Why Copic Markers Are Absolutely Worth It

If you’ve been getting into drawing lately, you’ve probably heard all about Copic markers. Many people claim that these are the best markers on the market, no matter whether you’re a beginner or someone working on quite complex projects.

You probably started your art career drawing with typical Crayola markers or something else that you were able to purchase from your local art store for cheap. There’s certainly nothing wrong with these types of markers, but they won’t give you the quality that you’re looking for.

One of the best ways to become a better artist is to make sure that you have the best quality materials that you can afford because it will truly make a difference in the outcome of your work.

So, if you’re looking for high-quality and professional art markers, Copic markers are one of your best options. Yes, they’re expensive, and if you need to get many colors, you’re going to be spending a lot of money.

But we think that Copic markers are totally worth considering and purchasing if you’re serious about making top-quality art.

In this guide, we’ll go over all the different reasons why you should consider purchasing Copic markers.

We’ll discuss their different features, who would benefit from them the most, what you should know, the types, and everything else that you need to know if you’re looking to purchase these innovative and creative markers.

Why You Should Buy Copic Markers

If you’re someone who’s looking for professional-quality artistic markers, then Copic markers are an ideal option for you. Lots of people shy away from them as they cost a lot of money in comparison to some of the other markers on the market.

But have you tried drawing with a marker that you used in elementary school? If so, then the quality difference that you’ll notice after getting a Copic marker will be astounding.

We will go into more detail about the different features the markers have to offer throughout the article, but here are the top reasons why we believe you should consider getting a Copic marker.

1. They come in almost any color you can imagine.

This is, perhaps, the main feature that the brand is best-known for. From multiple shades of red and yellow to blue and purple, you’re sure to find any color you can dream about in the Copic line.

In fact, Copic markers boast over 300 colors, so you’re never going to have to worry about choosing colors to suit what you’re drawing.

2. You can get them in any style.

Depending on the kind of art you want to create, you’ll be able to get Copic markers with different tips to give your work a unique appearance.

There are some brush nibs that are meant to color in larger spaces, there are others that are meant for drawing thin lines, and there are some that will provide a nice feathering effect to your work.

We will go into more detail about the different types of brushes that the brand has to offer in a later section.

3. You’ll be able to refill them, so you won’t ever have to worry about what happens when one runs out of ink.

When you purchase your Copic markers, it is also recommended that you purchase their refills, too. Generally, you will be able to refill the markers several times before you have to purchase another refill set.

This means that you will save a lot of money in the long run. Aside from that, it’s easy to do. So, we think that the price they come at is pretty much worth it since you’ll have these markers essentially for the rest of your life.

4. You can replace the nibs easily.

In addition to refills, you will be able to replace the nibs, too. As you draw on a frequent basis, you may notice that the nibs will get flat and it’s difficult to produce any color from them.

You can easily find replacement nibs and you can change them in a matter of seconds. Again, this will save you a lot of money in the long run and you won’t have to worry about purchasing entirely new markers.

5. They dry quickly.

Have you ever tried to color in something with a marker only to have it start streaking immediately? You won’t have that issue with Copic markers.

They are permanent and they will adhere to any surface that you color on very well, so it won’t be difficult at all to make the art that you want.

6. They provide excellent color payoff.

This is perhaps the most important reason. If you’re an artist, you’ll want something that will provide you with the vivid colors you need.

This will help to not only make your art appear nicer, but it will also make you seem more professional. Copic markers provide vivid and strong colors to any piece of art.

7. They are non-toxic.

Another great reason why you should purchase Copic markers is that they are non-toxic. They are alcohol-based and free of acids or other harmful materials.

Some people have noticed that there might be a rather strong smell to the markers due to the alcohol base, but this isn’t something that should be too overpowering. You can be assured that Copic markers are totally safe to use.

8. You can mix the colors without any difficulty.

Considering that Copic markers dry quickly, you will be able to mix colors, too. You won’t have to worry about accidentally drawing too close to a light color or having the mixing of colors look like a mess because of how quickly Copic markers are able to dry.

If you’ve ever seen videos where people are coloring in ombre, they typically do so with Copic markers because they don’t bleed. They blend beautifully and you won’t have to worry about permanently staining the lighter colors.

