Why Every Artist Needs Both Charcoal and Graphite in Their Collection

I’ve been drawing for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way), it’s this, no single tool can do it all. When I first started sketching, I stuck with just one medium because I thought I could “master it” before moving on. But the day I started mixing charcoal and graphite in my work, everything changed. My drawings had more depth, texture, and life.

Today, I want to share why I believe every artist, whether you’re a beginner still figuring out shading or a seasoned sketcher, needs both charcoal and graphite in their toolkit.

1. They Each Have Their Own Strengths

Charcoal and graphite might look similar when you first glance at a drawing, but they are completely different beasts.

• Graphite gives you smooth, shiny, controlled lines. Perfect for detailed work, clean sketches, and when you want precision.

• Charcoal is bold, deep, and dramatic. It’s perfect when you want high contrast, rich shadows, and expressive strokes.

I remember when I first used charcoal, it felt like driving a sports car after using a bicycle. So much power! But then I’d switch back to graphite for delicate textures, like hair or subtle gradients, and it was like switching to a fine calligraphy pen.

Having both means you’re never limited.

2. Charcoal Brings Depth, Graphite Brings Detail

I’ve noticed this in almost every artwork I’ve done, if I rely only on graphite, my darkest shadows don’t feel “deep” enough. Graphite has a natural shine, so even when you press hard, you get a reflective surface that makes your blacks look lighter.

Charcoal? That’s pure matte black. It absorbs light, so your shadows look rich and bottomless.

On the flip side, try drawing something intricate (like the fine wrinkles around an eye) with charcoal, good luck! That’s where graphite takes over with precise control.

When I combine them, I get the best of both worlds:

• Charcoal for bold shadows and depth.

• Graphite for fine lines and details.

3. The Mixed-Media Advantage

A lot of artists stick to one medium because they’re afraid that mixing them will look messy. I used to think that too, until I tried it.

Here’s my process:

1. Start with graphite - I lightly sketch the outlines and main shapes.

2. Add charcoal for shadows - This builds contrast and mood.

3. Go back with graphite - I refine edges, add textures, and balance the tones.

The result? A piece that’s both crisp and dramatic - something that’s hard to achieve with just one medium.

4. Different Erasers = More Control

If you’ve used both, you already know, the tools you use to erase matter just as much as the pencils.

• Graphite lifts easily with a kneaded eraser, perfect for soft highlights.

• Charcoal needs a harder eraser or precision eraser pen for sharp highlights.

When I combine the two, I can play with layers of light in a way that feels almost like painting.

5. It’s Not Just About Art, It’s About Growth

I truly believe that trying new mediums isn’t just about making better art, it’s about becoming a better artist. When I added charcoal to my graphite work, I had to relearn pressure control, smudging techniques, and blending styles.

It pushed me out of my comfort zone, and now I feel confident picking up almost any medium.

My Go-To Charcoal & Graphite Tools

Over time, I’ve tested a lot of sets; some were amazing, some ended up collecting dust in my drawer. These are the ones I keep using:

• Qionew Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set - 10 pieces from extra soft to hard. I use this when I need full control over shading without making a mess.

• Derwent Graphic Full Set of Graphite Pencils (9B-9H) - My everyday graphite set. Great range, smooth feel.

• URBANFIX 35 Pieces Professional Drawing Pencils and Sketch Kit - This is like my travel kit; it has both graphite and charcoal, plus blending tools.

6. How I Blend Charcoal and Graphite Without Smudging Everything

If you’ve ever tried mixing them, you know, charcoal smudges like crazy. Here’s how I keep my work clean:

• Work graphite first, charcoal second.

• Keep a piece of scrap paper under my hand.

• Use a fixative spray halfway through and again when finished.

Doing this keeps my lines sharp and my darks dark.

7. Why Beginners Shouldn’t Wait

When I first started, I thought charcoal was “too advanced” for me. I wish I’d ignored that fear and started earlier. Mixing mediums isn’t about skill level; it’s about exploration.

Even if you’re just starting, having both in your collection means you’ll discover what fits your style faster. You might even find that you’re naturally better at one over the other.

8. Final Thoughts

Art is all about expression, and tools are just the way we channel that. For me, graphite is precision, and charcoal is emotion. Together, they make my work come alive in ways I never expected.

If you’ve been sticking to just one, trust me, try adding the other into your work. Your future self (and your sketchbook) will thank you.

Where to Get Them

If you’re ready to try both, here’s what I recommend:

• Qionew Professional Charcoal Pencils Drawing Set

• Derwent Graphic Full Set of Graphite Pencils (9B-9H)

• URBANFIX 35 Pieces Professional Drawing & Sketch Kit