Choosing the right colored pencil set can make a big difference in mixed media work, from smooth layering to clean blending and richer color payoff.
Below, we focus on sets that give artists, hobbyists, and colorists practical tools for sketching, shading, and combining pencils with markers, watercolor, or charcoal.
Best 10 Colored Pencil Sets for Mixed Media Picks for 2026
Ultimate Mixed-Media Kit
Castle Art Supplies 120+ Pencil Set
- Includes colored, watercolor, metallic, pastel, graphite, and charcoal media
- Comes with tools, accessories, sketchpads, and a fabric zip case
- Includes a 32-page handbook for mixed-media techniques
Best For: Artists who want a complete mixed-media starter and practice kit
Soft-Core Color Set
- 72 soft-core, highly pigmented colored pencils
- Made for blending, shading, layering, and coloring books
- Pre-sharpened, labeled, and easy to sharpen
Best For: Beginners and casual artists who want smooth everyday colored pencils
Beginner Mixed-Media Starter
Prismacolor Scholar 20-Count Art Set
- Includes colored pencils, brush tip markers, and graphite pencils
- Colored pencils are made to reduce breakage and blend well
- Compact 20-count set for sketching and mixed-media practice
Best For: Students and beginners who want a small mixed-media starter set
High-Color Artist Tin
- 180 colored pencils plus 12 metallic pencils
- Soft-core leads support blending, layering, and shading
- Tin case with tray helps organize and protect pencils
Best For: Artists who want a large, portable pencil set with metallic accents
Mixed-Media Variety Kit
72-Pack Art Supplies with Mixed Pencil Types
- 6 pencil types for mixed-media use
- Dual-surface drawing book supports different pencils
- Includes case, sharpener, eraser, and brush
Best For: All-in-one mixed-media practice and portable sketching
Blend-Friendly Color Range
120 Soft-Core Pencils with Tools
- 120 colors for broad palette coverage
- Soft cores support blending and layering
- Includes blender pencil and white marker
Best For: Artists who want easy blending and a large color selection
Smooth Oil-Based Pick
120 Pre-Sharpened Soft Core Pencils
- 120 oil-based colors with smooth laydown
- 2.8mm core helps resist breakage
- Includes sketchbook, paper, sharpener, and extender
Best For: Relaxed coloring and shading with a ready-to-use kit
Editors' Pick
80-Color Oil-Based Soft Core Set
- 80 assorted colors with rich, saturated pigments
- Oil-based soft core for blending and shading
- Swatch chart and labeled pencils help with organization
Best For: Adults and beginners who want a versatile coloring and sketching set
Best Complete Kit
- 120 oil-based colors with smooth, creamy laydown
- Includes sketchbook, blender, sharpeners, and color chart
- 3-zipper carry case with shoulder strap for portability
Best For: Artists who want a portable all-in-one coloring and sketching kit
Best Starter Bundle
- 120 vivid oil-based colors for layering and blending
- Includes sketchbook, tutorial, and zipper case
- Pre-sharpened pencils are ready for immediate use
Best For: Beginners and adult colorists who want an organized starter kit
Ultimate Mixed-Media Kit – Castle Art Supplies 120+ Pencil Set
If you want colored pencil sets for mixed media that cover almost every drawing style in one box, this Castle Art Supplies kit is built for experimentation. It combines colored, watercolor, metallic, pastel, graphite, charcoal, and water-soluble pencils plus sticks, tools, and accessories, all stored in a sturdy fabric zip case.
Best For: Artists who want an all-in-one mixed media set with plenty of tools for blending, texture, and technique practice.
