FAQ's on Copic Markers UPDATED on 4/24/09

Can you help me choose Copic markers?

Hmmm--I can offer suggestions, but really, you need to choose in the end. First, you need to decide whether to get the Original, Sketch or the Ciao line. The Original and Sketch lines are airbrush compatible. If you do not intend to use an airbrush with them, you may consider the Ciao line, which is the least expensive. The Original and Sketch markers come in over 300 colors, while the Ciao's come in 144 colors. However, ink refills (also called Copic Various Inks) are interchangeable between all of the lines. They also work great for alcohol ink techniques such as polished stone also, by the way.

The Originals have a wide chisel tip and a harder, bullet tip. If you color really tiny images, you may prefer these. The Sketch and Ciao lines have a wide chisel tip and a softer brush tip. You have to be more careful and use a lighter touch to stay inside tiny outlines with these, but I personally prefer them for blending.  Again, though, it's all about how YOU will use them.

Now, on choosing colors: I find that I use the lighter shades more than the darker ones as a general rule. I love to get smooth transitions in value with my Copic markers, so I prefer getting my markers in sets of three (or even four) shades. If you were ordering twelve markers to start with, I would pick four of my favorite colors, and then make sure that I have three values of each of those colors. So if you like a deep red, for example, you might like an R27. I'd also get an R24 (same family, lighter value), and perhaps and R21. That way you would have the ability to blend from light to dark. If you prefer coloring only flat images, then it might be better to have more colors and fewer values.

Finally, there is a wealth of technical Copic Marker information on Marianne Walker's blog (Copic Product Specialist), and I would highly recommend that you start there and educate yourself  before you make a big decision. Hope this helps!

Do I need to store my Copic Markers on their sides?

Per Copic, it is not necessary to store your markers in the sides.  Store them in any position that works well for you. The markers are airtight, assuming you have put the caps on well, and pressure should equalize from one end to the other rapidly. I would caution you that if you carry your markers on an airplane, you should probably open the marker very carefully, preferably opening both ends a bit, in order to let the pressure equalize. Otherwise you might get a drip from the pressure.

The Spica Glitter pens, however, should be stored on their sides, according to Marianne. Otherwise the glass flakes can accumulate at one end, align, and clog.

Do I need to order refills when I order markers?

I would consider ordering a refill on the clear blender when you order it, but otherwise, the ink last for quite a while, depending upon how much you color, obviously. My first two refills, other than clear blender, were on a pale aqua blue and a pale yellow since I often use these colors around the image that I'm coloring.

Help! I refilled a Copic marker and now it leaks! Did I ruin it?

Relax! Copic markers and very resilient: yours is probably just overfilled. Let a little ink leach out onto an absorbent paper, and it should be good agian in no time.

What cardstock or paper should I use with my Copic markers?

The best answer that I have seen for this is here on Marianne's blog; in fact, Marianne has an entire category for paper.  It's a wealth of information--like a free art class. Go check it out!

Now, if you're simply asking what I usually use, I most often use PaperTrey Stamper's Select White, or Neenah Solar White or Natural Ivory (through Ellen Hutson). I have recently tried some of GinaK's heaviest white cardstock and really liked that too.

What ink should I use with my Copic markers?

My personal preference is Tsukineko's Memento, though you can use many water-based (but not solvent-based) inks.  I have also used Range Adirondack black and brown, as well as Brilliance occasionally IF I heat-set it. What I like about the Memento is that I can stamp and immediately color--no drying time needed.   Marianne has a very informative post on ink-testing here.

What are your favorite Copic colors?

• Pink: warm light to cooler shadows
  R11, RV11, RV34
• Browns
  E31, E55, E57
• Muted Greens
  YG91, YG93, YG95
  
• Blue-Violets for Flowers
  BV000-BV02-BV04-BV08
• Cooler pinks to Dark Red
  R81-R83-R85-R89
• Pale green to dark green for leaves/plants
  YG11-YG03-YG93-G99 I realize that these are very different in their clarity to gray scale, but I tend to use the lightest green as a base, the next two as midtones, and the darkest sparingly for my deep shadows.
• Warm Pink to Coral
  R11-R02-R14
• Yellow
  YR31 or Y21-YR24
• Fresh Greens
  YG11, YG13, YG17
• Muted Teals
  BG72, BG75, BG78
• For more pre-selected colors, check out PaperTrey Ink Coordinated Colors and Ellen Hutson's Pick of  Colors.