Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
So you want to start drawing. The first thing you figure out is that picking art supplies for drawing from a store shelf can feel overwhelming — a wall of graphite grades, charcoal sticks, fineliners, and colored pencils that all promise “professional quality.” The stuff that actually matters to your hand and your paper is buried in the fine print. That is why this guide cuts through the clutter: it compares seven sets that real buyers have tested and reviewed, so you see exactly which one suits your style — sketchy shading, crisp line art, or full-color illustration — before you buy.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind FitlyFast. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you are a beginner filling a sketchbook or an advanced artist layering textures, these seven sets cover the spectrum of useful art supplies for drawing, from value-packed pencil sets to complete mixed-media studio kits.
Quick Picks
- Castle Art Supplies 60 Piece Drawing & Sketching Set — Best Overall
- Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count — Colored Pencil King
- Arteza Drawing Set for Adults, 33 Pieces — Best Graphite Range
- Nicpro 58 PCS Art Drawing Supplies Kit in Leather Case — Precision & Portability
- Faber-Castell Creative Studio Art On-The-Go Graphite Sketch Set – 15 Pieces — Travel Ready
- Tombow 51523 MONO Drawing Pencil Set, 12-Pack — Pro Shading
- COLOUR BLOCK 181-Piece Mixed Media Art Set in Wooden Case — Full Studio in a Box
How To Choose The Best Art Supplies For Drawing
Before you click “Add to Cart,” a few minutes on what actually separates a frustrating drawing session from a satisfying one. The right set saves you money, paper, and a lot of squinting.
Graphite Hardness: The B/H Range That Matches Your Hand
Graphite pencils are labelled with numbers and letters — 6B is very soft and dark, 4H is very hard and light. If you sketch loosely and fill shadows, you want more B-grade pencils (6B, 4B, 2B). If you do technical or fine line work, stick to H-grades (2H, 4H). A good set spans both sides so you can experiment.
Paper and Case: Two Things Beginners Overlook
A sketchbook with 68lb (100gsm) paper handles light washes and erasing without tearing. A zippered case or wooden box keeps leads from snapping when you toss the set in a backpack — a problem noted by owners of several sets here.
Bonus Mediums: Water Soluble and Pastels
Some drawing sets include water-soluble pencils and a water brush, letting you turn a line drawing into a soft wash without a separate paint set. Others add pastel sticks and charcoal for varied texture. The more mediums, the more techniques you can try without buying more.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Piece Count | Graphite Range | Carrying Case | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castle Art Supplies 60 Piece Set | All-in-one sketching & pastel work | 60 | Graphite pencils and sticks | Zip case, organized sections | $59.99Amazon |
| Prismacolor Premier 24 Pack | Soft-core colored pencil blending | 24 | N/A (colored pencils) | Metal box | $24.99Amazon |
| Arteza Drawing Set 33 Piece | Wide graphite & charcoal range | 33 | 4H–14B plus charcoal | Compact box | $34.17Amazon |
| Nicpro 58 Piece Mechanical Set | Precision line art & technical drawing | 58 | HB, 2B–6B, 2H, 4H (leads) | Leather case | $39.99Amazon |
| Faber-Castell Art On-The-Go 15 Piece | Portable beginner graphite sketching | 15 | 4H–6B | Nylon pouch with clip | $22.90Amazon |
| Tombow MONO Drawing 12 Pack | Professional fine shading | 12 | 4H–6B | Cardboard box | $21.99Amazon |
| COLOUR BLOCK 181 Piece Wooden Case | Full mixed-media studio on the go | 181 | Graphite & charcoal plus 10 other mediums | Wooden case | $74.99$99.95Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Castle Art Supplies 60 Piece Drawing & Sketching Set
$59.99as of Jul 7, 5:56 PMA complete sketching studio in a case that unfolds like an art toolbox.
This 60-piece set puts graphite, charcoal, pastel, water-soluble pencils, water brushes, fineliners, blenders, erasers, and tools all into one organized zippered case that stands up so you can see everything at once. The range includes graphite pencils and sticks, charcoal pencils and sticks, pastel pencils and sticks, plus water-soluble pencils with water brushes. You also get a detailed 28-page instruction booklet with tips and tutorials, built by the brand’s in-house artists — so you have a guide for each technique as you try it.
