Introduction
If you’ve ever opened your journal and felt that words alone couldn’t capture your day, you’re not alone. Sometimes, a splash of color is all it takes to turn a plain page into something personal, expressive, and memorable. Colored pencils are one of the easiest and most versatile tools to make that happen.
Unlike markers that bleed through thin pages or paints that require setup, colored pencils offer a clean, portable, and zero-mess way to bring life to your layouts. Whether you’re jotting down a to-do list, capturing a coffee shop scene, or marking an important date, a few strokes can transform your pages into visual stories.
This guide will walk you through why colored pencils are perfect for journaling, how to choose the right set, how paper choice affects your art, and a range of techniques and tips to get you started. Along the way, I’ll recommend some tried-and-true products from Paper Whisper so you can create with confidence right away.
Why Colored Pencils Are Perfect for Journaling – A Guide to Vibrant Color Pencil Sets
It’s not just about color—it’s about convenience, flexibility, and expression.
1. They’re page-friendly.
Many journals use thinner paper, and heavy ink can bleed through. Colored pencils give you vibrant color without damaging or warping the page.
2. They’re portable and hassle-free.
Slip a single Pentel Art Multi 8 Colored Pencil into your bag, and you have eight colors at your fingertips without lugging around a full case. Perfect for travel, commutes, or coffee shop journaling.
3. They’re versatile.
Flat color, soft gradients, detailed shading, or quick doodles—colored pencils can handle it all. Use them for section headers, mood trackers, illustrated quotes, or entire page spreads.
If you’d like to explore a range of quality sets for every skill level, check out a guide to vibrant color pencil sets.
How to Choose the Right Colored Pencils
Choosing pencils isn’t about picking the most colors—it’s about finding the set that matches your needs, budget, and style.
Number of Colors
- 12 colors: Compact, beginner-friendly, and easy to carry.
- 24 colors: More variety for themes, gradients, and seasonal palettes.
- 48+ colors: Best for illustrators and those who love complex layering.
Core Hardness
- Soft core: Smooth application, easy to blend, great for large areas.
- Hard core: Holds a point longer, ideal for details, outlines, and fine text.
Quality Matters
Better pencils mean richer colors, smoother blending, and less breakage.
Recommended Picks from Paper Whisper:
- Pentel Art Multi 8 Colored Pencil – Switch colors instantly, perfect for on-the-go creators.
- Tombow 8900 Wooden Pencil Pack of 12 – Comfortable grip and stable pigment for background shading.
- Tombow Recycled Pencil Red-Blue Pencil – Dual-tone for marking tasks and categories with clarity.
Paper Matters More Than You Think – Midori Notebooks and Notepads for Color Pencil Art
The right pencils can only do so much—your paper determines how those colors show up.
Smooth paper: Great for clean lines and gentle gradients, though it can smudge more easily.
Textured paper: Holds pigment better for bold coverage but may limit fine details.
For consistent, vibrant results, consider Midori notebooks and notepads for color pencil art. The MD series uses smooth, high-quality paper that handles layering and shading beautifully.
Recommended Midori Notebooks:
- Midori MD Notebook [A5] Blank – Full blank pages for maximum creative freedom.
- Midori MD Notebook Journal [A5] Grid Block – Light grids for neat layouts without disrupting your artwork.
Creative Ways to Use Colored Pencils in Your Journal
Mini Illustrations – Draw coffee mugs, plants, or seasonal icons to match your entries.
Background Blocks – Use soft colors behind headers or sections to make them pop.
Gradients & Shadows – Blend similar shades from dark to light for depth and dimension.
Mood Tracking – Assign colors to emotions—blue for calm, yellow for joy, red for excitement—and create a visual mood diary.
Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Smudging – Lightly press a tissue over your work or use a fixative spray.
Dull Colors – Layer colors gradually with light pressure, or use soft-core pencils for richer tones.
Mistakes You Can’t Erase – Keep a gentle eraser on hand, or creatively cover errors with stickers or washi tape.
Budget & Starter Kit Suggestions
If you’re new to journaling with colored pencils, start small and scale up.
- Budget-Friendly: Tombow Recycled Pencil Red-Blue Pencil + Midori MD Grid Block notebook.
- Mid-Range: Tombow 8900 12-pack + Midori MD Blank notebook.
- Premium: Pentel Art Multi 8 Colored Pencil + both Midori notebooks for maximum flexibility.
Myths About Colored Pencils—Busted
“They’re not bright enough.”
High-quality pencils can be just as vibrant as markers, especially on the right paper.
“They’re only for kids.”
Plenty of professional artists use colored pencils for detailed, gallery-quality work.
“They take too long.”
While layering can be time-intensive, you can also use quick techniques for beautiful results in minutes
Advanced Tips & Inspiration
- Seasonal Color Themes – Try a different palette each month.
- Mix with Metallics – Add shimmer for special pages like holidays or birthdays.
- Create Color Swatches – Test each pencil on a spare page for easy reference.
- Three-Color Challenge – Limit yourself to three colors for a week to spark creativity.
Maintenance Tips
- Sharpen Carefully – Use a high-quality sharpener to avoid breaking the core.
- Store Properly – Keep pencils in a case to prevent damage and fading.
- Rotate Use – This keeps wear even and ensures all your favorites stay ready to go.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Colored pencils are one of the most accessible, versatile, and satisfying tools you can add to your journaling kit. They offer endless ways to personalize your pages—whether you’re adding a soft border to a daily entry, filling an entire spread with illustrations, or tracking your mood in color.
If you’re ready to get started, explore a guide to vibrant color pencil sets to find your perfect match, and pair it with a notebook from Midori notebooks and notepads for color pencil art. With the right tools, every page can become a colorful reflection of your story.