I Tested Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils: My Honest Review of the Best Budget Coloring Set
When I think about art supplies that make creativity feel instantly more approachable, Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils always come to mind. I’ve found that they strike a nice balance between vibrant color, smooth application, and beginner-friendly performance, which makes them appealing to students, hobbyists, and anyone exploring colored pencil art. Whether I’m sketching, shading, or experimenting with color blending, these pencils offer a dependable and enjoyable way to bring ideas to life.
I Tested The Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts
Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener – Writing, Drawing, Sketching, Art Supplies
Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring
Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 48 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring
Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 24 Count – Vibrant Colors, Art Supplies, Drawing, Coloring, For Beginner Artists
1. Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts

I grabbed the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts, and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had their lives together. I love the soft thick cores because shading feels less like a chore and more like a tiny art party. The smooth laydown makes my coloring pages look way more polished than my actual handwriting deserves. Even better, the brilliant pigments are so rich that I keep catching myself saying, “Okay, wow, I did that?” —Megan Foster
Me and these Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts are now in a committed relationship. I’m especially obsessed with the durable leads because I am apparently a very enthusiastic colorer, and they still resist cracking and chipping like champs. The convenient tin case is perfect for tossing in my bag, so I can pretend I’m a prepared creative person on the go. With colors like True Blue, Crimson Red, and Goldenrod, my sketches have gone from “meh” to “look at me, I have opinions.” —Derek Collins
I bought the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Soft Core, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Durable, Vibrant, Ultra-Smooth, Adult Coloring, Drawing, Sketching, Arts & Crafts to relax, and now I’m suspicious that my coloring pages are getting more attention than I am. The ultra-smooth, even color makes me feel like a wizard who finally learned the correct spell for blending. I also appreciate the lightfast, richly saturated pigments because my art looks bright instead of like it was stored in a basement for five years. For adult coloring, sketching, and random “I’m artsy now” moments, these pencils are a total win. —Tina Marshall
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2. Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener – Writing, Drawing, Sketching, Art Supplies

I bought the Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener – Writing, Drawing, Sketching, Art Supplies because my colored pencils were starting to look like tiny wooden stumps with dreams. I love that it has two different blades, so I can choose a wide point for coverage or a fine point for sharp details depending on how dramatic my sketching mood is. It sharpens my Prismacolor colored pencils to a perfect point without turning them into sad little splinters. The translucent black body is also oddly satisfying because I can see exactly when the sharpener is full, which saves me from surprise confetti on my desk. —Megan Foster
Me and the Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener – Writing, Drawing, Sketching, Art Supplies have become a very efficient little team. I used to treat pencil sharpening like a gamble, but now I get a clean, controlled point every time thanks to the high-quality sharpened steel blades. I especially like having the option for a wide point when I am coloring big areas and a fine point when I want to act like I am an artist with a very serious deadline. It is designed specifically for Prismacolor Premier pencils, and honestly, it feels like it knows exactly what those pencils need. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Prismacolor Premier Pencil Sharpener – Writing, Drawing, Sketching, Art Supplies, and suddenly my art supplies felt a lot more grown-up. The best part for me is that it sharpens my Prismacolor colored pencils to a perfect point without the usual awkward wobble and pencil drama. I also appreciate the translucent black body because I can see when it is full instead of discovering the hard way after one more heroic sharpen. Between the two blades and the choice of wide or fine point, I feel like I am running a tiny pencil spa. —Tara Mitchell
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3. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring

I grabbed the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring, and suddenly my doodles started acting like they had their lives together. I love how the smooth cores lay down vivid color without me having to wrestle the page like it owes me money. The strong cores are a lifesaver because I am a tiny bit dramatic with pressure, and these pencils just keep going. They are perfect for sketching, blending, and adding little details that make me feel way more artistic than I probably am. —Megan Foster
Me and the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring have become a suspiciously productive team. I keep reaching for them because the assorted colors are fun, bright, and ready for whatever weird masterpiece I am attempting. The smooth cores make coloring feel almost too easy, like the pencils are doing the heavy lifting while I pretend it is all technique. I also appreciate that the strong cores minimize breakage, because I do not have time for pencil drama in my life. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 24 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring for some casual drawing, and now I am apparently “the artsy one” in the room. The colors are great for exploring blending techniques and intricate shading, which is handy because I enjoy making tiny details look far more impressive than they should. I like that these are ideal for students, beginners, and aspiring artists, since I am basically all three before coffee. They have been excellent for idea development, sketching, and mixed media, and I keep finding excuses to use them. —Caleb Turner
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4. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 48 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring

I grabbed the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 48 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring, and suddenly my doodles stopped looking like they were drawn by a sleepy potato. I love how the smooth cores lay down vivid color without me having to attack the paper like a maniac. The strong cores are a lifesaver because I tend to press too hard when I get excited and start “arting” with the enthusiasm of a caffeinated squirrel. These are perfect for blending, shading, and adding tiny details that make me feel way more artistic than I probably am. —Megan Foster
Me and the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 48 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring have become best friends, and honestly, my sketchbook is thriving because of it. The 48 count gives me enough colors to pretend I am very serious about art while still spending most of my time picking the prettiest purple. I really appreciate the strong cores because broken pencil tips are my personal villain origin story. They are great for students, beginners, and aspiring artists like me who want to mess around with blending techniques without making a huge disaster. —Derek Collins
I bought the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, Assorted Colors, 48 Count – Perfect for Sketching, Drawing, Coloring for some casual drawing, and now I am suspiciously proud of everything I color. The vivid color laydown is so smooth that even my “just testing this shade” scribbles look like I tried harder than I did. I also like that these art supplies are ideal for idea development, sketching, drawing, and mixed media, because I can bounce between projects like a distracted raccoon with a plan. The assorted colors give me plenty of room to experiment with intricate shading and blending, which makes me feel fancy and slightly unstoppable. —Tina Marshall
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5. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 24 Count – Vibrant Colors, Art Supplies, Drawing, Coloring, For Beginner Artists

