I shared a Facebook LIVE in my {creative chick} studio share group this week, all about Copics. I wanted to share some of that here.
If you want to watch the replay or be sure to catch my next LIVE lesson you can join my group here.
I have been Copic certified for over 10 years now and used to teach Intro to Copic classes all the time. Although I am Copic Certified, I wouldn’t say I am a pro colorer, I just have found what works for me and how to get the results I want the easiest way possible. My method when it comes to coloring with Copics is to not have to use a lot of markers and to be able to color the image fairly quickly.
Why do Copics cost “a lot”?
Copics are an artist-grade marker that was originally created for the Japanese Manga industry. They are alcohol based markers which allow them to blend on paper. They won’t pill the cardstock like waterbased markers do. Each marker is hand tested 3 times for quality and color consistency before shipping from Japan. They have high quality, handmade nibs. These nibs are replaceable. The markers are refillable. Colors never retire and are consistent year after year. They have a unique cap design which protects the nib, allows for a very long shelf life that isn’t affected by heat or cold. They are permanent and non-toxic. Once dry they are acid-free.
I have had the Copics I use in my classes over 10 years now, thousands of people have used them and they are still in great shape! Sure, I have had to refill them, but that is a true testament to how they are a good investment.
Do you need them all?
Right now I own 153 Copics. For the longest time, I only owned 75. I only mention this because it’s important to know you don’t need to own ALL of them to get started. I suggest you buy the markers you want to recreate a card you like. Then, later on, buy some more, and a few more and before you know it you will have a nice collection. I don’t recommend buying the sets- pick and choose your colors. This is why I am sharing with you 51 of the top colors I think are great to start with :). Keep reading!
Don’t underestimate the power of grays! You will use them more then you would think, and even though they aren’t as pretty or fun to buy as other colors definitely add them into your collection. You can even use them to shade with a single marker (which I will share below).
Storage
You can store your markers vertically, horizontally, however, you would like. I store mine in a Raskog cart from IKEA with a holder from Our Gray Barn on Etsy. I love them here because I can just roll the card next to me when I want to color, and they don’t take up space on my desk.
You also don’t need to be too worried about leaving your Copics in a cold or hot car. These markers have a unique cap design that protects the handmade nib and allows for a very long shelf life.
Why do I use the square ones?
I have always owned the square Copics, the Classic ones also called “originals”. I like the small fine point they come with, and that is what I use most often to color with. I had a hard time controlling my coloring with the Sketch (oval) ones and often my images would bleed out.
3 Main Types of Copics:
Classic/Square
- 214 colors
- tips it comes with: broad chisel/fine point
- 9 different nibs you can swap out to
- 9 refills from a bottle (this is the marker that holds the most ink, but is often the same price as Sketch)
- Airbrush system compatible
Sketch/Oval
- 358 colors
- tips it comes with: medium broad/super brush
- 3 different nibs you can swap out to
- 12 refills from a bottle
- Airbrush system compatible
Ciao/Circle
- 180 colors
- tips it comes with: medium broad/super brush
- 15 refills from a bottle (the smallest barrel of the 3 markers)
- no nibs you can swap out to
- not Airbrush system compatible
Because sometimes I do want a brush tip, I have swapped out the broad chisel on my Copic Classic Markers to a brush tip, this one is shorter then what comes with the Sketch Copic, and I find it more manageable.
You can blend Classic, Sketch and Ciao’s together. They are all the same ink formula.
What paper and ink pad should you use?
Using the right tools alongside your Copics will make a big difference. What I use in my daily life, and in all the classes I teach is:
Lawn Fawn Jet Black Premium Ink Pad: This ink pad is a nice, crisp true black ink pad. It works with Copic markers, other alcohol based markers, AND watercolor. Yep, you read that correctly. So, essentially this is the only ink pad I use when stamping my images to color in.
Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White 80#, Super Smooth: This cardstock is the only cardstock I use, and have used for over a decade. There is also a 110# version, but I stick to the 80# because I am not organized enough to keep track of them ;). You can get this cardstock from local papercrafting stores, Simon Says Stamp, Lawn Fawn, or even visit a local print shop and they can probably order it for you. It is pricey, but if you use it for just your stamped images, it will last you a long time. I also use this cardstock to ink blend with both Distress Inks.
Note: I shared a picture of what the package looks like because some stores like Walmart or Target might carry what seems to be “Neenah Classic Crest….” but it is not the same exact kind. if it isn’t around $40 a ream, then I would be careful it probably isn’t the same.
What do the letters and numbers mean on the cap?
