If you’ve ever picked up a Faber-Castell pencil, you know that it feels a little different in the hand. There’s balance, precision and a sense that you’re holding something made to last. For over 260 years, Faber-Castell has been helping people make their mark. From students sketching for the first time to professionals layering delicate coloured pencil work, the range supports artists of all kinds.
At ArtStore Online we’re proud to offer an extensive selection of Faber-Castell drawing supplies. We believe everyone should have access to tools that inspire confidence and spark creativity no matter their skill level.
There are plenty of pencil brands out there, but few match the consistency and care that goes into each Faber-Castell tool. Their cores are break resistant, their pigments are strong and their graphite glides on smoothly. Every product is designed with performance in mind, from the wood casing down to the fine point.
They're also a responsible choice. Faber-Castell uses wood from sustainably managed forests and continues to invest in ethical production practices. When you’re building your creative toolkit, choosing a brand that combines quality and care just makes sense.
At ArtStore Online we recommend Faber-Castell because it works. For beginners, hobbyists and seasoned artists alike, it's a brand that offers both reliability and performance.
Faber-Castell offers an impressive range of drawing pencils, each suited to different styles and techniques. You can build a kit that reflects your goals, whether that’s expressive colour, bold tonal studies or fine graphite sketching.
Their graphite pencils cover the full spectrum of hardness levels, from 6H to 8B. These are ideal for students learning shading, artists working on line art or anyone needing dependable pencils for day-to-day sketching.
If colour is more your thing, coloured pencils like those in the Polychromos range offer vibrant, blendable tones with excellent lightfastness. These pencils can be layered and sharpened to a fine point, making them popular for everything from botanical drawing to illustration.
For artists who want to experiment with wet and dry effects, watercolour pencils offer a lot of versatility. Draw first, then apply a damp brush to create painterly washes and gradients. The watercolour pencils range is perfect for sketchbooks, mixed media work and travel art kits.
All of these pencil types are designed to complement each other. You can mix and match as you grow.
Faber-Castell is known for its thoughtfully assembled sets that bring together useful tools in one place. These often include a combination of pencils, erasers, sharpeners and blending aids in a compact case that’s easy to store or carry.
You can find curated options by browsing our Pencil Sets collection. These are ideal for students or as gifts for anyone starting their creative journey. Having a few well-chosen extras, like erasers and sharpeners, alongside your pencils can make a big difference in how confidently you draw.
Starting with quality materials gives you a smoother learning experience. Here are some simple tips for getting the most out of your Faber-Castell pencils:
Choose three or four graphite grades to begin. Something like HB, 2B and 6B covers a good range of tone and texture
Use smoother paper for graphite and slightly textured surfaces for watercolour or coloured pencils so pigment grabs evenly
Try water-soluble pencils dry first, then add water slowly to see how the colour reacts and spreads
Use a kneadable eraser to lift out highlights or soften areas without smudging the surrounding work
Keep your tools sharp with a manual sharpener and test different point shapes for detail versus shading
You can find the right sketch surfaces in our Drawing Pads section, and a full selection of accessories under Drawing Tools.
At ArtStore Online we want to help beginners feel equipped, not overwhelmed. Start with the basics and build from there.
If you're wondering which pencils are best for what, here’s how the main ranges compare.
The graphite pencils in the Faber-Castell 9000 range are perfect for everyday sketching and line work. They come in a broad range of hardness levels so you can practise shading, structure and light control.
If you're moving into colour, Polychromos pencils are reliable, richly pigmented and easy to blend. They’re a favourite among illustrators, designers and anyone who loves clean colour and layering.
And for those who enjoy variety in their materials, the Albrecht Dürer watercolour pencils allow you to switch between dry sketching and wet blending without changing tools.
By now you’ve got a clearer picture of what makes Faber-Castell such a trusted name in the world of drawing. Whether you're building a basic pencil kit for school, upgrading your coloured pencil range or curious to try water-soluble materials, their range has you covered.
At ArtStore Online, we make it easy to explore, compare and find exactly what you need to get started. From sketching supplies to drawing accessories, you’ll find Faber-Castell products that support your creativity and last the distance.
Discover the world of drawing with Faber-Castell tools at ArtStore Online. If you’d like a hand choosing your first set or building out your drawing gear, just get in touch. We’re here to help you make confident, creative choices.
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