Drawing Pencil Set Buyer's Guide

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, my role is to provide you with clear, objective information to help you make an informed purchasing decision. This article focuses on selecting drawing pencil sets, highlighting the essential features that matter to artists and illustrators.

A common issue with graphite drawings is the unwanted sheen that appears depending on the lighting, which can complicate the photographic or digital reproduction of the artwork. Furthermore, choosing the right hardness grades is crucial for achieving the desired result. The goal of this guide is to give you objective criteria to find the perfect drawing pencil set for your needs.

What to Look for When Buying Artist Pencils?

Selecting the right graphite pencil set depends on your individual techniques and goals. Here are three key aspects to consider in your decision.

1. The Importance of Hardness Grades

The designation on a pencil, such as 2B or 4H, indicates the hardness of its lead. The scale ranges from hard (H) to soft (B, for "black") leads.

• H-Grades (Hard): These pencils release less graphite and create lighter, more precise lines. They are well-suited for technical drawings, fine details, and preliminary sketches, as they are easy to erase without smudging.
• B-Grades (Black/Soft): Soft leads contain more graphite and produce darker, richer strokes. They are ideal for shading, artistic sketches, and creating deep tonal values. The higher the number before the B (e.g., 8B, 9B), the softer and darker the laydown.
• F (Firm) and HB: These are in the middle of the range and are versatile for both writing and general sketching.

A good sketching pencil set offers a selection of drawing pencils of various grades to open up a wide range of expressive possibilities.

2. Matte Effect for Reduced Reflections

Traditional graphite drawings tend to have a metallic sheen, especially in dark, densely applied areas. This effect can interfere with the perception of tonal values and is particularly problematic when digitising artwork (scanning or photographing).

In response, manufacturers like Faber-Castell have developed special artist pencils with a matte finish. The Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt is an example of a pencil whose lead is formulated to minimise light reflections. The result is a deep, matte black that provides a more uniform and reflection-free appearance. For artists who present or sell their work digitally, this can be a decisive advantage.

3. Set Contents and Professional Drawing Accessories

A drawing pencil set is often more than just a collection of pencils. Pay attention to the included accessories that can support your workflow. Useful additions include:

• Sharpener: A high-quality sharpener is essential for precisely shaping the leads without breaking them.
• Eraser: Different types of erasers (e.g., kneaded erasers for lightening areas, plastic erasers for clean corrections) are part of many sets.
• Blending Stump (Estompe): This tool, made of rolled paper, is used for smudging and blending graphite to create soft transitions and shading.

A set that already includes these professional drawing accessories offers a great starting point and ensures that the components are well-matched.

Our Selection of Drawing Sets and Pencils

Based on the criteria above, we have curated a selection of products that meet the diverse needs of artists.

Faber-Castell 115220 - Pitt Graphite Matt Pencil Set, 11-Piece

Why it stands out: This set is entirely focused on the innovative Pitt Graphite Matt technology. It was specifically developed for artists who value reflection-free drawings. The collection provides a solid foundation for exploring the properties of matte graphite.

Pros:

• Matte Graphite Laydown: Reduces light reflections for improved digital reproducibility.
• High Lightfastness: Ensures the longevity of your artwork.
• Comprehensive Accessories: Includes a blending stump, eraser, and sharpener matched to the pencils.
• Hardness Grades: Contains a selection of Pitt Graphite Matt pencils up to the extremely soft 14B grade.

Who is it for? This set is an excellent choice for illustrators, designers, and artists who frequently photograph or scan their work. It is also suitable for artists focusing on shading and tonal studies who want to avoid the typical graphite glare.

Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt & Castell 9000 Set, 20-Piece

Why it stands out: This set combines two of Faber-Castell's product lines: the new Pitt Graphite Matt pencils and the proven Castell 9000 classics. It offers exceptional versatility for almost any drawing technique.

Pros:

• Two Pencil Types in One Set: Allows for direct comparison and combined use of matte and traditional graphite.
• Wide Range of Grades: Covers an enormous spectrum with 8 Pitt Graphite Matt pencils (HB to 14B) and 8 Castell 9000 pencils (B to 8B).
• High-Quality Accessories: Includes a kneaded eraser, standard eraser, blending stump, and metal sharpener.
• Durable Packaging: The metal tin protects the pencils and is ideal for transport and storage.

Who is it for? Professional artists and ambitious hobbyists looking for a comprehensive and versatile graphite pencil set. It is perfect for anyone who wants to combine fine, glossy details with deep, matte shadows in their work.

STAEDTLER Mars Lumograph Graphite Pencil 9B

Why it stands out: This single pencil is a specialised tool for extreme darkness. The Mars Lumograph in 9B is one of the softest and darkest pencils in the traditional graphite range, known for its rich, deep black laydown with a subtle metallic sheen.

Pros:

• Extreme Softness: The 9B grade allows for creating very dark tonal values and intense shadows.
• High Break-Resistance: According to the manufacturer, a special lead bonding process provides exceptional durability.
• Wide Lead Diameter: The approx. 3.6 mm diameter is suitable for large-area shading.
• Sustainability: According to STAEDTLER, the wood comes from PEFC-certified, sustainably managed forests.

Who is it for? Artists who want to expand their existing set with a pencil for maximum depth and contrast. It is ideal for portrait drawing, expressive sketches, and works where an intense black tone is required.

Discover More Options

The products presented here cover specific use cases. If you are looking for other hardness grades, set configurations, or brands, you can find a wider selection in our main category.

? Discover our entire range of graphite pencils

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What do the hardness grades on pencils mean?

The hardness grades indicate the mixing ratio of graphite and clay in the lead. Pencils marked "H" (Hard) contain more clay, are harder, and produce lighter lines. Pencils marked "B" (Black) contain more graphite, are softer, and produce a darker, richer laydown. The scale typically ranges from about 9H (very hard) to 9B (very soft).

2. What is the best drawing pencil set for beginners?

For beginners, a set that offers a balanced selection of mid-range hardness grades, for example from 2H to 6B, is recommended. This allows for practising linework, shading, and various techniques. The 11-piece Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt set is a great option as it includes the necessary accessories to get started in addition to the pencils.

3. How can I avoid glare in graphite drawings?

The typical sheen of graphite is caused by the flat graphite particles reflecting light. To avoid this, you can use special drawing pencils with a matte formulation, like the Faber-Castell Pitt Graphite Matt series. Another method is to use a fixative spray after completing the drawing, which seals the surface and can reduce the glare.