The letters represent the color family they are part of. R= Red, RV= Red Violet, BG= Blue Green and so forth.
The numbers actually are 2 separate numbers so even though you will hear people say “R twenty- nine” It really is “R two, nine”.
The first number represents the saturation of the color. 0= high, 9=less
The second number represents the brightness of the color. 0=light, 9=dark
As a general rule of thumb when you start to pick out markers that you want to easily blend. Choose from the same color family, and numbers no more than 4-6 colors apart. Looking at the numbers separately. So for R29- choose another R and then a number that has a 1st number no more than 4-6 numbers away and a second number that is no more than 4-6 numbers away. For example, with R29 I like to use R35, or R27 or R22.
Little unknown facts about Copics
You can shade with just one marker. By layering the same color you will get a darker version of the original color (as seen above with the G02).
You can share with grays. So if you are just starting out with collecting, you don’t need 2 or 3 colors to blend together, grab a gray and a bunch of individual colors (as seen above in the hearts).
The Colorless Blender DOES NOT blend. It takes color away, and quite harshly actually. I rarely use this because it usually makes more of a mess then I started with. If I want to add texture, details, polka dots etc. I usually use a lighter color in the same color family.
I tend to color with little circles. This will give you a nice smooth covering. Sometimes I will do a flick motion with the brush tip I have on some of my markers to achieve a certain look.
How to determine a light source, or how to know where to add shadow
I teach a lot of classes with all different levels of crafters. I also want cardmaking to be fun, and not stressful- so forget where the light is coming from! I usually shadow on the left side and crevices. If you are consistent with all of the images on your project it will have a nice cohesive feel and will look fabulous! Fake it till you make it;)!
What I mean by “crevices”: under chins, armpits, hairline, fold in clothing etc.
How many colors do you need to blend? Do you blend light to dark or vise versa?
As I mentioned above you can do some shading with just one marker by layering the color over and over, or you could do some shadowing with a gray marker. Those are both great ways to get started.
Once you are ready to purchase some blendable colors, you really only need to start with 2 colors. I would say 80% of the time I only blend with 2 colors. Some colors that are trickier to blend (like purples and blues) you might find it easier to use 3 colors.
I also blend dark to light. I find that if you color the whole image with light, then add the dark, you risk going over all that light over and over and making it darker. So I find it easier to put down the dark, blend out just that area, add a little more dark, blend then fill in the rest of the image with light.
I thought it might be helpful to share my favorite 2 color blends. I use these the most often. These are only using 29 Copics- totally a manageable number to try and collect.
Pink (bright): RV14, RV13
Pink (soft): RV23, RV34
Red: R29, R35
Orange: YR09, YR04
Yellow: Y17, Y15
Yellow Green: YG17, YG23
Green: G07, G02
Blue Green: BG13, BG32
Blue: B02, B00
Purple (soft): BV31, BV23
Purple (bright): V06, V01
Brown (light): E37, E33
Brown (dark): E59, E37
Gray (cool): C6, C3
Gray (warm): W6, W4
What are some good colors to start with?
When I used to teach the Copic 101 class at the store I managed, we included a starter set of markers into the cost of the class. These weren’t one of the sets Copic sells but instead handpicked colors that I came up with. This was over 8 years ago. I felt to give you a more well-rounded list I would share these 51 markers (and honestly you could eliminate the colorless blender and make it an even 50). I feel these are great colors to get started with. With this set of colors, you probably won’t wish for many more. You won’t find yourself coloring and wishing for another orange or another green. (please note that the image below isn’t true to color)
This is a TON of information, hopefully, it will help you understand Copic markers more, and realize the value that they hold. Most of the information here came from questions I got in my Facebook group {creative chick} studio share. Be sure to join us in there as I plan to do many more informative LIVE’s.
Let me know in the comments if this was helpful, or if you have any questions!
Supplies Used
Supplies I used are linked throughout the post. Click on the picture and you will be taken to the product. I use affiliate links when available which means if you make a purchase I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
 Lawn Fawn, 80 LB WHITE 8.5 x 11 Inch Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Lawn Fawn Jet Black Premium Ink Pad Lf1302 Shop at: SSS |
 Copic Markers Shop at: SSS |
 Lawn Fawn Stamp Shammy Shop at: SSS |
Again I want to thank you for sharing so much information!!! You did an awesome job explaining from the start in a logical way why the are amazing! I am so excited to get on the bandwagon and take my card crafting to the next level!!!
I watched your live and just know read through your information again. This is so helpful! Thanks so much for doing this!
