I’ve always loved picking up a fresh set of colored pencils—something about the rainbow of possibilities spread out in front of me sparks my imagination. My journey with art has been fairly casual; I color in adult coloring books to unwind, sketch flowers to relax, and scribble little cartoons just for fun. When my mother recently gifted me a set of 72 colored pencils from VIKAVAS, I never expected them to impress me quite as much as they did. But here I am, weeks later, still raving about these vibrant, user-friendly pencils. If you’re on the lookout for a budget-friendly option that delivers on quality, I’m convinced these may just be the best colored pencil set you can find without draining your wallet.
Unboxing a colored pencils set That Sparked Creativity
The first hint that these colored pencils were going to be special came from how neatly organized they were right out of the box (or, more accurately, the canvas roll-up case). My mother sent me a small, cylindrical package wrapped in a pretty ribbon, and I was immediately intrigued. She told me she found them on Amazon (you can find them yourself here) and that she picked them because of the brilliant color range.
When I unfurled that canvas case for the first time, it was like opening a treasure chest of possibilities: 72 pre-sharpened colored pencils glinting in the light, each sporting a vibrant hue. It was love at first sight. For anyone who enjoys the tactile thrill of new art supplies, it’s a sensation like no other. I wanted to start coloring immediately.
Why I Reach for These Pencils Over Pricier Brands
Affordable Colored Pencils
A higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee a better experience
We all know how tempting it can be to dive into the most expensive or famous branded colored pencils out there. But here’s the thing: a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee a better experience—especially if you’re a beginner or a casual colorist. I’ve tried a range of pencils from premium to budget, but these stand out for a few reasons:
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Smooth Coloring: Some affordable colored pencils feel scratchy on paper. These offer a smooth glide that’s effortless, making them perfect for extended coloring sessions.
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Strong Core: The core in these pencils (non-toxic and eco-friendly, by the way) holds up really well. I don’t experience constant breaking or splintering, which can turn a relaxing art session into a frustrating one.
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Wide Range of Hues: With 72 colors, it’s rare for me to think, “Man, I wish I had that shade!” Chances are, it’s in there—just flip through the canvas case and find it.
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Easy Organization: The canvas case is more than a cute accessory. Each pencil has its own slot, so it’s easy to transport everything without the dreaded pencil chaos. If you’re like me and enjoy sketching during your travels or in coffee shops, you’ll love how portable this is.
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Budget-Friendly: The price is a fraction of what I’ve spent on high-end pencils. The kicker? The results look just as good on my coloring pages.
How I Use These Pencils
I’m a big fan of adult coloring books; there’s something both calming and creatively fulfilling about bringing intricate line art to life with color. With these pencils, blending and shading became more intuitive for me. Here’s where they excel in my daily art routine:
These Colored Pencils Are Great For:
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Shading Florals
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Layering for Depth
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Sketching On the Go
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Shading Florals: One of my favorite test-runs involved an intricate floral pattern. The soft core of each pencil allowed me to create subtle gradients, making petals look realistic with gentle transitions from bright pinks to deep purples.
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Layering for Depth: Some budget colored pencils get waxy if you layer too much, but these hold up. I can layer multiple shades to achieve depth, particularly useful when coloring elements like hair or landscapes with rolling hills.
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Sketching On the Go: The roll-up case is easy to carry, allowing for doodling while waiting for appointments or during lunch breaks. The convenience of having everything neatly packed (along with the included eraser and pencil sharpener) encouraged spontaneous creativity.
Inspired Uses for Colored Pencils
Most people think “colored pencils” are just for sketching or coloring, but you’d be surprised by the artistic avenues they can open up:
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Custom Greeting Cards: This year, I created a few hand-drawn, custom holiday cards using these pencils. The colors popped so nicely, and the recipients loved the personal touch.
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Calligraphy Accents: If you’re experimenting with hand lettering, these pencils can be used to add colored accents or shading to your pen work. It adds a fresh dimension to homemade stationery or bullet journal pages.
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Mixed Media Collages: Try combining these pencils with washi tape, water-based markers, or watercolor backgrounds. They blend surprisingly well on different surfaces, letting you explore textures without worrying about pencil breakage.
