Pedigree colored pencils have quietly become a staple in pencil cases, classroom bins, and beginner art studios. They are not the flashiest name on the shelf, but they offer a dependable mix of color, control, and value that keeps students and hobbyists coming back. If you have ever wondered whether these affordable pencils can handle serious sketching, shading, or coloring book projects, the answer is more encouraging than you might expect.
Understanding how Pedigree colored pencils perform—and where they fit in the broader world of colored pencil art—can save you money, frustration, and wasted paper. Whether you are buying a set for a child, restocking a classroom, or looking for a low-risk way to practice blending, these pencils deserve a closer look.
What Makes Pedigree Colored Pencils Stand Out
Pedigree colored pencils are built for everyday creativity rather than professional gallery work. They usually feature wax-based cores that lay down color smoothly without requiring heavy pressure. That makes them especially friendly for younger artists and anyone who wants to relax with a coloring book after a long day.
Their biggest advantage is accessibility. You can find them in local stationery shops, online marketplaces, and school supply aisles without hunting for a specialty art store. They come in a variety of set sizes, so you can start small or invest in a larger range of shades without spending a fortune.
Core Quality and Pigment Load
Most Pedigree colored pencils use a moderate pigment load. This means colors are bright and recognizable, but they are not as heavily saturated as artist-grade pencils like Polychromos or Prismacolor Premier. For school projects, diagrams, and casual drawings, that middle ground is actually useful because it is harder to accidentally overdo a shadow.
The wax-based core also helps colors glide across paper. You can fill large areas quickly, which is a big plus for kids who do not have the patience for slow, meticulous layering. The trade-off is that very fine details may require a sharper point and a lighter touch.
Break Resistance and Sharpening
Break resistance matters when pencils are tossed into backpacks or shared in a classroom. Pedigree colored pencils generally use a bonded core that helps them survive normal handling. They are not indestructible, but they tend to hold up better than bargain-bin pencils that snap the first time they roll off a desk.
To keep them in good shape, use a sharpener with a sharp blade and let the pencil do the work. Forcing a dull sharpener can crack the core. If a pencil keeps breaking, try sharpening it in short turns instead of one long grind. A little patience goes a long way toward keeping a full set usable.
How to Get the Best Results with Pedigree Colored Pencils
Affordable pencils can still produce beautiful work when you work with their strengths. The key is to build color gradually instead of trying to achieve maximum intensity in one pass. This approach also protects the paper surface and prevents that waxy, shiny look that can happen with cheaper pencils.
Think of Pedigree colored pencils as a practice tool and a creative companion. They are perfect for learning color theory, value control, and composition without the anxiety of wasting expensive supplies. Once you understand their behavior, you can create surprisingly rich and layered artwork.
Layering and Pressure Control
Start every drawing with light pressure. Sketch your base colors in thin, even layers, then gradually add more pressure for shadows and darker areas. This method keeps the paper texture alive and allows you to blend colors more naturally. If you press too hard too soon, the wax fills the paper tooth and makes further layering difficult.
Use a gentle hand for highlights and a firmer hand for cast shadows. You can also burnish the final layer with a colorless blender pencil or a white pencil to smooth out the grain. Just be careful not to over-burnish, as it can flatten the image and reduce contrast.
Blending and Color Mixing
Pedigree colored pencils blend well with a few simple techniques. You can use a solvent like odorless mineral spirits on a cotton swab to melt the wax and smooth transitions, or you can blend dry by layering light colors over dark ones. A colorless blender pencil is another easy option for small areas.
Color mixing is where these pencils shine for beginners. Try layering blue over orange to create rich browns, or red over green to make deep neutrals. Because the pigment load is moderate, you have more control over the final hue. That makes Pedigree sets a safe place to experiment with complementary colors and unusual combinations.
Choosing the Right Pedigree Colored Pencil Set
Pedigree colored pencils come in several set sizes, and the right one depends on who will use it and what kind of projects they enjoy. A small set is easier to manage and less expensive, while a larger set gives you more creative freedom without constant color substitution.
Before buying, think about the paper you plan to use. Smooth paper works well for detailed work, while textured paper eats up pencil quickly. If you are buying for a child, durability and price may matter more than having every possible shade. If you are buying for yourself, consider whether you want a compact travel set or a full studio tray.
Set Sizes and Packaging
Common Pedigree colored pencil sets include 12, 24, 36, and 48 shades. A 12-pack covers basic colors and is ideal for young children or quick notes. A 24 or 36 set offers a better range for shading, landscapes, and character drawings. Larger sets often include more earth tones, pastels, and specialty colors.
Packaging also varies. Some sets come in cardboard boxes, while others come in metal tins or plastic trays. A tin or sturdy tray helps keep pencils organized and protected. If you plan to travel with your pencils, look for a set with a secure closure and individual slots.
Comparing Pedigree to Other Brands
Compared to premium brands, Pedigree colored pencils sit firmly in the budget-to-mid range. They have a lower pigment load and are generally less lightfast, meaning finished artwork may fade over time if displayed in direct sunlight. For sketchbooks, practice sheets, and school assignments, that is rarely a problem.
Where Pedigree wins is value. You can buy a large set for the price of a small professional set. That makes them excellent for classrooms, art therapy, and anyone who wants to draw every day without worrying about cost. Many artists keep a set of affordable pencils for rough drafts and use their expensive pencils only for final pieces.
Care, Storage, and Longevity for Pedigree Colored Pencils
Even inexpensive pencils last longer when you treat them well. Store your Pedigree colored pencils in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Heat can soften the wax core and cause it to warp or break inside the wood casing.
Keep them in their original tin, a pencil roll, or a divided case. Loose pencils rolling around in a bag are more likely to suffer cracked cores and chipped tips. A little organization also makes it easier to find the color you need without dumping the whole set onto your desk.
Sharpening and Maintenance
Use a quality handheld sharpener with a sharp blade. Replace the blade when it starts tearing the wood instead of slicing it cleanly. A dull blade is one of the most common causes of broken cores, especially in softer wax-based pencils.
If a pencil keeps breaking, check for a hairline crack in the wood. Sometimes a pencil that has been dropped will have an internal fracture that only shows up when you sharpen it. In that case, set it aside for use as a stub or sharpen it with a craft knife to avoid wasting more of the core.
When to Upgrade
If you find yourself wanting richer color payoff, better layering, and archival lightfastness, you may eventually outgrow Pedigree colored pencils. That is not a failure—it is a sign that your skills are developing. Artist-grade pencils can take your work to the next level when you are ready to invest.
Until then, keep your Pedigree set in rotation for warm-ups, color studies, and everyday doodles. Many professional artists still use affordable pencils for planning compositions because they are fast and forgiving. You do not have to choose one brand forever; you can build a toolbox that includes both budget and premium options.
Pedigree colored pencils may not carry the prestige of a high-end artist brand, but they carry something just as important: they make creativity accessible. They are easy to find, easy to use, and easy to replace when a favorite color wears down to a stub. Pick up a set, test a few color combinations on scrap paper, and see where your imagination takes you. The best way to improve your art is to keep drawing, and these pencils are more than willing to help you do exactly that.