beginner coPic Marker recommendations
Let’s build an easy-blending marker collection to make learning a breeze
DON’T MAKE LEARNING HARDER THAN IT SHOULD BE!
A big beginner mistake is to research the internet’s favorite blending combinations and purchase some stranger’s list of favorite markers.
But the markers an experienced colorer uses every day aren’t always suitable for beginners. Many of Copic’s prettiest blends are serious challenges, even for the professionals.
I’ve taught Copic Marker classes for over a decade. The most important thing I’ve learned is how quickly stubborn markers lead to frustration, self-doubt, and ultimately— quitting markers for an easier medium.
“Fire Betta” by Amy Shulke. Copic + Holbein Pencil. 12x12” on Strathmore Bristol. Class details here.
Beginners learn faster with easy blending markers.
There’s no shame in this, it’s totally natural!
Let’s find some amazing beginner blending combinations for you!
Best Copics for Beginners
Don’t forget to download my starter Copic list— Scroll down for details!
WHY ARE SOME COPICS BETTER FOR BEGINNERS?
Copics come in 358 colors — This doesn’t mean 358 versions of the same ink!
Every Copic has a unique formula with special behaviors, traits, weaknesses, and flaws. Many markers are “staining”; they bond firmly to paper fibers and refuse to budge.
Sometimes, it’s not you or your technique— you’re dealing with an unfriendly marker!
A good starter list should help you avoid staining markers!
I’ve tested copic markers to find their weaknesses!
I’ve used these results, plus years of teaching experience to create the ideal Copic Starter List for beginners.
My Starter list has THREE criteria:
NON-STAINING COLORS (easy blenders only!)
STABLE COLORS (no weird colors appear, no unexpected results)
USEFUL COLORS (it’s not a bargain if you never use the marker)
Watch my Starter List series of videos at YouTube for more details.
WATCH THE VIDEOS:
BEST B, BV, V MARKERS
video coming soon!
BEST E & GRAY MARKERS
video coming soon!
GET THE STARTER LIST!
With more than a dozen years teaching Copic beginners, I’ve developed a master list of starter marker colors.
I’ve selected a small group of easy-blending markers, making sure to cover every major color group. With this list, you can color a wide range of flowers, animals, objects, and even people.
The Beginner List is one of many free resources in my FREE Download Library at VanillaArts.com
Subscribe to Vanilla Beans, my weekly newsletter for Library access. Beans is full of tips and thought provoking Color Theory lessons designed to improve your coloring. Library access is only available to subscribers.
(Link takes you to the subscription page at my primary site, VanillaArts.com)
WARNING: I DO NOT TEACH ONLINE CLASSES USING THE STARTER MARKER LIST
Relax, there’s nothing wrong with the list. I don’t use the Starter List for online classes because in a class, I’m there to instruct you through the use of every color. Why waste class time and your precious money learning how to use easy markers?
THE STARTER SET IS NOT A SHOPPING LIST FOR MY CLASSES
