Hi Lori! Lovely response and what I appreciate the most is that even though you love Holbeins and have disagreements you were open to hearing what I had to say. Like you said, holbein fans will fight haha, but you possess that quality to which you're open to hearing other opinions and that's what makes me respect you so much. Truly. You're always so honest and thorough with everything you do. Holbeins absolutely are a unique pencil and boy do those bad boys love their layers (if only I could give the layering love they need) . I agree they're definitely not for coloring (especially because most coloring books don't have the tooth this pencil needs to do what it can do). I also appreciate your insight on the lightfast. I feel that if they beat around the bush with one artist but then give another testing data they've established so much mistrust that a professional can't use these in commission work without always wondering if it will hold up. I also admire that you've done your own testing. Honestly, I don't doubt they're genuine with their rating but they're definitely not helping their case when they're so inconsistent with their message. I'm equally thrilled I'm not the only one that refuses to use a knife on that soft white haha! For my one page with super slick paper and black, I honestly cannot identify the issue. You might be right that it was wax bloom. Maybe I'll do a test on one of those pages and send it to you to show you how they start to crumble and streak because honestly I'd love to know what they were doing on that paper (it's a mystery I can't solve). I still plan to use my Holbeins which I know baffles people but I can't be defeated by a pencil 🤣 that said it will be more in my art and less in my coloring because I just think that's where they need to go. You are truly awesome and while we don't share the love of Holbeins together we both love our prismas and are open to what's out there. That's why I admire you woman. I actually can't wait for your pencils to come out myself! Thank you Lori. Again, you're amazing.
I just finished watching your review before I watched this one here. Colorfully Optimistic, you made a great video! While I love Holbein, I can see your points. I'm coloring in books and printed pages, so I don't use them in an artist standpoint. I got your review and why you feel the way you feel. I plan on watching more videos.
I did the voice over before coloring in the book. I choose that book because doesn't have much tooth. I ran into similar issues and honestly didn't enjoy coloring it. I then tried a prisma on it and one of my Star-Joy Gold pencils and the paper took it just fine. I now believe that Holbein needs a stronger tooth than coloring books have. I won't be using them like this again.
@@ColorMyWorld they do need serious tooth. My test page I used a very toothy paper just to show how even with 5 layers those things were not letting up🤣 Your colors were lovely though. 😍
@@cchild12789 awe thank you Christopher. The most important thing is no pencil works for everyone. I mean I love prismacolor and so many don't but that's OK. We all have to find a pencil we like and then just always remember that paper and how you use them makes a difference too 😀
@@ColorfullyOptimistic I love Prismacolor as well. They are still my favorite. I will agree that Holbeins are WAY too expensive. I have yet to get a full set. Only the primary 12 and the 12 pastel set, but I do enjoy them. I'm just waiting for them to drop in price to get the full set.
Thank you for doing this! I purchased them this year and I enjoyed coloring with them. I realized while working with them that I need to do light layers and not used a harder pressure. Once I changed that, they were awesome. Also, thanks for stating that we "colorists" are artists too!! I tend to go back and forth with that....not wanting to step on "artists " toes! Well I'll be stepping on them from here on out!😊😄
The CPSA was set up originally because some fine artists and professional galleries were looking down on anyone who uses pencil. Personally, I tend to add the word 'professional' when I describe someone doing whatever-type-of-art as their job rather than their hobby. Why? Because I'm not going to be the one who puts down the professionals of tomorrow just to make me seem bigger today. I remember being put down myself. My art teacher told me that I couldn't draw and so I wasn't an artist. I now make and sell pictures without doing more than a super-rough sketch first. But that took me over twenty years. (And I still get looked down on because I use oil pastel and coloured pencils. 😉) And I'm not putting anyone else through that pain. I celebrated my toddler's art and pinned on the wall; a decade on, she is now getting really good at blending colours in her colouring books - and learning to draw in her own style because she wants to make her own cartoon-illustrated books. She is an artist and always has been. You are an artist. If you are making art, if you enjoy looking at the results, then you are an artist. And anyone who puts you down just because you didn't draw the picture yourself isn't worth sharing your pictures with - don't waste your art on them! 😁 HAPPY ART MAKING! (whether colouring or otherwise) ✏️🎨❤️😁
Great review. Although in reference to Johanna Basford books I must say Prismas and Polys have worked great for me. But what I see others do with all kinds of budget friendly Pencilss nothing short of amazing. My 150 set of Prismacolors is my go to. But curiosity got me and I got 23 or 24 individual Holbein Pencils. They are nice but not 3.95 each nice..lol...they don't last long either !!! Love your channel. Colorists are the best.. We don't have to agree on every little thing. This is about having fun and learning. Joy is awesome thing to have. Thanks Lori.
I went to black the other day and noticed that they do have them there,but, I personally think that they are to much money to purchase them just for coloring books. Love your honesty and I think you are a artist and a amazing one at that.
Thank you both for sharing your opinions, I own the Holbeins and like them, however I would say Prismacolors and Polychromes are my favorites. This probably has to do with the fact that they were my first two sets and I watched hours of videos of colorists using them while coloring with them. I now have a multitude of pencil sets and if after I have used them 5 or 6 times and I’m not satisfied I gift them to other colorists. Pencil review videos are very helpful and it’s a good idea to watch 2 or 3 different ones before making a decision to purchase, (in my opinion!)