9. You can use them to color in tiny spaces.

Most people who make art with markers find that it is difficult to color in small spaces because of the large tips. Luckily, you won’t have this problem with Copic markers because the brand also makes tiny nibs.

For example, you can use the Copic original tips to color in these small spaces. It’s definitely a major convenience and will help you enhance your art knowing that these markers give you the ability to draw in tiny areas.

10. You can use them to draw basically anything you want.

You don’t have to limit yourself to only drawing certain things because they’re markers. You can even draw highly detailed pieces with these markers because of the small tips. In addition, you can draw larger pieces that you will be able to color in. The possibilities are endless!

Whom Copic Markers Are For

Copic markers were created in Japan in 1987 by Too Corporation. The initial purpose of these markers was for manga and anime, which continues to be the largest audience that uses these markers.

However, if you’re not someone who draws manga or anime, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider getting these markers or that they’re not worth purchasing.

Nowadays, many different people use Copic markers, including fashion designers, illustrators, architects, and animators. You will be able to use these markers for virtually anything you want to.

Enthusiasts and professionals alike swear by Copic markers, so you don’t necessarily have to be an award-winning artist in order to use them.

The markers have been praised on an international level and you will be able to find them in more than 50 countries. So, no matter what form of art you prefer, you will be able to use Copic markers to create beautiful art.

What to Know Before Buying Copic Markers

There are plenty of factors that you will want to consider when you buy yourself Copic markers. While we know that they’re worth buying, you should consider several factors.

• They’re an investment.

You’ve probably heard many times that you’ll have to invest in your art career in order to become the best artist possible. You’ll want to make sure that you have good tools in order to ensure that the materials you produce will be high quality.

So, it would be important to note that you have to spend a few hundred dollars on these markers at the very least.

• You also have to purchase refills.

Copic markers are unique due to the fact that they’re not going to dry out- you’ll essentially end up keeping them forever. But, in order to do this, you’ll have to buy refills.

You’ll typically get several uses out of your markers before you need to refill them and before you have to buy another refill tube. But it’s something to consider as you’re budgeting the costs associated with purchasing these materials.

• Determine the type that you will need.

We’ll describe the different types of Copic markers in more detail in the next section, but it’ll also be a good idea to determine what type or types you’ll need. Most people recommend buying several types because it will help to add dimension to your work.

Another factor to consider is the kind of brush tip you’ll need; some brush tips will be better for coloring in large spaces, whereas others will be better for adding fine details. You’ll also want to choose what colors you want- although, the options are endless.

Different Types of Copic Markers

As we mentioned before, Copic markers come in several different types. Here are the four main types of Copic markers. It’s definitely recommended, however, that you consider mixing and matching some of these different types; don’t just limit yourself to one.

That will allow you to have better quality drawings and give more dimension to your work.

• Copic Ciao Markers

This is the best option for you if you’re a beginner and you’re just getting started with using markers for art. It might even be worth purchasing these markers for children or teenagers who are getting into drawing.

Another reason why many people consider these types for younger audiences particularly is because they’re smaller and will fit into a younger child’s hands a lot easier than some of the other options, which is a good idea for your little ones getting into art.

The markers are easier to control for beginners as well.

One of the main features that attracts people to these types in particular is that they are more affordable than the other choices that we will discuss. But that doesn’t mean that they lack in quality at all.

The Ciao markers come in 180 shades, which is more than enough to allow you to create some of your favorite art. These markers have double ends- the Super Brush nib and the Medium Broad nib.

The Super Brush nib can be bent easily if you want to mix shades and it has a pointed tip. The Medium Broad nib can fill in larger spaces because of the chisel tip. You can also use this side if you want to highlight something.

Another great feature of these types of markers is that they can get more refills using one ink container and you will be able to use them for around 15 times using just one ink container.

• Copic Wide Markers

The Wide markers are the best choice for coloring large spaces. Unlike any of the other choices we have describes on this list, they’re wide and short and have a single end.

There are 36 shades, which is significantly less than what you would get with the other choices, so you should consider getting some of the other kinds of markers as well.

Since these are firm and wide, you will be able to use these markers to color in larger areas, and with the combination of one of the other kinds, you will have an interesting piece as a result.