Can you talk a little about the difference between saturation and brightness? I know they’re NOT really the same thing, but I’m looking to clarify in my little brain…
Just started collecting Copic markers. Your blog is very helpful! The hardest thing is knowing what colors to buy and what style of marker. My next try will be the square or original marker. I have a few red, green and blue Sketch markers. I definitely can tell the difference between Copic and my other alcohol markers. I also like the fact that they do not discontinue or change colors and have refills. My other brand have changed colors or renamed them and cannot get refillsfor some of my most used colors. Again, thank you for all the information.
This was very helpful and informative. I’m still learning how to use alcohol markers and how to blend. I’m a work in progress but your information will be helpful to me. Thank you for sharing this!
Fabulous post! I have shared it on The Inspiration Station Facebook page to give our customers your great info. Thank you for putting such a detailed explanation together. I have been Copic Certified for over 10 years as well, but I never remember all of the details no matter how long I’ve used them. Thanks for the refresher!
Thanks SO much for this Jen. I just started my Copic collection and I have the sketch but I do find that nib a little too soft and it took me a while to learn to control it. I wished I’d known the difference between the markers as I think I too would have preferred the Classic ones like you.
This was an awesome piece. Thanks for putting it in writing since I don’t do Facebook. Much appreciated.
PS. You’re such a passionate, hard worker but I also love how much you play hard too!!!! And I love that new Jeep of yours. We’re on the hunt for one too. I can totally take. Thanks again Jen!
Jenn, thank you for sharing all this great information. I think I will finnaly try Copics. Your color chart makes it really easy to pick a fee colors to start with. The step by step of shading FINALLY clicked with me. Thamk you!
Wow! This has been extremely helpful already!!
Sure. Hope I can become a member of your group!
I have a bunch of copics and really just pick what I think would work well together. Wish I had learned this about a year and a half ago, could have picked more wisely!
Jenn, I have always wanted to try Copics but have been fearful to try without knowing more. I’m now ready to go get a few and try out the skills you’ve taught me! Thank you for taking time to make this valuable live and the blog as well. You’re the best!
This was VERY helpful. I have a small collection of copics and quite honestly have not had very good luck with respect to bleeding and shading, I am much more open to trying again and will be re-evaluating where the numbers fall when it comes to shading. I had an idea that the side by side numbers would work but sometimes they are too close a match. Thank you so much Jenn!
What an awesome helpful post!!! This was super informative and easy to understand- thank you for taking the time to post this! 🙂
That’s really a ton of information to start with copies. I don’t have copies but your post was so addictive that couldn’t stop reading it. Thank you so very much for this lovely post. Please do such a post on zig brush pens also
Jen THANK YOU so very much! I have been waiting to see someone with expertise like yours to post a picture of 2 copic blends! I do not own copics but really want to get started so this post was beyond amazing for me! I think I have pinned every picture you posted ! HA!
sometimes I watch videos and think, oh dear 3 of one color would be so expensive, and it’s so fussy. Glad to know there are other options with using the same color or a gray for shading! Maybe I could ask for a small mix for Christmas.
Jen I love you, that all made perfect sense to read. The fog, more like blindfold is lighting quickly, for once I got all that. Unfortunately living on disability alone I have yet to invest in copics but would love to & now I have a better idea of basic needs, although I do suffer with the dreadful full set syndrome my bank manager doesn’t hehe ! Wish you could be in UK so I could at least attend a class & get you to answer a million questions I have . Thanks so much for this post, I’m saving it to refer to.x
Jenn, you are simply the best! Thank you
I enjoyed your presentation immensely. I have used Copics for several years and own about 190 or so of them. I realized some time ago that I really don’t need that many, and that I need some I don’t have! Your information really helped me figure out what gaps I have and which markers I should buy to complete my “need to have” set. It was very refreshing to hear someone talk about Copics without stressing the importance of 3, 4, or even 5 markers for shading. That has always been a great frustration for me, and your hands-on approach is very refreshing. Thank you.
I don’t have Facebook but I did enjoy reading your tips. I, too, am Copic certified. I just added an additional 10 markers (due to arrive soon) to my collection. I haven’t added any for quite awhile. A few years actually. They are a good investment and I enjoy them as my favorite medium. I use my refills a lot and that makes it more economical.
Jenn are you kidding, this was a terrific awesome live! I was confused about the color blending. I thought you need to pick the same color family, the 1st #had to be the same and 2nd # 2 inbetween. I learned quite a bit !! Looking forward to more videos LIVE. