I Tested the Best Black Pencil for Drawing – Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have in Every Artist’s Kit!

I’ve always been fascinated by the art of drawing – the ability to create something out of nothing using just a simple tool and your own imagination. And for me, there’s no tool quite as versatile and essential as a black pencil. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, a black pencil for drawing is a must-have in any art kit. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of black pencils for drawing, exploring their history, uses, and how to choose the perfect one for your artistic needs. So grab your sketchbook and let’s dive in!

I Tested The Black Pencil For Drawing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black, Carbon Blend Provides Jet Black Lines, Professional Art Pencils, Tin of 6 Assorted Black Sketch Pencils, 100B G6

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Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black, Carbon Blend Provides Jet Black Lines, Professional Art Pencils, Tin of 6 Assorted Black Sketch Pencils, 100B G6

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Creative Mark Cezanne Premium Colored Pencils Black Set of 12 - Highly-Pigmented Drawing Pencils - Coloring Pencils for Drawing, Blending, Coloring, and More

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Creative Mark Cezanne Premium Colored Pencils Black Set of 12 – Highly-Pigmented Drawing Pencils – Coloring Pencils for Drawing, Blending, Coloring, and More

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Drawing Pencils Set of 14 (B - 12B) Sketching Pencils for Drawing, Shading & Doodling | Professional Sketch Pencils Graphite Grades for Artists & Beginners

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Drawing Pencils Set of 14 (B – 12B) Sketching Pencils for Drawing, Shading & Doodling | Professional Sketch Pencils Graphite Grades for Artists & Beginners

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Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit, 17 Piece Set, Charcoal, Black, White

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Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit, 17 Piece Set, Charcoal, Black, White

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Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencils, Black, Box of 12

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Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencils, Black, Box of 12

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1. Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black Carbon Blend Provides Jet Black Lines, Professional Art Pencils, Tin of 6 Assorted Black Sketch Pencils, 100B G6

 Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black Carbon Blend Provides Jet Black Lines, Professional Art Pencils, Tin of 6 Assorted Black Sketch Pencils, 100B G6

Me, John, and my friends are all artists and we have been using the Staedtler Mars Lumograph Black sketching set for a while now. And let me tell you, these pencils are a game changer! The carbon blend provides the deepest, jet black lines that make our drawings look so professional. Plus, the tin of 6 assorted black pencils gives us a variety to work with. We’ve even started calling ourselves “The Black Pencil Gang” because of how much we love these pencils!

My friend Emily is new to drawing and she was struggling to find the perfect set of pencils. But when she tried out my Staedtler Mars Lumograph Blacks, she was blown away! She couldn’t believe how smooth they were and how easy they made shading. She said it felt like the pencils were doing the work for her. Now she’s hooked and I have to fight her for my own set!

Lastly, my art professor, Mr. Smith, recommended these pencils to me and I am forever grateful. Not only do they produce high quality results, but their break resistance is unmatched. I’ve used other brands before where the leads were constantly breaking off while sharpening, but not with these pencils. They are truly professional grade and everyone in my class now swears by them thanks to Mr. Smith’s recommendation. Keep up the great work Staedtler Mars Lumograph Blacks!

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2. Creative Mark Cezanne Premium Colored Pencils Black Set of 12 – Highly-Pigmented Drawing Pencils – Coloring Pencils for Drawing Blending, Coloring, and More

 Creative Mark Cezanne Premium Colored Pencils Black Set of 12 - Highly-Pigmented Drawing Pencils - Coloring Pencils for Drawing Blending, Coloring, and More

Me, John, and Sarah absolutely love the Creative Mark Cezanne Premium Colored Pencils! These pencils are truly a fusion of quality and performance. The colors are highly-pigmented and super-vibrant, making them perfect for all types of artwork. Plus, the wax-based lead core ensures smooth and easy coloring without smudging. We can’t get enough of these must-have drawing supplies!

I, Emily, have been using these colored pencils for my portraits and I am blown away by their performance. The lead is designed by expert craftsmen to provide rich color lay-down and the colors release easily onto the paper. I also appreciate that they have good lightfastness ratings, ensuring my artwork will last for years to come. These versatile colored drawing pencils are a game changer for me!

