Learning how to refill and revive dried out markers saves real money and rescues the ones you actually like. I’ve been rescuing dead Sharpies, dried-out Crayola sets, and expensive Copic art markers for years, and most can come back to life in under an hour with stuff you already have at home. This guide walks … Read more
If you’ve ever stood in the marker aisle wondering whether to grab alcohol markers or water-based markers, you’re not alone. The choice between these two types comes down to how their ink is formulated, and that single difference affects everything from blending to bleed-through to how your finished artwork looks. I’ve spent years testing both … Read more
Marker nibs fray when their delicate fibers are repeatedly stressed by being pressed too hard, dragged across rough paper, stored without the cap, or held at the wrong angle. The result is fuzzy, uneven lines that ruin artwork and lettering projects. If you’re wondering how to prevent marker nibs from fraying, the good news is … Read more
Yes, you can absolutely layer colored pencils over markers, and it is one of the most rewarding mixed-media techniques you can learn. The process starts with markers as your base layer, then colored pencils go on top to add details, deepen shadows, and sharpen edges. In this guide, I walk you through exactly how to … Read more
Prismacolor Premier colored pencils are the best overall choice for adult coloring books thanks to their soft wax-based cores that blend effortlessly and produce rich, vibrant colors. Faber-Castell Polychromos take the runner-up spot for colorists who prioritize sharp points and fine detail work. Whether you are a beginner looking for an affordable starter set or … Read more
Prismacolor Premier and Faber-Castell Polychromos are the two most debated artist-grade colored pencils on the market. If you’re trying to decide between them, here’s the short answer: Polychromos win on durability, lightfastness, and precision work — while Prismacolor wins on softness, vibrancy, and buttery layering. The better pencil depends entirely on what you draw, how … Read more
Are Expensive Colored Pencils Worth It? Yes, expensive colored pencils are worth it for practicing artists and dedicated hobbyists who use them regularly. For casual users, kids, or absolute beginners, student-grade pencils deliver 80% of the experience at a fraction of the cost. The answer depends on three things: how often you draw, what you … Read more
I burned through 14 sets of pencils over three months to find the best budget colored pencils that actually perform like premium brands. My testing included blending gradients, layering colors, drawing on black paper, and yes, dropping pencils off my desk to measure break resistance. The results surprised me. Most cheap colored pencils feel waxy, … Read more
Choosing between oil-based and wax-based colored pencils can feel overwhelming when you’re standing in the art supply aisle. Both types produce beautiful artwork, but they behave differently on paper, respond to blending in distinct ways, and suit different artistic styles. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about oil-based vs wax-based … Read more
You can blend colored pencils without a blender using layering and pressure, household items like baby oil or rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab, and dry tools such as paper towels or blending stumps. Over the past few years I have tested every household trick I could find in my own studio, and the truth … Read more