I bought Holbein looking for something "better" than Prisma and "easier" than Poly Chromos. At the time I really did not understand how to use oil pencils nor did I realize the best practices for wax (the wax build-up was driving me crazy). I have since corrected those issues but I still like my Holbeins better than both Prisma and Poly Chromos, in fact, the only pencil I like better is Luminance. BUT I am sure it has to do with the fact Holbein reminds me of oil pastels and I used to work with them, AND like you said I have found that when I use them I get the best of both worlds (Prisma and Poly Chromos) and this, in fact, is why I like Luminance as well (the lightfast is an added bonus). I use them primarily on digital prints that are always printed on at least 67 lb textured paper. I have not tried them much on smooth paper but I do use them in Johanna Basford books with little trouble, but I usually blend with OMS and/or a Luminance White/Blender Pencil. I have no more issues with them than I do Prisma which after watching so many of Chris Cheng tutorials I have finally learned how not to have a heavy hand. I really like using Holbein with Luminance together, much like I like using Prisma with Poly Chromos. Also, I have reached out to a few Japanese professional artists who use Holbein and have also done their own testing and have found the stars on the pencils to be accurate. Since I am only a hobbyist and make art only for myself and my family I am ok with the lightfast doubts (though from what I can tell they perform better than many). I always appreciate your reviews, Lori, you keep it honest and respectful, even with the Fbombs 🤣
Holy Holbein! I have found that most people who don't like this pencil or that pencil don't know how the pencil works, and that differs from oil to wax based. I've never used a Holbein, so me not having any knowledge about how they're going to perform might affect my opinion. But if you think Holbein's are expensive, go look at the Mitsubishi Uni colored pencils! I would never buy them because, dang, that's a lot of money for me to waste on coloring book pages. Great video Lori!
Lol! I’ve had customers of craft stores asking me questions because they think I’m an employee, so I just answer their questions! I did some pencil crayon demos last time I was there and explained the difference between oil and wax pencils. 😆
I do alot of multi media art of automotive drawings some with background and some without background. I ordered the pastel 12 set and a 36 Artist set. I love the blending and shading capabilities of the Holbein pencils. I recently ordered the 150 set from Blick.
Well said, Lori! I love and appreciate the truth and some out there don't believe it. I can't wait for your pencil set to come out!!! We are so excited!
“ I stay away from Johanna basford paper, because I don’t want to fight my paper” THANK YOUUU YESSSSS. I had the same experience and literally started taking photos of book pages and printing them on better paper so I could actually enjoy coloring!! I really feel bad for beginners who don’t know this and have given up thinking they are a bad colorist, I was almost one of them! Thx for sharing !
Omg you had me at (they probably think i work here!!) Never in all my years listening to You Tube have i ever encountered someone who actually makes me laugh out loud and i did so many times..Your a gem and i subscribed ...bloody love it !!!!
Thank you for the video Lori. Quite interesting. I've come to the conclusion that opinions will always vary no matter what pencil you talk about. Some will like it and some won't. I love my Holbeins 150 Set. I received them as a surprise gift from my husband via Japan. I've used them without any problems what so ever, even in JB books. Lol. I sort my colored pencils by color so that I don't get caught up playing the oil vs wax game. All colored pencils have both with varying percentages of each. I love mixing my pencils brands together and get quite vivid and bright pictures. I'm very much enjoying my Holbeins and consider them to be suited for any situation. Here's where we differ Lori. I'm the kid in the middle of the floor with all of my toys surrounding me. I want to see and play with it all at once so, I'm a colorist who makes great art using coloring books. I might not be here tomorrow, so why save them. I'm using all of my pencils together! Lol. The joy that I'm having is amazing so I say to you jump in the waters fine. Lol. Do you go to Blicks on Sahara? Me too! Now, I have waited months with you. Your pencils go on the market when?
I have only 12 pastel colors from holbein, I color mostly Johanna Basford books and I enjoy holbein on that paper more than my polychromos. It’s less fallout than polychromos. Holbein blends way better on that paper. But maybe I don’t notice the blooming you mentioned. Or maybe the pastel ones are different than regular ones. But I’m considering getting a full holbein set if I go to japan again (hoping they will be cheaper there).
I find the same! I love Holbeins, I find they work much better in colouring books than other pencils & I find they blend well too (especially as a novice). Holbein & Prismacolor are my favourite 💞 I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t like them, especially when the same people who don’t like them rave about scratchy budget pencils 😬😐👀
Hi Lori! Thanks for this insight. I have listened to Lindsey and Jane's reviews of Holbein too. Personally, I like the way they lay down and build up like polychromos, but feel softer on the paper (here in the UK prismacolor are very pricy and not open-stock locally to me). I only have 2 of the holbein so far, and love them. I am using them for scan-only professional work (but would love to have a few more, and to be confident enough in their lightfastness to use them for more). I really appreciate that you have taken the time to test them yourself using the Blue Wool Scale. 😘 Off to watch that next! At around 21 minutes, you asked what pencils people have found that worked in Johanna Basford's books. My daughter is colouring her way through a couple of Johanna's books with her Castle Arts pencils. She is getting beautiful results with many blended layers. She also enjoys using them in it. We can't remember what set they are, because she keeps them in the soft-cover travel case they came in, but think they had a phoenix on the front (that's what the colouring instructions inside are for!), and they definitely aren't the watercolour ones. JennyB
I love you, Lori! I found myself cackling with the adult language, but I also love your respect for the opinions of others while also giving your own honest opinion. Your channel is one of my favorites.
Always enjoy your honest take on products. Your respect for other artists is great snd I truly hope that others can give tier opinions. As it is just that “ personal opinions “ no one can ever tell you about your own feelings Thank you
I'll buy a couple of individual colored pencils from Holbein to see if I like them. The points that Colorfully Optimistict addressed are also important to me. I don't like to see very little progress in one place for a very long time. From reviews that I looked at, I came to the conclusion that the Posca colored pencils are more for me, unfortunately they are only available in 36 colors. I also think that coloring is an art, there are also illustration teams where one person does the line arts and another person does the coloring. If I pick something out of a coloring book to color it, then I have to be aware that I'm making a collab with the person who did the line arts and that it's not completely my self-made work and that some other people did a collab with the same line art too. It's not so individual for me.
I watch Lisa aka Lachri (la like ha but with an l and chri like kree) and Jane. I use the holbein for my first layers then use my tried and true proven lightfast sets. Thanks for your take!
I don't need lightfastness in a coloring book, AND you can seal your art before you frame/display, which will make a big difference in sustainability. You should always seal professional works.
