I saved up and bought both. I like the Prismas for my colouring books, but for drawing I *much* prefer the Polychromos. I think Faber Castell’s products are superior and excellent quality, I have their watercolour pencils, pastel pencils and watercolour paints. Prismas are great for blending and colour blocking areas smoothly, but Polychromos, for me at least, feel, handle and look better and produce results I am happier with.
One other thing to consider is the type of paper. I mostly work on sanded papers and personally find Polychromo pencils work better. However, when working on smoother surfaces I do enjoy that almost buttery quality of the Prisma pencils.
Yea i saved and saved. Im getting the polys in the wooden case and the full prismacolor set. Im really redicovering my art side again. Thanks for video.
This was a really good comparison video. I have both brands and I agree. If I had to give up ALL of the pencils I own right now, and start all over again from the beginning with new pencils, I would start with the 72 set of the prismacolors, and either the 36 or 60 set of the polychromos, depending on how much money I could spend.
well that sounds great because back some years when I was working and could afford these things, I bought a big set of prismacolours then got sidetracked by oil painting and watercoloour painting. I want to get back to both my Pitt pastels and coloured pencils, so I just bought a set of 12 Polychromos to try them out. Seems like I might have stumbled on a good combination. I have also also recently inherited a stack of different papers, hardily touched, that I can try out. The watercolour papers may not be any good for watercolour due to it's age and exposure to damp, but they may be useful for practicing pencil work.
I use Prismacolor because it's the pencil that feels right in my hand, it layers and blends nicely, and it's the brand most easily available in open stock at the art supply stores in my area.
I keep hearing about wax bloom problem with the Prismas, as well. have used them for a long time now and in all honesty, I got wax bloom once and only once and that was the very first time I used them. I used only a few layers because a) obviously, I was used to them and was getting a feel for them and b) the paper quality I was using and again, I wasn’t use to it either. It wasn’t horrible per se’, but it isn’t the greatest either (NOT createspace/Amazon paper.) I could be totally wrong about this, but based off of my own experience, plus listening to/reading comments by others who also love layering and who also don’t get wax bloom from their Prismas, in my opinion, the main reason that so many have this problem is because the vast majority of people who use them, are either a) heavy handed, b) don’t like layering (or at least don’t like layering with these, while they have no problem doing do with say, Polychromos). I believe that it is when you use only 1 to say only a few thicker layers that cause the wax bloom. I have also heard of people finding it coming back up through the image, several years later, unless they spray fixative on the images. I can truthfully say, that I have never seen that happen with my images…not even with the very first image that I did, where I did initially get some wax bloom and I don’t spray my images…
I find the reason for breakage on the prismas is the lead is offset on some of them. If you look at the flat end of a handful of them you can usually see a couple where the lead is off center in the wood. Quality control issue? Also sharpen them by hand not in and electric sharpener
I just ordered a 36 set of prismacolors. I considered the polychromos but I had better availability, pricing and could get the blending pencil for the prismas. Managed to get them on a Black Friday sale price so about a buck a pencil in Canadian dollars.
That's actually true i keep hearing people saying prsma is cheaper its around 30 dollars for 72 pencils while in my country the 72 set is more than 100 dollars
Has anyone mixed the two types of pencils in the same drawing, do they blend well or somehow one repels the other? Like using the prisma as the initial base color and the oil-based pencil for the detail work?
Thanks, been looking for a decent video comparison. I’m still trying to find the justification on spending on a decent set. I bought a set of shuttle art pencils which had some favourable reviews, and were have the price, but really fancy some more expensive ones.
But the question is asking "Why not?" That's the point. For example, would you avoid, or go ahead with, blending the two in a single shade or gradient, since they build up at different rates or number of layers? Would you keep them in different parts of the work, like broad background and detail? Would you put two different males into one sunset gradient because the colors were precisely what you want?
I have a set of Berol Karisma pencils, which are the predecessors of the Prismacolors (Berol was bought by Sanford and then became Prismacolor). I think the Karisma pencils were the best but never took to the Prismacolors because of production issues. I found that the frequent breakage when sharpening was down to the core not being centred. In fact, that pink pencil you are showing in the video has an off-centre core! This means that when you start sharpening, the force exerted on the pencil is uneven and that may lead the point to break. I really wish they would address this because it is a well-known issue and if they manage to fix it, it would make their pencils so much better! WIth regards to wax bloom, the Karisma's never had an issue with these either. Derwent Coloursoft pencils are the worst I have experienced for this. They even form wax bloom on the pencil core if you don't use them often enough 🙂
This is the video I've been waiting for. I've always used prismas but so hard to get in the UK for a good price. I've just got the polychromos set and can't work with them
Thanks very much for the very fair, very balanced review! One additional question I have is whether there's a significant difference between them when blending with solvents?
