#10 Best Drawing Pencils for Beginners 2023

Get the best drawing pencils for beginners and show off your first masterpiece. So, keep scrolling down!

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As a general rule of thumb, a drawing pencil is a must-have tool when someone wants to get into the world of drawing. With a drawing pencil, you can do the basic skills of the world of art, such as drawing, illustrating, and sketching. It is also undeniable that when you are a professional in the arts, drawing pencils are still an important tool to be carried. Because without this tool, you, as an artist, will be a bit difficult to create a masterpiece in your drawing papers.

Below, we have compiled a list of the best drawing pencils for beginners. If you are interested in starting to draw, then you can start by reading our recommendations below. Have a good read!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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How to choose the best drawing pencils for beginners?

The most important factor before choosing the best beginner drawing pencils is your drawing style. Because basically, every drawing style requires different pencils. For example, detailed artwork and technical drawing require different pencils than those used for sketching and drawing. Therefore, understanding your drawing style will lead you to the best drawing pencils.

The next factor is pencil grades. Once you understand your drawing style, you should probably understand that graphite pencils come in different grades. And pencil grades are generally divided from 9H to 9B, where H means hardness and B means blackness. So if you are looking for a pencil to make fine and light marks, then look for grades H. Conversely, choose grade B if you want to draw with bold and dark marks.

What is the best drawing pencil to have for beginners?

This is a question with a subjective answer. Just like what we said earlier, each artist has their own drawing style. Therefore, the best choice is always something different for everyone. And our choice goes to Derwent Medium Graphic Drawing Pencils. A reasonable price, 12 ranges of pencil grades, and a hexagonal barrel are enough reasons to make it on top of our list. If you’re not interested in it, you can choose nine other products from our list.

How much should I spend on the best drawing pencils for beginners?

The price of a set of drawing pencils is not that high as you may only need to spend around $5 to $30. So to get the best, you don’t have to spend a lot of money. But there are drawing pencil sets that come with a price tag of over $100, such as the Caran D’ache Graphite Line Pencils.

How long is the lifespan of beginner drawing pencils?

It all depends on your usage. If you use drawing pencils continuously to hone your drawing skills, then they will probably only last about 1 to 3 years. You can also keep your drawing pencils at their best by storing them properly in a cool place.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Medium Graphic Drawing Pencils Derwent
Derwent
Medium Graphic Drawing Pencils
#1 Amazon Michaels.com eBay
Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils Staedtler
Staedtler
Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils
#2 Amazon Michaels.com eBay
51523 MONO Drawing Pencil Set Tombow
Tombow
51523 MONO Drawing Pencil Set
#3 Amazon Tombowusa.com eBay
Premier Graphite Pencils Prismacolor
Prismacolor
Premier Graphite Pencils
#4 Amazon Michaels.com eBay
Monolith Graphite Pencil Set CRETACOLOR
CRETACOLOR
Monolith Graphite Pencil Set
#5 Amazon Dickblick.com eBay
Rembrandt Art Design Sketch Pencils Lyra
Lyra
Rembrandt Art Design Sketch Pencils
#6 Amazon Dickblick.com eBay
Goldfaber Graphite Sketch Pencils Faber-Castell
Faber-Castell
Goldfaber Graphite Sketch Pencils
#7 Amazon Dickblick.com eBay
Woodless Graphite Pencils Arteza
Arteza
Woodless Graphite Pencils
#8 Amazon Arteza.com eBay
Graphite Line Pencils Caran d'Ache
Caran d'Ache
Graphite Line Pencils
#9 Amazon Carandache.com eBay
497BP Semi-Hex Graphite Drawing Pencils General
General
497BP Semi-Hex Graphite Drawing Pencils
#10 Amazon Walmart.com eBay

10 List of Best Drawing Pencils for Beginners

  • Derwent Medium Graphic Drawing Pencils
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    #1

    Derwent Medium Graphic Drawing Pencils

    Best Overall

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    At the top of our list is Derwent Medium Graphic Drawing Pencils. There’s a good reason why this pencil takes the top spot on our list. Firstly, this drawing pencil set comes with 12 wide ranges of grades that will fit everything both professionals and beginners need. Secondly, it has a hexagonal barrel, designed to give you great precision for drawing and sketching. And lastly, you can seamlessly try your first drawing with this pencil set.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    There are 12 wide ranges of grades
    Ideal for beginners and professionals
    Provides great precision with its hexagonal barrel

