Holbein Colored Pencil Review | Why I Regret Buying Them (But You Might Not)

Please remember this is my opinion ONLY. Take into consideration that mine doesn't match everyone else's, but that's because no two people experience or use pencils exactly the same.

Okay, so this is a nerve-wracking review to put up for me. If you have watched me long enough, you know that I'm not a fan of Holbeins. But hey, we're all different and we all experience pencils differently. That said, I feel I should share my experiences with Holbein, my gripes, and why I truly regret buying them. Does that mean they won't work for you?

Absolutely not! We are all different, but at least you have another perspective to consider when you think about whether or not this is the right investment, especially with the price tag.

*QUICK UPDATE* It looks like they do come in and out of availability still on Amazon Japan - so you might be able to snag them there cheaper. However, as I said in my review, I still wouldn't pay that because they just aren't for me, but you might have a chance to find them cheaper than Blick!

ITEMS MENTIONED IN THIS REVIEW:
Recommended:

If You're Ready to Go All In:

#adultcoloring #holbein #coloredpencil reviews #holbeinreviews

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Until next time, stay Colorfully Optimistic!

[ColorfullyOptimistic]

Quick update, you MAY be able to snag these on Amazon Japan still (they seem to go in and out). However, as I said in my review, I still wouldn't buy them for that, because the pencil itself (regardless of price) isn't for me. That said, you might be able to snag them cheaper via Amazon Japan if you want!

[jaimiec]

What i appreciate the most about this review, and something I wish everyone would do with all pencils they review, is that you described the coloring style and paper requirements to be successful with these pencils!

[jaimiec]

Thank you for being brave enough to give your honest opinion and explain why you feel that way!

[ArtistJane]

I actually just released a video with an official statement from Holbein about the lightfast testing methods they use, and they are actually lightfast (I called the company up and they sent me that info - and it’s not a plug. I’m just commenting here because you may want to know that to clear up any confusion) That being said, colored pencils preferences are entirely personal. Just because you didn’t end up liking them doesn’t make your opinion invalid, and I’m sorry there were so many nasty comments from people. Especially the comment of you’re “just a colorist”. That’s just elitist and patronizing. Your opinion is valid, and it doesn’t have to be the majority. As your fellow YouTuber, I understand when people say nasty things, they can be very dehumanizing. It takes thick skin but we’re not all bulletproof. Just remember it’s more about the person being nasty than it it’ll ever be about you! ♥️🙌

[aliciabushman]

I appreciate this review. One thing I have come to accept is that there is no such thing as a perfect pencil. We have preferences based on how we color and the look we prefer. I have many sets of pencils and adjust for each set. I enjoy the differences because of their different palettes and overall look. I think that the holbeins would be really good for me. But I would expect to use them differently and let them guide me in their use. I think that we have the tendency to expect money to equal coming closer to perfection. We have to change that expectation. I think that you might still come to like these pencils. The palette has much to offer you. But that is my take. Do what makes you feel happy.

[Elmcolors]

Great review, Kori!! When pencils are as expensive as these, you need to know what you’re getting into. Both the positive and negative sides of the pencil. Really appreciate this ☺️

[VeehattInspired]

Girl, I thank you and I’m sure my husband thanks you for this review. I’m a heavy-handed Primacolor Premier and Caran D’Ache Luminance “colorist” and I’ve been on the edge of buying these. You just saved me hundreds of dollars and years of buyer’s remorse/frustration if I had followed my full-set-syndrome and gotta have it all take on my art supplies. Keep up the great work with your honest review because there are a lot of us that tend to color in the same fashion you do. TFS!

[ChristinaTodd]

Wow! I can’t believe another “artist” said a “colorist” isn’t an artist or coloring isn’t art! I’m so sorry. I got started on my art journey by coloring in coloring books and although watercolor is my jam now and I don’t color in books anymore I still could never match some of the colored pencil art created by “colorists.” Not only that but I think colorists definitely know their stuff when it comes to colored pencil. Art can be a snobby community and I hate that the community puts down colorists. Because, damn! You guys produce some stunning art.

