Markers vs Colouring Pencils: Which Should You Use?
Choosing what to colour with can sometimes be almost as important as choosing the colouring page itself. Do you reach for the smooth, bold finish of a marker, or settle in with a handful of colouring pencils and slowly build up soft layers of colour? The good news is that there is no wrong answer. Markers and colouring pencils both create completely different looks, and the best choice usually depends on how you like to colour, what kind of page you are working on and whether you prefer bold colour or softer detail.
Why Use Markers for Colouring?
Markers are perfect if you love bright, bold and satisfying colour. They cover larger areas quickly, which makes them a lovely choice for simple colouring pages with chunky shapes, bold outlines and playful characters. They are especially handy if you want to create a smooth, almost illustrated finish without spending ages layering different shades.
Markers can also make whimsical scenes feel extra cheerful because the colours tend to look strong and vibrant on the page. If you enjoy seeing a page come to life quickly, they can be incredibly satisfying to use. The main thing to keep in mind is that some markers, particularly alcohol-based markers, can bleed through paper. If you are colouring in a book, it is always a good idea to place a spare sheet of paper behind the page you are working on to protect the next design.
Why Use Colouring Pencils?
Colouring pencils are a great choice if you enjoy slowing down and taking your time. They give you more control over shading, blending and small details, which means you can build colour gradually and create a softer, more textured look. You can colour lightly for a gentle storybook finish, press harder for deeper shades or layer several colours together to create something completely your own.
Pencils are also useful when a colouring page includes smaller details or fiddly little spaces. Because the tips are more precise, it is easier to stay within tiny areas and add definition where you want it. They also generally do not bleed through the paper, which can make them a more relaxed option if you are working through a double-sided colouring book.
Which Is Better for Beginners?
Both markers and colouring pencils are beginner-friendly, but they suit slightly different colouring styles. Markers can feel very easy and satisfying because you get strong colour straight away, without needing to think too much about pressure or layering. Colouring pencils can be a little more forgiving, though, because you can gradually build up the colour instead of committing to a bold shade immediately.
If you are new to colouring, trying both is probably the best way to figure out what you naturally enjoy. You might find that you love the quick coverage of markers for some pages but prefer the slower, softer finish of pencils for others. There is no need to choose one forever.
Can You Use Markers and Pencils Together?
Absolutely. In fact, combining markers and colouring pencils can be one of the most fun ways to colour. You might use markers for the larger sections of a page and then add colouring pencil on top for shading, texture or tiny details. This can give you the best of both worlds: the bold, smooth finish of markers with the softer, more detailed look of pencils.
Mixing the two also gives you more freedom to experiment with your own colouring style. A page does not need to follow any particular set of rules, and part of the fun is seeing what happens when you try something different.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If you love bold, smooth colour and quick coverage, markers might be your favourite. If you prefer gentle shading, detailed colouring and a slower pace, colouring pencils could be the better fit. You may also find yourself switching between the two depending on the page, which is completely normal.
At Ohmymello, our colouring pages are made for little moments of silliness, colour and creativity. Whether you are reaching for a rainbow of markers, a well-loved tin of pencils or a slightly chaotic mixture of both, the only real rule is to enjoy the page in front of you. Explore Ohmymello colouring books, printable colouring pages and bundles, and find your next whimsical scene to bring to life.