One owner mentioned that the kneadable eraser arrived rock-solid and had to be replaced — a small fix in an otherwise comprehensive kit.
What makes it the top pick
- 60 pieces cover graphite, charcoal, pastel, and water-soluble in one case
- Organized zip case stands open for quick selection
- Includes a full 28-page tutorial booklet to learn techniques
A flaw to know about
- The kneadable eraser can arrive dried out and unusable
Your go-to studio: Pick this if you want one box that lets you try graphite, charcoal, pastel, and water-soluble pencil techniques without buying separate sets.
Plan for one swap: Budget for replacing the kneadable eraser if it arrives stiff — beyond that, you are ready to draw.
2. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, 24 Count
$24.99as of Jul 7, 5:56 PMButtery-soft color that blends in one pass — the benchmark colored pencil.
These are not normal colored pencils. The thick, soft-core leads lay down ultra-smooth, richly saturated pigment with very little pressure, and they blend beautifully for shadows and gradients. The 24-color set includes a broad mix like True Blue, Poppy Red, Spanish Orange, Mulberry, and Goldenrod, plus a Black and White for highlights and outlines. Buyers consistently describe them as “rich, vibrant, smooth” and note they arrived sharpened and ready.
Unlike the harder graphite pencils from Faber-Castell or Tombow, these require a gentle hand — drop one or sharpen it roughly, and the soft core can crack. Reviewers also warn that the wood may split if handled roughly. For pure colored-pencil work, though, the performance leap over cheaper sets is immediate.
Why artists love them
- Soft core lays down vibrant color with almost no pressure
- Blends smoothly for realistic shading
- Arrives pre-sharpened in a sturdy metal box
Handling catch
- Soft core can break if dropped or sharpened aggressively
Your move into color: Grab these if your drawing needs rich, blendable color — they are the standard for adult coloring and illustration.
Stay gentle: Use a light touch when sharpening, and store in the metal box to avoid cracked cores during travel.
3. Arteza Drawing Set for Adults, 33 Pieces
$34.17as of Jul 7, 5:56 PMA 33-piece toolkit that spans from ultra-light 4H to ultra-dark 14B graphite.
If you want to explore the full spectrum of pencil shading, this set gives you 18 drawing pencils ranging from 4H (very hard and light) all the way to 14B (extremely soft and dark) — a span that goes beyond most basic sets. It also includes 3 black charcoal pencils (soft, medium, hard), a white charcoal pencil, 2 woodless pencils (4B, 6B), a black Inkonic Fineliner, blending stumps, a metal sharpener, 3 erasers, and a hobby knife. At 1.1 pounds and measuring 9.25 x 7.52 x 0.91 inches, it is notably more compact than the Faber-Castell pouch set, making it easy to slide into a bag.
Buyers report the pencils sharpen well but note they dull quickly during fast sketching, which means you will be reaching for the sharpener often during a session. The charcoal pencils and woodless pencils add versatility for larger shading areas, and the fineliner does not bleed.
What makes it stand out
- Widest graphite span in this list (4H–14B)
- Includes charcoal, woodless pencils, fineliner, and blending stumps
- Compact and light at 1.1 pounds
A trade-off to note
- Pencil points dull quickly during fast sketching, needing frequent sharpening
Best for experimenters: Choose this if you want to try everything from light construction lines (4H) to deep, dark shading (14B) plus charcoal — all in one compact kit.
Plan for sharpening stops: The leads hold a point fine for detail work, but if you sketch quickly you will pause more often than with harder pencils.
4. Nicpro 58 PCS Art Drawing Supplies Kit in Leather Case
$39.99as of Jul 7, 5:56 PMA mechanical-pencil powerhouse for crisp, consistent linework every time.