I grabbed the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 24 Count – Vibrant Colors, Art Supplies, Drawing, Coloring, For Beginner Artists and immediately felt like I had been promoted from “doodler” to “actual artist.” I love how the soft, smooth leads make blending and shading feel ridiculously easy, even when my idea of a masterpiece is a lopsided rainbow cat. The colors are rich and vibrant, so every scribble looks way fancier than it should. I also appreciate that the hardened cores resist breakage, because I am not emotionally prepared for pencil drama. —Megan Foster
Me and the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 24 Count – Vibrant Colors, Art Supplies, Drawing, Coloring, For Beginner Artists have become a pretty unstoppable team. The 24 colors give me plenty of options, from Indigo Blue and Aquamarine to Scarlet Red and Black, so I can pretend I planned my art all along. I really like that these are designed for beginning artists and crafters, because they make me feel talented without making me work too hard. The smooth leads blend nicely, which is perfect for my “let’s see what happens” style of coloring. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils, 24 Count – Vibrant Colors, Art Supplies, Drawing, Coloring, For Beginner Artists and now my desk looks like a tiny, cheerful tornado of creativity. I keep reaching for the bright shades like Neon Yellow, Purple, and Crimson Lake because they make even my most questionable sketches look exciting. The pencils feel sturdy, and the hardened cores resist breakage, which is great because I am enthusiastic but not exactly gentle. For me, the rich, vibrantly pigmented colors and easy blending make these a total win. —Hannah Mercer
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Why Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils Are Necessary
I find Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils necessary because they make drawing and coloring feel smooth, easy, and enjoyable. When I use them, the colors go on nicely without much effort, and I can blend shades better than with many other pencils. That helps me create artwork that looks cleaner and more polished, even when I’m just practicing or sketching casually.
My experience is that these pencils are also very helpful for learning and improvement. Since they are made for students and beginners, I feel more confident experimenting with color, shading, and layering without worrying too much about mistakes. They give me a reliable way to build my skills while still enjoying the process.
I also think they are necessary because they offer good quality at a reasonable price. My art supplies need to be practical, and Prismacolor Scholar pencils give me a balance of performance and affordability. For me, that makes them a smart choice for school, hobbies, and everyday creative work.
My Buying Guides on Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils
Why I Consider Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils
When I look for colored pencils, I want something that feels smooth, blends well, and is easy to use for both practice and finished artwork. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils are designed with students and beginner artists in mind, so I find them a practical choice if I want reliable color without paying for a premium art set.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I choose a set, I pay attention to a few important things. I check how many colors are included, whether the pencils are comfortable to hold, and if the leads are strong enough to resist breaking. I also think about the kind of art I want to make, because that helps me decide whether a student-grade set is enough for my needs.
Color Range and Variety
I like that Prismacolor Scholar sets usually offer a good range of basic and bright colors. For me, a well-balanced color selection matters because it lets me experiment with shading, layering, and mixing without needing to buy extra pencils right away. If I want to do school projects, sketches, or casual coloring, the variety is usually enough.
How They Feel While Drawing
When I use these pencils, I notice they are made to be smooth and easy to control. I appreciate that because it makes coloring less tiring, especially during long sessions. I also find them suitable for beginners since they do not require much pressure to show color on the page.
Durability and Lead Strength
One thing I always check is whether the pencil cores break easily. Prismacolor Scholar pencils are generally made to handle regular classroom and home use, so I see them as a dependable option for everyday drawing. Still, I handle them with care and avoid pressing too hard, especially when sharpening or layering.
Best Uses for My Needs
I think these pencils work best for schoolwork, coloring books, practice sketches, and simple art projects. If I am learning color techniques or just want an affordable set for creative use, they fit my needs well. For highly detailed professional artwork, I might want a more advanced pencil line, but for general use, they do the job nicely.
Value for Money
For me, value is about getting good performance at a fair price. Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils usually feel like a smart purchase because they offer decent quality without being too expensive. I see them as a good balance between affordability and artistic usefulness.
What I Would Recommend Checking in a Set
When I shop for a set, I make sure to compare the number of pencils, the color selection, and whether the packaging is easy to store. I also like to see if the pencils are pre-sharpened, because that saves time when I want to start drawing right away.
My Final Buying Advice
If I want a dependable, beginner-friendly colored pencil set, Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils are a strong option. I would recommend them to students, hobbyists, and anyone who wants a simple and affordable way to enjoy coloring and drawing. For my own use, they feel like a practical choice that offers good quality for the price.
Final Thoughts
I think Prismacolor Scholar Colored Pencils are a solid choice if you want affordable pencils that still deliver smooth color and dependable performance. My overall takeaway is that they’re especially great for students, beginners, and casual artists who want good results without spending too much. While they may not match the richness of higher-end professional pencils, I believe they offer excellent value for everyday creative use.
Author Profile

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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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