I can understand you being partial to Daniel Smith, and that's O.K. - why use anything else, if you're happy with it and it gets you results? The pencils, that's a different medium, so it's not a contradiction.

I don't consider myself an artist as I'm still learning. Consequently, I'm still experimenting a lot. I guess my only rule is to buy good media that are lightfast and compatible with each other. I do like to mix it up on the paper and can't get into making a "pure watercolor" painting, when adding other media (like pastels or gouache) will make the job go faster or easier.

There are so many great watercolors and gouaches, but for me it's also about what I can get locally as I like to see and possibly try the products first. Also, products need to be available open stock. Here in Germany that's Schmincke, so that's what I use most. I also have some White Knights from Russia, they're great and not as expensive.

I would love to try Maimeri Blu (Italy) which is a brand our friend @armandosodano is partial to, but lately due to Covid I'm not getting down to Milan anymore (factory). The closest dealer to me is in Luxembourg, except, this guy thinks he's a pharmacist and charges triple prices.

If I ever get really good at pastels I'll go on a shopping spree at "La Maison du Pastel" in Paris, that's on my bucket list :-)
http://lamaisondupastel.com/history.php
https://lamaisondupastel.com/shop/