I have a set of Prismacolor colored pencils that I love to use. Once I realized how rich their colors are, and how smooth they go onto the paper compared to the colored pencils I used as a child, I haven't used any other brand. When it comes to these pencils, however, I don't love them all equally. My favorites are about 10 vintage Prismacolors that I got from my mom. Like an old stuffed animal which is loved ever more with wear and tear, I find the many dents, dings, and stains on them part of their history of use/love, and part of their charm. I enjoy looking at them- to me they are like a work of art themselves.
I also love the typography on these old pencils. The font is quite unique, and art-nouveau looking. I am certain that it was chosen with care. I actually have Prismacolors stamped with three different manufacturer names, Eagle, Berol, and Sanford. Eagle was the original manufacturer of Prismacolors. In 1969, they changed their name to Berol while expanding their brand. After 1995, they were bought out, and the name changed to Sanford. (More info here.) The typeface on these newer pencils is boring in comparison. Sometimes, I am afraid to use the vintage pencils, because I know I will be sad when they are used up. The newer Prismacolors make beautiful color on the paper as well as the old ones, but it just isn't the same to me.
I also wanted to write about another artist who is inspired by the colored pencils themselves. Jennifer Maestre makes incredible sculptures using colored pencils. She creates fascinating forms that beg to be touched!
*images used by permission*
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