One of the highest-quality markers available, Copic marker is an alcohol-based marker that provides users 358 different colors to choose from. Additionally, these permanent markers are acid-free, non-toxic, and come with a three-year shelf life. However, there are a variety of things you should consider when choosing the right Copic marker to fit your needs.
1. The label
Although odd at first, the label on each marker is rather simple and easy to understand. Each label has a letter and two numbers. The letter represents the name of the color family. For instance, the letter B represents the blue color family. If there are two letters, they indicate a combination of colors, such as BG for blue and green.
In terms of the numbers, the first indicates the level of saturation, purity, and intensity. For instance, a zero indicates the highest level of saturation. Higher numbers indicate a decrease in intensity and nine represents the lowest intensity available. The second number provides information regarding the lightness or darkness of the color. Options range from zero to nine, lightest to darkest, respectively.
2. Choosing the right one
There are four different types of markers to choose from.
Classic
The original Copic marker comes in a classic style, and it is typically used for basic crafts. It is available in 214 colors. In terms of versatility, this style can accommodate nine different nibs, including calligraphy.
Wide
If you need to color a wide area, the .75-inch tip on this wide-style marker is the perfect choice. It is available in 36 different colors. Additionally, it is the only one that is not double-sided.
Ciao
This style is one of the most popular. It comes in 156 colors, and the name of the color is not printed on the cap.
Sketch
The perfect choice for high-quality artwork, this sketch-style marker is available in all 358 colors and is popular among professional artists.
3. Blending
Copic has designed a system, the Copic color chart, that takes the guesswork out of color blending.
First, you simply pick a marker.
Second, you need to choose another marker from the same color family as the first, and this second marker must not be more than two to three numbers apart from the first marker.
When you color with these two markers, you will be able to expertly create a pleasing contrast.
For help blending, you should also consider the Copic colorless blender. The colorless blender contains the same ink as the other Copic markers, but it does not have any color. Colorless blenders help you achieve a variety of artistic techniques, such as highlights or fades. Additionally, if you accidentally color outside of an area, you can use the blender to push the color out of the wrong area and into the desired area.
4. The right paper
A key factor you should consider when choosing the right marker is the type of paper you will need. For instance, glossy paper requires darker colors as coated paper does not absorb the ink very well. In terms of erasing, you may want to choose tracing or vellum paper because they do not absorb the ink, allowing you to easily erase when needed.
For techniques such as feathering, paper that is not coated makes your job easier. If you are interested in paper crafting, you should choose opaque card stock.
For illustrations, you may want to consider manga paper. Finally, thin paper may allow color to bleed through while thicker paper typically prevents bleeding and provides a smooth appearance.
In fact, because there are numerous uses for these types of markers, you may need to try different papers to find the one best suited to your artistic needs.
5. Nibs and ink
A great feature of the Copic marker is the ability to replace worn nibs. Additionally, you can simply change nibs to achieve different artistic effects. However, it is important to note that not all markers are compatible with all of the available nibs.
In terms of ink, when you run out, you can simply fill the marker back up. Additionally, if you mix the inks, you can create custom colors. In fact, you can purchase empty markers designed specifically for this purpose.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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