What’s the best paper for coloring with Alcohol Markers?

Are you new to Copic, Olo, Ohuhu, Spectrum Noir, or Pro-Markers?

Or maybe you’ve been coloring for a while and you’re finally ready to invest in better paper? I’ve got six excellent papers for you to try plus a list of not-recommended papers.

Which Blue-Green Copics are Best for Beginners?

I asked three of my favorite marker instructors about which BG Copic Markers they recommend for first time colorers.

• Which aqua markers offer students the best value?

• Which Copic BGs are versatile enough to color many different turquoise items?

• Which blue-green blending combinations do we teach with?

• Which BG markers do we use in our own work?

What is the point of a Copic Broad Chisel Nib?

The chisel nib is the most misunderstood and under-appreciated of all the marker nibs. And yet illustrators and professional artists all use them? Why?

Let’s look at what hobby colorers are missing when it comes to broad nibs…

Copic Marker Care and Maintenance

Copic Markers feature replaceable nibs because nibs do not last forever. For accurate coloring and easy blending, replace brush nibs when they show wear to insure juicy, springy, pointed nibs. In this article, we provide photos of worn nibs and offer tips plus the easy steps to install new Copic brush nibs.

Which Green and Yellow-Green Copics are Best for Beginners?

I asked three of my favorite marker instructors about which green and yellow-green markers they recommend for first time colorers.

• Which markers offer students the best value?

• Which Copic G and YGs are versatile enough to color many different green items?

• Which green blending combinations do we teach with?

• Which YG and G markers do we use in our own work?

Which Yellow Copics are Best for Beginners?

I asked three of my favorite marker instructors about which yellow markers they recommend for first time colorers.

• Which yellow markers offer students the best value?

• Which Copic Ys are versatile enough to color many different yellow items?

• Which yellow blending combinations do we teach with?

• Which Y markers do we use in our own work?

Which Orange Copics are Best for Beginners?

We highly recommend Copic’s YR-Zero series orange markers for beginners and anyone building a small, versatile alcohol marker collection. YR09, YR07, YR04 are easy blending oranges which can be used for food, flowers, and holiday images…

Which Red Copics are Best for Beginners?

We highly recommend Copic’s R-Twenty red series for beginners and anyone building a small, versatile alcohol marker collection. R29, R27, R24, R22, and R20 are traditional reds which can be used for food, flowers, and holiday images. The lighter reds in this series can be used for pink objects.

Horizontal or Vertical Marker storage: Does it matter?

There are so many storage options for Copic Markers. When you’re ready to graduate from the free shoe box you’ve been using, you’ve got tons of options— everything from zipper craft bags to hard plastic locking boxes.

Some storage units stand the markers upright. Some store them laying down. But which option is healthiest for the markers?

I teach Copic Marker classes and work with a lot of beginners. A common question I hear from brand new students is:

“I’m new to Copic Markers. Is it okay to start with Ciao style markers or should I purchase the Copic Sketch?”

Many people say Ciao and Sketch markers are interchangeable. But as an art instructor, I disagree.

Let’s look at why.

Most people research a lot about markers before making that first purchase. And yet whenever I tell students in my Copic art classes that markers are not lightfast, a few people always gasp in complete shock.

Copic Markers fade? But they’re artist-grade markers!? This is not what I expected!

It’s true. All markers fade. Let’s look closer at why.

Beginners always want to know which markers are best for coloring— alcohol or water-based markers?

I teach with alcohol markers. I really, really love Copics.

But my marker coloring recommendations may surprise you.

“What’s the difference between Various Ink and Copic Refills?”

Sometimes people will say “there’s no such thing as a stupid question” and then snicker when you question something obvious to insiders.

Various versus Refill isn’t a stupid question! It’s an excellent question. For many years, people have been blogging and making videos using the terms interchangeably. Now for the first time in history, there’s an actual difference!

Some bottles of ink say “Copic Ink” and some bottles say “Various Ink”. Is there a difference?

Let’s look closer at what’s going on.

What’s a Copic Ciao Marker?

Getting ready to purchase your first Copic Markers?It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices— Sketch, Ciao, Classic, Wide? What’s the difference anyway? Should you go cheap? Which nib is best?

Relax.

We’re here to help you understand which marker is best for you!

What’s a Copic Classic Marker?

Getting ready to purchase your first Copic Markers?

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices— Sketch, Ciao, Classic, Wide? What’s the difference? Should you go cheap? Which nib is best?

Relax.

We’re here to help you understand which marker is best for you!

What’s a Copic Sketch Marker?

Getting ready to purchase your first Copic Markers? It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the choices— Sketch, Ciao, Classic, Wide? What’s the difference anyway? Should you go cheap? Which nib is best?

Relax.

We’re here to help you understand which marker is best for you!

“Which black marker should I start with?”

It’s a common question for beginners— because honestly, it’s very hard to tell the difference. But even with experience, people wonder, “Am I using the correct one? Do I even need the other black?”

What’s the difference between Copic Black 100 and Special Black 110?

My answer might not be what you expect…

Everyone hears about the mysterious Copic Marker number code. Every Copic 101 blog or video tries to unlock the riddle for you. And yet the standard explanation always leaves me more confuddled than before.

How does the Copic Numbering System REALLY work?

The truth is probably different than what you’ve been taught.

“Why is it impossible to find some Copic Marker colors?” a student asked recently. She’s been waiting for years on some colors. Years? That’s weird. Shelves are pretty flush right now; what can’t she find?

Then it hit me— her Copic chart doesn’t match her favorite marker style.

She’s looking for Copics which do not exist.

So let’s clear this up, before you get confused too…