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Tip 1: Quality Matters
The quality of the colored pencils should be your top priority. A high-quality colored pencil is made with premium materials that produce vibrant and long-lasting colors. The lead should be soft, smooth, and easy to blend, while the wood should be sturdy and easy to sharpen. Professional colored pencils are typically made with wax and oil-based leads, which allows them to produce a wide range of colors and effects.Tip 1.1: Wax-based vs. Oil-based Colored Pencils
Wax-based colored pencils are known for their ability to produce vibrant and intense colors. They are soft and easy to blend, making them perfect for creating smooth gradients and layering colors. However, they can be prone to wax bloom, which is a white film that forms on the surface of the coloring. To avoid this, it is recommended to spray a fixative over the finished artwork. On the other hand, oil-based colored pencils produce rich and dense colors that are slightly muted compared to wax-based pencils. They are more resistant to wax bloom and smudging, which makes them ideal for detailed work. Oil-based pencils are also perfect for layering colors and can create a beautiful textured effect.Tip 2: Consider the Lead Hardness
Colored pencils come in different lead hardness, ranging from soft to hard. The hardness of the lead affects the intensity of the color and the ease of blending. Soft leads are perfect for creating smooth gradients and can be easily blended. However, they tend to break easily, and the leads wear out faster. Hard leads produce light and crisp colors that are excellent for detail work. They are also more durable and last longer than their soft lead counterparts.Tip 2.1: Understanding the Pencil Grading System
The hardness of the lead is measured using a pencil grading system that ranges from H (hard) to B (soft). The H grade is used for pencils with hard leads, while the B grade is used for pencils with soft leads. The higher the number, the harder or softer the lead. For example, a 6H pencil is harder than a 2H pencil, while a 6B pencil is softer than a 2B pencil.Tip 3: Look for Lightfastness Ratings
Lightfastness is the ability of a colored pencil to resist fading when exposed to light. Professional colored pencils are rated for lightfastness, with the highest rating being 1, which means the colors will not fade over time. A lightfastness rating of 2 or 3 means that the colors will fade over time but at a much slower rate than lower ratings.Tip 3.1: Checking the Lightfastness Rating
The lightfastness rating is usually indicated on the packaging or the pencil itself. If it is not, you can check the manufacturer's website or contact them directly for information. It is important to use lightfast colored pencils if you plan to sell or display your artwork, as fading can significantly reduce the value of the piece.Tip 4: Consider Your Budget
Professional colored pencils can be expensive, with some sets costing hundreds of dollars. However, there are also affordable options that offer good quality without breaking the bank. Before making a purchase, consider your budget and the size of the set you need. A smaller set may be perfect for occasional use or for trying out a new brand, while a larger set is ideal for more experienced artists who need a wide range of colors.Tip 4.1: Buying Open Stock vs. Sets
Professional colored pencils are sold either in sets or open stock. Sets are a convenient way to get a range of colors at once, but they may include colors you do not need or use. Buying open stock allows you to choose the colors you need and refill them as necessary. This method can be more cost-effective if you only need a few colors or if you use certain colors more frequently than others.Tip 5: Read Reviews and Compare Brands
Before making a purchase, it is always a good idea to read reviews and compare brands. Professional colored pencils come in a variety of brands, each with its unique features and strengths. Reading reviews from other artists can give you insight into how the pencils perform and whether they meet your needs.Tip 5.1: Most Popular Brands of Professional Colored Pencils
Some of the most popular brands of professional colored pencils include:- Prismacolor - known for their soft and vibrant wax-based leads
- Faber-Castell - known for their high-quality oil-based leads and excellent lightfastness
- Caran d'Ache - known for their premium-quality pencils with high lightfastness ratings
- Derwent - known for their wide range of pencils with different textures and effects