One thing that some people mentioned is that these markers might be a little difficult to hold because of how large they are, but it’s something that you will easily be able to get used to.

If you want to do calligraphy, you can install another nib. The wide nib will allow you to make long strokes with precision. They hold a lot more ink than the others do, and you will be able to refill these markers seven times with the use of one container.

• Copic Classic Markers

These are the original markers, and while they might not be as popular as the other choices we listed, there are plenty of reasons why you should still consider the classic version.

You have 214 colors to choose from, which, again, makes these a great choice for you to use for exploring your creativity.

You can even blend shades together if you can’t happen to find the exact one needed, but another interesting feature is that there are some color options only offered exclusively for the Classic markers.

You will also have nine nib options, including the Standard Fine tip and the Standard Broad Chisel tip, which are great for drawing fine details and coloring large spaces respectively.

You may also use these markers with the AirBrush System and for calligraphy. You should be able to use these markers nine times with one ink container. Keep in mind that these are great for coloring, but if you want to blend, you will have to install the blending nib.

• Copic Sketch Markers

If you’re into more professional types of art, such as design, cartoons, and illustration, these markers are recommended for you. They come in 358 colors that will allow you to truly explore your creativity as your ideas flow.

Another reason why these markers are specially marketed towards professionals is that buying the entire set costs quite a lot of money; you will have to spend several hundreds of dollars on the markers, their refills, and more. Therefore, it’s not the best choice for beginners.

You can use these particularly for blending and coloring, which will greatly help designers.

They have a Super Brush nib and a Medium Brad nib, with the former working similarly to a paintbrush and the latter working great for coloring. They’re large and you will be able to fill the marker for 12 uses using one ink container.

In addition to that, these are favorites among all kinds of illustrators because of the versatility; you will be able to draw fine details and color in large surfaces at the same time. Shading, blending, and coloring are made easier with these markers.

In addition to markers, the brand also manufactures pens that will be great for drawing lines and precision. There is also an AirBrush system that you can use to color on multiple surfaces.

Some of the markers we listed above will be compatible with this system. All you have to do is attach a marker and you’re reading to start coloring.

What You Can Do With Copic Markers

Copic markers, as we mentioned before, were initially created for manga and anime artists. However, they’ve expanded their usage today and are trusted by many different types of artists.

You don’t have to be a professional in order to use Copic markers. Here are some of the different uses that people have for Copic markers, which will further show you how versatile these markers are and why they’re the perfect choice for any artist.

• Anime
• Manga
• Fashion design
• Comics
• Journaling
• Tattoo art
• Architecture
• Graphic design
• Industrial design
• Calligraphy
• Scrapbooking
• Quilting
• Rubber stamping
• Drawing landscapes
• Product design
• Interior design
• Mixed media art
• Storyboard Illustration

Here are some of the most popular artists who rely on Copic markers. You can check out their work for inspiration.

• Stephen Ward
• Niki Bee
• Cassy Lyttle
• Erin Hunting (She has used Copic markers to illustrate some popular shoes, including Garfield and Adventure Time, and Hunting has also worked for Nickelodeon drawing with Copic markers)
• Matt Falconer

Top Features of Copic Markers

When you’re making the decision whether or not you should purchase Copic markers, it is important to first look at some of the important features. Copic markers are unique and it’s entirely true that you won’t be able to find anything similar on the market.

Copic markers come in many different colors.

The fact that these markers come in different colors is great because it will help to stimulate your creativity. With 358 colors to choose from, there is a wide range of things that you will be able to draw with these markers.

If you want to see the span of colors the brand has to offer, here is the Color Wheel to help you make a more informed decision. The brand has ten families of chromatic colors and it also has achromatic colors.

The markers are organized in accordance with their type. For example, if you’re looking for a yellow marker, you would look in the yellow family, which is marked with a Y. The color gray on its own comes in 46 different shades.

The brand has also created a marker called 0, which has the purpose of blending. And due to the components of the marker, you will get a vibrant color payoff.

They dry the quickest.

These markers are made with an alcohol ink that dries quickly. Have you ever tried to color something with markers only to have it completely ruin your paper because it’s still wet? Have you ever tried to overpaint and have that completely ruin your work as well?