Pros:
- Wide range of media, including colored, watercolor, metallic, pastel, graphite, charcoal, and water-soluble pencils
- Includes accessories, tools, a fabric zip case, sketchpads, and a 32-page mixed-media handbook
- Designed to support blending, burnishing, texture work, and layered effects
- Developed and approved by in-house artists and trusted by over 3.5 million artists worldwide
Cons:
- The large assortment may feel more complex than a basic colored pencil set
- Best suited for users who want to mix media rather than a simple everyday pencil pack
Overall, this is a strong pick if you want one set that encourages testing techniques and combining materials. The variety and included learning guide make it especially useful for mixed-media exploration.
Soft-Core Color Set – KALOUR 72 Colored Pencils
For colored pencil sets for mixed media that lean toward smooth layering and everyday drawing, this KALOUR 72-count set is a practical choice. The soft-core leads are designed for vivid color, blending, and shading, and each pencil is labeled with a number and color name for easier selection.
Best For: Beginners, adults, and kids who want a smooth, blendable colored pencil set for coloring, sketching, and layering.
Pros:
- Soft-core pencils are described as silky, smooth, and highly pigmented
- 72 colors give you a broad range for coloring books, drawing, and sketching
- Break-resistant cores support blending and layering multiple colors
- Pre-sharpened, non-toxic, and made with easy-to-sharpen basswood bodies
Cons:
- This is a colored-pencil-focused set, not a full mixed-media bundle
- No extra tools or media types are included
This set works well if you want dependable, easy-to-use pencils without extra complexity. It offers a solid balance of color variety and softness for everyday creative work.
Beginner Mixed-Media Starter – Prismacolor Scholar 20-Count Art Set
If you are comparing colored pencil sets for mixed media and want a smaller starter kit, this Prismacolor Scholar set gives you a focused mix of pencils and markers. It includes colored pencils, brush tip markers, and graphite pencils, making it useful for sketching, drawing, and idea development.
Best For: Students, beginners, and aspiring artists who want a compact mixed-media set for practice and concept work.
Pros:
- Combines colored pencils, brush tip markers, and graphite pencils in one set
- Colored pencils are designed to minimize breakage and blend well
- Brush tip markers can make thick, thin, or varied lines in one stroke
- Good for sketching, drawing, and mixed-media idea development
Cons:
- Only 20 pieces total, so the assortment is smaller than larger art kits
- Not as expansive for advanced media mixing as larger mixed-media collections
This is a smart choice if you want a manageable mixed-media set without a big investment in supplies. It offers enough variety to explore different marks and textures while staying beginner-friendly.
High-Color Artist Tin – KALOUR 180 Colored Pencil Set
For colored pencil sets for mixed media where range and layering matter most, this KALOUR 180-count set gives you a very broad palette. The soft-core, richly pigmented pencils are made for coloring, drawing, sketching, shading, and blending, and the set includes 12 metallic pencils for added effects.
Best For: Artists who want a large, colorful pencil collection with metallic accents and a portable storage case.
Pros:
- Huge 180-color range plus 12 metallic pencils for extra variety
- Soft-core, richly pigmented leads are made for blending and layering
- Pencils are numbered and named for easier color identification
- Comes in a tin case with a plastic tray to help keep pencils organized and protected
Cons:
- This is still primarily a colored pencil set, not a full mixed-media kit
- The large assortment may be more than a casual user needs
This set is a strong option if you want maximum color choice in a single pencil collection. The included metallic colors and organized tin make it practical for artists who like to keep a wide range on hand.
Mixed-Media Variety Kit – 72-Pack Art Supplies with Mixed Pencil Types
If you want colored pencil sets for mixed media, this H & B kit is built to let you test multiple looks without buying separate supplies. It combines oil-based, watercolor, metallic, charcoal, macaron, and skin tone pencils, plus a dual-surface drawing book that supports different pencil finishes.
Best For: Beginners, teens, and adults who want one portable set for experimenting across several colored pencil styles and paper types.
Pros:
- Includes 6 pencil types for mixed-media variety: oil-based, metallic, watercolor, charcoal, macaron, and skin tone.
- Dual-surface drawing book offers a textured side for watercolor pencils and a smooth side for oil-based and metallic pencils.
