Coloring is a wonderful hobby for relaxation, self-expression, and creativity. With so many materials available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when deciding where to start. I’ve been coloring since I was old enough to hold a crayon in my hand, so I’ve seen my fair share of coloring materials. In this guide to stress-free coloring and art supplies for beginners, I’ll be breaking down some of my favorite coloring media and tools to help you get started coloring!
Colored Pencils
Colored pencils are a staple for colorists, and for good reason. They offer control, precision, and the ability to layer and blend colors beautifully. They are suitable for beginners and, as long as you have a sharpener with a tub, completely mess free! On the other hand, there are so many coloring pencil brands out there it can be difficult to choose which one to get. Here are my faves:
Prismacolor Pencils:
My go-to choice! I have been using Prismacolors since I was in high-school. They have an excellent price point for the quality they offer. Their soft cores allow for smooth application and effortless blending, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned artists. You can get a box of 72 Prismacolor Pencils for $74 or a box of 150 pencils for $139 – that’s less than a dollar per pencil. You can also buy individual pencils from the Prismacolor website, which is handy should your favorite colors get worn down to the nub (more on that later!)
Faber-Castell Pencils:
They are a staple in stationary and art-supply stores for a reason! Faber-Castell pencils are reliable and widely available. They also offer several different lines of colored pencils for a variety of purposes and budgets. You’ve got the classic Faber-Castells that come in the red box, with 60 pencils for only $24 (that’s less than 40 cents a pencil). They deliver vibrant colors and are durable, making them a great choice for those on a budget.
They also offer the Polychromos line, which is significantly more expensive, running around $274 for 120 pencils, which also comes in a luxurious wooden box! That’s over $2 a pencil, but they are well worth it if it’s within your budget!
Crayola Colored Pencils:
You’ve probably used them in school before – Crayola! If you’re coloring on a tight budget or just getting started, Crayola pencils are a fantastic option. They’re inexpensive, widely available, and surprisingly good for the price. You can get a box of 50 for less than $10, or 100 crayola pencils for less than $20! You can finally heal your inner child and be that kid with the biggest box of crayolas around!
Artist Markers
Alcohol-based artist markers are another favorite medium for adult coloring books. They provide rich, even colors and are excellent for bold, vibrant designs. However, they do come with a steeper learning curve. You might want to watch some tutorials to get the hang of how to use them effectively and how to make pleasing blends. Once you’ve got the hang of them, however, they are wonderful to use!
While Copics are the industry standard, they will run you a whopping $500 or more for a set of 72, of which you will need several to get a complete coloring experience. And while Copics are usually discounted on Amazon, they’re still rarely less than $5 per marker. I would only recommend Copics to professional artists, not hobbyists.
Promarkers:
These are my personal favorite! Promarkers are more affordable than Copics, but they deliver impressive quality. Their alcohol-based ink blends beautifully, creating seamless gradients. I have the old Letraset Promarkers, but they’re now ‘Winsor and Newton Promarkers’ with a new design and black barrel. You can get a really nice set of 48 markers for $99 in a box that can be used as storage. That’s closer to $2 a marker. Unlike Copics, they are not refillable, but for the price point, it’s not really an issue.
Ohuhu Markers:
I can’t not mention Ohuhus – I’m sure you’ve seen them on Tiktok or Instagram reels. These markers are a hit among colorists for their excellent value. They offer a wide range of colors, a wallet-friendly price point, and consistent quality. A few markers per pack may arrive dry but that can be fixed with some rubbing alcohol and a dropper. Their massive 320 color set can be purchased for only $244, that’s about 75 cents per marker! Truly a one and done wonder.
Staedtler Double-Ended Fiber-Tip Pens:
I am truly in love with these. They have twin tips – letting you create broad wide strokes or fine thin outlines with a single marker. You can use these for journaling AND coloring – the ultimate multi-tasker. They are perfect for simple and cozy coloring books, or for mandalas! You can get a very generous box of 120 for about $37, which is fantastic bang for your buck, and the markers are vibrant and colorful!
Colorist Tip: When using markers, always place a sheet of bleed-proof paper behind your coloring page. Even thick paper can bleed if you’re layering or blending extensively, so don’t take the risk. You don’t want to spoil the next page of your book!
A few additional tools to take your coloring to the next level:
White Gel Pens or Posca Pen Markers:
Opaque markers are perfect for adding highlights, details, sparkles, or even correcting small mistakes. My personal favorites are Posca Pens, which you can get small sets of white ones off amazon, but classic Sakura Gelly Roll white pens will also do the trick!
Color Charts:
A little self-promo here! Keep a record of your colors with Color Charts! They’re invaluable for testing new materials and seeing how they’ll look on paper before committing to your artwork. Seriously, although I created this book myself, I can’t recommend it highly enough – I use it every time I am coloring. I created this book because it was something I felt I needed as an artist and colorist. I collaborated with other colorists and got their feedback to create the best swatch book possible, and it’s been my best-seller ever since.
A Pencil Extender:
If coloring pencils are your medium of choice, you definitely need one of these! When your colored pencils get worn down and are too short to hold anymore, don’t even worry about it! That’s where pencil extenders come in. I own The Miser Pencil Extender but the Derwent Pencil Extender Set is great as well. These can extend the life of your favorite pencils for ages, and are well worth the investment – they generally cost less than $10 and can save you money because you can use your pencils for longer!
In Conclusion
Whether you choose colored pencils, markers, or a multi-media approach, the key is to find what works best for you and enjoy the process. Start with materials within your budget, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Need something to color? I got you covered! I have a library of hundreds of free coloring pages right here at YamPuff.com! Be sure to check them out right HERE!
You can also buy my coloring books off amazon: on my Author Page.
If you prefer digital coloring pages that you can print yourself, you can visit my Etsy shop!
Do you have a favorite coloring supply that wasn’t mentioned here? Or do you swear by one of the tools on this list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! Happy coloring!
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I prefer Prismacolor pencils. Although I use a lot of different pencils because some sets have different colors that I want to try. I also like Crayola, CraZart, Faber Castle, Derwent, and Fantasia. My pencil goal is to be able to afford a Kalour 520 set, but for now I just get to admire it..lol.. I love pencil extenders and when I’m not around my electric sharpener I use an M+R gold small hand held. Sharpens 2 sizes, a little heavy, but you can buy and replace the blades when they dull by removing a small screw. You can get it on Amazon. Gel pens I prefer Pentel Sparkle Pop, Krazy Pop, and Sunburst Metallic. Also available on Amazon.
Prismacolors are the best!
Ooh I haven’t tried those gel pen brands before – thanks for the recommendation!
What’s your favorite coloring media and/or brand?