This set is built differently from the rest — instead of traditional wood pencils, it centers on 6 metal drafting mechanical pencils in four sizes (0.5mm, 0.7mm, 0.9mm, and 2.0mm), plus 12 black micron pens in assorted tip widths from 0.2mm to 3.0mm plus a brush tip. The lead refill count is huge: 440 pieces of graphite lead (HB) for the 0.5/0.7/0.9mm sizes, 84 pieces of 2.0mm lead in 4B/2B/6B/HB/2H/4H, and 36 colored lead refills. The 5.5 x 8.5-inch sketchbook uses 68lb (100gsm) paper that owners mention has good tooth and does not cause fiber lift.
Reviewers praise the smooth, no-break pencils and crisp, no-bleed pens. A few mention that the colored leads wear quickly, and the kit is larger than expected — about binder-sized at 1.5 inches thick — but the leather case and velvet lining make it easy to pack in a backpack.
Your consistent line tool
- Six metal drafting pencils in four tip sizes for precise lines
- 12 micron pens from 0.2mm to brush tip — no bleed, waterproof
- Includes a 68lb sketchbook with good tooth
Consider this
- Colored lead refills wear quickly
- Kit is larger than expected
For line-art lovers: Get this if you draw comics, architectural sketches, or detailed technical illustrations where a consistent line width matters more than shading variety.
Color needs extras: The colored leads are a nice bonus but run out fast — rely on the graphite and fineliners for the core experience.
5. Faber-Castell Creative Studio Art On-The-Go Graphite Sketch Set – 15 Pieces
$22.90as of Jul 7, 5:56 PMA focused graphite set that is small enough to clip to your bag and go.
This set includes 12 graphite pencils in 8 degrees of hardness (2 each of 6B, 4B, 2B, and HB, plus one each of 4H, 2H, H, and B) — enough range for shading and line work without the extra mediums you might not need yet. The pencils use Faber-Castell’s SV (secure-all) bonding, which glues the lead along the entire length of the barrel, making them break-resistant and easy to sharpen. A small white eraser, a plastic sharpener, and a nylon pouch with a swivel clip are included. At 2 x 6.38 x 11.63 inches, the pouch is slim.
Customers note the pencils are smooth with a good value range covering H-grades through B-grades, and many call it a great set for beginners or travel. One reviewer noted that the zippered nylon case feels a bit flimsy and papery compared to the pencil quality.
Keep it simple
- Break-resistant SV-bonded leads reduce sharpening breakage
- Slim nylon pouch clips to a bag for on-the-go sketching
- Covers 8 degrees of hardness for shading variety
Downsides
- Pencil case fabric feels less durable than the pencils
- Only one of each H-grade pencil (4H, 2H, H) limits hard-side range
Best for casual sketching away from home: Grab this if you need a small, portable set with smooth graphite for sketching during commutes or outdoor trips.
Case is the weak link: The pencils themselves are excellent — you may want to upgrade the pouch if it wears out.
6. Tombow 51523 MONO Drawing Pencil Set, 12-Pack
$21.99as of Jul 7, 5:56 PMJapan-engineered graphite that feels creamy on the page — a shading specialist.
These are the pencils you reach for when you want smooth, dark shading without scratchiness. The set covers a progressive range from 6B (softest) to 4H (hardest), all made with extra-refined, high-density graphite encased in premium hard cedar wood. The lead core is perfectly centered and glued along the entire barrel, which makes the pencils break-resistant and ensures even sharpening — so you do not get uneven wear. A plastic eraser and a small sharpener are included, bringing the total package dimensions to 8.5 x 2.75 x 1 inches.
Buyers consistently praise the smooth, creamy graphite and note that even the harder H leads are smooth. One buyer mentioned an issue where the 2B lead broke repeatedly during initial sharpening. The pencils are made in Japan, and several reviewers call this their third or fourth set purchased — a sign of long-term loyalty.
Why pros choose them
- Extra-refined graphite delivers creamy, smooth shading
- Centered, glued core resists breaking during sharpening
- Versatile 6B–4H range suits both shading and detail
The catch
- One owner reported a 2B pencil that snapped repeatedly while sharpening
For your best shading: Choose this if smooth, dark graphite is your priority and you want a focused set without extra tools.
Quality control hiccup: A single bad pencil can happen — but the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive across multiple purchases.
