Is AF Studio Pencil worth it if you’re shopping in Drawing & Painting?
If you’re shopping for a Procreate brush pack that leans into traditional drawing techniques — and you want a clear, structured set of tools instead of another vague “digital art collection” — AF Studio Pencil is worth a look. It’s a $20 option that promises texture, expression, and control in every stroke, but the real question is: does it deliver on that promise with enough structure to match its claim?
Designed by Adilson Farias, an illustrator with over 20 years of experience, AF Studio Pencil is aimed at artists who value the imperfection and authenticity of traditional media. The pack includes 44 brushes — from light sketch pencils to graphite and charcoal fillers — and is built to feel like a natural extension of your hand on the screen. But whether it fits your workflow depends on how much you need in the way of textures, smudge tools, and paper simulations, and how well they align with your current projects.
Quick answer
| Best for | Anyone who wants a clear $20 deliverable and will match the stack to a job they have this week. |
| Skip if | You need free tools only, a fully custom build, or something that doesn’t match the deliverables on the live page. |
| Price | $20 |
| Format | Full pack — confirm files on the live page |
| One-line take | Worth a look at $20 if the live page’s deliverables match your job. |
If that still sounds like you, see AF Studio Pencil pricing and what’s included before moving forward.
What you’re actually buying
AF Studio Pencil is more than just a brush pack — it’s a curated set of tools that aim to replicate the feel of traditional graphite and charcoal on paper. What you get includes a range of pencils (H, 3B, 6B, 7B), technical leads (0.1, 0.5B), and a variety of charcoal options, from natural to fractured and rubbed. These are paired with graphite and charcoal fill brushes that simulate texture and grain, making them ideal for sketching, shading, and adding depth to digital drawings.
The pack also includes hatching and scribble brushes, which are great for adding organic shading and texture, and smudge tools that mimic the natural blending of charcoal on paper. There are even erasers optimized for digital use, which can help you refine your work with the same precision as you would with a physical eraser.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of paper textures and a PDF guide with brush descriptions and instructions. This guide is especially useful for artists who are new to the pack or want to explore the full range of tools available. It helps you understand how each brush behaves and how to get the most out of them in your workflow.
While the price is $20, the value comes from the variety and quality of the brushes included. At this price point, it’s rare to find a brush pack that includes this level of detail and variety, especially from an artist with over two decades of experience. If you’re working on sketches, storyboards, or editorial illustrations, this pack could be a solid addition to your toolkit — provided the deliverables match what you’re looking for.
The pack includes 44 brushes, covering everything from light sketch pencils to charcoal fillers and smudges. These are organized into categories that reflect traditional drawing techniques, making it easier to find the right tool for the job. The PDF guide provides detailed descriptions of each brush, including how they respond to pressure and how they can be used in different drawing scenarios. This level of detail is rare at this price point and adds significant value for artists who want to understand the full capabilities of the pack.
The paper textures included in the pack are designed to simulate the feel of different types of drawing paper, which can be especially useful for artists who want to add depth and realism to their digital work. These textures can be used in conjunction with the brushes to create a more authentic drawing experience.
Why it’s on our radar
This is a rare case where the $20 price point and the specificity of the deliverables align well — and it’s aimed at a niche that’s often underserved: artists who want a structured, texture-rich brush pack that feels like traditional media, not just another generic Procreate collection. The inclusion of paper textures, a PDF guide, and the variety of brushes (from pencils to smudges) makes it stand out in a market full of vague “digital art bundles.”
You’re not getting a freebie, nor are you paying for a half-finished experiment. What you’re buying is a curated set of tools that aim to replicate the physicality of drawing — and that’s a solid bet if your workflow leans into sketching, storyboarding, or editorial illustration.
What actually matters
- Does the pack match your current job? The brushes are optimized for sketching, shading, and texture, so if your workflow is centered on those, this could be a good fit — but if you’re looking for something like vector tools or color blending, it’s not the right stack.
- How detailed is the PDF guide? The included guide isn’t just a list of brush names — it explains how each brush behaves, which is especially useful if you’re new to the pack or want to dig into the textures and smudges.
- Are the textures and smudges usable in your workflow? The pack includes paper textures and smudge tools that simulate the natural blending of charcoal, but if you’re used to a different style of shading or texture, you’ll need to test them out on the live page before buying.
Mid-check
FAQ
What kind of brushes are included in AF Studio Pencil?
The pack includes pencils (H, 3B, 6B, 7B), technical leads (0.1, 0.5B), charcoal options, and a range of smudges and erasers optimized for digital use.
Does the pack include any tutorials or guides?
Yes — there’s a PDF guide that explains how each brush behaves, which is especially helpful for artists new to the pack.
Is this a good option for beginners or more experienced artists?
It’s a great option for anyone who wants a structured set of brushes that mimic traditional media — whether you’re just starting out or have experience with Procreate.
Bottom line
If you’re shopping for a $20 Procreate brush pack that leans into the feel of traditional drawing and includes a PDF guide, paper textures, and smudge tools, AF Studio Pencil is worth a look — especially if you’re working on sketches, storyboards, or editorial illustrations. Just make sure the deliverables match what you need before you pay.