You don’t have to run out and buy everything!
This is simply a list of the supplies & tools that I use regularly in Copic Marker classes, freelance work, and personal artwork. People ask about this stuff a lot, so it’s easier to list it all here. I update the list as I add or remove items from my routine.
But remember: I’m a professional artist and I’ve accumulated these items over time. Building an efficient art studio takes YEARS!
I started with just a few markers, layout paper, and a big ol’ student loan.
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Alcohol Markers:
Amy uses Copic Markers due to the unmatched quality and characteristics of the exclusive Copic Super Brush Nib. Starter color recommendations here.
The Marker Novice team has had great customer service and fast shipping from Violeta-Ink.com. We highly recommend them!
X-Press It Blending Card - highly recommended for all students, including beginners!
Cryogen Cardstock - 89lb in Curious Metallic White. Recommended for projects with more colored pencil than Copic.
Holtz Perfect Colouring Paper - Recommended with reservations. See Amy’s review here: Holtz Perfect Colouring Paper: Is it Really Perfect for Copic Markers?
Legion Stonehenge 250gsm in Kraft - I really like Stonehenge for drawing and colored pencils. Looking forward to testing this Kraft paper with Copics.
Tonic Glass Media Mat - use underneath your project instead of scrap paper.
We R Memory Keepers Glass Cutting Mat - use underneath project instead of scrap paper.
Acrylic Clipboard - A travel-safe version of the glass mats recommended for Copic coloring (instead of coloring on scrap paper).
Copic Colorless Blender #0 - Refill you #0 marker and for use in the Ranger Waterbrush for special effects in Amy’s classes.
Ranger Waterbrush Detail Tip - Use one for water, a second for #0 Copic Solution. MUST be this brush for #0 solution as other waterbrush brands will melt!
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Set of 20 - Used in lieu of Copic Mulitiliners. Triplus are Copic safe. I try to use only colors found in this set of 20.
Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Light Carmine #21 - Not in the set of 20 but one that I use regularly. Excellent for disappearing sketch lines when combined with Copic. No link here, I recommend buying this from your local retail store.
Uni Posca Extra Fine Marker, White - The opaque, waterbased ink in Uni Posca markers dries to a matte finish on both porous and non-porous surfaces. It work great with Copic markers.
SenseBag Marker Wallet - a durable, washable polyester fabric with a Velcro Fastener. Holds up to 24 Copic Markers, can be laid flat, and features an exterior zipped pocket.
Copic Tweezers -these are really only necessary if you hate getting ink on your fingers!
Copic Sketch Marker Super Brush Nib - flexible tips that provide paint-brush like strokes and a varied line weight. Increases the longevity of your markers
Weighmax Pocket Scale - Refill your Copics by weight for better blending. Read more about filling process and correct weights here.
99% Rubbing Alcohol - For cap and marker body cleanups; much cheaper than using #0 solution! Brand is not important.
Rubbing Alcohol Swabs - For quick cap and marker body cleanups; much cheaper than using #0 solution! Brand is not important.
Art Bin Pen & Nib Box - You might wonder why would Amy recommends this? It makes a perfect sized Copic Repair & Refill Kit. You can check out this article for more information: Ten MORE Gifts: Great Gifts for Copic Marker Lovers
Gray Scale & Value Finder -perfect for determining color value in all media. Shades match Copic neutral grays (reverse the numbering) which helps you visualize the color value of your Copic markers.
Distress Ink Technique:
Tim Holtz Classic Distress Inks - Amy uses 2-3 inks per project. Mini versions are okay if using Life Changing Brushes but NOT if using Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tools. DO NOT USE OXIDE DISTRESS INKS!
Life Changing Brushes - Highly recommended for anyone brand new to the technique. Look-alike brushes have been tested and are NOT the same. Amy only uses the largest brushes (2” through 1” ovals).
Cryogen Cardstock - 89lb in Curious Metallic White. This technique absolutely CAN NOT be done on X-Press It or Holtz cardstocks!
Mask-It Masking Film by X-Press It - Amy has tried several brands of masking products yet still prefers the ease and reusability of Mask-It. One package can make 30-40 projects.
Soft Printmaker's Brayer - does not damage paper the way a craft brayers can.
Lawn Fawn Stamp Shammy - Hands down, the best way to clean your Life Changing Brushes. Amy recommends using a dedicated shammy for brushes and a separate shammy for stamp cleaning.
Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer - The half-pump feature on this sprayer makes it worth every penny. Portable for travel, takes up little room in the studio. It’s perfect.
Cutter Bee Precision Scissors - For use with Mask-It Film. Amy has tried many brands and keeps coming back to Cutter Bee for masking film. The smooth blades do not tear film when turning corners.
Microfiber Towels - Used with all watermedia projects for both dabbing projects and cleaning up overspill. Prewash for best absorption and use clean towels to prevent ink or paint transference.
Miscellaneous Art Supplies:
HP Color LaserJet Pro - Amy has an older M277 model, this is the M477 updated version. Used to print Copic-safe digi stamps and to scan projects.
Canon Pixma Pro 100 - Amy uses this to print line drawings on watercolor paper or cardstock up to 13” x 19”. Also great for giclee style art prints, suitable for framing.
Neewer Dimmable LED Light - Amy uses these camera lights as project task lighting, much more versatile than craft lights. Newer models may be available but this has been very reliable.
Joby GorillaPod - this tripod is a great companion to your portable LED lights. The Joby is stable, portable and lightweight
Newmowa Spare Batteries & Charger - The charger for the Neewer LED light has a limited lifespan. This charger indicates how full batteries are, allowing better battery management.
Slice Precision Ceramic Blade - Remove white pen and gouache mistakes by gently scratching the color away with this tool.
Ott Slimline Task Lamp - is space saving as it folds down when not in use and it has two points of adjustment – a rotating shade and articulating shaft that allows for easy positioning.
Daylight Company Smart Clip-on Lamp - This lamp stands by itself or clips onto boards. It charges by USB, has 3 brightness settings, a flexible arm and it's portable too!
Kabcon Tablet Holder - Amy views all her photo references on an iPad. This stand securely elevates and tilts the device for better viewing.