Hi Lori - I like using my Caran d’Ache pencil peeler to cleanly point up my Holbein pencils. I don’t use them much - still working on my coloring of some of the best artists’ pdf prints from my laser printer on the best paper that can go through.
The color pencil society of America has color tested pencils for years. And they tested Holbiens. So anyone can become a member and then order a pdf copy of their testing results. I have ordered via open stock the Holbiens that are 3 and 2 star rated via the standard testing done by the color pencil society of America. People don’t have to buy all the pencils if colorfastness is an issue for them. And I was very disappointed by Lisa’s drama click bait.
I find Lisa to be off-putting sometimes. I used to adore her. But she has this affinity to drama. I noticed it when Superraedizzle said that she didn't like the smart art box (which was a clickbaity video, but that is her shtick). Lisa uploaded a video and instead of "I disagree and here's why" she got super personal and mentioned stuff that had nothing to do with the box ("the owners are nice though" - cool. But a leaking bottle is a leaking bottle) and accused Rae of manufacturing drama. That was a major turn off for me. And I know this is my problem and super nitpicky, but I hate it when she says "I don't go out much". That joke stopped being funny after I heard it a dozen times. But as I said, that is just me.
The problem with the prices for Holbein pencils outside of Japan is the same problem, pretty much every Japanese export has. Compared to the prices in the US (or Europe where I am) They are "dirt cheap" in their country of origin. You can get the whole 150 set for roughly $150-$160 in Japan, they get so damn expensive once they leave the country. In Germany, I'd pay about 300€ for the whole set which is just ridiculous when I can have the whole set of Polychromos for about 150€ here.. But the Problem is not only with Holbein, Prismas are damn near unaffordable here as well (as long as you do not purchase through Aliexpress or pay a ton of shipping and customs when you order from the US.) So I think the export itself is , what makes the pencils so damn expensive, sadly..
One of the more relaxing and informative pastimes I have is listening to your videos and learning a lot of tid bits about pencils, how they are made , their quality ect...Is it necessary to curse. it takes away from a wonderful past time....
Lori, this is the wisest statement I have heard on UA-cam. I am very passionate about Holbein. But I combine them with my caran d’ache Pablo’s and luminance. They all serve a different purpose. And yes the type of paper you use is also very important. Thank you for clear opinion.
Lori. Thank you for addressing the paper in Joanna Basford books. I always wondered why I struggled when coloring in her books. I've done okay with certain pencils (Prismacolor, Arteza, and Ergosoft) but it's not that enjoyable even though I love the designs. What a difference experience it is to color in my Daydreams Hannah Karlzon book. The paper is amazing and I can use so many different pencils on it. Good to know, I'm not alone.
Enjoy what you were talking about. I totally enjoyed watching you lay down color. Best is good information and you coloring! Thanks and have a great rest of your day.
It's not surprising she didn't like them and you do. She's a wax pencil fan and I notice you like the oil pencils. To each their own. I prefer wax unless I'm doing fine details then oil based is the bomb.
I bought the Holbeins and I think it is always a personal preference. I do like them. It depends on how or where you want to use them so the way I see it, we all want different things and color pencils, use in a way that makes us feel happy. I have the Prisma and yes, they are probably better then the Holbeins, but I have the big set on both and when I want it for something that I feel will fit the project that is what I use. (love my Blick, that is where I bought them from.)
I don't see who buys what, but I can see that an item was purchased. I saw a prismacolor was purchased. May the coloring Gods be with you and the set arrives in perfect condition.
I don't collect color pencils. I purposefully thrifted a great collection of Prismacolor and Derwent pencils. I also have a 24 set of Polychromos and the Deli. Koh I Noor and I have a relationship from decades back. They my longtime boo. I saw the video you are referencing. The white pencil is definitely on my short list. I am still on the bench about buying a handful of Hobein and CaranDache (I do have the white Luminance). I am not a fan of coloring books but I do enjoy collecting PDFs to print on mixed media or watercolor paper. In any case, I am not very good so lightfastedness is really not an issue for me. I choose many of my items based on reviews. Thank you so much for the work you do for the art community.
The first soft white Holbein pencil I got (in the full set) I couldn't sharpen it with a knife either.... Or any technique for that matter. I bought another one separately Anna's I could sharpen it with a knife. So it may just be you have a crumbly pencil. I was so relieved to see it was just a bad pencil. The point is, don't give up on the soft white if your first one is garbage. It's so, so nice when you get a good quality one
I saw her review, and really liked it. We are all different individuals, with different taste and different hand, I am new to coloring and I don’t see myself buying this set at all. It’s an overkill for coloring books. I loved her term “unicorns” and how that makes people want them. I was talking to my husband about the beautiful Holbein pastels (pencils) and he bought me a set of Holbein soft pastels 🤣, I will not be using those for backgrounds, they are WOW pigmented. I bought the Pastelowe pastel colored pencils in lieu of the Holbein, they are so pretty 🤩 but I have not used them, because pastel colors are really not my thing. I was actually considering buying the Indra Macaroons 🤣 but I already talked myself out of that. I don’t want to have colored pencils I don’t use.
I always think of Artist as an umbrella term for a whole range of different things. All colourists are artists but not all artists are colourists. Colouring is a specific skill which not all artists have. Drawing is another skill which not all artists have etc.
@@ColorMyWorld Exactly! Art is supposed to be enjoyable, not a grind. If drawing isn't your thing, it doesn't make you any less of an artist. I'm kinda the opposite, It took me years before I used colour, I used to just like drawing with graphite pencil. I love colouring my artwork now but it took a long time to master. It's a completely different skill.
I took up colouring books because I'm not confident at sketching and just wanted to relax and colour. Colouring is a creativity all of it's own - look how many beautiful versions different colourists can create from the same picture.
I’ve been using Holbein pastel pencils in JB Worlds of Wonder BUT I am using them in layers with other pencils and they’re fine that way. I also use smooth card stock paper with Holbeins and I agree that I they don’t work well on it…discovered before I ever saw a negative review on Holbein.
The paper I used in this video is smooth and my brain was screaming for me to break out the prismacolors, but I have used it on Bristol Smooth paper and loved them.