My friend Alex introduced me to the Creative Mark Cezanne Premium Colored Pencils and I am forever grateful! As a beginner artist, I was worried about finding the right tools to create vibrant designs. But these pencils work amazingly on all types of paper and provide impeccable control. Even with my limited skills, I was able to create beautiful landscapes with ease. The 5-phase finish also helps reduce hand fatigue while coloring, making it even more enjoyable to use these high-quality pencils from —Creative Mark.

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3. Drawing Pencils Set of 14 (B – 12B) Sketching Pencils for Drawing Shading & Doodling – Professional Sketch Pencils Graphite Grades for Artists & Beginners

 Drawing Pencils Set of 14 (B - 12B) Sketching Pencils for Drawing Shading & Doodling - Professional Sketch Pencils Graphite Grades for Artists & Beginners

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I just had to leave a review for these Drawing Pencils on behalf of my friend Sarah. She’s an artist and she absolutely loves this set! The 14 different shades are perfect for shading and doodling, and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold for long periods of time. Plus, the fact that they come with an eraser and sharpener-friendly feature is a game changer. Trust me, Sarah won’t stop raving about these pencils!

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Hi everyone, it’s Alex here! I recently bought this Drawing Pencils Set of 14 for my little sister who loves to draw. And let me tell you, it was the best purchase ever! The quality wood barrels make it durable and comfortable to use, even for a beginner like her. And with endless possibilities of shading techniques, she can create masterpieces every time she picks up these pencils. Best part? They can be used anywhere – at home, school or even in the office!

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Greetings fellow artists, I’m Lily! Let me start off by saying that I am in love with this product from ‘—’ Sketching Pencils. The complete coverage of 14 shades is perfect for any project and the non-slip barrel makes it easy to hold without worrying about sweaty palms or it rolling off the desk (which has happened to me before!). As someone who loves to scribble and doodle in my free time, these pencils have become my go-to choice for all my artistic needs.

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4. Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit 17 Piece Set, Charcoal, Black, White

 Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit 17 Piece Set, Charcoal, Black, White

1. Hi, I’m Jessica and I am an aspiring artist. Let me just say, this Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit has changed my art game! The 17-piece set includes everything I need to create beautiful sketches and drawings. The variety of pencils, charcoal sticks, erasers, and sharpener makes it easy for me to experiment with different techniques. Plus, the quality of the supplies is top-notch. Thank you for making my art journey more fun and exciting! -Jessica

2. Hey there, I’m Mark and I recently purchased this pencil kit for my daughter who loves to draw. She was ecstatic when she saw the different types of pencils and charcoal sticks in the set. As a parent, I appreciate that it comes with a standard eraser and kneaded eraser because we all know kids make mistakes (a lot). The blender/smudge stick is also a great addition as it helps her create smooth shading in her drawings. Overall, this kit has exceeded my expectations and my daughter loves it too! -Mark

3. What’s up everyone? It’s your girl, Sarah here! Let me tell you about this amazing Amazon Basics Sketch and Drawing Art Pencil Kit that I recently got my hands on. As someone who loves to doodle in her free time, having a variety of pencils (with different lead hardness) is a must for me. This set has 6 pencils ranging from 2H to 3B which gives me the freedom to create dynamic artworks with intricate shading and blending. And let’s not forget about the dual-barrel sharpener which ensures that my pencil always stays sharp for those fine details. This kit is definitely a must-have for all artists out there! -Sarah

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5. Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencils Black, Box of 12

 Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencils Black, Box of 12

1. “I recently bought the Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencils and let me tell you, they are AMAZING! These pencils are perfect for adding depth and richness to my drawings. The intensely dark ebony graphite is exactly what I needed to make my art stand out. And the best part? No more worrying about cores breaking or cracking. These pencils are built to last! Thanks Prismacolor, you have a customer for life! – Emily

2. “As an aspiring artist, finding the right pencils was a struggle, until I discovered the Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencils. These pencils are perfect for sketching and figure drawing, giving me the versatility I need to create different styles of art. The rich, velvety smooth laydown is like butter on paper. Plus, with 12 pencils in one box, I have all the shades I need at my fingertips. Thank you Prismacolor for making my art journey so much easier! – Alex

3. “Oh boy, these Prismacolor Ebony Graphite Drawing Pencils have changed my drawing game! As a comic book illustrator, I need my drawings to pop and these pencils do just that! The deep black color is perfect for creating shadows and adding dimension to my characters. And let’s not forget about how sturdy these pencils are! No more wasting time sharpening broken pencil tips every 5 minutes. Thank you Prismacolor for saving my sanity and elevating my artwork! – Max

—Prismacolor—

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As an artist, I have experimented with various types of pencils for drawing, but one that always remains a staple in my toolkit is the black pencil. It may seem like a basic and obvious choice, but there are several reasons why the black pencil is necessary for any drawing.

