This cracked me up because it’s spot on: “They come in two forms, a non-soluble version that no one ever buys…” 😂 Lovely post, I learned a lot that I didn’t know about neo colors!
Honestly, I had no idea there was a water-soluble version. I use the non-soluble as a resist if I’m working with watercolor and love the crayon like lines they provide. But of course, now I’m going to have to buy some soluble ones to try!!
I didn’t even know there was a non soluble version lol. I had the basic set for awhile but like you said I struggled to find a way to use them because of the colors. Then I realized i could use the white on top of gouache as highlight, and that opened the door. They’re so great on top of gouache because they’re basically just a stick of gouache! More opaque and saturated than colored pencils. I haven’t found a way to use them on their own yet tho.
It would’ve been rude not to. I am always drawn to these too but instead of putting my old ones on eBay, they sit in a drawer until they call to me again and then back to the drawer. It’s beautiful to see what other illustrators are doing with this medium.
I loved reading about your history with Neocolors. I think this follows the very nature of creativity: following what resonates with your heart. There’s a definite ebb and flow. Thanks for sharing!
Your romance story with Neocolors is adorable. (I just finished reading 2 YA/New Adult books so I dig the romance trope references throughout your post, especially the art supply meet-cute.)
Enjoy your new anniversary set, Dani! May you create some awesomely pastel landscapes.
Yeah I enjoy a good (or cheesy) romcom novel. I think this might be one of those where the supposed love interest is actually all wrong for her though and she should really end up with his less showy friend - the coloured pencil!
Oh Neocolors, the way they have my heart. I only just discovered them last year. I saved up money from my first paycheck in a long time to get that starter set and I was in love! I really enjoyed reading your journey with them. Excited to check out the links you shared of different artists and their styles! Here are some of my doodles. 🥰
Check out jerkin.artist on Instagram too. I discovered them after I wrote this post, but they use such beautiful colour combinations and make Neocolors look so easy!
I’m sad about the anniversary sets too - would love to have some of those new colors but can’t justify the duplication. I use Neocolor ii from a palette with a very fine brush and get some fine line work that way, much like gouache. I save the shavings and add water to use them like paint. Thanks for this interesting post about my new favorite medium!
A lot of new information here! Had no clue about the cash grab story of the anniversary sets. So sad. I'm very new to Neocolors myself and, so far, they work great for doodling in my sketchbook. I love their creaminess and softness but can't quite fall in love with the color palette. The regular set is too saturated for my liking while the pastel set is not saturated enough... There's always something, isn't there!
Aw, I love this post, Dani! You have such a long history with Neocolor II! I only started using Neocolor in April and I’ve been enjoying it so far. I think it’s because I’m using it for my sketchbook work, and it helps me loose. It forces me to pay more attention when I draw because I can’t erase it, but if I make a mistake, I can sort of fix it. I love the new limited color set you got, and the color chart and textures you made are so gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the landscape you create with it!
Thank you so much for sharing the link to Neocolor pros! I especially adore Beya Rebai’s work🥰
Yes, they do force you to be a bit looser and bolder when sketching, and because they're quite chunky too. Obviously you can sharpen them to a point, but they wear down quickly so I try to avoid that too much.
I do love my neocolors, I use them with my derwent colorsoft pencils on watercolor backgrounds. Can't wait to see what you will create with your new set! :)
This cracked me up because it’s spot on: “They come in two forms, a non-soluble version that no one ever buys…” 😂 Lovely post, I learned a lot that I didn’t know about neo colors!
Honestly, I had no idea there was a water-soluble version. I use the non-soluble as a resist if I’m working with watercolor and love the crayon like lines they provide. But of course, now I’m going to have to buy some soluble ones to try!!
You might be the first person I’ve heard of using the non-soluble ones! 😀
😄 thank you. Honestly, I’m surprised they still make the other version.
I didn’t even know there was a non soluble version lol. I had the basic set for awhile but like you said I struggled to find a way to use them because of the colors. Then I realized i could use the white on top of gouache as highlight, and that opened the door. They’re so great on top of gouache because they’re basically just a stick of gouache! More opaque and saturated than colored pencils. I haven’t found a way to use them on their own yet tho.
I think it was their ability to layer in that way that tempted me back, but I still haven't found a way to really use them.
It would’ve been rude not to. I am always drawn to these too but instead of putting my old ones on eBay, they sit in a drawer until they call to me again and then back to the drawer. It’s beautiful to see what other illustrators are doing with this medium.
I mean that is probably a more sensible approach than my reactionary ebaying :-D
I loved reading about your history with Neocolors. I think this follows the very nature of creativity: following what resonates with your heart. There’s a definite ebb and flow. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you :-)
Your romance story with Neocolors is adorable. (I just finished reading 2 YA/New Adult books so I dig the romance trope references throughout your post, especially the art supply meet-cute.)
Enjoy your new anniversary set, Dani! May you create some awesomely pastel landscapes.
Yeah I enjoy a good (or cheesy) romcom novel. I think this might be one of those where the supposed love interest is actually all wrong for her though and she should really end up with his less showy friend - the coloured pencil!
Oh Neocolors, the way they have my heart. I only just discovered them last year. I saved up money from my first paycheck in a long time to get that starter set and I was in love! I really enjoyed reading your journey with them. Excited to check out the links you shared of different artists and their styles! Here are some of my doodles. 🥰
Check out jerkin.artist on Instagram too. I discovered them after I wrote this post, but they use such beautiful colour combinations and make Neocolors look so easy!
Amazing! Thank you! 😃
Love your Substack name! 🧡
Thank you! ☺️
I’m sad about the anniversary sets too - would love to have some of those new colors but can’t justify the duplication. I use Neocolor ii from a palette with a very fine brush and get some fine line work that way, much like gouache. I save the shavings and add water to use them like paint. Thanks for this interesting post about my new favorite medium!
yes, I used to save the shavings in a little palette that meant I could separate out the colours. They're so versatile.
A lot of new information here! Had no clue about the cash grab story of the anniversary sets. So sad. I'm very new to Neocolors myself and, so far, they work great for doodling in my sketchbook. I love their creaminess and softness but can't quite fall in love with the color palette. The regular set is too saturated for my liking while the pastel set is not saturated enough... There's always something, isn't there!
Yes, I struggle with the boldness of the colours. They're lacking those earthy muted, vintage tones.
Aw, I love this post, Dani! You have such a long history with Neocolor II! I only started using Neocolor in April and I’ve been enjoying it so far. I think it’s because I’m using it for my sketchbook work, and it helps me loose. It forces me to pay more attention when I draw because I can’t erase it, but if I make a mistake, I can sort of fix it. I love the new limited color set you got, and the color chart and textures you made are so gorgeous! Can’t wait to see the landscape you create with it!
Thank you so much for sharing the link to Neocolor pros! I especially adore Beya Rebai’s work🥰
Yes, they do force you to be a bit looser and bolder when sketching, and because they're quite chunky too. Obviously you can sharpen them to a point, but they wear down quickly so I try to avoid that too much.
I do love my neocolors, I use them with my derwent colorsoft pencils on watercolor backgrounds. Can't wait to see what you will create with your new set! :)