☺Thank you. Thsts hiw I feel too. They are too expensive for coloring books. However everyone should use what they want to. I for my part would not even use Polychromos in a coloring book. I don't use coloring books. If I did any other set from Amazon would do. I would not spend more than $40.00 for coloring book pencils and there are a lot of good quality budget pencils on Amazon for that. (E.g. Schpierer Farben, Brutfunner, Arteza, Crane etc.)
Check out the new box Holbien comes in it has the light fast information on it. On Pamela's passion for pencils she shows the new box with letter in the box that says the are rated according to the astm scale. So take it for what its worth. I think there must have been a misunderstanding somewhere. The new box design looks lovely. I think we should all do our own tests just to keep the manufacturers on their toes.:)
I like it when you chat and color at the same time. When I talk on phone I like to color. Guess us coloring people like to chat and color at same time. I would love to have the big Holbein set but can’t afford.
Honestly, get the white and get something that is much more affordable. I agree with Lisa that the Lightfast and the Luminance are just as good and won't send you into debt.
In response to what pencils work in Johanna Basford books, I tested every one of my sets (26) in the WoW book and surprisingly I liked Crayola Signature the best. Deli was my 2nd choice and then Castle Art and Amazon Basics tied for 3rd. The Holbeins I considered to be 'ok'.
If you have lots of money to waste, then by all means, spend hundreds of dollars for Holbien pencils for coloring books. But I have Castle pencils. They are priced right and great pencils. Holbien is for artist, not coloring books.
Now that's really weird! I just watched her video the other day about the Holbein pencils! 😂😂. I asked her if the whole set was like the soft white! Don't they have 2 different whites in the Holbein? I also asked her if she was interested in selling them! I keep forgetting you have a Blick right there! 😆😆😆. I absolutely love my white holbein you got me for Christmas, and then some! 😂😂. It's like gold! I only pull out if I think the picture calls for it! Lol. Yeah I thought her review on the pencils was awesome. And she's right, takes a certain way to color with them. And she knows she's not one of them. The Coloring Kid! Imagen, she has some beautiful pictures she's done with hers . And I forgot to ask! New sets coming out of the Star Joy! They going to be able to get pencils as we go and need! ? Open stock? 😊😉❤👍👋👋
Hi, I have a Tihoo pencil sharpener but can’t use it for Holbein ou Faber Castel watercolor pencils. Any idea which electric sharpener I can buy? I cut out the pages on the coloring books. What would be the best paper to transfer them on for coloring with Holbein? Thank you.
Hi Lori, I tried again forcing somewhat and it worked for Holbein. But the Faber Castel Albrecht Dürer Watercolors don’t fit they aren’t round. BTW everything I know about coloring is thanks to you! Thanks so much.
@@anne.B Would you mind sending me photos of the pencils you are trying to color with and the top of the Tihoo. I want to make sure you are using the same brands or pencils I am. I sharpen these pencils all the time. The pencils that are not round you can get a wide mouth hand sharpener. That's what I use for them. Howtoadultcolor@gmail.com
Do you or Colorfully Optimistic have the Circle of Life book? I ask because that paper has the most different kind of paper, NO tooth at all. I was just curious what you ladies thought of the books paper too?
I have that book as well, but I haven't colored in it yet. Would be interested in a video that goes over that issue. I'm still learning about the different pencils, paper quality, tooth and other issues.
Actually there is an important difference between colourists (sorry I don't have a better word to make my point) and artists (same as before) and that is the copyright. You can colour ever so beautifully, even artistically, the picture would never be truly yours because someone else came up with the composition and made the linework. If you draw your sketch yourself however, the picture will be truly yours even if you don't colour it very nicely (except if you copied someone else's drawing 1:1, because that would be plagiarism). I only have one adult colouring book and that paper is definitely not up to use artist grade pencils on it. But again, that is my experience, my opinion, everyone can do whatever they want. If you want to use the most expensive pencils of the world for your colouring books, that's fine. I am just far too reasonable for that, also for my own work, I only use my best pencils for sketches that really turn out beautifully and is not in my practice sketchbook, but on a decent paper. I often have the impression here on UA-cam that it is far more stressed to use artists grade pencil than necessary, especially in the colouring book videos. (again, personal opinion, not against anyone)
My problem with the holbein is that they cant show how they come up with their lightfast rating…they dont use.standard testing…..lachri fine arts has a video about her conversation with holbein and she wont use them because they cant show how they determined the lightfast and then they just stopped responding to her….they arent worth the price to me if they arent highly lightfast….
Hi Lori! Lovely response and what I appreciate the most is that even though you love Holbeins and have disagreements you were open to hearing what I had to say. Like you said, holbein fans will fight haha, but you possess that quality to which you're open to hearing other opinions and that's what makes me respect you so much. Truly. You're always so honest and thorough with everything you do. Holbeins absolutely are a unique pencil and boy do those bad boys love their layers (if only I could give the layering love they need) . I agree they're definitely not for coloring (especially because most coloring books don't have the tooth this pencil needs to do what it can do). I also appreciate your insight on the lightfast. I feel that if they beat around the bush with one artist but then give another testing data they've established so much mistrust that a professional can't use these in commission work without always wondering if it will hold up. I also admire that you've done your own testing. Honestly, I don't doubt they're genuine with their rating but they're definitely not helping their case when they're so inconsistent with their message. I'm equally thrilled I'm not the only one that refuses to use a knife on that soft white haha! For my one page with super slick paper and black, I honestly cannot identify the issue. You might be right that it was wax bloom. Maybe I'll do a test on one of those pages and send it to you to show you how they start to crumble and streak because honestly I'd love to know what they were doing on that paper (it's a mystery I can't solve). I still plan to use my Holbeins which I know baffles people but I can't be defeated by a pencil 🤣 that said it will be more in my art and less in my coloring because I just think that's where they need to go. You are truly awesome and while we don't share the love of Holbeins together we both love our prismas and are open to what's out there. That's why I admire you woman. I actually can't wait for your pencils to come out myself! Thank you Lori. Again, you're amazing.