Why do you think that the Pablo's aren't mentioned very often.? I really like the Pablo colored pencils and find them to be of very good quality. But, they aren't mentioned all that often. Thank you.
I'm going to be blunt: Prisma colors are garbage. Back in the early 2000s they were great, But they're manufacturing methods and location have changed and they are now a complete waste of money, No matter how cheap you find them. If you want, oil-based, Go for Polychromos. If you do realism and you want wax based, Go for Caran D'ache. If you want the best of both worlds- A phenomenal mixture of wax and oil, for any type of drawing-go for Holbein.
I saved up and bought both. I like the Prismas for my colouring books, but for drawing I *much* prefer the Polychromos. I think Faber Castell’s products are superior and excellent quality, I have their watercolour pencils, pastel pencils and watercolour paints. Prismas are great for blending and colour blocking areas smoothly, but Polychromos, for me at least, feel, handle and look better and produce results I am happier with.
One other thing to consider is the type of paper. I mostly work on sanded papers and personally find Polychromo pencils work better. However, when working on smoother surfaces I do enjoy that almost buttery quality of the Prisma pencils.
Oil vs Wax .... Oil (Polychromos) takes more patience when it comes to blending/layering. Wax (Prisma) is easier and beginner friendlier.
Can you recommend me which brand or which one for me to draw manga
Yea i saved and saved. Im getting the polys in the wooden case and the full prismacolor set. Im really redicovering my art side again. Thanks for video.
This was a really good comparison video. I have both brands and I agree.
If I had to give up ALL of the pencils I own right now, and start all over again from the beginning with new pencils, I would start with the 72 set of the prismacolors, and either the 36 or 60 set of the polychromos, depending on how much money I could spend.
well that sounds great because back some years when I was working and could afford these things, I bought a big set of prismacolours then got sidetracked by oil painting and watercoloour painting. I want to get back to both my Pitt pastels and coloured pencils, so I just bought a set of 12 Polychromos to try them out. Seems like I might have stumbled on a good combination. I have also also recently inherited a stack of different papers, hardily touched, that I can try out. The watercolour papers may not be any good for watercolour due to it's age and exposure to damp, but they may be useful for practicing pencil work.
I use Prismacolor because it's the pencil that feels right in my hand, it layers and blends nicely, and it's the brand most easily available in open stock at the art supply stores in my area.
I keep hearing about wax bloom problem with the Prismas, as well. have used them for a long time now and in all honesty, I got wax bloom once and only once and that was the very first time I used them. I used only a few layers because a) obviously, I was used to them and was getting a feel for them and b) the paper quality I was using and again, I wasn’t use to it either. It wasn’t horrible per se’, but it isn’t the greatest either (NOT createspace/Amazon paper.)
I could be totally wrong about this, but based off of my own experience, plus listening to/reading comments by others who also love layering and who also don’t get wax bloom from their Prismas, in my opinion, the main reason that so many have this problem is because the vast majority of people who use them, are either a) heavy handed, b) don’t like layering (or at least don’t like layering with these, while they have no problem doing do with say, Polychromos). I believe that it is when you use only 1 to say only a few thicker layers that cause the wax bloom.
I have also heard of people finding it coming back up through the image, several years later, unless they spray fixative on the images. I can truthfully say, that I have never seen that happen with my images…not even with the very first image that I did, where I did initially get some wax bloom and I don’t spray my images…
I find the reason for breakage on the prismas is the lead is offset on some of them. If you look at the flat end of a handful of them you can usually see a couple where the lead is off center in the wood. Quality control issue? Also sharpen them by hand not in and electric sharpener
I love the wax of prisma on how easy to blend
Very professional and efficient! Your art is amazing🤓
You are INCREDIBLY talented - truly blessed. Excellent vid! 👍
There is also a nice video here on YT on the Faber Castell website showing how the pencils are made. Very interesting to watch.
