All painters always strive for excellence. They acquire new knowledge, experience, improve their skills, and are always looking for the perfect tools to create masterpieces. With the growth of skills, the need for the highest quality materials increases.
In this article, you will learn about the best Copic markers. The creation of this review took more than three days. Analysis of customer comments and video reviews made it possible to compile a list of the best products.
Ideal 10 Copic Markers Sets for Everyone
| Rank | Review | Name | Amount of Markers | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | | Copic® Sketch Set View Details | 24 | 9.9 |
| 2 | | Copic® Sketch Skin Tones View Details | 6 | 9.7 |
| 3 | | Copic® Sketch Pale Pastels View Details | 6 | 9.5 |
| 4 | | Copic® Classic Set A View Details | 72 | 9.2 |
| 5 | | Copic® Sketch Color Fusion View Details | 3 | 9.1 |
| 6 | | Copic® Ciao View Details | 24 | 9.0 |
| 7 | | Copic® Sketch Set E View Details | 72 | 8.9 |
| 8 | | Copic® Classic View Details | 36 | 8.7 |
| 9 | | Copic® Ciao Set C View Details | 36 | 8.5 |
| 10 | | Copic® Classic CG Set View Details | 12 | 8.4 |
Copic® Sketch Markers Set (SB24)
Copic sketch markers were the first to conquer the hearts of artists, designers, and illustrators around the world with their rich color palette and additional options of accessories.
This set includes 24 basic colors with alcohol-based ink. Like in the fluorescent sketch series, each marker is equipped on two sides with different tips: a wide chisel tip, which provides uniform coverage, and a brush for processing small areas. These drawing instruments can be refilled with ink and are compatible with the Airbrush System.
Although the set from Copic has a small number of markers, the colors are quite interesting and well compatible. If you are a beginner manga creator or a fashion designer, this starter kit may be the best choice.
- Smooth pigment application
- They blend nicely
- The markers can be refilled and nibs can be replaced
- Have a high price
- They don’t bleed only through a particular type of paper
Copic® Sketch Skin Tones Markers
This small kit includes 6 marker tints for drawing the most realistic-looking skin. To get the perfect result, you just need to mix these nude shades. Thanks to the brush on the end, these tools can be easily used together with watercolors and colored pencils. They can be refilled with ink and combined with the Airbrush System.
This is an indispensable and necessary set for any artist who paints human skin. Such tints are used to create portraits, fashion drawings, manga, comics, and cartoons. These shades will be a great addition to any other set.
- They work smoothly
- They blend nicely
- Realistic skin tone shades
- Can be used to color rubber stamps
- They are a bit pricey
- Require a particular type of paper
Copic® Sketch Markers: Pale Pastels Set
This pastel set will give your drawings softness and sophistication. The tools are double-sided, i.e., have different tips on both ends. They are also very convenient to hold in your hand. Ink and nibs can be replaced.
The set includes only 6 markers. It cannot be called basic, but you can buy it in addition to your collection. Or it will be a wonderful gift for your creative friend.
However, many artists like this set because it has two options from three color families: BG, BV, and YR. The colors in these pairs are close enough to mix well. Even with only 6 pastel shades, you can create a magical, picturesque effect.
- They work smoothly
- The oblong shape of tools prevents them from rolling off the surface
- They are compatible with the Copic Airbrush System
- Packaged in a clear plastic case
- They blend nicely
- More expensive than similar sets
- An unusual assortment of shades
Copic® Classic Set A: Good for Pro Artist
Set A is also a great choice for painters who want to complement their collection. It is suitable for manga artists, architects, portraitists, graphic and fashion designers, illustrators, as it includes many vibrant colors to paint a variety of everyday objects and skin. This kit is definitely a must for anime makers, who need a good assortment of clear juicy colors.
Copic Classic has a very comfortable barrel shape and also fine and broad tips. Many professionals began with this series.
Thanks to the special ink and a diverse color palette, you can create unique and cool sketches. It’s worth drawing at least once with markers of this brand, and you will realize that there is nothing better.
- Medium broad and fine chisel nibs
- The set consists of 72 markers
- An oval barrel provides a comfortable grip
- ABS compatible
- Smooth application
- They blend nicely
- They are a bit pricey
- They don’t have a brush nib
Copic® Sketch Color Fusion Markers (CSCF-6)
If you’re just learning how to mix colors, then the Sketch Color Fusion Markers kit will definitely help you. This set consists of 3 selected colors in an ideal blending group that will be a great addition to your collection.
