The Best Pencil Case For Artists – Let Me Explain… (2023 Update)

The pencil case is a modern-day essential for any artist. Whether you’re a professional artists, at art school or just a casual artist collecting lots of pencils, a pencil case will keep all of your pencils, pens, markers and tools in one tidy place so you can find them whenever inspiration strikes. You can’t afford to be wasting time looking for what you need which is why you need to have the best pencil case that you can afford.

Editor’s Choice

For the best pencil case for artists i’m placing this YOUSHARES pencil case as my number one pick as I actually own one (since replacing the Arteza one) and found I can safely stuff it will all my pencils, pens and markers plus some additional things like erasers, and a small sketchbook.

YOUSHARES is not the first brand you think of when thinking of a quality art supplier but they have outdone the other well known brands. Let me explain why, as I actually own one.

YOUSHARES Big Capacity Pencil Case

This large pencil case does not disappoint. The YOUSHARES big capacity pencil case IS the best pencil case for artists. At 8.8inch x 12.8 inch (or A4) it has the capacity to hold up to a whopping 300 pencils, markers, erasers and other artist supplies.

I purchase the Gray model shown as it is less loud than the Arteza one I had last year which means less people looking at me weird.

The YOUSHARES pencil case is perfect for artists for many reasons – it has multiple slots that allow you to keep pens, pencils and markers separated.

• I can store all my coloring pencils, my Posca markers (from mediums to small) and my Sakura Pigma pens, kneadable erasers and even a small watercolor set with brushes and a mini sketch book.
• There are also two front pockets that provide additional storage for your supplies and accessories.
• The durable polyester fabric is resistant to everyday wear and features a stylish and contemporary design that’s bound to turn heads. 

Pros 

• It’s a great size! 8.8inch x 12.8 inch or A4. Not too big but big enough to take what you need.
• Plenty of storage – holds up to 300 drawing tools from pencils to pens to Posca and Sharpie markers 
• Multiple compartments (1 with a zipper) to easily organize your tools 
• Can store most size pencils (graphite, watercolor, coloring), pens and markers plus smaller brushes
• There is space between the pencil dividers to store papers and other drawing materials
• Durable oxford canvas
• Stylish design with neutral colors
• Handle for easy carrying 
• Seriously this is THE best pencil case for artists by a mile!

Cons 

• It doesn’t have individual slots but after researching for the best pencil case for artists, none do for some reason. This is something I would write to manufacturers about.

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Still not convinced that the YOUSHARES pencil case is THE best pencil case for artists?

Well I have provided 8 more alternatives based on my previous ownership and also based on top reviews and feedback from other artists and art students that I know.

I have considered pencil cases of different sizes, designs, and materials to provide you with a range of options. I have also included a Buyer’s Guide and handy FAQ section to help you decide on the best one for you. 

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The Next Best Pencil Cases for Artists

For the next best pencil case for artists i’m placing this loud Arteza pencil case as my number 2 pick as I actually used own one before I upgraded this year and it is not based on its looks but rather its usefulness and its ability to store everything you need in an easy to use format and it can quickly be zipped up and thrown into a backpack. Your valuable art supplies will be well protected. I have some information on it below.

Arteza Pencil Case Organizer

Arteza is a quality art supplier, and this large pencil case does not disappoint. Each case has 64 elastic slots that can hold up to 205 pencils, markers, erasers and other artist supplies.

Multiple compartments means you can easily keep your tool separated, and the front pocket also provides additional storage for your supplies and accessories. The durable polyester fabric is resistant to everyday wear and features a stylish and contemporary design that’s bound to turn heads. 

We also really like the fact that this case has a handle design so it can be easily carried, or simply slip it in your bag instead. Arteza also promises to send you a replacement case if you encounter any issues. 

Pros 

• Plenty of storage – holds up to 205 pencils! 
• Multiple compartments to easily organize your tools 
• Durable polyester fabric 
• Stylish design 
• Handle for easy carrying 

Cons 

• The patterns/design colors can be really loud

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EASTHILL Big Capacity Pencil Pen Case Office

If you want as much storage as possible, you’ll love this EASTHILL ‘big capacity’ pencil case, which can store up to 50 pens or 90 pencils. It also has mesh pockets to store your eraser, sharpener and other tools.

