candle - they are just that waxy. One of the best examples of a totally soft, buttery pencil are the Derwent drawing pencils. They are restricted in range and are more expensive, but the white is the absolute best for highlights.

[@jemiro5984]

I relate to the rainbow sorting issue so much...

[@amilena_wyamesart]

Found you through the Jazza collab and just want to say I'm excited to have a new channel to binge. I'm loving your content!

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Thank you!

[@nate2838]

Love your shirt, and love your content for how accessible it is for beginners. Thank you.

[@kerryfraser695]

I love my Faber castle classic. I think they are a great and affordable pencils. I used them with my polychromos. Thankyou for sharing this

[@supersonicracer19]

Thank you so much for this video. Your comparison videos are always very helpful. I'm definitely a little tired of my Crayolas and was hoping to find a better quality pencil for a decent price. I'm going to go with the Arteza 48 set.

[@katryanaorange2092]

Thank you for this video!!! It was a HUGE help🙏

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

I really appreciate this video. Can't wait for your 90 brand comparison!!

[@jillwiswall5386]

This was really helpful, thanks!

[@white95gsr]

I decided to take a deep dive in to the arteza line not long ago and was incredibly surprised. For the price I feel you get great quality pigment. What they do lack is quality control. But their customer service is great.

[@laureldonaldson5487]

Fantastic review, just looking for a good set of pencils to go with my oil pastel work, so will definitely be getting one of your recommended sets.

[@adityadraws9535]

This is the best comparison video I've ever seen👍👍

[@peterthedoodler8435]

Nice test, well planned and executed. But as a viewer I think using the same colours for the testing would give a better comparison.

[@marwaosman4134]

The arteza colors are fabulous . Maybe they're gonna be my next choice if i wanna buy wax color pencils 🎶

[@josephinev.catlady5182]

Ty for time stamp I appreciate it so much

[@itslillime._.2331]

THANK YOU! Very happy with this. Just about to go back to school so I needed some pencil crayons. Cheers

[@suewilkinson910]

Great video. It's good to help people see the way different budget pencils compare. The Castle Arts do smell bad, but it soon fades if you leave the case open. For me the Marco Rafine, a very early set, smell much worse and still do a bit. I too like Crayola Signature, but some of them do break easily. Good colours though and blend well.

[@San-xf8dc]

Thank you so much for such an in depth review. I have prismacolor scholar pencils and so far love them.

[@jamiefugate8758]

Yuck i cant stand the scholars if you end up getting any of the brands she mentioned and reviewed you will be in a whole another world....

[@Naomi_78]

Thank you so much I have bought the Arteza 72 set this video helped so much

[@fludrbywest3886]

Great review! Thank you so much for sharing ❣️💖

[@fishy2374]

Just starting to work on coloring my drawings and I’m glad I found your video! I’ve never really colored before out of fear of ruining my pieces. I was going to go for prismacolor but after watching I think I’ll go for the Arteza instead! Thank you for the great video and saving me some money

[@karinvogeleer2687]

i work with the arteza for year now and im soooooooooooooooooooo in love with them!!!

[@karodoff]

How expensive is it?

[@karinvogeleer2687]

@@karodoff i payd about 30€ almost 1,5 year ago

[@lisahellstrom6939]

Thank you so much for all your work with all these colored pencils. it helped me out alot with what ones I am going to buy Thank you.

[@BlueKungFu]

Thanks for such a good & thorough review video. Subscribed.

[@Spacedraptor]

I use both Arteza & prisma pencils. I seriously recommend Arteza for me they are the closest to prisma & have some beautiful unique colours I highly recommend them

[@jicolourist]

Good job, like the way you laid out your review colouring page. The castle art pencils look exactly like my Color-it set. Same case, same pencil shape and end dipped colours.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Interesting! I wonder if they are the same manufacturer or just a coincidence?

