Copic Sketch Markers 72 Set A Review (2020)

Copic markers are manufactured in Japan by Too Corporation and come in 4 various types. Thanks to several outstanding characteristics and deal-breaking peculiarities, Sketch is the most preferred type among artists who find artistic liberty and design versatility in them. To show how unique they are, the manufacturer distinguishes this collection among others stating that “all-new colors released come only in Sketch.”

To prove if they are worthy of all praises, I’m going to review the Copic Sketch markers 72 Set A in this post.

Main Thing About Copic Sketch Markers 72 Set A

Copic Sketch markers were first released in 1993. Now, they are the top-selling marker type offered by Too Corporation. They are ideal for illustrations and coloring portraits. What makes them outstanding? Let’s read the review starting with the main specifications of the mediums.

Appearance and Design Features

Copic Sketch markers are minimalistic. They feature an oval shape, which feels comfortable in hand and prevents the mediums from rolling away from you. The name of the marker’s type performed in black runs along the white barrel.

As the markers come with 2 nibs, the ends of both caps are color-coded and numbered. They provide instant color selection.

Each instrument has Medium Broad nib, which is great at drawing thick lines, and Super Brush nib, which is used for lettering and detailed coloring. With light pressure, you can make a thin line, and with more pressure applied, you’ll get broader lines. On the barrel, there are the corresponding images of the nibs indicated close to the caps. The icons help identify the necessary cap.

The company offers replacement nibs for sale in case the original nibs fray during your artwork. This is very helpful and eliminates the need of purchasing a new set of markers.

The coloring instruments are compatible with a bullet nib as well. It can be purchased separately.

Sketch markers are compatible with the Airbrush System (sold separately), which allows users to produce airbrush effects by attaching the air compressor and the air grip to a marker barrel.

The set is packaged in a clear plastic box. The pack is an excellent option to store and display the instruments.

Drawing Quality

They are alcohol-based markers. Opposed to water, alcohol as the carrier of the dye evaporates faster and interacts with paper differently than in water-based mediums. Copic Sketch markers don’t cause paper buckling. They are easy to layer and produce a velvety matte finish.

The drawing and coloring performance of the markers is superb. The nibs are stiff enough and slightly velvety. They are wet but not too much. To avoid bleeding, use designated drawing paper for markers. In this case, you won’t get images on the other side of the paper.

Each artist uses blending and shading techniques based on his/her own experience. Usually, great results are achieved by coloring light to dark. It allows you to achieve a seamless transition of shades and minimize abrupt color changes.

The coloring instruments are permanent but not lightfast. The dyes are susceptible to UV rays and not archival. Under direct sunlight, the colored images will fade. If you are planning to keep your artwork in a well-lit room, cover it with an ultraviolet blocking seal.

Refill System of Markers

After repeated use, you may notice that the marker color starts fading, and it is not so juicy as it was in the beginning. The manufacturer offers refill inks to make your beloved coloring tools bright again. This ink is available in all 358 colors and comes in 12-ml bottles with a nozzle. The bottles are pen-shaped and easy to transport.

To refill ink, take off a marker cap. Using tweezers (can be purchased separately), remove the nib. Insert the nozzle of the ink bottle into the barrel. After the refill, put the nib back in its place. When the marker runs dry again, you can make another refill. For each refill, you need approximately 1.8 ml of ink. So, Sketch markers can be refilled up to 8-10 times with one ink bottle.

Also, the manufacturer sells empty ink bottles. Artists can mix various hues in this container to create custom colors.

Pros and Cons

To sum up all the strong and weak points of this collection, let’s group all its characteristics.

In Closing

Copic Sketch 72 Set A collection is known for its superior coloring performance and meant for advanced users. These markers will last a lifetime since they are refillable and have replacement nibs. The striking variety of shades and high pigmentation drive any artist crazy and let them dominate over other mediums. These factors affect the price of the markers, and they are not quite cheap.

Here is my piece of advice: monitor online prices on platforms like Amazon and eBay because sometimes they offer the best price for the selection.

If you like to read more interesting reviews, follow me on social networks. I appreciate your comments. Truly yours, Yuliya Skryp.

References