Distinctive Touches: Copic FAQ

Questions I often get asked about Copic Products

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What is the difference between the marker types and which one should I get?

Copic Original

Square barrel
Includes a broad chisel nib and a fine point nib
7 other nibs also available
Nibs are replaceable and marker is refillable
Airbrush system compatible
Comes in 214 colors
Empty markers are available
Color and number marked on caps

Copic Sketch

Oval barrel
Includes a medium broad chisel nib and a super brush nib
1 other nib available
Nibs are replaceable and marker is refillable
Airbrush system compatible
Comes in 358 colors
Empty markers are available
Color and number marked on caps

Copic Ciao

round barrel
Includes a medium broad chisel nib and a super brush nib
1 other nib available
Nibs are replaceable and marker is refillable
Comes in 180 colors

Copic Wide

Flat barrel
3/4 inch wide nib
Optional calligraphy nib available
Comes in 36 colors
Empty markers are available

And as far as which one should YOU get? I can't answer that for you...LOL It's a matter of personal preference. Some people like the barrel shape of one type over another, some people like the price of one over another, some people like having the numbers listed on the caps. It really depends on your own style and preference for use.

How do I need to store my markers?

You can store your markers either vertically or horizontally.

What do those letters and numbers on the caps mean and how do I use that to pick good color blends?

It's easy to pick good blends once you figure out the coloring/numbering system. Here are the basics...

•(Letter) - Color family. The basic hue.

B - Blue BV - Blue Violet V - Violet

RV - Red Violet R - Red YR - Yellow Red

Y - Yellow YG - Yellow Green G - Green

BG - Blue Green E - Earths C - Cool Grays

N - Natural Grays T - Toner Grays W - Warm Grays

•(First Number) - Saturation. Lower numbers are vibrant; higher numbers have more gray.

•(Second Number) - Shade. Lower numbers are light and the higher numbers are dark.

How to pick blending colors:
1. Match the color letters, keeping the color family the same.
2. Match the saturation number. This will keep the tone the same.
3. Pick shades within 2-3 digits from each other. Use 0,1,2,3’s for highlights; for mid tones use 4,5,6’s; and use 7,8,9’s for shadows.
4. Using more colors helps to achieve a smoother blend and adds more contrast.

You can also blend outside the color families:
1. Pick colors that have similar numbers but different letters.
2. Keep the color families near each other on the color wheel.

What inks and papers do you use and recommend for use with Copic inks?

This is an area that again, it really depends on personal preference and ink application style. Each person applies ink in a different way and with a different hand. The amount of ink you use can have an effect on the type of results you get with different papers.

Here's what I personally use...

Inks: