Creativity knows no bounds. As a creative individual, you have a wide range of tools to choose from, including coloured pencils. Colouring has not been just for children for ages. Colouring for adults is almost therapeutic. But which coloured pencils are the best? How do you distinguish between the quality of different pencils, and what are the best brands of coloured pencils? Vaessen Creative will be your creative guide in this blog.

What are the best coloured pencils for adults?

The best coloured pencils for adults are the ones that work best for you. This is a very personal question and depends on your artistic skills and what you want to create with your coloured pencils. Not everyone creates a masterpiece effortlessly. However, several factors can help determine the best coloured pencils for you as an adult:

As an adult, before you start colouring, you likely have an idea of how you want to use the coloured pencils. It's essential to consider which coloured pencils are most suitable for each situation and align the products with the art you want to create.

Questions to consider include:

• What is my experience level? How professional or costly should the coloured pencils be?
• How many colours do I want to use? Do I need a set?
• Do I want to draw soft colours or create sharp outlines? Or both?
• How often do I colour, or how often do I want to colour?

How to assess coloured pencils for adults

Now that you know the situation and purpose of using coloured pencils, you can start filtering. The perfect coloured pencil ultimately colours smoothly for you and provides the best results. Beforehand, you can differentiate on several components:

• A pencil's hardness is essential to determining whether you'll be colouring soft areas or creating sharp lines. "H" stands for hard, and "B" is softer. There are many more scales within this.
  Read this blog for more information on pencil hardness.
• The graphite content of a coloured pencil is somewhat related to this. The more graphite, the softer and darker the colour intensity.
• A pencil's casing determines its shape. While it may seem like every pencil has the same shape—an elongated rod—that's not entirely accurate. Some pencils are rounded, while others are hexagonal or octagonal. The shape affects how the pencil feels in your hand, and you may have a preference.
• The brand of a coloured pencil often indicates quality. Renowned companies like Bruynzeel have been making pencils for years and are popular among artists. Try different brands to discover your favourite.

Using these points, you can find the perfect coloured pencil for you.

What do you need to use coloured pencils for adults?

Besides some good-quality pencils, you’ll need some other essentials before you can start creating your masterpieces.

• Paper: A good surface is vital for your colouring projects. Opt for high-quality drawing paper or speciality paper suitable for coloured pencils. The paper should be sturdy enough to hold the colours well without pressing through.
• Colouring book: Another option is a colouring book. This allows you to browse endlessly and colour in a specific theme or diverse colouring pages. There is a wide variety of colouring books for adults available.
• Pencil sharpener: Ensure you have a sharp pencil sharpener to keep your coloured pencils sharp. A fine point allows for more precision and detail in your drawings.
• Eraser: An eraser is handy to correct minor mistakes and create highlights by removing colour. It's also helpful in blending colours and creating subtle effects.
• Optional: reference material: Sometimes, it can be helpful to have reference material on hand, such as photos, images, or objects you want to draw or colour.
• Lighting: Ensure good lighting in your workspace, preferably natural light or a bright lamp, so you can see the colours accurately and prevent eye strain.
• Comfortable workspace: Finally, a comfortable and well-lit workspace is essential for an enjoyable and productive colouring experience. Ensure you have enough space to work and feel comfortable while colouring.

Our tips: Using coloured pencils as an adult

• Experiment with different techniques

Using coloured pencils offers adults an extensive playground for creative expression. Experiment with techniques such as layering, shading, and blending to create unique textures and depth in your artwork. By playing with the pressure and angle of your pencil, you can bring variation in line thickness and intensity, resulting in vibrant and engaging compositions.

• Explore colour blurring and blending

One of the most significant advantages of coloured pencils is their ability to blend seamlessly, creating beautiful transitions and subtle colour variations. Use a colour blender or a dry brush to blur and blend colours, resulting in a soft and realistic appearance.

• Streamline your creativity with coloured pencil sets.

While it may be tempting to buy individual coloured pencils, sets often offer a balanced selection of perfectly coordinated colours. This not only saves you time searching for the right shades but also ensures you have a wide range of colour options at your disposal. Invest in a quality coloured pencil set and streamline your creativity with an organised and varied colour collection.

• Explore new surfaces and textures

Coloured pencils are versatile enough to be used on different surfaces, from smooth paper to rough cardboard and even fabric. Explore the possibilities of various surfaces and textures to achieve unique effects in your artwork. Experiment with using coloured backgrounds to create contrast and enhance the visual impact of your colours. 
Also, check out this blog on drawing on black paper.

• Be patient and practice regularly.

As with any art form, working with coloured pencils requires patience and practice to improve your skills. Don't be discouraged by the learning curve; see it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Take the time to practice and experiment with different techniques and styles. By practicing regularly and continuing to develop your skills, you'll find that your artworks become more and more refined and expressive.

Most importantly, have fun and relax while making the most beautiful creations with coloured pencils. There are no rules, only ideas and suggestions. So grab your coloured pencils and get to work!