[@archybh7845]

Thanks you, I’ve been thinking about buying the arteza colours

[@danamahmoud951]

This was a well done video, thank you! I’ve started doing art again, after a very long time and to my surprise I had no idea that there was 3 types of coloring pencils, not 2. I’m still torn between wax based and oil based, so I am creating some sketches to get a better feel. What I would love to know about coloring pencils in particular is how to start off from a beginners level to a more advanced level. I look forward to watching as many as your videos as possible

[@cindylou3205]

I just got the Arteza and I'm having an easier time than with the Prisma, so not just the 30 seconds. And the Raffine I would use WITH the Prisma- so I'm not surprised the mixing went well. But if you want the Prisma to look barely there but still want color below it I use that mixture.

[@Arib12.]

I use Arteza professional color pencils and I am pleased you agree that they are a good substitute for Prismacolor and I think the difference is the packaging as the others come in a tin and the shape and barrell

[@craftimeart6651]

Thank you so much for the help! You are amazing❤️

[@RD9_Designs]

Its great that Prismacolors are cheap for you, but in the states, their prices are through the roof! Thank you for doing this comparison! Its great to know what product to go to!

[@ananimity7332]

They are really expensive in Canada too

[@tysauceable]

Prismacolor has wonderful customer service! One of my green pencils broke and I emailed the company about it. They shipped a new one to me for free!

[@artwithray]

Love your channel. What I have found that works really well to increase the vibrancy of the Crayola colored pencils are to dip the tip in Vaseline. Im working on a video now to highlight how well this works.

[@leeanderson2912]

Now THAT is a Crayola Hack I will definitely be trying this week. I have never heard of it. I have a handful just laying around to experiment on ;-)

[@twingytwango6971]

Thanks for putting this together. I was about to gift myself the castle arts, now I’ll have to rethink it.

[@j453]

Thank you! Great vid, I'm getting some arteza's 😊

[@dr.leonardhofstadtersavage6413]

I just purchased my prismacolor premier 150 set, have not had any breakages. Its nice to find a set that, is good quality. Ialso have the castle 72 and 120 set, and blick 72 set very good pencils.

[@tweetpea]

Just bought the Arteza 48 expert pencils. Looking forward to blending with them. Thank you for trying them out.

[@mymessyhands6118]

Enjoyed this very much... the creaking was hilarious

[@ColourwithClaire]

Fantastic video! I can't remember if I mentioned it to you already but along with CdA Luminance, imo the Uni Posca are the closest pencil to Prismacolor in terms of how buttery and easily blendable they are. They are certainly expensive though and don't have many colours, which are big downsides. You can get them in singles so it might be worth grabbing a few for your next video just to see how well they compare xx

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Yes, I’ve got a few Uni Posca ready to try! Thanks for all the recommendations!

[@DieterPrivate]

I love the Posca pencils, they work on so many undergrounds, even on wax pastels. And turn up great on black, be it paper, acrylic or marker. I actually like the small colour range, less stressful to choose colours.

[@heatheredwards7158]

I’m so glad I watched this! I love my Prismacolors, but I thought I was doing something wrong because some broke every time I sharpened them!

[@starfire139]

Someone mentioned that they heat up their pencils and let them cool, and it stops the lead from breaking (since it melts the broken pieces together)

[@leeanderson2912]

Prisma's do tend to break. Particularly in cold weather.

[@HoneyViVi]

That T-shirt.. SoOo cute lol Thank you for sharing your thought and recommendation ❤️🙏 if there will be less complaining on the case smell and tin noise I'd enjoy it even more.