I just finished watching your review before I watched this one here. Colorfully Optimistic, you made a great video! While I love Holbein, I can see your points. I'm coloring in books and printed pages, so I don't use them in an artist standpoint. I got your review and why you feel the way you feel. I plan on watching more videos.
I did the voice over before coloring in the book. I choose that book because doesn't have much tooth. I ran into similar issues and honestly didn't enjoy coloring it. I then tried a prisma on it and one of my Star-Joy Gold pencils and the paper took it just fine. I now believe that Holbein needs a stronger tooth than coloring books have. I won't be using them like this again.
@@ColorMyWorld they do need serious tooth. My test page I used a very toothy paper just to show how even with 5 layers those things were not letting up🤣 Your colors were lovely though. 😍
@@cchild12789 awe thank you Christopher. The most important thing is no pencil works for everyone. I mean I love prismacolor and so many don't but that's OK. We all have to find a pencil we like and then just always remember that paper and how you use them makes a difference too 😀
@@ColorfullyOptimistic I love Prismacolor as well. They are still my favorite. I will agree that Holbeins are WAY too expensive. I have yet to get a full set. Only the primary 12 and the 12 pastel set, but I do enjoy them. I'm just waiting for them to drop in price to get the full set.
Thank you for doing this! I purchased them this year and I enjoyed coloring with them. I realized while working with them that I need to do light layers and not used a harder pressure. Once I changed that, they were awesome. Also, thanks for stating that we "colorists" are artists too!! I tend to go back and forth with that....not wanting to step on "artists " toes! Well I'll be stepping on them from here on out!😊😄
The CPSA was set up originally because some fine artists and professional galleries were looking down on anyone who uses pencil. Personally, I tend to add the word 'professional' when I describe someone doing whatever-type-of-art as their job rather than their hobby.
Why? Because I'm not going to be the one who puts down the professionals of tomorrow just to make me seem bigger today.
I remember being put down myself. My art teacher told me that I couldn't draw and so I wasn't an artist.
I now make and sell pictures without doing more than a super-rough sketch first.
But that took me over twenty years.
(And I still get looked down on because I use oil pastel and coloured pencils. 😉)
And I'm not putting anyone else through that pain. I celebrated my toddler's art and pinned on the wall; a decade on, she is now getting really good at blending colours in her colouring books - and learning to draw in her own style because she wants to make her own cartoon-illustrated books. She is an artist and always has been.
You are an artist.
If you are making art, if you enjoy looking at the results, then you are an artist. And anyone who puts you down just because you didn't draw the picture yourself isn't worth sharing your pictures with - don't waste your art on them! 😁
HAPPY ART MAKING! (whether colouring or otherwise) ✏️🎨❤️😁
Great review. Although in reference to Johanna Basford books I must say Prismas and Polys have worked great for me. But what I see others do with all kinds of budget friendly Pencilss nothing short of amazing. My 150 set of Prismacolors is my go to. But curiosity got me and I got 23 or 24 individual Holbein Pencils. They are nice but not 3.95 each nice..lol...they don't last long either !!!
Love your channel. Colorists are the best.. We don't have to agree on every little thing. This is about having fun and learning. Joy is awesome thing to have. Thanks Lori.
I went to black the other day and noticed that they do have them there,but, I personally think that they are to much money to purchase them just for coloring books. Love your honesty and I think you are a artist and a amazing one at that.
Thank you both for sharing your opinions, I own the Holbeins and like them, however I would say Prismacolors and Polychromes are my favorites. This probably has to do with the fact that they were my first two sets and I watched hours of videos of colorists using them while coloring with them. I now have a multitude of pencil sets and if after I have used them 5 or 6 times and I’m not satisfied I gift them to other colorists. Pencil review videos are very helpful and it’s a good idea to watch 2 or 3 different ones before making a decision to purchase, (in my opinion!)
I bought Holbein looking for something "better" than Prisma and "easier" than Poly Chromos. At the time I really did not understand how to use oil pencils nor did I realize the best practices for wax (the wax build-up was driving me crazy). I have since corrected those issues but I still like my Holbeins better than both Prisma and Poly Chromos, in fact, the only pencil I like better is Luminance. BUT I am sure it has to do with the fact Holbein reminds me of oil pastels and I used to work with them, AND like you said I have found that when I use them I get the best of both worlds (Prisma and Poly Chromos) and this, in fact, is why I like Luminance as well (the lightfast is an added bonus). I use them primarily on digital prints that are always printed on at least 67 lb textured paper. I have not tried them much on smooth paper but I do use them in Johanna Basford books with little trouble, but I usually blend with OMS and/or a Luminance White/Blender Pencil. I have no more issues with them than I do Prisma which after watching so many of Chris Cheng tutorials I have finally learned how not to have a heavy hand. I really like using Holbein with Luminance together, much like I like using Prisma with Poly Chromos. Also, I have reached out to a few Japanese professional artists who use Holbein and have also done their own testing and have found the stars on the pencils to be accurate. Since I am only a hobbyist and make art only for myself and my family I am ok with the lightfast doubts (though from what I can tell they perform better than many). I always appreciate your reviews, Lori, you keep it honest and respectful, even with the Fbombs 🤣
Holy Holbein! I have found that most people who don't like this pencil or that pencil don't know how the pencil works, and that differs from oil to wax based. I've never used a Holbein, so me not having any knowledge about how they're going to perform might affect my opinion. But if you think Holbein's are expensive, go look at the Mitsubishi Uni colored pencils! I would never buy them because, dang, that's a lot of money for me to waste on coloring book pages. Great video Lori!
Have the full set uni, don’t use them yet coz am not advance 🤫😬 I reside in Japan till ‘23 so am thinking of getting holbein while here 😬
Lol! I’ve had customers of craft stores asking me questions because they think I’m an employee, so I just answer their questions! I did some pencil crayon demos last time I was there and explained the difference between oil and wax pencils. 😆
Last time I was in Blicks I told 2 customers where products were located after the worker couldn't find it. Then I talked them into a better one.