- Comes with a coloring book, eraser, sharpener, blending brush, and a carrying case with 72 slots.
- Pencils are pre-sharpened and labeled with number, color name, and light resistance rating.
Cons:
- Not a single-medium pencil set, so it may be more than you need if you only use one style.
- The kit is geared toward variety and portability rather than a pure artist-grade pencil-only collection.
This is a practical all-in-one option if your priority is experimenting with different media effects in one organized case. The paper and included tools make it especially convenient for mixed sessions and travel.
Blend-Friendly Color Range – 120 Soft-Core Pencils with Tools
For shoppers comparing colored pencil sets for mixed media, this KALOUR pack leans into blending and layering with a large 120-color range. The soft-core pencils are paired with a blender pencil and white marker, which gives you extra control for shading, highlights, and mixed pencil techniques.
Best For: Adults and beginners who want a broad color range with simple blending tools for drawing, sketching, and coloring.
Pros:
- 120-color set gives you a wide palette for detailed mixed-media work.
- Soft, highly pigmented cores are designed for smooth application, blending, and layering.
- Includes a blender pencil, white marker, sharpener, and protective tube.
- Pencils are numbered and named for easier color identification.
Cons:
- It is primarily a colored pencil set, so mixed-media options are limited to the included accessories.
- The set focuses on softness and pigment rather than specialty pencil types.
This is a straightforward choice if you want lots of colors and easy blending without a complicated setup. The included tools make it more versatile than a basic pencil pack while still staying beginner-friendly.
Smooth Oil-Based Pick – 120 Pre-Sharpened Soft Core Pencils
If you are shopping for colored pencil sets for mixed media but want a smooth, no-fuss drawing experience, this Four Candies set is built around oil-based pigments and an extra-thick core. It comes with 120 colors, a sketchbook, paper, sharpener, and extender, so you can start coloring or sketching right away.
Best For: Adults and teens who want a smooth oil-based pencil set for relaxed coloring, shading, and easy everyday sketching.
Pros:
- 120 vibrant oil-based colors provide a wide range for shading and general artwork.
- 2.8mm extra-thick core is designed to reduce snapping during use.
- Pre-sharpened pencils and included accessories make the set ready to use out of the box.
- Portable case includes a sketchbook, coloring paper, sharpener, and pencil extender.
Cons:
- It is more focused on smooth oil-based coloring than on multiple pencil media types.
- Materials and included components are practical, but the set is not centered on specialty mixed-media paper.
This set is a good fit if you care most about smooth coverage, easy setup, and fewer broken leads. It works well as a large, accessible pencil collection for stress-free creative sessions.
Editors' Pick – 80-Color Oil-Based Soft Core Set
If you want colored pencil sets for mixed media that lean toward smooth blending and strong saturation, this 80-piece oil-based set is a practical place to start. The range covers bright tones, earth hues, and soft pastels, making it useful for coloring books, sketching, and illustration with a layered look.
Best For: Adults, beginners, and artists who want a versatile 80-pencil set for blending, shading, and general mixed-media coloring.
Pros:
- 80 assorted colors with rich, saturated pigments
- Oil-based soft core supports smooth blending and natural gradients
- Color names and numbers are printed on each pencil for easy selection
- Includes a blank swatch chart to build your own palette
Cons:
- No carry case or extra accessories included
- Focused on dry media use rather than watercolor-style effects
This set is a strong value if you want a straightforward pencil collection for everyday creative work. The included swatch chart and clear labeling make it easier to stay organized while building layered drawings and coloring-book pages.
Best Complete Kit – 120-Color Carry Case Set
For colored pencil sets for mixed media that come ready for travel and practice, this 120-color kit adds more than just pencils. The oil-based soft cores are designed for smooth, creamy laydown and blending, while the included sketchbook, blender pencil, sharpeners, and color chart make it easy to start creating right away.
