What Are Copic Markers: + Review

Copic markers are a popular choice among artists, illustrators, and crafters for their vibrant colors and professional-quality performance.

Known for their blendability and smooth application, these markers have become a staple in many creative toolkits.

Whether you’re into anime art, fashion design, or simply love coloring, Copic markers offer a wide range of colors and tips to suit different artistic needs.

These are used here all of the time for our coloring tutorials and printable coloring pages.

They’re alcohol-based, which helps blending and layering, making them good for both beginners and pro artists and colorists.

One of the features you might like about Copic markers is their refillable design, which makes them a sustainable option in the long run. But honestly, I have never refilled a Copic marker before. I have a pile that needs refilling and often reach for a marker that has a similar color, but that’s just me. 🙂

Their durable nibs can also be replaced, so these markers can last for years.

About Copic Markers

What Are Copic Markers?

Copic Marker Store

Copic markers are high-quality alcohol-based markers used by artists and crafters. They come in various colors and have two tips: a broad chisel tip for filling in larger areas and a fine point tip for detailed work.

Copic markers are known for their ability to blend well, so that you can create smooth gradients and transitions. They are popular in many fields, including illustration, comic art, and design.

I use copic markers for a lot of the printable coloring pages here on this blog. They are especially great for coloring hair, like in our Rapunzel coloring printables.

Copic Sketch vs. Copic Ciao

Copic Sketch and Copic Ciao markers are two popular types of markers. The Sketch markers have a larger color range and feature a dual nib: a broad tip and a fine brush tip.

On the other hand, Copic Ciao markers are more affordable and have a smaller color range, with around 180 colors.

Ciao markers also have a smaller barrel and are lighter, making them easier to handle for long periods.

The brush tip in Ciao markers is similar to that of Sketch markers, making both great for blending.

Best Alcohol Markers

The best markers will depend on your individual needs and preferences. For beginners, Ciao markers are a great starting point due to their affordability and ease of use.

For more experienced artists, Copic Sketch markers are recommended because of their color range and professional-quality tips.

Ultimately, the best markers are those that fit your specific artistic style and budget. It’s hard to say what ones are going to be the best for you in just a blog post.

I would suggest getting some smaller packs to see what ones you like. Or go to your local art store to see if there are any to practice with first.

Copic Sketch vs. Classic

Copic Classic markers

Sketch and Classic markers have distinct features. Classic markers come in a round barrel and have a square tip, which allows for different shading techniques.

They also have a smaller color range compared to Sketch markers.

However, Sketch markers are designed for versatility. They have a softer brush tip and a wider variety of colors, making them a good choice for beginners.

Types of Copic Markers

The main types of Copic markers include:

Copic Original: Known for their classic round shape and a wide range of colors, they have a firm nib and are suitable for detailed work.
Copic Classic: These markers have a square barrel and two nib options: a chisel and a fine tip. They are durable and easy to use for larger projects.
Copic Sketch: Featuring a brush tip for smooth blending and a wide color selection, they are favored by many artists for their versatility.
Copic Ciao: These are the most affordable option with a smaller range of colors and a lightweight design, making them ideal for beginners.

Copic Classic vs. Sketch

Copic Classic markers are designed for durability, with a more rigid nib, while Copic Sketch markers have a softer brush tip that allows for better blending.

Classic markers have a smaller selection of colors, whereas Sketch markers have much larger range.

Copic Marker Differences

The main differences between the types lie in their shape, nib type, and color range.

Thank you for taking the time to read this review! We hope it has helped you understand the different types and features available.

Choosing the right markers can make a significant difference in your creative projects. Happy coloring, and enjoy your artistic journey!

In this video, you can see that I’m using several different types of alcohol markers. It really just comes down to preference once you start collecting them.