You can easily increase or compress the pencil case’s capacity by folding or unfolding it, and the elasticated loops ensure pens stay in place and don’t fall out. 

This is the best pencil case if you travel a lot and need a compact case that offers plenty of room and versatility. The separate compartments are useful for organizing your tools and there’s even room to store charging cables and USB sticks should you need them. The canvas material is durable and the color schemes are modern and contemporary. 

Pros 

• Expandable/collapsible design 
• Stores 50 pens or 90 pencils
• Mesh pockets and loops for extra storage 
• Perfect for traveling with art/drawing supplies 

Cons

• Zippers aren’t great quality 

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Derwent 700434 Pencil Case, Canvas Wrap Pencil Holder

If you’re looking for an artist’s pencil case, look no further than this canvas wrap pencil holder from Derwent. Derwent has been making quality art supplies since 1832.

This stylish, lightweight, and well-made tan canvas roll is secured with dark brown faux leather ties and has individual compartments to protect and hold up to 30 of your favorite drawing pencils and an eraser. 

The roll-up style of this pencil case makes it perfect for fitting into your portfolio or bag, and when unrolled, you’re able to get a good look at all of your art supplies so you can easily find what you’re looking for. 

If you’re looking for an even greater capacity, check out the Derwent canvas carry-all bag, which stores up to 132 pencils and supplies. 

Pros 

• Holds up to 30 pencils 
• The roll-up style means you can easily fit it into your bag 
• Easily access your pencils when the case is unrolled 
• Made from lightweight and durable canvas 

Cons 

• The lack of compartments may be an issue for some people

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YOUNGCOL 300 Slots Pencil Case

If you’re somebody who seems to have endless art supplies, you’ll love the space afforded by this Youngcol pencil case. It has a 5 layer design with 100 large slots, allowing you to easily display and organize your pens.

Each large slot can hold up to 3 pencils or 2 gel pens, meaning it can carry up to 300 colored pencils or 200 gel pens! It also has a zipper pocket on the back for extra storage.

This case is perfect for transporting all of your supplies and has a detachable shoulder strap which makes the case easy to carry around for travel or outdoor work.

It’s also made from a durable and hard-wearing nylon fabric that is waterproof and can be easily wiped clean. It comes in a range of colorful or plain designs to suit your individual style!

Pros 

• Huge capacity – store up to 300 pencils 
• Zipper pocket for additional storage 
• Detachable strap 
• Waterproof fabric 

Cons 

• This is a pretty large case, so it’s not ideal if you want a more compact design that will fit inside a backpack. 

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CICIMELON Pencil Case Large Capacity

This pencil case is available for a great price and is perfect for school, college, or work. It has a large capacity in a surprisingly compact design and is able to store between 30-50 pens and supplies including a calculator and ruler, and extra-long 7.5-inch dual brush pens.

The simple design means you can easily access your pens, while the three pockets on the inside of the case make it easy to store and organize smaller items.

The extra handle on the side of the case means you can easily carry it or retrieve it from your bag, and the sturdy canvas material is resistant against daily wear and tear. It also comes in a range of contemporary colors that will instantly freshen up your desk space. 

Pros 

• Affordable price 
• Roomy yet compact design 
• Three internal pockets 
• Carrying handle/loop 

Cons 

• A few people commented on the size and wished that the case was larger. 

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Qianshan Pencil Case Holder Slot

This pencil case comes in several cute designs to suit a range of personalities. It has a large capacity, offering multi-layer compartments and 64 slots that can store up to 202 colored pencils or 136 gel pen markers. The elastic slots are flexible and easily stretch to accommodate different-sized markers and pencils. 

This versatile pencil case is made from strong polyester Oxford fabric for maximum durability and has a high-quality zipper closure that opens and closes smoothly.

The ‘book’ style design of this case allows you to easily find what you are looking for and remove pencils with ease while you work. There’s also a handy carrying handle so you can easily transport your art supplies from A to B. 