Best For: Artists who want a full portable kit with pencils, paper, and accessories for sketching, coloring, and blending.
Pros:
- 120 vibrant oil-based colors for broad creative range
- Break-resistant soft cores support layering and shading
- 3-zipper carry case with shoulder strap for organization and portability
- Includes sketchbook, blender pencil, sharpeners, color chart, and tutorial
Cons:
- Larger kit may be more than casual users need
- Carrying case adds bulk compared with basic pencil-only sets
This is a good pick if you want a more complete art bundle instead of a standalone pencil tin. The case and accessories make it especially convenient for artists who like to work between home, class, or travel.
Best Starter Bundle – 120-Color Sketchbook Set
If you are comparing colored pencil sets for mixed media and want a bundle that supports drawing and blending, this 120-color PRINA set is built for that job. It combines vivid oil-based pencils with a 3-color sketchbook, a drawing tutorial, and a portable zipper case for an easy all-in-one setup.
Best For: Beginners and adult colorists who want a pre-sharpened, organized kit with sketchbook and tutorial support.
Pros:
- 120 bright, vivid, assorted colors with smooth application
- Soft core, oil-based pencils are made for layering and blending
- Includes a 3-color sketchbook, tutorial, and portable zipper case
- Pre-sharpened and non-toxic, with ASTM D-4236 and EN71 compliance noted
Cons:
- More of a bundled starter kit than a pencil-only purchase
- Case and accessories may be unnecessary if you already have supplies
This set stands out when you want structured support for getting started. The tutorial, sketchbook, and organized case make it easier to practice blending and shading without having to buy extras separately.
How We Picked the Best Colored Pencil Sets for Mixed Media
For this roundup, we prioritized Colored Pencil Sets for Mixed Media that offer a useful balance of color range, core feel, pigment strength, and versatility. We also looked for sets that support layering without excessive waxy buildup, plus options with useful extras such as sharpeners, carrying cases, sketchbooks, or companion supplies.
Because mixed media work often involves more than coloring alone, we favored sets that can move comfortably between drawing, blending, shading, and light detail work.
Quick Comparison: What Matters Most
More colors can help, but count alone does not determine quality. A smaller set with stronger pigments and a smoother core may outperform a larger set with uneven coverage. For mixed media use, the most important tradeoffs are usually softness versus control, and rich color versus layering stability.
If you want broad flexibility, mid- to high-count sets are usually the safest choice. If you care more about portability or basic sketching, a smaller curated set may be enough.
Key Buying Factors for Colored Pencil Sets for Mixed Media
Core Type and Blendability
Soft-core pencils are generally easier to blend, shade, and layer. They are a strong fit for Colored Pencil Sets for Mixed Media because they work well alongside markers, graphite, and other dry media. Oil-based cores can feel a bit firmer and cleaner, which some artists prefer for detail and control.
Pigment Strength and Layering
Look for sets with good color saturation and the ability to build multiple layers without muddying the page. Strong pigments matter when you are combining media and want your colored pencil work to stay visible under or over other materials.
Range of Colors and Specialty Shades
A wide range is helpful, but specialty shades such as skin tones, grays, metallics, and neutrals can be especially valuable in mixed media projects. These colors add flexibility without requiring extra purchases.
Included Accessories
Sketchbooks, sharpeners, blenders, and storage cases can improve convenience, especially for beginners or artists who like to work away from home. These extras do not replace pencil quality, but they can add real value.
Who Should Buy Which Colored Pencil Sets for Mixed Media?
Beginners should look for a balanced set with plenty of colors, good blendability, and helpful accessories. Hobby colorists may prefer a smoother, softer core for easy shading and relaxed use. More experienced artists should focus on pigment quality, layering performance, and the ability to support detailed mixed media techniques.
If you want a flexible all-around option, choose a medium-to-large set with soft cores and strong color payoff. If you are building a more focused studio kit, prioritize pigment and control over sheer pencil count.