These are the best markers for giving depth and liveliness to the illustrations. You do not need to be a professional to use these instruments. Of course, Copics are expensive, but they are worth every penny. You will be sure of this after testing them.
A set of 3 markers is an excellent purchase variant for those who cannot afford to immediately spend several hundred dollars. It is also widely used in creating handmade crafts.
- A favorite of professional designers
- The colors work well together and blend perfectly
- Have an affordable price
- Have to be used only with a particular type of paper
- Can run out quickly
Copic® Ciao Basic Markers Set (IB24)
This set is intended for fashion illustration, manga, comics as well as for landscape painting and design. It has the necessary base colors that you can blend to achieve the most commonly used shades. Also, an indisputable advantage of this kit is the presence of a small selection of tones for drawing skin.
Thanks to alcohol-based ink, these tools have a saturated pigment. Keep in mind that they may leak a bit. Therefore, even if you have test paper, put something under it. The compatibility of the marker with the Airbrush System gives an excellent result of spraying a hue onto the selected area of the picture. This method is used by most professional manga creators to paint the background.
- The set has an excellent selection of base colors
- Both nibs work smoothly
- They blend nicely
- Color selection is strange
- They are not suited for calligraphy
Copic® Sketch Refillable Markers (Set E)
Sketch Set E consists of light, pastel, and natural colors and wine shades. Hues for painting skin are also included. This kit also comes with a custom color sample. Despite the fact that there are very few bright shades, you can draw a still life, a portrait, animals, as well as manga-style illustrations.
Customer reviews help deduce that the Sketch Refillable Markers (E) kit is the best choice for furry art painters. Perhaps this is not a basic collection. However, it is definitely worth your attention.
- The set E does not duplicate the colors of the markers in the previous kits
- It consists of 72 drawing tools
- They blend nicely
- Packaged in a clear plastic case
- The collection contains a wide range of light, natural, and wine colors
- ABS compatible
- Some shades are almost invisible
- The set consists of a not so universal selection of colors
- Special paper has to be used with these markers
Copic® Classic Markers for Beginners Artists
This classic set has a well-thought-out selection of colors, which is great for beginners who want to get familiar with this particular medium. Furthermore, the palette is very universal, which makes a great starting point for those, who don’t want to spend a lot of money on drawing tools. The set consists of neutral, vibrant, and gray tones. Each marker has a broad chisel nib and a fine point and can be used in drawing and lettering alike. This set is sold in a transparent plastic box.
- ABS compatible
- They work smoothly
- Their blending ability is superior to any other brand
- The set has a good color scale
- They are a bit pricey
- They don’t have a brush tip
Copic® Ciao Alcohol Based Markers (Set C)
Ciao Set C consists of an extremely mixed assortment of colors. These are mostly neutral tones and several of their bright variations. This kit will be a cool gift for budding artists or a great addition to the collection. Also, it can be bought as a first starter kit. Ultimately, the Ciao set costs much less than other Copic series.
Markers are equipped with a tip of medium width and a Super Brush nib. Thanks to these options, you can learn or improve your mixing skills. You will definitely enjoy using the instruments since you can draw anything and anywhere with them. Pictures made with Copic markers are distinguished by brightness, smooth gradients, and a combination of unusual shades.
- Have a double tip for versatility
- Equipped with a childproof lid with small air openings
- It’s easy to draw with them
- Do not have a strong odor
- They are a bit pricey
- May dry out quickly
Copic® Cool Gray Markers (Set CG)
This set is very unusual since it consists only of a gradation of gray color: from the lightest to the darkest. It cannot be called basic, but it will be a great addition to the existing collection. This set is ideal for architecture designers and for comics artists and is also appropriate for drawing anime, manga, and sketches. The Cool Gray set creates a smooth gradient and realistic shadows.
By buying markers of this brand, you invest in your professionalism and the development of drawing skills. With these tools, the quality of the picture increases. Copic markers mix better, are applied more evenly, become smoother and help achieve better gradient. Besides, they do not dry out so quickly. When this happens, you can replenish them and spend less than buying new ones.
- Their application is smooth and streak-free
- Have an exceptional tone range
- Using these markers requires experience and skills
- They are expensive
FAQs
Although the Copics are very famous and popular, many newcomers still wonder: how to use them, which set to choose, and where to buy them at better prices. In this section, you will learn all about this art instrument. This will help you make the right choice to enjoy the result.
What Are Copic Markers?
Copic markers are top 🔝 products that are often used by both amateurs and professionals. These instruments are produced in Japan and distributed in Canada and the USA.
