Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils – Professional Quality for Artists
Bring your art to life with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils - blendable, vibrant, and professional-grade. Order your set today and create with confidence.
Looking for colored pencils that make your artwork stand out? Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are one of the most popular choices for artists, designers, and hobbyists. Known for their smooth, creamy leads and rich pigments, they’re a favorite for blending, layering, and creating bold color effects. But are they worth the price? Let’s find out.
What Makes Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils Stand Out?
Many artists debate whether Prismacolor Premier stacks up against premium names like Faber-Castell Polychromos or Caran d’Ache Luminance. Here’s how they measure up.
Pigment and Color Quality
Prismacolor leads are bright and creamy, giving smooth coverage. Compared to Polychromos, which offers sharper detail, Prismacolor is better for blending and gradients.
Range of Colors
With more than 150 options, Prismacolor offers one of the widest selections in its price range. Few brands match this variety, especially at a mid-level cost.
Blendability
This is where Prismacolor shines. The softness allows colors to melt into each other easily, perfect for smooth transitions. Harder pencils like Polychromos excel in detail but don’t blend as seamlessly.
Price and Accessibility
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils sit comfortably in the mid-range. While not as cheap as student brands, they’re more affordable than high-end sets. They’re also widely available online and in most art stores.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
It’s always helpful to weigh both sides before investing in new tools.
What Artists Love
- Soft, creamy leads that make blending effortless
- Rich pigments for vibrant, professional-looking results
- Wide range of more than 150 shades
- Comfortable barrels for long drawing sessions
What Could Be Better
- Softer cores prone to breakage if sharpened too often
- Some colors lack strong lightfastness
- Higher cost compared to student-grade options
Techniques That Work Best with Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils
Not every pencil is suited for every style, but Prismacolor adapts well to many approaches.
Layering and Blending
Because of the creamy cores, these pencils are ideal for building multiple layers. You can create soft gradients or mix colors to produce unique shades.
Burnishing
Prismacolors handle burnishing (pressing hard to blend layers into a smooth finish) beautifully. This technique gives a polished, painterly look.
Mixed Media
They also pair well with markers or water-based media. Many artists lay down a marker base and use Prismacolor pencils for depth and highlights.
How to Choose the Right Paper?
The surface you work on can make or break your results while using Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils.
Smooth Papers
For detailed illustrations, a smooth Bristol paper works well. The creamy cores glide across the surface and blend easily.
Textured Papers
If you’re layering heavily, try a medium-tooth paper. The tooth grabs pigment, letting you build depth without filling the grain too quickly.
Colored Papers
Prismacolor pigments pop on toned or black paper, making highlights and contrasts stand out more dramatically.
Where to Buy Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils?
You can find Prismacolor Pencils easily both in-store and online.
- Blick Art Materials – Stocks single pencils, sets in different sizes, and bulk packs. Great for when you need to replace a favorite color.
- Amazon – Offers convenient bundles and fast shipping, making it a go-to for restocking larger sets.
Final Thoughts
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils are a reliable choice for both hobbyists and professionals. Their smooth blending, vibrant pigments, and wide selection make them a joy to use. Yes, they can break easily and may cost more than basic brands, but their performance makes up for it.
If you’re looking for colored pencils that feel professional without the price tag of the most premium brands, Prismacolor is an excellent pick.
FAQs About Prismacolor Pencils
Are Prismacolor Pencils good for beginners?
Yes. Their soft cores and smooth blending make them forgiving and easy to learn with.
Do they smudge?
Yes, softer cores can smudge. A fixative helps protect finished pieces.
Can I buy Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils individually?
Absolutely. Many art stores sell singles, so you don’t have to replace entire sets.
Are they lightfast?
Not all colors. If lightfastness matters (like for gallery work), check the chart or stick to other archival brands.
How do they compare to Polychromos?
Prismacolor is softer and blends more smoothly. Polychromos are harder, offering sharper details and stronger lightfastness.
