oh dear, We’ve got a problem…
Markers are gettin’ pretty popular. Which is great! I love that so many people have found their way to this amazing art medium in the last few years.
But with that giant influx of fans come the so-called experts.
The internet has been flooded with bad information, iffy advice, and stuff that’s just flat-out wrong.
I go on Facebook and someone tells me to blend with colorless blender. Blogs are recommending papers that drain your markers. Videos show people boasting about spiffy new techniques which were old before I was born.
And whoa, don’t get me started on people using the word saturation wrong.
Okay, I know that sounded like a primal “Get off my lawn!” moment, but people it’s getting bad out there!
I can either sit and complain or get up and do something about it. I started MarkerNovice as a growing resource of FREE, RELIABLE information. Advice that isn’t going to blow your budget or trash your marker nibs.
Marker Novice is the blunt & honest truth from someone who didn’t pick up their first marker yesterday.
Hello!
My name is Amy Shulke and I'm a professional technical illustrator with a BFA in Illustration. I’ve used markers at work and home for twenty five years. I’ve taught Copic Marker art classes both locally and online for the last decade.
Don't get all impressed by that. I basically draw and color for a living.
The same kind of coloring you want to do.
Trained artists have access to quality tools plus the luxury of formal classes and dedicated practice time over many years. But there's nothing magical about what we do.
Anyone can learn to color with markers. Art concepts are not top secret. There are no special clubs, no secret artist hand-shakes... heck, you don't even have to wear a beret if you don't want to.
Although I highly recommend the beret.
But before you can become artist you were always meant to be, you have to buy some markers. So let’s be smart about it.
You may be a Marker Novice right now, but you don’t have to be one forever!
Not a novice anymore?
If you’re ready for markers at the artistic level, be sure to visit me at my main website, VanillaArts.com
The Studio Journal covers art concepts, coloring mindset, and tons of tips for beginners through advanced level marker users.
Marker Painting Workshops offer online instruction with a unique feedback component for all levels.
I’ve got lots of challenge level digital stamps for coloring (including Daisy here) in the Vanilla Stamp Shop.
The Vanilla Beans newsletter is a weekly two minute read full of tips and inspiration.
LEARN TO BLEND LIKE A PROFESSIONAL
Do you struggle with basic Copic blending?
More stamp coloring classes will not help.
Let’s focus on The Blend
The Blend is Amy’s 12 week beginner’s course, designed to directly improve your marker blending technique.