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The pencil needs frequent sharpening

    What other experts liked

    I love the Derwent Graphite pencils, they feel incredibly good in the hand, well weighted and balanced, their hexagonal shape lends well to those using a tilted drawing board.
    The Art Gear Guide

    What other experts didn't like

    The cons are that the leads break easily if dropped for instance, and the pencils require frequent sharpening.
    Kelly P
  • Staedtler Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils
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    #2

    Staedtler Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils

    Best Value

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Crafted from high-quality material, you don’t need to doubt the quality of these Staedtler Mars Lumograph Art Drawing Pencils. It can handle every of your writing, drawing, and sketching projects, even if you’re a beginner. More about that, this beginner drawing pencil comes with 12 ranges of grades, from 6B to 4H, giving versatility of use for every artist. It also has super-bonded lead for easy erasing and sharpening.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Crafted from high-quality material
    Ideal for writing, drawing, and sketching projects
    Comes with 12 ranges of grades
    Features super-bonded lead

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The H grades are a bit scratchy and gritty for some

    What other experts liked

    It has the classic hexagonal shape, so it doesn't roll, but the edges are smooth and comfortable to hold.
    Pena Addict

    What other experts didn't like

    With the exception of the really high H grades in the graphite range being a little bit scratchy and gritty.
    The Art Gear Guide
  • Tombow 51523 MONO Drawing Pencil Set
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    #3

    Tombow 51523 MONO Drawing Pencil Set

    Best with Good Set

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Having a set is a good choice when you come to the best drawing pencils for beginners. And if you’re seeking that, this Tombow 51523 MONO Drawing Pencil Set is the way you should go. The set of these MONO pencils includes 12 ranges of grades, a plastic eraser, and a pencil sharpener. On top of that, this pencil has extra-refined graphite that will offer great precision in your drawing. Interested? So prepare your budget and add this pencil set to your cart!

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Comes with a good set, such as 12 pencils, a plastic eraser, and a pencil sharpener
    There are 12 ranges of grades
    It has extra-refined graphite

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The H grades isn't that good for some

    What other experts liked

    The graphite and clay mixture is super smooth, super dark, and without any kind of residue or impurity.

    What other experts didn't like

    These are very good drawing pencils but there was a hard spot in one of the harder H pencils.
    Betty A
  • Prismacolor Premier Graphite Pencils
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    #4

    Prismacolor Premier Graphite Pencils

    Best for Beginners

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Prismacolor Premier Graphite Pencils set is an excellent introductory kit for every beginner to draw and sketch. Coming with 7 Turquoise, 4 Woodless, and 3 Water-Soluble graphite pencils, this drawing set will provide more options when drawing and sketching. In addition, when you buy this pencil set, you will get two erasers, a sharpener, and a sanding board.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Ideal for beginners
    Comes with 7 Turquoise, 4 Woodless, and 3 Water-Soluble graphite pencils
    Includes two erasers, a sharpener, and a sanding board

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The H grades are a little scratchy for some

    What other experts liked

    If you or someone in your life is serious about drawing, but you don't want to go broke getting supplies, this is the kit to get.

    What other experts didn't like

    The H pencils feel a little scratchy.
    Kashii A
  • CRETACOLOR Monolith Graphite Pencil Set
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    #5

    CRETACOLOR Monolith Graphite Pencil Set

    Best Stylish Design

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    CRETACOLOR Monolith Graphite Pencil Set has a stylish design combined with a metallic finish to help you draw every sketch. Also, this drawing pencil set comes with six grades, from HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B, and 9B. It also has kneaded eraser and a metal sharpener that will give all the drawing tools in one box. If you have a budget of $20, you should consider this beginner drawing pencil.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Comes with a stylish design and metallic finish
    There are six grades
    Features a kneaded eraser and a metal sharpener

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The includes eraser is a bit soft

    What other experts liked

    I use these for graphite studies of people and animals. I really like that there isn't any wood to have to deal with.

    What other experts didn't like

    The eraser is a bit soft and leaves lines behind sometimes.
    Staci G
  • Lyra Rembrandt Art Design Sketch Pencils
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    #6

    Lyra Rembrandt Art Design Sketch Pencils

    Best Versatile

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    For a good reason, this Lyra Rembrandt Art Design Sketch Pencils set is ideal for drawing, sketching, and architectural layouts. Coming with 12 ranges of graphite pencils, you can get the perfect masterpiece of your drawings. In addition, this drawing pencil features break-resistant lead and a sturdy metal case to handle each of your projects. It also has a smooth texture in each graphite pencil, delivering consistent and rich strokes on your sketchbook.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Ideal for drawing, sketching, and architectural layouts
    Comes with 12 ranges of graphite pencils
    Features break-resistant lead

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Not for some

    What other experts liked

    The finest pencils for drawing. High-quality graphite that is smooth and easy to blend.