Thankfully, that issue is eliminated with the Copic markers. You can overpaint easily. And you won’t have to worry about your paper getting ruined because the markers are smooth and they will dry quickly.

You can refill them.

If you strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible, then you will be pleased to know that Copic markers are great for the environment. They can be refilled and they also have replaceable nibs.

So, if you find that your marker is running out of ink, you won’t have to go and purchase a new one- all you have to do is replace the nib!

They come in different types.

In addition, you will be able to choose the kind of marker that you want to get.

We will go into this in more detail in a separate section, but the four types of Copic markers are Original, Sketch, Wide, and Ciao, which will help you to narrow down your options even more depending on what you want to use the markers for.

They have airtight lids.

This will help to ensure that your markers won’t dry out on you when you store them. As long as you make sure that the lid is completely shut, you won’t have to worry about them drying out.

Downsides to Copic Markers

As with almost anything, there are some downsides to Copic markers that you should consider before purchasing this product. We still believe that Copic markers are worth purchasing, but you should also be aware of some of the downsides.

They’re expensive.

First and foremost, Copic markers are quite the investment. That’s why they’re not typically recommended for people who are not as serious about drawing.

They generally cost around $8 per marker, and the company that manufactures Copic markers, Too Corporation, will determine the lowest price that these markers can be sold for.

Copic Sketch and Copic Classic markers are the cheapest options, and the lowest price that you will be able to find these for is $5.24.

Keep in mind that this is the price for one marker. Assuming that you will be serious about your work and want to be able to draw as many different things as possible, you will have to spend a couple of hundred dollars to buy a set.

You’re also going to have to purchase the refills. For Sketch markers, that will typically cost around $4.58, and again, this is for a single bottle.

They bleed through paper.

Some people have noticed that Copic markers also will bleed through paper, but this is also something that happens to other markers that are made with alcohol.

If you find that this is a major problem, you can always use a thicker kind of paper or place scrap paper behind the main paper that you’re drawing on so you don’t ruin any surfaces.

The color will sometimes fade over time.

Some people have noted that the color produced by Copic markers will fade over time, especially if you will be framing your work. This is due to the fact that Copic inks are dyes, which means that you should take care to be careful when you’re going to frame your artwork.

This is especially true if you’re going to purchase UV glass.

Some people don’t think that they work well with other kinds of art supplies.

Naturally, you will likely be using other kinds of art supplies, such as pencils, gel pens, and other things in order to create your masterpiece. And you likely won’t only be using Copic brand products.

But one thing that some people noticed about this is that it was difficult for them to draw on top of the other materials with Copic markers. They noticed that they would need to use gel pens or other materials after they were finished with the gel pens.

So, this is something that you may have to consider.

These factors are definitely not dealbreakers, especially considering that no product is perfect. The only thing that might be a point of worry for some people is the price, but you will likely be spending a similar amount of money to purchase high-quality art supplies anyways.

These are simply factors that you should keep in the back of your mind.

Are Copic Markers Worth the Price?

We spoke briefly about the price of Copic markers above. Indeed, the main factor that many people feel worried about is the price of these artistic markers. Are they worth the price? Are they something worth purchasing?

Many people agree that it is worth investing in these markers. They certainly are unlike many other art markers on the market and you’ll be able to do so much with them.

Whether you’re into fashion design, illustration, architecture, or anything else, you’ll certainly find a use for these markers.

Conclusion

Becoming a great artist requires a lot of hard work and practice. Without spending enough time, learning from professionals, and dedicating hours to your study, you won’t be able to do your best.

In addition to that, having the best tools possible will also support your goal of becoming an artist. You will have to make an investment, but the investment will be worth it in the end.

Copic markers are one of these investments. In all, we think that Copic markers are totally worth buying. For one, you have well over 300 colors to choose from and 4 different types of markers that are all suited for drawing different things.

Along with that, no matter what kind of drawing project you do, you will be able to use Copic markers. They were designed with manga artists, architects, fashion designers, animators, and everyone else in mind.

If you want to break into owning professional tools, it’s worth shelling out the money and buying a few sets of Copic markers. You’ll see how the quality of your artwork will change after using these.