7. COLOUR BLOCK 181-Piece Mixed Media Art Set in Wooden Case
$74.99$99.95as of Jul 7, 5:56 PM181 pieces that cover every medium you can imagine — a whole art studio in a wooden case.
This set does not just cover drawing — it covers painting, pastel work, and mixed-media techniques all in one box. The 181 pieces include 12 art mediums: watercolor paints (in tubes and cakes), acrylic paints, colored pencils, watercolor pencils, oil pastels, soft pastels in color and grey tone, sketching pencils, charcoal pencils, graphite sticks, and charcoal sticks. It also includes 11 tools: natural hair brushes, golden synthetic brushes, a sanding block, a kneaded eraser, a 2-hole metal sharpener, a vinyl eraser, a color wheel, a color theory guide, a wooden manikin, blending stumps, and a watercolor pad. The wooden case measures 19.69 x 12.56 x 2.95 inches.
Buyers call it a terrifically useful art kit for both beginners and professionals. A common complaint, however, is that the wooden case feels flimsy — multiple reports of screws being stripped, hinges needing repair, or missing hardware upon arrival. The content quality is praised highly, but the case itself may require some attention.
Incredible variety
- 181 pieces covering watercolor, acrylic, colored pencil, pastel, charcoal, and graphite
- Includes tools like a color wheel, blending stumps, and a sanding block
- Non-toxic materials
Case quality risk
- Wooden case can arrive with stripped screws or missing hardware
- Some buyers needed to drill new holes for hinges
For the all-in-one creator: Buy this if you want to paint, draw, and do mixed media from a single box without buying separate sets for each medium.
Case may need TLC: The supplies inside are excellent — just check the hinges and screws on arrival, and contact customer service if something is off.
Understanding the Specs
Graphite Hardness (B and H numbers)
The letter and number on a pencil tell you how hard or soft the lead is. “B” stands for black — the higher the number, the softer and darker the pencil. A 6B lays down deep, velvety lines for shading. “H” stands for hard — the higher the number, the lighter and harder the tip. A 4H is good for light construction lines that do not smudge. A set that covers both sides, like 4H through 6B or wider, lets you switch from fine detail to shadow without swapping pencils.
Soft Core vs Hard Core (colored pencils)
Soft-core colored pencils contain more pigment and less wax binder, so they lay down rich color with very little pressure — perfect for blending and layering. The trade-off is that they break more easily if you press hard or drop them. Harder-core colored pencils resist breaking but require more pressure to deposit color; they also do not blend as smoothly. If you color or shade for long sessions, soft core saves your hand.
Piece Count vs Usefulness
A 12-pencil set can be more useful than a 100-piece set if it covers the right range of mediums. Count the variety: how many graphite grades, how many eraser types, whether charcoal is included. A big set is only valuable if you actually use the mediums it includes. A smaller, focused set is better for portability and for beginners who do not need every medium yet.
Case Material and Portability
A sturdy case protects your pencils from breaking when tossed in a bag. Zippered nylon pouches are light and compact but can feel flimsy. Metal boxes provide rigid protection and look professional but add weight. Wooden cases look beautiful and hold a lot, but the hinges and latches can be weak spots. The best choice depends on whether you are drawing at home or taking your kit everywhere.
FAQ
What is the difference between HB, 2B, and 6B pencils?
Do I need charcoal pencils in a drawing set?
How many pencil grades does a beginner really need?
Are soft-core colored pencils worth the higher price?
What should I look for in a drawing set case?
Can I use water-soluble pencils on any paper?
How long does a graphite drawing pencil last?
Are art pencil sets safe for kids?
What is the difference between woodless and wood-cased pencils?
Can I mix graphite and charcoal in the same drawing?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the best art supplies for drawing are the Castle Art Supplies 60 Piece Set because it balances graphite, charcoal, pastel, and water-soluble pencils in a well-organized case with a tutorial booklet. If you need rich, blendable color for illustration, grab the Prismacolor Premier 24 Pack. And for precision line art and technical drawing, the standout is the Nicpro 58 Piece Mechanical Set with its six metal drafting pencils and 12 micron pens.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, FitlyFast earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.