    What other experts didn't like

    The graded color didn't go dark enough for me.
    M W Spoiler
  • Faber-Castell Goldfaber Graphite Sketch Pencils
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    #7

    Faber-Castell Goldfaber Graphite Sketch Pencils

    Best from Well-Known Brand

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    If we’re talking about drawing pencils, we cannot possibly give a spot to the well-known brand, Faber-Castell. And these Faber-Castell Goldfaber Graphite Sketch Pencils are versatile equipment for writing, drawing, and sketching. It has a hexagonal shape and break-resistant lead to deliver excellent drawing performance for beginners, students, and young artists. Even better, this drawing pencil set comes with 6 Goldfaber graphite pencils, a pencil sharpener, and an eraser.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Ideal for writing, drawing, and sketching
    It has a hexagonal shape and break-resistant lead
    Comes with 6 Goldfaber graphite pencils, a pencil sharpener, and an eraser

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Mediocre sharpener quality

    What other experts liked

    Not only were these a great gift to my son, but they are also smooth. Easy grip and works wonderfully for drawing and shading.

    What other experts didn't like

    The sharpener looks cheap but works well with the pencil giving it a fairly sharp tip with ease.
    Trevor
  • Arteza Woodless Graphite Pencils
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    #8

    Arteza Woodless Graphite Pencils

    Best Mess-Free

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Drawing without a mess can definitely give you an enjoyable experience when starting out in the world of drawing. And that’s what this Arteza Woodless Graphite Pencils set will offer. Why? Because the graphite pencils of this set are coated with lacquer, ensuring a mess-free when drawing. On top of that, it comes with six wide ranges of grades, such as HB, 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B, and EE.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Provides a mess-free drawing experience
    Comes in six grades
    Reasonable-price

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    It needs to be sharpened frequently

    What other experts liked

    Good quality for beginners. Bonus's daughter loved them along with the other art supplies.

    What other experts didn't like

    Wood pencils need to basically shave for a point, but they break easily.
  • Caran d'Ache Graphite Line Pencils
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    #9

    Caran d'Ache Graphite Line Pencils

    Best Premium

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Having more budget to spend on the best beginner drawing pencils? If so, just take your eyes on this Caran d’Ache Graphite Line Pencils set. You’ll get everything you need to start drawing and sketching with this beginner drawing pencil. Coming with 15 Grafwood graphite pencils, a sharpener, an eraser, and another drawing kit, you can explore every drawing project you want to try.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Comes with 15 Gradwood graphite pencils
    Includes a sharpener, an eraser, and many drawing kits
    Multi-color options

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Expensive

    What other experts liked

    These pencils are the best I have used. They are very smooth.
    Robert C

    What other experts didn't like

    A bit pricey but well worth it.
    Gnomes
  • General 497BP Semi-Hex Graphite Drawing Pencils
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    #10

    General 497BP Semi-Hex Graphite Drawing Pencils

    Best Affordable

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    After reading the expensive one, you definitely need to know about the affordable one. And if you’re searching for that, you can consider this General 497BP Semi-Hex Graphite Drawing Pencils set. Priced less than $6, makes this drawing pencils set is ideal for beginners. So are you gonna try whether you’re skillful at drawing or not? If so, just take this set on your cart. While affordable, this beginner drawing pencil comes with four grades, an eraser and a sharpener.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Affordable
    Comes with four grades, an eraser, and a sharpener
    Beginner-friendly

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Inadequate eraser

    What other experts liked

    The pencils are really nice and good quality. Dark and erases well.

    What other experts didn't like

    The eraser was nothing special, it worked, but not amazing, and took a lot to get a somewhat clean line.
    Stacey

Conclusion: Best Drawing Pencils for Beginners

You have arrived at the end of our article. Have you found the best one? Hopefully, our recommendations were helpful. And as a reminder, before you buy the best drawing pencils for beginners, you should understand your drawing style. Because by considering your drawing style, it can lead you to the best one. Happy shopping!

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