I just ordered a 36 set of prismacolors. I considered the polychromos but I had better availability, pricing and could get the blending pencil for the prismas. Managed to get them on a Black Friday sale price so about a buck a pencil in Canadian dollars.
That's actually true i keep hearing people saying prsma is cheaper its around 30 dollars for 72 pencils while in my country the 72 set is more than 100 dollars
Has anyone mixed the two types of pencils in the same drawing, do they blend well or somehow one repels the other? Like using the prisma as the initial base color and the oil-based pencil for the detail work?
My top is
1-Caran d’Ache
2- Prismacolor premiere
3-Faber Castell polychromos
I have both and love both brands but I feel the color is more intense with the Prismas.
Sounds like you need both!
Prismacolr is expensive everywhete except USA.
Thanks Gemma…very good information. I have only been drawing for a short time ,so any tips are valuable!💕🇨🇦
This is a great, professional overview of the two popular brands. Thanks!
Love your work and your presentation is easy to listen to and natural x
Thanks, been looking for a decent video comparison. I’m still trying to find the justification on spending on a decent set. I bought a set of shuttle art pencils which had some favourable reviews, and were have the price, but really fancy some more expensive ones.
I prefer prismacolor but I agree polychromos is better for animals. What do you think of Caran d’ ache luminance?
Excellent work ❤. Keep it up 👍...
Can they be mixed..use each brand in a drawing?
Why not? There’s no rules to drawing🤗
But the question is asking "Why not?" That's the point. For example, would you avoid, or go ahead with, blending the two in a single shade or gradient, since they build up at different rates or number of layers? Would you keep them in different parts of the work, like broad background and detail? Would you put two different males into one sunset gradient because the colors were precisely what you want?
This is sooooo helpful!
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge!
One thing I have found with Prisma is use no tooth paper and put down much less material. I like posterboard and card stock.
Thank you for this, I was waiting for this comparison ❤❤❤ It was pretty useful 😊
I have a set of Berol Karisma pencils, which are the predecessors of the Prismacolors (Berol was bought by Sanford and then became Prismacolor). I think the Karisma pencils were the best but never took to the Prismacolors because of production issues. I found that the frequent breakage when sharpening was down to the core not being centred. In fact, that pink pencil you are showing in the video has an off-centre core! This means that when you start sharpening, the force exerted on the pencil is uneven and that may lead the point to break. I really wish they would address this because it is a well-known issue and if they manage to fix it, it would make their pencils so much better! WIth regards to wax bloom, the Karisma's never had an issue with these either. Derwent Coloursoft pencils are the worst I have experienced for this. They even form wax bloom on the pencil core if you don't use them often enough 🙂
This is the video I've been waiting for. I've always used prismas but so hard to get in the UK for a good price. I've just got the polychromos set and can't work with them
비교 하면서 보니 색감 차이가 확실히 느껴지네요~~😊😊
In Poland and Brazil: Prismacolor is more expensive than policromos
😮
Is the key to getting detail with the prisma color keeping the pencils sharp, Or do you have another method?
Prismacolor it's much better
Thanks very much for the very fair, very balanced review! One additional question I have is whether there's a significant difference between them when blending with solvents?
Why do you think that the Pablo's aren't mentioned very often.? I really like the Pablo colored pencils and find them to be of very good quality. But, they aren't mentioned all that often. Thank you.
Very well explained 👏❤👌
You know how Prisma colored pencils break a lot the you should keep them in the freezer for 10 minutes then the pencil won’t break!
What is wax bloom
Very helpful.
Is one better than the other when drawing over with pen & ink? 🙂
I still would prefer the prismacolor pencils
Can you teach us how blend prismacolors in skin tones
I want ro buy Prismacolor but they are to expensive
i prefer the prismacolor.
Like polychromos because I have
Prismacolor pencils aren't light fast, Polychromos are light fast. Prismacolor pencils drawings shouldn't displayed in strong sunlight.
W
I'm going to be blunt: Prisma colors are garbage.
Back in the early 2000s they were great, But they're manufacturing methods and location have changed and they are now a complete waste of money, No matter how cheap you find them.
If you want, oil-based, Go for Polychromos. If you do realism and you want wax based, Go for Caran D'ache. If you want the best of both worlds- A phenomenal mixture of wax and oil, for any type of drawing-go for Holbein.
where does your resource come from? XD