Pros 

• Range of great designs and patterns to choose from 
• Store up to 202 colored pencils 
• Flexible, elastic slots 
• Strong polyester Oxford fabric 

Cons 

• Some users claim that the case is hard to close when it’s full of pencils. 

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Leather Pencil Case – Beautifully Handcrafted Zippered Pouch

This pencil case isn’t the most spacious, but the quality leather design and aesthetic appeal make it perfect for any artist. This is perfect for holding your essential drawing pencils or pens, and the durable buffalo leather holds up well against daily wear and tear. 

This genuine leather case is soft to the touch yet durable and hardwearing, so it’ll last far longer than canvas alternatives. It has a vintage, artisanal appeal and features quality craftsmanship. 

Measuring 8 x 4 inches, it’s perfect for slipping in your bag and carrying around your art supplies day to day, and the 2 compartments allow you to easily categorize your items. It also features sturdy YKK zippers that open smoothly and close securely.

Pros 

• Made from durable, genuine buffalo leather 
• YKK zippers open smoothly and close securely
• Distressed, vintage style 
• Flat design which can be easily slipped in your bag 

Cons 

• It’s not spacious enough for all of your art supplies and stationery 

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Vnieetsr Store Large Pencil Case

This large-capacity pencil case can hold up to 50 pencils and has multiple compartments so that you can easily organize your items. 

The multiple small pockets are great for holding erasers, sharpeners, business cards, and much, much more, and they’re made of strong mesh to provide maximum durability. 

The main compartment opens widely and easily, so you can quickly peep inside and find the color you’re looking for, and the elastic loops are useful for holding additional pens and pencils. 

This case is made of high-quality waterproof canvas which can withstand dust, scratches, and abrasions, and it’s also easily washable. 

Pros 

• 8.7 x 3.1x 3.9 inches dimensions – fits up to 50 pencils 
• Multiple compartments to easily organize your items 
• Waterproof canvas that’s highly resistant to dust and stains 
• Mesh pockets and pen loops 

Cons 

• Zippers are of poor quality 

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Best Pencil Cases for School 

There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a pencil case for school. Here are some of the best pencil cases for school, based on durability, style, and price.

1. The cheapest and best pencil case for school is the classic Ziploc bag. It’s durable, cheap, and easy to find. Plus, you can store a lot of pens and pencils in it. But if you don’t want weird looks from your classmates then you should look for something a little more suitable.

2. If you want something a little more stylish, try a canvas pencil case. These are usually more expensive than Ziploc bags, but they’re also more fashionable. The cool thing about a canvas pencil case is that you can whip out your Posca paint pens and customize the pencil case to your own style.

3. For the ultimate in durability, go for a metal pencil case. These can be pricey, but they’ll last forever. The only problem is most of them are not really large, they are hard to organize anything. They tend to just be a tin box.

4. If you’re looking for a best middle ground between style and durability, try a Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and fabric pencil case. These are usually more expensive than canvas cases, but they’re also more stylish. I have used one of these for years to store my handheld consoles like the Sony PSP (yes I like retro gaming) – they are rock solid, look great and will last a long time.

What do you need to store in a pencil case for school?

Pens, pencils, erasers, and other small stationery items are the best things to store in a pencil case for school. This way, you can easily grab whatever you need without having to search through a backpack full of stuff. Plus, it keeps everything organized and in one place.

My pick for one of the best pencil cases for school is this travel case/pencil case. It has space for a phone and a Texas Instruments or Casio calculator is:

At 9.05 x 5.11 x 2.36 inches in dimension it can hold most of the stuff you will need for school, including a mobile phone and also a large sized calculator.

The best pencil cases for school should always have enough space for a calculator. Some calculators are large so you might need a bigger pencil case, but others are smaller and will fit into a standard-sized case.

No matter what kind of pencil case you choose, make sure it has enough room for all of your supplies. And don’t forget to include a calculator!

Best Pencil Case – Buyer’s Guide 

Layout 

A pencil case is a pencil case, right? Wrong! The best pencil case will provide you with many more features you didn’t realise you needed.

Pencil cases come in a myriad of different designs, and the layout is really important. For example, portfolio-style cases allow you to display your pens as well as organize them, and these usually come with elasticated slots which hold 1-3 pens in each. 

