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A drawing and painting set can bring together a host of tools, but abundance doesn't guarantee a pleasant experience or consistent results. Whether you're an art student, an illustrator, a hobbyist or a manga creator, the right choice depends above all on the technique you use, how often you create, and whether you need to carry your materials around.
A set of 60 or 120 shades might seem comprehensive. Yet it will be of little use if you mainly work in black and white, urban sketching or a manga style. Conversely, a smaller palette can be enough to learn colour mixing, while being easier to transport.
Start by checking the type of medium: dry pencil, water-soluble pigment, soluble ink marker, pastel or pan paint. Two sets with a similar number of colours can meet radically different needs.
Watercolour pencils and watercolour markers generally require paper that can handle moisture. On paper that's too thin, water can cause buckling, halos or surface distortion.
For watercolour, choose paper with a suitable weight, such as the Clairefontaine Botanique pad at 300 g/m². Its fine-grain cellulose sheets work well for washes and guided exercises. They won't replace 100% cotton paper for the most demanding work, but they provide a practical foundation for improving.
A case that doesn't close properly, poorly protected leads or pans that shift around quickly become frustrating in daily use. For regular use between home, studio, classes and travel, it's better to choose a metal box, a compartmentalised case or a sturdy carry case with a reliable closure.
A thick, securely fixed lead withstands drops and repeated sharpening better. That doesn't mean any pencil can be sharpened with any sharpener, though. Choose a model compatible with the lead diameter and don't force it if the wood shows a crack.
For markers, storing them flat and replacing caps immediately helps prevent the tips from drying out.
Terms like acid-free, lightfast or pigment-based give useful indications, but they describe the product's stated characteristics and don't constitute a universal guarantee of preservation. Direct light, humidity and the choice of paper also affect how long a drawing lasts.
For creations intended to be kept or displayed, note the exact product reference and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for storage and fixative use.
Why this choice suits this profile: This set of 24 pencils lets you explore watercolour effects without cluttering yourself with unnecessary accessories. It's suitable for students, hobbyists and first experiences with wet drawing.
The format stays simple and accessible, without immediately imposing a very broad palette that's hard to master.
24 colours, a 2.8 mm lead and dry or wet use for drawing, blending and creative projects.
Why this choice suits this profile: Its extensive palette and wooden case are aimed at artists who want to work with nuances, layering and detail in a true studio environment.
The number of shades is justified for advanced work, rather than being a simple promise of a "complete" set.
120 watercolour pencils, a 3.8 mm lead and compartmentalised wooden storage.
Why this choice suits this profile: This portable SAKURA Koi watercolour set easily accompanies outdoor painting sessions, travel and creative sketchbooks.
Its compact case and built-in mixing area keep bulk to a minimum and avoid having to buy a separate palette.
24 half pans, an integrated palette and an iridescent medium for varied surface effects.
Why this choice suits this profile: It brings together the essential tools, from sketching to inking, and suits both beginners and comic workshops.
The selection follows the workflow specific to manga, rather than lining up supplies without real coherence.
Construction pencils, varied nibs and ink described as water-resistant and fade-resistant.
We've put together a comprehensive, real-time updated selection of products that meet these demanding criteria, as well as European safety standards.
A set for a beginner should remain consistent with the chosen technique. To explore water effects, 12 to 24 watercolour pencils or a small palette of watercolour pans are usually enough. For manga, it's better to choose a set that includes at least a pencil, an eraser and inking tools.
How long it lasts depends on how often you use it, but also on storage and care. Close markers after each use, let watercolour pencils dry before putting them back in their box, and protect pigments from moisture. A broken lead or a dried-out tip can be the result of poor storage, even with a well-designed set.
Not necessarily. Professional materials can offer more nuances, a thicker lead or better organisation, but they'll never replace practice. Start with a set suited to your actual use, then build on it over time with suitable paper, a water brush or a compatible sharpener as your technique improves.