@@ColorMyWorld 💝
I do alot of multi media art of automotive drawings some with background and some without background. I ordered the pastel 12 set and a 36 Artist set. I love the blending and shading capabilities of the Holbein pencils. I recently ordered the 150 set from Blick.
I really appreciate your honesty, Lori, and so enjoyed watching your process in this video. A lot of food for thought. Thank you!
Well said, Lori! I love and appreciate the truth and some out there don't believe it. I can't wait for your pencil set to come out!!! We are so excited!
“ I stay away from Johanna basford paper, because I don’t want to fight my paper” THANK YOUUU YESSSSS. I had the same experience and literally started taking photos of book pages and printing them on better paper so I could actually enjoy coloring!! I really feel bad for beginners who don’t know this and have given up thinking they are a bad colorist, I was almost one of them! Thx for sharing !
Omg you had me at (they probably think i work here!!) Never in all my years listening to You Tube have i ever encountered someone who actually makes me laugh out loud and i did so many times..Your a gem and i subscribed ...bloody love it !!!!
Thank you
Remember the Latin saying: Caveat emptor - Let the buyer beware!
Thank you for the video Lori. Quite interesting. I've come to the conclusion that opinions will always vary no matter what pencil you talk about. Some will like it and some won't. I love my Holbeins 150 Set. I received them as a surprise gift from my husband via Japan. I've used them without any problems what so ever, even in JB books. Lol. I sort my colored pencils by color so that I don't get caught up playing the oil vs wax game. All colored pencils have both with varying percentages of each. I love mixing my pencils brands together and get quite vivid and bright pictures. I'm very much enjoying my Holbeins and consider them to be suited for any situation. Here's where we differ Lori. I'm the kid in the middle of the floor with all of my toys surrounding me. I want to see and play with it all at once so, I'm a colorist who makes great art using coloring books. I might not be here tomorrow, so why save them. I'm using all of my pencils together! Lol. The joy that I'm having is amazing so I say to you jump in the waters fine. Lol. Do you go to Blicks on Sahara? Me too! Now, I have waited months with you. Your pencils go on the market when?
I have only 12 pastel colors from holbein, I color mostly Johanna Basford books and I enjoy holbein on that paper more than my polychromos. It’s less fallout than polychromos. Holbein blends way better on that paper. But maybe I don’t notice the blooming you mentioned. Or maybe the pastel ones are different than regular ones. But I’m considering getting a full holbein set if I go to japan again (hoping they will be cheaper there).
I find the same! I love Holbeins, I find they work much better in colouring books than other pencils & I find they blend well too (especially as a novice). Holbein & Prismacolor are my favourite 💞 I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t like them, especially when the same people who don’t like them rave about scratchy budget pencils 😬😐👀
Hi Lori!
Thanks for this insight. I have listened to Lindsey and Jane's reviews of Holbein too. Personally, I like the way they lay down and build up like polychromos, but feel softer on the paper (here in the UK prismacolor are very pricy and not open-stock locally to me). I only have 2 of the holbein so far, and love them. I am using them for scan-only professional work (but would love to have a few more, and to be confident enough in their lightfastness to use them for more). I really appreciate that you have taken the time to test them yourself using the Blue Wool Scale. 😘 Off to watch that next!
At around 21 minutes, you asked what pencils people have found that worked in Johanna Basford's books.
My daughter is colouring her way through a couple of Johanna's books with her Castle Arts pencils. She is getting beautiful results with many blended layers. She also enjoys using them in it.
We can't remember what set they are, because she keeps them in the soft-cover travel case they came in, but think they had a phoenix on the front (that's what the colouring instructions inside are for!), and they definitely aren't the watercolour ones.
JennyB
I love you, Lori! I found myself cackling with the adult language, but I also love your respect for the opinions of others while also giving your own honest opinion. Your channel is one of my favorites.
Always enjoy your honest take on products. Your respect for other artists is great snd I truly hope that others can give tier opinions. As it is just that “ personal opinions “ no one can ever tell you about your own feelings
Thank you
I have literally spent 3 hours in the Carle Place Blick, testing what pretty much amounts to entire sets of pencils lol. I feel you. 😆
I'll buy a couple of individual colored pencils from Holbein to see if I like them.
The points that Colorfully Optimistict addressed are also important to me.
I don't like to see very little progress in one place for a very long time.
From reviews that I looked at, I came to the conclusion that the Posca colored pencils are more for me, unfortunately they are only available in 36 colors.
I also think that coloring is an art, there are also illustration teams where one person does the line arts and another person does the coloring.
If I pick something out of a coloring book to color it, then I have to be aware that I'm making a collab with the person who did the line arts and that it's not completely my self-made work and that some other people did a collab with the same line art too. It's not so individual for me.
I watch Lisa aka Lachri (la like ha but with an l and chri like kree) and Jane. I use the holbein for my first layers then use my tried and true proven lightfast sets. Thanks for your take!
I don't need lightfastness in a coloring book, AND you can seal your art before you frame/display, which will make a big difference in sustainability. You should always seal professional works.
Hi Lori - I like using my Caran d’Ache pencil peeler to cleanly point up my Holbein pencils. I don’t use them much - still working on my coloring of some of the best artists’ pdf prints from my laser printer on the best paper that can go through.
The color pencil society of America has color tested pencils for years. And they tested Holbiens. So anyone can become a member and then order a pdf copy of their testing results. I have ordered via open stock the Holbiens that are 3 and 2 star rated via the standard testing done by the color pencil society of America. People don’t have to buy all the pencils if colorfastness is an issue for them. And I was very disappointed by Lisa’s drama click bait.
I find Lisa to be off-putting sometimes. I used to adore her. But she has this affinity to drama. I noticed it when Superraedizzle said that she didn't like the smart art box (which was a clickbaity video, but that is her shtick). Lisa uploaded a video and instead of "I disagree and here's why" she got super personal and mentioned stuff that had nothing to do with the box ("the owners are nice though" - cool. But a leaking bottle is a leaking bottle) and accused Rae of manufacturing drama. That was a major turn off for me.