[@camiestar6603]

As a kid and a beginner to the art world I really love your video ☺️😆🤩

[@polarbearhero9803]

I purchased a 36 color set of Prismacolors and new Prismacolor Premier sharpener. Much breakage resulted. Changed brands and breakage stopped but one day iit started to happen again. This time I read up on it and learned something was probably wrong with the new sharpener. I bought a helical electric sharpener and all breakage stopped. Even started to use my Prismacolor set again (what was left of it) with no breakage. Six months later and I still have no breakage. Buy a helical electric sharpener.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I’ll check that sharpener out! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@talyahart5591]

I have the crayola signature 50 pack and they have not broken on me yet when sharpening. I don't know If I just got a good set or just been lucky. They have been great and I have been loving them almost better than my prisma color scholar set. Just started watching your videos and been loving the knowledge.

[@snuuby5468]

I am glad you demonstrated how different papers affected the colour of the pencil. I have learnt to match the pencil to the paper. I swatch at the back of every paper I use with all my pencils. The paper is the most important supply to achieving good artwork. Try using Crayola pencils on different paper types and you will amazed at how differently they perform.

[@Javi.Wasabi]

Thank you so very much for your advice! Wonderful video! I'm using Arteza right now and I'm very happy! Regards!

[@spark_art1]

Is it just me or is Sarah the best art colored pencil teacher ever? Seriously your knowledge on pencils helps me soo much. And thanks for the tips.my art is finally improving and I am seeing a big change. Do you think you could do a video on how to do multiple mediums in one piece.thanks for your tips. Your videos chear me up.🙂

[@SarahRenaeClark]

Aww thank you! I do have a video about using markers and pencils together!

[@SapavemLasae]

I personally really love my Arteza pencils. They are really good quality, and even over my several years of owning them I still love them. They have blended and layered well on a ton of different paper types over my course of using them. I got a set of their watercolor pencils as well and I was incredibly surprised with the quality. I bought another set for a fellow artist of mine who was frustrated with crayola and wanting to improved. I gave him a set and he was immediately in love.

[@ghalia4753]

Do arteza Do pencils have good quality as Prisma color pencils? Like are they pale?

[@juststartingover2735]

I value your reviews and opinions. Thank you!

[@pentachronic]

Really great review. I have Prismacolor Student, Castle Arts and Black Widow Skin along with Blick for greys. Blicks are buttery, others are fairly hard. Would be interested in how these blend with solvents vs burnishing. That would be a great review too.

[@Zoe-hd6dd]

I've just recently learned how to properly use colored pencils for adult coloring! I only have Crayola right now but I'm definitely going to look into getting a set of Arteza Pencils soon!

[@ralphespinoza8626]

Ok mom Amen ❣️✌️

[@Zoe-hd6dd]

@@ralphespinoza8626 huh

[@rowell669]

I just bought some crayola signiture pencils and I was very pleased with them. In my opinion, and granted I'm just a beginner, they blend very well and I enjoy coloring with them.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

They are definitely a nice pencil. Just not as nice as some of the other brands available at the similar price (in my opinion!)

[@uhm.okay.]

@@SarahRenaeClark what pencils do u recommend for beginner teenager artists

[@katharinequiricoinmyownwords]

I had a giggle at your lovely t shirt soo cute. Great video. Thank you from the UK.

[@glauberalvesferreira1390]

I really love this vídeo !!!! Só helpful i am so happy for watching It i thought tlso helpful thankd Sarah amazing comparesons

[@Christianne1972]

Prismacolor pencils are hard to get in Holland, but Derwent lightfast is now popular in Holland and available everywhere in a box or per unit. I missed these in your alternatives.

[@SarahRenaeClark]

I didn’t include them because they are much more expensive in the USA and this video was aimed at cheaper options- but I do have a set of Derwent Lightfast ready to test out for my next video!

[@seriouslyinsanediva]

Thank you for this comparison! Very helpful. Myself I use the Polychromos but I will be giving my budding artist son a box of Artiza since they really seem like the next best option. I would love to see a watercolor pencil comparison if possible. Cheers!

[@darlenericotta]

I love your shirt! Thanks for your videos.

[@sascharadke8450]

I'll give Arteza a try... thanks for this review and all the time and work you put into making this video!