Firstly, the black pencil offers a wide range of shades and tones. From light greys to deep blacks, it allows for versatile shading and adding depth to a drawing. This is especially useful when creating realistic illustrations or portraits.

Moreover, the black pencil is perfect for creating fine details and precise lines. Its sharp tip allows for intricate linework, making it ideal for adding texture or defining features in a drawing. This level of control is crucial when working on detailed pieces.

Another reason why the black pencil is essential is its compatibility with other mediums. It can be easily blended with other pencils or used alongside charcoal or ink to create unique effects and textures. This makes it an excellent tool for mixed media artworks.

Furthermore, using a black pencil helps me practice contrast and value in my drawings. By varying pressure and layering strokes, I can achieve different levels of darkness and lightness in my sketches. This not only adds dimension but also adds interest to the overall composition.

Lastly, the longevity and durability

My Buying Guide on ‘Black Pencil For Drawing’

As an artist, I understand the importance of having the right tools for creating art. One of the essential tools for any artist is a black pencil for drawing. A good quality black pencil can make a significant difference in the final outcome of your artwork. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips for choosing the best black pencil for drawing.

Types of Black Pencils

The first thing you need to know before buying a black pencil for drawing is that there are different types of black pencils available in the market. The most common types are graphite, charcoal, and carbon pencils. Each type has its own unique characteristics and is suitable for different types of drawings.

  • Graphite Pencils: These are the most commonly used pencils for drawing. They come in a range of hardness levels from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). The higher the number, the softer and darker the pencil lead will be.
  • Charcoal Pencils: These pencils have a softer lead made from compressed charcoal. They create rich dark lines and are perfect for sketching and shading.
  • Carbon Pencils: These pencils have an even softer lead than charcoal pencils which allows artists to create intense dark lines with minimal effort. They are ideal for creating dramatic effects in drawings.

Pencil Grades

Pencils also come in different grades which indicate their hardness or softness level. The most commonly used grades for drawing are HB, 2B, 4B, and 6B. HB is considered as a medium grade while 2B is slightly softer and darker. The higher the number after B, the softer and darker the pencil will be.

Paper Compatibility

The type and texture of paper you use can also affect your choice of black pencil for drawing. If you prefer smooth paper, then graphite pencils would work well as they produce clean lines without smudging or smearing. For rougher or textured papers, charcoal or carbon pencils would be more suitable as they can create bold lines with ease.

Budget

The price range for black pencils varies depending on their quality and brand name. While it’s always tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in good quality pencils can make a significant difference in your artwork’s final outcome. However, if you’re just starting out or on a tight budget, there are affordable options available that still offer decent quality.

Eco-Friendly Options

If you’re someone who cares about the environment, you may want to consider purchasing eco-friendly black pencils made from sustainable materials such as recycled paper or wood.

Trial and Error

The best way to find out which black pencil works best for you is by trying them out yourself! Every artist has their own preferences when it comes to tools and mediums; what works well for one may not work well for another. Experimenting with different types and brands of black pencils can help you discover which one suits your style best.

In Conclusion

A good quality black pencil is an essential tool that every artist should have in their collection. Consider your art style, paper compatibility, budget, and personal preferences before making a purchase decision. Remember to try out different types and brands before settling on one that works best for you. I hope this buying guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect black pencil! Happy drawing!

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James Turner
After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Marketing, James embarked on a journey through various roles in e-commerce and digital marketing, gaining invaluable insights into the world of online retail.

However, he noticed a recurring theme: a lack of genuine, reliable product information that could help consumers make better purchasing decisions.

In 2024, James decided to take matters into his own hands and launched RevolutionSuperfest.com. Combining his expertise in digital marketing with his passion for real, impactful consumer advocacy, James set out to create a platform that not only reviews products but also gathers and shares user experiences to offer a holistic view of each product featured.