As an illustrator, I'm used to having to meet deadlines that would make your head spin. Eventually I decided to try markers as an alternative to watercolor and acrylic. Given there's no drying time for markers, I thought it would help me work faster, and I was right! I never considered trying markers before this, and I'm so glad I did. In fact, I even used them for the Star Wars licensed, limited edition print seen here. So here are 10 reasons you might want to try Copic Markers too (in no particular order).
1. They don't have as strong a smell as Prismacolors. I'm sensitive to the odor of Prismacolor markers and can't use them (gives me a headache). Not so with Copics.
2. Copic has different styles of markers for different uses. For example, their Sketch series has a chisel tip on one end and a brush tip on the other.
3. Refills! Yes, you can buy ink refills online! This saves a LOT of money! Not a bad thing since Copics are more pricey than most other markers (the only negative in my book, but worth truthfully, they're worth every penny!).
4. Copics have a good ergonomic design. The barrel is small and slightly flat or square, not round and bulky like Prismacolors. If you work on a slanted drawing table, this shape comes in handy since they won't roll onto the floor. In a recent market research study I did for Copics, artists all agreed that they are comfortable and easy to hold.
5. When nibs wear out, you can easily replace them. You don't have to buy a whole new marker.
6. Copic has an amazing assortment of colors, just go take a look at any art store. I love their E series for skin tones. There's even a whole palette for Manga.
7. Copic inks blend well. I mean, really well. You have to blend while the ink is still wet. But you can definitely push and pull the colors to achieve some really great effects. The inks also layer well, much like watercolors. They have a colorless blender, but I like to blend just using the colors in hand.
8. Copics are great on a variety of papers. I've used them on Bristol Smooth when I want very bright colors. And if you want a bit of texture, they work nicely on Bristol Vellum. They do bleed through slightly. I've also used them on Arches Aquarelle water color paper (color press) as well as illustration board. And, you can also buy Copic marker paper.
9. Other materials work really nicely with Copic markers. For example, I will often use colored pencil for added detail and texture. I've also used inks and even watercolors with Copics.
10. They have fine liners! You can buy individually or in sets of 10. The fine liners don't bleed with the inks.
For more information about Copics or to purchase, go to www.copicmarker.com And I'd like to know if you've used Copics. Loved 'em? Hated 'em? What projects have used them for? I wanna know!
You read my mind! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhere would us sketch card artists be without Copics? I think most of us, or a good percentage, use them for that kind of work. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried these but I'd love to after reading your view of them. I'm always keen to try new things and never thought of trying markers before. But now I will!
ReplyDeleteI have always used Markers, my favorites been the Sharpi pens...but since you mention another brand that don't have the stink to them..there is a good possible chance I just may give them a try.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first visit here and I am glad I had stumble upon your blog, you offer alot of useful information. Thank you so very much. :)
Nicola, I hope you do try Copics. Let me know what you think if you do. I would suggest buying them online at sites that sell art supplies, as you might be able to find them for less than what it costs to buy from the Copics site or in stores.
ReplyDeleteGood luck, and keep me posted:)
Rosy, they do have an odor, but it's not as strong as Prismacolor. Those made me physically ill (headaches). Thank you for stumbling upon my blog and I do hope you come back! Let me know what you think of Copics if you try them:)
ReplyDeleteWow, Copic should thank you for your shining review! I appreciate the ease with which one can replace parts of the marker or refill the ink without having to buy a whole new marker. Less wasteful, which I can really appreciate!
ReplyDeleteThe biggest advatage for me is speed. I can finish an illustration in 3-4 hours with markers that would take me several days to paint.
ReplyDeleteThe initial investment is higher than other markers but in the long run it's worth it.
You can also buy empty markers and mix your own colors.
I mostly use them on smooth bristol but recently I've used them on watercolor board and really liked how they turned out.
Another advantage to Copics is they have almost no affect on the paper surface and are easy to work on top of with other mediums. I usually use a marker base and then finish with colored pencil and watercolors.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Chris. I've used them with both colored pencil and watercolor. I don't like how they look and feel on Arches Aquarelle watercolor paper though. I stick with Bristol Smooth or B. Vellum.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all you listed, Cyn.
ReplyDeleteWhere do you get your refills? I've wanted to start doing that, because it was one of the reasons why I decided to work toward getting the line of Copic Sketch markers.
Thank you for sharing your review, well done.
Hi Celesta, I ordered my refills from Copics official site. However, I found that my nibs still dried up quick after filling barrels. So I was always refilling (using the basic method of just dripping a several drops onto the nib). I think there are 2 or 3 different ways to refill though. The refills really save money.
ReplyDeleteHiya, do you know if copics do flouresent colours and refillable inks, I love the dayglo colours of zip posterman, but hate that you just can't re-use em
ReplyDeletepeace
chris