With regards to the Copic Markers:
I am not an expert. I am still learning (and making many, many mistakes!). The best way to get better is like with anything: practice, practice, practice!
If you are looking for expert tips and tricks my suggestions are to visit the following blogs/websites:
However, I am more than happy to share what works for me. :)
I have received several questions regarding "what markers to buy". I don't have a really good answer for that. Color preferences vary from person to person. What looks good to my eye might not look good to yours. But I can share some buying tips for when you go to purchase Copic Markers.
- Purchase in groups of three. Pick a "favorite" color + two friends. For example favorite color is the V04 shown in the photo below, then a lighter color (a couple of numbers lower than the "favorite", V01) and a darker color (a couple of numbers higher than the "favorite", V09). This will allow you to color with some nice shading. You can fill in with additional colors as you can purchase more markers.
- Do not buy the sets of markers. They may seem like a great deal but how many times have you purchased a set of something only to come away with a bunch of pieces you never use? Same goes for markers. They generally are "random" markers. You won't be getting the "groups of three" that I talked about above and you'll end up spending more to get the additional markers you need.
- These markers are an investment. BUT you do not have to have a huge collection of them to enjoy and benefit from being able to color and blend your stamped or hand drawn images. Buy in groups of three, buy what you like and fill in as you can.
Where to buy Copic Markers? I have purchased the Copic Sketch Markers from the following:
- Hobby Lobby: (not a huge selection but decent for just starting out) They retail for $6.49 I believe but I like to wait for them to be 30 or 40% off.
- Ellen Hutson: Wonderful to work with, super fast shipping, great prices. (I believe they are around $4.99/marker). They offer discounts often which usually makes the cost even cheaper + they carry a wide variety of papers and inks that works well with Copics (more about that a little later).
- Dick Blick: Offers the markers individiually at approximately $4.87.
This brings me to my next point:
Copics come in several styles (that I am not going to cover at this time). I am using the Sketch style. These are the most popular and they come in all 334 colors. However, this does not mean the other styles are not good. In fact, they are all the same colors. If you buy BG05 in the Sketch, it is the same in the Ciao, Square Barrel and Wide Marker. It's just a different style. They can all be used together. Isn't that awesome?!!!!
The colors on the markers: what do they mean?
I have to admit, I think this might be the information I found most useful from the class. It explained a lot and it made "picking a favorite + two friends" make so much sense to me. This is a very quick, very simple breakdown of what the numbers on the colors mean.
The Letter of the Marker: Stands for the Color Family (R=Red, RV=Red Violet, B= Blue, BG=Blue Green, G=Green, etc. C=Cool Gray, W=Warm Gray, E=Earthtones)
Intensity of the Color is defined by the first number of the color. The first number after the letter indicates the intensity or saturation (numbers with 0, 10's or 20's tend to be more vibrant) where as numbers with 30's, 40's, 70's, etc. are not quite as saturated. The higher the number, the more gray there is to that particular color.
Color Brightness is defined by the last digit on the marker. The lower the number, the lighter the color.
What paper works best with Copics? There are several recommended papers. I use Neenah Solar White. I buy it here.
What ink works best with Copics? Again, there are several recommended inks. I use Memento Tuxedo Black. I bought it here.
Last but not least before I share my Copic Colored card:
The Blender Pen is NOT a Blender. Got that? The lightest color you use in your set of three (or however many colors you use) is your "blender". The blender pen was referred to as "kryptonite" in class. It serves a very awesome, useful purpose but that purpose is not blending. Okay? ;)
Here is my very simply colored card. With Copics you can go as elaborate and layered as you want. I'm still learning so I tend to do subtle shading. ;) Copics can be colored one on top of each other without rubbing a hole in your paper. How awesome is that?!!!
How To Video:
Supplies:
- Neenah Solar White Paper
- Friendly Fern Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
- Puddle Play Dear Lizzy Collection Paper by American Crafts
- Sweet Wonderful You 6x4 Clear Design Stamp Set by Hero Arts
- Classic Messages 2x3 Clear Design Stamp Set by Hero Arts
- Clouds Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts
- Soft Pool Shadow Ink by Hero Arts
- Memento Tuxedo Black Ink
- Copic Markers (E000, E00, E20, E31, E33, E37, Y15, Y17, B93, B95, B99, R27, R39)
- Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
- Top Note Die (Stampin' Up)
- Florals (MM)
- Light Green Accent Pearls by Hero Arts
- Eyelets
- String
- Foam Adhesive
That is a lot of information. (And I keep thinking of more!) But I think that is enough for one day. I will share more as I share projects here on the blog.
Wishing everyone a very happy (and creative) weekend!
