If you’ve ever stood in an art store staring at the price tags on drawing pencils, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: Are expensive pencils really worth it? As someone who has spent more hours sketching than I can count and tried everything from bargain-bin graphite to premium imported brands, I’ve had the same internal debate.
In this post, I want to share my personal experience and break down the pros and cons of expensive pencils, especially for beginner and intermediate artists. This isn’t a sponsored piece or a sales pitch—it’s an honest conversation from one pencil-loving artist to another.
When I First Switched to Expensive Pencils
I still remember the day I bought my first set of professional-grade pencils. It was a 12-piece set of Faber-Castell 9000s. I had just started taking drawing more seriously and decided to invest a little more into my tools. I had been using a basic student set until then—nothing wrong with it, but something always felt off when shading or layering. So I took the plunge.
From the first sketch I made with those Faber-Castell pencils, I noticed something subtle but powerful: smoothness. The graphite glided over the paper. The tones were richer. Blending felt easier, and even the eraser lifted the graphite without smudging the paper.
I wasn’t suddenly drawing like Leonardo da Vinci, but it felt like I was fighting the tools less—and that mattered.
What Makes Expensive Pencils… Expensive?
Let’s be clear: you’re not just paying for the brand name. Higher-end pencils usually offer:
- Better graphite quality: The core is smoother and more consistent, leading to cleaner lines and better control.
- Precision in grades: An H or B in an expensive pencil behaves more predictably than in a cheaper brand.
- Durable construction: The casing is often made of stronger, better-balanced wood, which sharpens cleanly and resists breaking.
For example, with brands like Staedtler Mars Lumograph, Faber-Castell 9000, or Tombow Mono, you can expect consistent tone, pressure control, and less breakage.
So… Do Expensive Pencils Make You a Better Artist?
Here’s the honest truth: No tool will magically make you better at drawing. That comes from practice, observation, and patience. But can better tools support your improvement? Absolutely.
When you’re learning, especially as a beginner, having tools that respond predictably to pressure, layering, and erasing can help you understand techniques faster. If you’re struggling to blend or control your shading with a cheap pencil, it might not be your fault—it might be the tool.
I’ve taught workshops where students switch from dollar-store pencils to something like Prismacolor Turquoise or Derwent Graphic, and you can see the joy on their faces when their lines behave the way they expect.
When You Might NOT Need Expensive Pencils
Now, let’s keep it real—not every drawing needs a $3 pencil.
If you’re:
- Practicing quick sketches
- Doing casual doodles or warmups
- Working in a rough sketchbook
…then inexpensive pencils like the Dixon Ticonderoga or standard HB student sets are more than enough.
Also, for very young or absolute beginner artists who are just getting familiar with grip, motion, and shape, investing in premium pencils right away isn’t necessary. Focus on learning the basics first.
A Real-World Test: Cheap vs. Expensive
Last month, I challenged myself to do the same portrait sketch with two pencil sets: a $5 generic 12-pack and a $25 set of Mitsubishi Hi-Uni pencils.
Result? With the cheap pencils, I spent more time layering to get the depth I wanted, and the darker grades felt scratchy. With the expensive set, the shadows built up faster and smoother, and I had more control over subtle textures like hair and fabric.
It didn’t make me draw faster—but it made the process more fluid.
Biggest Question, What Should You Buy?
If you’re trying to decide whether to upgrade your pencils, here’s what I recommend:
Identify Your Drawing Goals
- Are you doing serious graphite portraits? Go for mid- to high-range pencils.
- Just casual sketching? Stick to decent student-grade brands.
Try a Sample Set
Don’t buy the whole range. Start with a few grades (e.g., 2H, HB, 2B, 6B) from a premium brand and compare.
Consider Buying Open Stock
Good art stores sell single pencils. This lets you test without investing in a full set.
Some Recommended Pencils for Artists
- Here are a few tried-and-true favorites I’ve used or recommended to all of you:
- Faber-Castell 9000 – Durable, consistent, and elegant.
- Staedtler Mars Lumograph – Great balance between firmness and smoothness.
- Mitsubishi Hi-Uni – A bit pricier, but extremely buttery graphite.
- Tombow Mono 100 – Excellent for precision and fine details.
- Prismacolor Turquoise – Reliable and widely available in North America.
Final Thoughts: Follow Your Sketchbook, Not the Price Tag
At the end of the day, your pencil is just a tool. What really matters is what you do with it. That said, there’s a certain joy in using materials that respond beautifully to your hand.
If you’re passionate about improving your art and can afford a small upgrade, investing in a few high-quality pencils can be a game-changer. But don’t ever feel ashamed for using affordable tools. I’ve made some of my favorite sketches with a 10-cent pencil and a recycled-paper notebook.
Just keep drawing. Keep learning. And choose tools that make you want to draw more.