And I know this is my problem and super nitpicky, but I hate it when she says "I don't go out much". That joke stopped being funny after I heard it a dozen times. But as I said, that is just me.
thank you for video! What paper do you recommend as the better one for using Holbein pencils?
We all like and dislike different things. ☺️People must make up their own minds .
The problem with the prices for Holbein pencils outside of Japan is the same problem, pretty much every Japanese export has. Compared to the prices in the US (or Europe where I am) They are "dirt cheap" in their country of origin. You can get the whole 150 set for roughly $150-$160 in Japan, they get so damn expensive once they leave the country. In Germany, I'd pay about 300€ for the whole set which is just ridiculous when I can have the whole set of Polychromos for about 150€ here.. But the Problem is not only with Holbein, Prismas are damn near unaffordable here as well (as long as you do not purchase through Aliexpress or pay a ton of shipping and customs when you order from the US.)
So I think the export itself is , what makes the pencils so damn expensive, sadly..
One of the more relaxing and informative pastimes I have is listening to your videos and learning a lot of tid bits about pencils, how they are made , their quality ect...Is it necessary to curse. it takes away from a wonderful past time....
Lori, this is the wisest statement I have heard on UA-cam. I am very passionate about Holbein. But I combine them with my caran d’ache Pablo’s and luminance. They all serve a different purpose. And yes the type of paper you use is also very important. Thank you for clear opinion.
hi, what paper do you recommen for Luminance and Holbein?
Lori. Thank you for addressing the paper in Joanna Basford books. I always wondered why I struggled when coloring in her books. I've done okay with certain pencils (Prismacolor, Arteza, and Ergosoft) but it's not that enjoyable even though I love the designs. What a difference experience it is to color in my Daydreams Hannah Karlzon book. The paper is amazing and I can use so many different pencils on it. Good to know, I'm not alone.
Johanna recommends using Staetdler Ergosoft pencils in her books.
Enjoy what you were talking about. I totally enjoyed watching you lay down color. Best is good information and you coloring!
Thanks and have a great rest of your day.
It's not surprising she didn't like them and you do. She's a wax pencil fan and I notice you like the oil pencils. To each their own. I prefer wax unless I'm doing fine details then oil based is the bomb.
I bought the Holbeins and I think it is always a personal preference. I do like them. It depends on how or where you want to use them so the way I see it, we all want different things and color pencils, use in a way that makes us feel happy. I have the Prisma and yes, they are probably better then the Holbeins, but I have the big set on both and when I want it for something that I feel will fit the project that is what I use. (love my Blick, that is where I bought them from.)
Thank you!💓🌞
I was going to contact you regarding if there was an update on “your” pencils. Can’t wait to see what they look like and how they color
Thank you for the link. I bought my second set of Prismacolors today from your link. Today it was 75.00 and change. Thank you!
I don't see who buys what, but I can see that an item was purchased. I saw a prismacolor was purchased. May the coloring Gods be with you and the set arrives in perfect condition.
Thank you!
I don't collect color pencils. I purposefully thrifted a great collection of Prismacolor and Derwent pencils. I also have a 24 set of Polychromos and the Deli. Koh I Noor and I have a relationship from decades back. They my longtime boo. I saw the video you are referencing. The white pencil is definitely on my short list. I am still on the bench about buying a handful of Hobein and CaranDache (I do have the white Luminance). I am not a fan of coloring books but I do enjoy collecting PDFs to print on mixed media or watercolor paper. In any case, I am not very good so lightfastedness is really not an issue for me. I choose many of my items based on reviews. Thank you so much for the work you do for the art community.
The first soft white Holbein pencil I got (in the full set) I couldn't sharpen it with a knife either.... Or any technique for that matter. I bought another one separately Anna's I could sharpen it with a knife. So it may just be you have a crumbly pencil. I was so relieved to see it was just a bad pencil. The point is, don't give up on the soft white if your first one is garbage. It's so, so nice when you get a good quality one
Could you please leave link to video that you are talking about?
I saw her review, and really liked it. We are all different individuals, with different taste and different hand, I am new to coloring and I don’t see myself buying this set at all. It’s an overkill for coloring books. I loved her term “unicorns” and how that makes people want them.
I was talking to my husband about the beautiful Holbein pastels (pencils) and he bought me a set of Holbein soft pastels 🤣, I will not be using those for backgrounds, they are WOW pigmented. I bought the Pastelowe pastel colored pencils in lieu of the Holbein, they are so pretty 🤩 but I have not used them, because pastel colors are really not my thing. I was actually considering buying the Indra Macaroons 🤣 but I already talked myself out of that. I don’t want to have colored pencils I don’t use.
Yeah.... there is a problem, they are way too expensive
I was thinking about the terms colorist and artist. There's not too much difference. A colorist uses color well but so does an artist...So....
There is no difference except colorists use other people's sketches.
I always think of Artist as an umbrella term for a whole range of different things. All colourists are artists but not all artists are colourists. Colouring is a specific skill which not all artists have. Drawing is another skill which not all artists have etc.
@@BlueKungFu 100% agree. While I can sketch if I want to, it's not my favorite thing. A good sketch can take as long as coloring a picture.
@@ColorMyWorld Exactly! Art is supposed to be enjoyable, not a grind. If drawing isn't your thing, it doesn't make you any less of an artist. I'm kinda the opposite, It took me years before I used colour, I used to just like drawing with graphite pencil. I love colouring my artwork now but it took a long time to master. It's a completely different skill.
I took up colouring books because I'm not confident at sketching and just wanted to relax and colour. Colouring is a creativity all of it's own - look how many beautiful versions different colourists can create from the same picture.
I’ve been using Holbein pastel pencils in JB Worlds of Wonder BUT I am using them in layers with other pencils and they’re fine that way. I also use smooth card stock paper with Holbeins and I agree that I they don’t work well on it…discovered before I ever saw a negative review on Holbein.