Brand is represented by various marker types:
- Copic Classic is the very first series of markers that the brand produced. It is double-sided: it has fine and broad tips. In addition, it contains more ink than other types. This collection is available in 214 shades and is combined with the Airbrush System.
- Copic Sketch is the most popular series among artists. It is equipped with a brush on one side and a broad chisel nib on the other. Marker tips are interchangeable and compatible with the Airbrush System. This type is sold in all 358 colors.
- Copic Ciao differs from the rest of the series in slightly worse quality and is produced only in 156 shades. However, it costs much less. The cap is safe for children because it has small openings for air. Thanks to these holes, the kid will not suffocate if they swallow the cap.
- The Copic Wide features an incredibly wide 3/4-inch tip. It is usually used for painting large areas, but this series is only available in 36 shades.
It is important to note, that his product is designed for lefties and righties alike. Copic markers have a rather high price tag. However, spending a decent amount, you get durable tools that you can refill with ink and change the tips. In the long run, this will save you money.
How to Use Copic Markers?
The main feature of Copic tools is that they can draw a line of different thicknesses. To get the expected result, read some tips on how to use these markers:
- Before you apply color to any paper, you should check to make sure that the paint doesn’t bleed through.
- When your sketch is finished, circle the outline using the liner or the Copic pen. Make sure the line art is dry.
- To mix colors, evenly paint the desired area with a lighter shade, then add a dark one. Use a light tone at the intersection of the layers several times until the colors mix. Wait for it to dry completely.
- You can add the color depth with crayons. This should be the last layer.
Markers are also often used for stamping, handicraft, scrapbooking, and decorative coloring. You can also use these tools for adult 👱♂️ coloring books.
How to Refill Copic Markers
Copic took care of the longevity of its products. You have the opportunity to extend the life of your favorite markers, refilling them with the special ink. Cans holding 0.85 oz. of liquid are sold for all 358 colors.
You can even purchase 💰 an empty drawing tool and mix your pigments to create your own color. Copic markers can be refilled by a booster or drip method.
The booster method implies the following:
- Connect the inkwell to a booster needle. Next, you need to place the needle onto the tip of the tool and drip 0.07-0.1 fl. oz. of ink.
The drip method of refill is used for all series of markers:
- Add 1-2 drops of ink to the wide tip using a special dropper. Hold the marker at an angle of 45 degrees.
- When the drop is completely absorbed into the pen, you can add more.
Wipe away any excess ink with a napkin and clean up any accidental splashes using rubbing alcohol.
How to Blend Copic Markers 🖍?
Each Copic marker has a code in the form of a combination of letters or numbers. To mix one shade with another, you should use color codes that are close to each other. The charts of all 358 colors are available on the Internet.
The main thing when working with Copic markers is the progression from the lightest shade to the darkest one. However, experienced artists mix several colors at once.
Let’s look at the basic principles:
- Start with choosing three colors with a similar code.
- Fill the selected area with the lightest pigment. This makes further mixing much easier.
- Use a medium tone for shading.
- Apply the darkest shade. This will add depth to the shadows.
- Do not paint over some areas of lighter tones. This will provide volume to your picture.
- Begin the mixing process. Make a few movements in the place where the dark and medium shades intersect. Use the middle marker.
- Repeat the same technique, mixing medium and light shades.
Mix until you get a smooth transition from light to dark. To obtain a smoother gradient, you can use a colorless marker – a blender.
How Long Do Copic Markers Last
In addition to all its outstanding features, Copic provides a three-year warranty for its art tools. After approximately three years of use, refill them. When the expiration date 📆 comes to an end, the ink can evaporate. This negatively affects the quality of staining.
If you have never painted with markers and are not ready to spend a lot of money, you can try more inexpensive brands such as Faber-Castell or Prismacolor.
Where to buy?
Copic markers can be purchased at offline stores 🏪. And also, you can find it on Amazon, the English-language official website, and other platforms.
Fortunately, Copic drawing instruments are sold not only in sets but also individually. You can buy several pieces to understand how to work with them.
Conclusion
If you are an artist who is serious about their work, you will not be disappointed with the Copic markers. The best quality fully justifies the high price.
Thanks to the rich and elaborate color palette as well as the special ink, this brand is the top choice among artists. These tools will improve the quality of your drawings and help develop professionally.
References
- Copic Official Website – https://copic.jp/
- How to Refill Copic Markers (Video) – https://www.youtube.com/
- What Are Copic Markers? (Video) – https://www.youtube.com/