These are ideal because you can easily view all of your colors and have easy access to your tools. However, it means packing away is a little more time-consuming.

Other pencil cases may have different pouches and mesh compartments to hold additional tools like your eraser or sharpener. 

Material

You should also consider the material the pencil case is crafted from. 

Canvas is a common material for pencil cases. It’s generally pretty durable and is cheap to purchase, though it stains easily and isn’t waterproof, plus it can’t be easily wiped clean. 

Leather is highly durable and the most hard-wearing. However, most leather cases tend to be smaller, and, while this is ideal for everyday use, you won’t be able to store many tools inside. Leather ages well over time and has a naturally distressed look which makes it popular among artists.

You may also see some cases made from nylon, which is highly durable, and if it’s coated with a waterproof material, even better, as this can be easily wiped clean and will keep your items protected.  The best pencil case is made from the material that is suitable for your needs and this may not actually be the most expensive materials but the most durable or the most waterproof.

Durability 

Durability is a big one, especially if you’ll be using your pencil case a lot. Pay attention to the material the case is made from, as cheap canvas cases are the most prone to poor stitching and can easily come undone at the seams. 

Another thing to pay attention to is the zippers. It’s hard to find quality zippers these days and many cheap manufacturers cut corners in order to offer the product at a low price.

If you go for a higher-quality pencil case from a trusted supplier like Derwent or Arteza, you can expect the zippers to be of better quality. Or, if you want to avoid zippers altogether, you could opt for a roll-up style case instead. 

Size and portability 

Finding a good pencil case is all about how the design makes use of space. For example, a bigger pencil case might offer a greater capacity, but some smaller cases can make better use of space through expandable designs or multiple compartments or layers. 

You also want to consider whether you’ll just be using the case for home storage, or whether you’ll be traveling with it or taking it to and from college, work, or school.

If you do opt for a bigger case, either check that it will fit inside your bag, or, alternatively, check that it has a removable strap or a handle that can be used to easily carry the case. 

How much to spend on a pencil case for artists

You can spend anywhere between five bucks to fifty bucks on a pencil case, as this will depend on the size of the case, its quality, and the brand that made it. 

If you’re looking for an everyday case for just a couple of pens and pencils, there’s no need to spend too much. The prices start to increase when you’re looking at cases designed for art supplies, as these are usually made to higher quality and have a much bigger capacity to store hundreds of pens or pencils. 

If you regularly use your supplies then it’s worth investing a little bit more in a quality pencil case, as it’s likely you’ll have it for years to come.

With this in mind, I’d suggest spending $15 or less if you’re looking for an average pencil case for office or college supplies, and spending $15-$50 if you’re looking for one to hold art supplies. 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the main qualities of a good pencil case?

When shopping for the best pencil case for you, look out for one that has a decent capacity that will store all of your tools, whether you’re looking for an everyday pencil case or a design that will hold all of your art supplies. 

Look out for durable material and quality zippers, as well as multiple compartments that can store smaller items such as erasers and sharpeners. 

How do I choose the best pencil case for me?

Everybody has different needs when it comes to pencil cases. The main determining factor will be storage size and capacity – think about what you intend to keep in the case and how many pens/pencils you need the case to hold. 

Think about what type of case you want: is it a folding portfolio one that you can neatly organize your items in, a roll-up one that allows you to easily choose your colors, or a traditional one where you can chuck your pens in and throw it in your bag? 

Consider how often you’ll be using the case and the durability of the material, as well as how portable it is. If you’ll be carrying the case in your bag, check the dimensions to ensure that it will fit. 

What do you carry in a pencil case?

Different people will carry different items in their pencil case. For example, those working in an office may include items like pens and pencils, as well as other essentials such as sticky notes, a stapler, and highlighters.

People also use their pencil case to carry charging cables and USB drives in there, especially college students who use these items regularly. 

On the other hand, if you’re an artist or art student, you can use your case to store your drawing pencils or colored pencils, your eraser, sharpener, fine liners… and basically anything else you can fit in there.

Pencil cases are a lot more diverse these days and you’ll find them in a range of styles and designs to accommodate items as well as just traditional pens and pencils.