The paper I used in this video is smooth and my brain was screaming for me to break out the prismacolors, but I have used it on Bristol Smooth paper and loved them.
Holbein pencils are from Japan. Not from China.
AWESOME VIDEO ‼️Thank you 😊
☺Thank you. Thsts hiw I feel too. They are too expensive for coloring books. However everyone should use what they want to. I for my part would not even use Polychromos in a coloring book. I don't use coloring books. If I did any other set from Amazon would do. I would not spend more than $40.00 for coloring book pencils and there are a lot of good quality budget pencils on Amazon for that. (E.g. Schpierer Farben, Brutfunner, Arteza, Crane etc.)
Check out the new box Holbien comes in it has the light fast information on it. On Pamela's passion for pencils she shows the new box with letter in the box that says the are rated according to the astm scale. So take it for what its worth. I think there must have been a misunderstanding somewhere. The new box design looks lovely. I think we should all do our own tests just to keep the manufacturers on their toes.:)
through and honest video as always....thank you enjoyed watching this
I like it when you chat and color at the same time. When I talk on phone I like to color. Guess us coloring people like to chat and color at same time. I would love to have the big Holbein set but can’t afford.
Honestly, get the white and get something that is much more affordable. I agree with Lisa that the Lightfast and the Luminance are just as good and won't send you into debt.
In response to what pencils work in Johanna Basford books, I tested every one of my sets (26) in the WoW book and surprisingly I liked Crayola Signature the best. Deli was my 2nd choice and then Castle Art and Amazon Basics tied for 3rd. The Holbeins I considered to be 'ok'.
What edition you tested of wow?
@@fusadiluna US version
Need to use meltz with these and mitsubishi pencils
I completely blanked on the Meltz! Thank you.
What blender did you use on your picture...prismacolor ?
If you have lots of money to waste, then by all means, spend hundreds of dollars for Holbien pencils for coloring books. But I have Castle pencils. They are priced right and great pencils. Holbien is for artist, not coloring books.
I can't argue with that logic.
I don't think these pencils are dustier than Luminance, Polychromos or Prismacolors.
Now that's really weird! I just watched her video the other day about the Holbein pencils! 😂😂. I asked her if the whole set was like the soft white! Don't they have 2 different whites in the Holbein? I also asked her if she was interested in selling them! I keep forgetting you have a Blick right there! 😆😆😆. I absolutely love my white holbein you got me for Christmas, and then some! 😂😂. It's like gold! I only pull out if I think the picture calls for it! Lol. Yeah I thought her review on the pencils was awesome. And she's right, takes a certain way to color with them. And she knows she's not one of them. The Coloring Kid! Imagen, she has some beautiful pictures she's done with hers . And I forgot to ask! New sets coming out of the Star Joy! They going to be able to get pencils as we go and need! ? Open stock? 😊😉❤👍👋👋
Hi, I have a Tihoo pencil sharpener but can’t use it for Holbein ou Faber Castel watercolor pencils. Any idea which electric sharpener I can buy?
I cut out the pages on the coloring books. What would be the best paper to transfer them on for coloring with Holbein? Thank you.
I use my Tihoo on those pencils all the time. Why can't you use it?
@@ColorMyWorld the pencils are too big.
Hi Lori, I tried again forcing somewhat and it worked for Holbein. But the Faber Castel Albrecht Dürer Watercolors don’t fit they aren’t round.
BTW everything I know about coloring is thanks to you! Thanks so much.
@@anne.B Would you mind sending me photos of the pencils you are trying to color with and the top of the Tihoo. I want to make sure you are using the same brands or pencils I am. I sharpen these pencils all the time. The pencils that are not round you can get a wide mouth hand sharpener. That's what I use for them. Howtoadultcolor@gmail.com
Do you or Colorfully Optimistic have the Circle of Life book? I ask because that paper has the most different kind of paper, NO tooth at all. I was just curious what you ladies thought of the books paper too?
I have that book as well, but I haven't colored in it yet. Would be interested in a video that goes over that issue. I'm still learning about the different pencils, paper quality, tooth and other issues.
This UA-camr has three videos on that book; one for oil pencils, one for wax and one for watercolors.
I remember when you got those as a gift and how excited you were!
Actually there is an important difference between colourists (sorry I don't have a better word to make my point) and artists (same as before) and that is the copyright. You can colour ever so beautifully, even artistically, the picture would never be truly yours because someone else came up with the composition and made the linework. If you draw your sketch yourself however, the picture will be truly yours even if you don't colour it very nicely (except if you copied someone else's drawing 1:1, because that would be plagiarism).
I only have one adult colouring book and that paper is definitely not up to use artist grade pencils on it. But again, that is my experience, my opinion, everyone can do whatever they want. If you want to use the most expensive pencils of the world for your colouring books, that's fine. I am just far too reasonable for that, also for my own work, I only use my best pencils for sketches that really turn out beautifully and is not in my practice sketchbook, but on a decent paper. I often have the impression here on UA-cam that it is far more stressed to use artists grade pencil than necessary, especially in the colouring book videos. (again, personal opinion, not against anyone)
Holbein is from Japan though
My problem with the holbein is that they cant show how they come up with their lightfast rating…they dont use.standard testing…..lachri fine arts has a video about her conversation with holbein and she wont use them because they cant show how they determined the lightfast and then they just stopped responding to her….they arent worth the price to me if they arent highly lightfast….
Arteza has not been around long enough to say they are lightfast.
Podrás regalarme esa cajas de colores . Me gustaría una de esas
Well after watching her review she made some errors with the lightfast judgment. Holbein are ASTM rated
Great video, you are funny, smart and informative! K
No. You send out to a reputable third party for lightfastness testing. It doesn’t cost millions.
Hey Lori! 🌹 Regal art. 🦅
Don’t use Holbein if you want your work to be color fast.
you are a trip ROFL
You need to include visual proof that Holbein stood up to the desert sun or your claim is bs!
I’ll still be buying them just to see how they compare to CD Luminance
I did in the video where I tested them. You are in the wrong video to see it.