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Trying to decide between Derwent Lightfast and Faber-Castell Polychromos? Both are beautiful professional-quality coloured pencils, but they behave quite differently. In this guide, I compare how they feel, layer and perform when creating realistic animal artwork, including which I prefer for fine fur and details. I'll also explain which I'd recommend for beginners, whether you need a full set, and why you don't have to choose just one brand.

Discover why Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are one of the best ways to build your coloured pencil skills. These miniature works of art are perfect for practising techniques, finishing more drawings, and growing your confidence without the commitment of a large project. In this post, you'll learn what ATCs are, why artists love them, and how my new monthly live workshops can help you take your next creative step.

Which coloured pencils should you buy? It's one of the questions I'm asked most. The answer might surprise you—you don't need an expensive 120-pencil set to create beautiful animal drawings. In this post, I'll explain why buying individual pencils can save you money, which brands I recommend for beginners, and how to build a palette that grows with your skills instead of gathering dust in a drawer.