Colored Pencils vs Markers: Which Should You Use?

One of the questions we get asked most is: pencils or markers? The honest answer is that both are wonderful, and the right choice really depends on the mood you're after. Here's a cozy little guide to help you decide.

Colored pencils

Pencils are gentle, forgiving and endlessly layerable. They're perfect for slow evenings when you want to build up soft shading, blend colors together, or add fine little details like whiskers or teacup patterns. They also won't bleed through the page, so both sides stay clean.

• ♥Great for shading, blending and soft gradients
• ♥No bleed-through, ideal for double-sided pages
• ♥Easy to correct or lighten with an eraser
• ♥Best for detailed, slow-paced coloring sessions

Markers

Markers give you bold, saturated color in just a few strokes — perfect when you want a page to feel vibrant fast. They're wonderfully satisfying for filling in big, simple shapes, though they do bleed through most paper, so we recommend slipping a spare sheet behind your page.

• ♥Vivid, saturated color with less layering needed
• ♥Great for bold, graphic-style pages
• ♥Can bleed through — use a backing sheet
• ♥Best for quick, energizing coloring sessions

So, which should you use?

Honestly? Try both, on different pages, on different kinds of evenings. Reach for pencils when you want to slow down and blend, and markers when you want a quick burst of color and cozy satisfaction. Many of us keep both within arm's reach — a little variety keeps coloring feeling fresh.