Copic Sketch are alcohol ink markers that come in 346 colors. They are different than a water-based marker because when water-based markers are layered and blended they tear up the surface of most papers. Alcohol inks do not harm the paper surface. They can be layered and blended on surfaces other than paper as well. Alcohol inks are waterproof and will not wash away.Copic markers are filled with a dye suspended in alcohol and they become acid-free as soon as the alcohol evaporates. The replaceable Super Brush nib acts like a paintbrush in both feel and application. Sketch Markers feature refillable ink and optional nibs and are compatible with the Copic Airbrush System.
Here are a few Copic tips:
1. Purchase markers based on the types of images you color most often. For example, if you mostly color floral images you will want a different palette than if you mostly color images of people. There is a great colour chart available at the store that has a suggested grouping for different flowers.
You will want at three markers in each color family for blending, one lighter, one medium and one darker. For best results, pick markers that are in the same color family(hue), same saturation, and only a few digits apart in value. For example, if you want to color Red, you may want R21, R27, R29.
Note: the letters on the markers stand for the color family or hue. The first digit is the saturation (lower numbers are more true, higher numbers have more gray in them) and the second digit is the value (higher numbers are brighter).
2. Chose the right paper for the marker. You want a very smooth, heavy card stock that is NOT coated and that won't bleed. E-Xpress it is a great paper. It sells 5 sheets for $2.59. It allows good coverage with the ink, and blends beautifully. The wrong paper will allow the ink soak in too quickly, making it difficult for the ink to be moved around for blending. Always test your paper before starting your project.
3. The right stamping ink makes a big difference. We recommend Memento inks for use with Copic markers. The ink dries quickly and will not bleed when colored over with the alcohol ink. Versafine, Distress, or Memories inks are not recommended, as they tend to bleed. Avoid solvent inks such as Staz-on with Copic markers. Not only will the alcohol in the marker smudge the ink, but the marker tip will pick up some of the ink, and the tip will need to be replaced.
4. For an outlining marker use the Copic Multiliner pens. The ink from other permanent markers could smudge, and potentially damage the tips of the Copic markers.
5. There are PDF charts for the various colors of pens available at the Copic site. Print a chart on the paper you plan to use and then color a small swatch of the marker in the appropriate area of the chart. This chart will help you to be sure that you are choosing the perfect color for your project. There are also wallet books that are available at the store to keep track of your markers.
6. When coloring with the Copics, start with the lightest color first and color over the entire region that you plan to color. Color in very small circles to avoid lines in your coloring. When finished with the first color, add in shadows with the next color. Blend with the lightest marker. Add additional shadow with a darker color if desired. Always blend with the lightest marker.
7. If your colored image looks like it is coloured unevenly you haven't didn't put down enough ink. It is important to lay down enough ink when coloring with the first (base) color to allow the ink to move and blend until smooth. To see if the marker has saturated the paper, just flip the paper over and check on the back.
8. The "blender" pen does not actually blend colour. It MOVES color. This property of the blending pen is wonderful for cleaning up small areas of stray ink (push the color out of the unwanted area with the chisel tip) or for adding texture to an already colored image.
9. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! Copic markers are different from any other marker that you have probably used. You will need to colour often to get the "hang" of it! Be prepared to fall in love with them.
*Birthday discount does not apply on Copic Marker