What Makes an Affordable colored pencils Set Worthwhile?
When choosing affordable colored pencils, it’s important to keep a few key considerations in mind. I often ask myself:
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Do They Blend Smoothly? You want a set that can handle basic blending without leaving harsh lines. These VIKAVAS pencils check that box.
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Are They Comfortable to Hold? Drawing can be a relaxing hobby, so comfort is key. These pencils have a hexagonal barrel and light weight, which helps reduce hand fatigue.
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Is the Color Range Sufficient? This can be subjective, but 72 colors is a generous variety for most artwork. From neon pinks to earthy browns, there’s plenty to experiment with.
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Are They Family-Friendly? Especially if you’re sharing supplies with kids, look for non-toxic and eco-friendly labels. This brand proudly meets that standard.
A Quick Dip into the Technical Side
When deciding on a set of colored pencils, it’s easy to gloss over the specs. But the nitty-gritty of these VIKAVAS pencils contributes to their quality:
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72 Assorted Colors: A vibrant spectrum for doodling, painting, shading, and sketching.
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Pre-sharpened and Ready: No need to waste time sharpening all 72 pencils when you first open them.
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Well-Organized Canvas Case: Each pencil has its own secure slot; plus, it includes an eraser, sharpener, and a pencil extender for when your pencils get short.
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Child- and Adult-Friendly: Non-toxic and made of quality log materials, so the entire family can enjoy them.
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Durable Core: They don’t break easily, which is huge when sharpening or applying firm pressure for intense color.
Who Should Buy These Colored Pencils?
If you’re a professional artist with specific requirements for archival quality or high lightfastness (the degree to which colors resist fading over time), you might want to invest in specialized sets. However, for most people looking to experiment, relax, or even use them for detailed art projects that won’t be displayed in direct sunlight for decades, these pencils are an excellent choice. In my experience:
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Beginners: If you’re just stepping into the world of coloring or sketching, this set gives you a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to try a lot of shades.
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Colorists on a Budget: Whether you’re coloring for relaxation or because you’re building your own art business and need a versatile set that won’t blow your budget, these fit the bill nicely.
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Kids and Families: With non-toxic materials and the included accessories, this is a practical, kid-friendly set for home use or school projects.
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Gift-Givers: The presentation is lovely—unroll the canvas, and you’ll see why. It’s a perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a creative pick-me-up.
My Personal Creative Routine with These Pencils
Recently, I started practicing Mandala art in an adult coloring book. The repetitive, detailed designs are both mesmerizing and therapeutic. When I color with these VIKAVAS pencils, I rarely have to worry about the point wearing down too quickly. Plus, the included pencil sharpener is surprisingly sturdy, so I can keep a fine tip on whichever hue I’m working with.
A Final Note on Value
In the past, I’ve held the belief that “you get what you pay for,” especially when it comes to art supplies. But this set has completely flipped that notion on its head. Considering its ease of use, color variety, and durability, I believe these pencils strike the perfect balance between affordability and performance. They’re not going to chew a hole through your wallet, yet they manage to deliver vibrant, smooth, and consistent results.
Why These Colored Pencils Deserve a Spot in Your Art Arsenal
Choosing the best colored pencil set can sometimes feel overwhelming, with dozens of brands competing for your attention. However, from my personal experience, this 72-piece VIKAVAS set stands out by seamlessly blending quality, convenience, and affordability. They have changed my perception of budget-friendly colored pencils, showing me that you don’t have to settle for dull colors or constant breakage when you’re shopping on a budget. Whether you’re a newbie looking to jump into coloring books or a hobbyist artist seeking a reliable travel set, these pencils are definitely worth a shot. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using them to add bright florals and vivid mandalas to my coloring pages, and I’m confident they’ll bring just as much joy to your artistic journey.
If you’re looking for more creative inspiration, head over to our Coloring Books page for some fresh ideas on how to get the most from your coloring supplies. Ready to give these pencils a try? Click here to check them out on Amazon. Trust me—it’s one purchase you won’t regret.