[sweetart]

The most gorgeous pencils I have ever used and I have loads of colored pencil sets in a variety of price ranges to compare. I have found my Holbeins are top of the list as being far the most enjoyable. Could care less about light fastness. I don’t sell my art and are not sure of how many people watching this review actually do. If I did you can always sell numbered prints. So lightfastness is of no issue at all except for originals.
All sets are pretty easily available now as well as open stock. I have a variety of quality papers and have used them on most with great results.
Everyone has different budgets they may want to spend on their art but I can sure think of other hobbies and creative occupations that are much, much, more expensive then Holbein pencils. I have no issue at all with the price for such a great pencil. Would highly recommend these pencils to anyone who wants a silky soft gorgeous colored pencil with no wax residue or sharpening issues. A pleasure to use and worth every penny.

[Starkravingsober]

I very much appreciate your honest and fair review. Different colonists ha e different preferences. Its not personal. People shouldn't take it that way. Great job Kori.

[kpixiewings_Kelley]

I know this comment is over a year after your posting, but I just want to thank you for explaining what you desire in a pencil and who may not love these. I am sorry that you had felt such pressure and feared the negativity that would come your way by speaking your honest opinion about a pencil. I plan to buy a couple of open stock to try but I will not jump in like I usually do with any new endeavor I take on. Major props to you for your bravery, I appreciate it immensely. I think I'll grab a couple Luminance to try too. (I hope your fears did not come to pass.)

[prettybrwnwoman]

Thank you for this review. I am a beginning colorist (I don’t blend or layer anything) and watching lots of videos and seeing all the books, pencils and supplies it makes you want to get everything. You really reinforced for me considering my style and budget before buying new supplies.

[Septembergirl]

I've only heard someone say negative things about Holbeins a couple of times and it always shocks me. I absolutely LOVE my Holbeins. I got mine on Amazon US (yes they sold them for quite awhile) for about $300 and I never had any regrets. Now I hardly ever use them because I am scared to use them up. The Blick price shocked me, so ridiculous! But of course everyone is entitled to their opinion. I love your channel btw. I just received my copy of Summer Scenes to follow your Inktense tutorial. I have had mine for years and have never used them because they terrified me, but you finally made me brave enough to follow your tutorial!

[princesslaika]

I really appreciate your honest experience/opinion with these pencils. That’s why your one of my favourite people to listen and watch. Thanks again.

[poetspicecolorwrite]

Yes! Thank you for this! All the hype about blending, etc. made we want to try them (of course I’m not paying that price). I don’t like having to use a ton of layers. I don’t mind some layers but taking forever to color is annoying.

Again agreed about the shaming. I HATE Prismas but the world seems to husband shame if you don’t.

[peculiarArt]

Why care what others think...Your the bomb chick! You are blessed with talents. I watch your tutorials and drool LOL

[ellyfranken]

First i like to say "you are not just a colorist", to be a good colorist you need to learn techniques, practice over and over. It's nice if you have talent, some do and some don't. But it sure requires patience. So don't let that person bring you down. Second i like your video's, honoust reviews. I only have one Holbein pencil, tried it, but it doesn't feel any better then prismas, polychromos or luminance. I hear so many say that i need them. Well no i don't. I think they are ridiculous pricey. Ive seen masterpieces done with budget pencils. Thank you for this video. And colorists are artist to in my opinion :).

[inezspeight]

Wonderful! Take courage in your self. Be well, stay strong. You are doing a great job informing the community.

[positronixartandlife]

I just want to say thank you for this. I started with Polychromos and much prefer the layering method and slowly building up colour (even if it does take forever) so the Holbein pastels went well for me (especially the light peaches for skintones and other really light colours). Personally, I'm going to have a lot of learning to do with the Caran D'Ache Luminous because I am so not used to pencils that lay down a heavy thick layer even with the lightest pressure :D

I will also agree that the lightfast is definitely an issue - I don't know if it's a cultural thing but other Japanese brands seem to be similarly vague on how they tested for appropriate/accurate lightfast values so...I am still learning (yes, despite the mass amount I've spent!) and so I use colouring books/colouring pages to build up my skill, nothing that will be displayed let alone sold. If I did get to that point, I'd definitely do my own lightfast testing to verify it for myself.

I still love the soft white though - Prismacolour are difficult to get here in the UK, open stock even more so. Even when I can find the Prismacolor white, it's about the same price as the Holbein soft white anyway, so I just loaded up on holbein instead.

[Danadane]

Omg! You just saved me, my money…and possibly a fight with my honey. I was just about to purchase the 150 set on EBay for $302.00, very expensive for me. But I thought I’d wait and sleep on it. I’m like you, I want instant gratification, so I smush quickly. Thank you so much! This review is invaluable! ❤️