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 Classic
- 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:
- Memento by Tsukineko
- My Favorite Things Hybrid Ink
Papers:
- X-Press It Blending Card
- MakeItColor Blending Card (Make It Crafty)
I strongly suggest that you test your inks and papers with your Copic markers to find the combination that works best for YOU.
I'm a beginner... what colors do you recommend getting?
Download a list of my suggested starter color kits : Download MyCopicStarterList.
Other Copic Links
Copic In The Craft Room (Official Copic crafting education!)
My YouTube Channel (Copic and other videos)
I Like Markers (Marianne Walker's Blog)
copicmarker.com (Official Copic Site)
Download 358_Blank_Color_Chart
Want to learn more? Click HERE for information about our Copic Certification Classes!