Brief Background on Copic Markers
Copic (pronounced “Co-pic”) Markers have been around for about 25 years and were developed in Japan. Its most popular use is for the creation of Manga (Japanese comics). Illustrators, architects and professional designers also use the markers. Most recently, Copics have become popular among stampers and scrapbookers.
What Makes Copic Markers So Special?
Copic markers are unique because they are low-odor, alcohol-based markers that can be layered and blended on many surfaces. Unlike water-based markers, they will not cause paper to pill or tear when you are coloring. Copics are also waterproof and the ink becomes acid-free as soon as the alcohol evaporates on your paper.
Many of you may be familiar with Prisma markers. I’ve never used Prismas, so I’m not going to say which is better, but in reading this thread on Splitcoast Stampers and doing a search across the Internet, I could find no real difference between the two except that the marker nibs are different, and Copics are refillable and more expensive. Both markers are of high quality and I think which marker you decide to go with is based on your personal preference.
Copic Marker Types
There are four types of Copic markers. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Original – generally used in architectural and industrial design, and product rendering
- Square-shaped barrel
- Medium-broad and fine tips
- 214 colors
- Refillable
- Replaceable nibs
- Compatible with the Copic Airbrush System
Sketch – most popular marker generally used in professional illustration, manga, fashion design and paper crafting
- Oval-shaped barrel
- Medium-broad and Super Brush tips
- 334 colors
- Refillable
- Replaceable nibs
- Compatible with the Copic Airbrush System
Ciao – most economical marker and considered a good choice for beginners
- Round-shaped barrel
- Medium-broad and Super Brush tips
- 144 colors
- Refillable
- Replaceable nibs
Wide – made for coloring large areas like backgrounds
- 3/4″ stroke
- 36 colors
- Refillable
- Replaceable nibs
Multiliners
Multiliners are pigment-based pens that come in various colors and black. They are generally used for illustrations and are compatible with Copics. You can draw something with a Multiliner, color it in with a Copic and the inks won’t bleed or smear. The black pens come in 10 sizes, including .03 through Brush. They are refillable and have replaceable nibs.
atyou Spica
atyou Spicas are glitter pens. The glitter is made with micro glass flakes which are more reflective than other pens. The pigment is transparent so it can be used over your Copic markers. They are supposed to have twice the writing length of other glitter pens on the market. atyou Spicas come in 24 colors including Clear. They are also acid-free and archival-safe.
What I Bought
Initially I purchased Copic Ciao markers and I was very satisfied with them. Then I took a workshop and played around with the Copic Sketches. I liked how the oval shape of the Sketches felt in my hand and I also appreciated how the color name and number were on the top of the marker’s cap. When you are storing your markers in an upright position, it’s nice to be able to quickly scan your pens for your color choice. You don’t get that convenience with the Ciaos because the color name and number are only on the marker’s barrel. To work around this, I wrote the numbers on the Ciao caps.
I also want to point out that it doesn’t matter if you store your Copics in an upright or flat position. However, Spicas must be stored flat.
I’ve been practicing with Copics for a few weeks and I can say I really appreciate the quality of the markers. The blending technique is what sets these markers apart and I understand now why so many stampers love them. They really add that special oomph to your stamped images.
I also purchased the Spicas and I love how the ink is transparent which gives you a nice glitter sheen over your images.
Here are some samples of some of my coloring. Stamps are by Fiskars. (Yes, I know, but the stamps were so cute!)
On the coffee mug, I’ve used a green Spica on the circles.
Red Spica on the heart and Clear Spica on the steam.
In a future post, I’ll talk about the Copic color system which will explain all those letters and numbers you see on the individual markers.
To learn more about Copic markers, check out the FAQs on their Web site.
View other posts in the Experimenting with Copics series.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave below.
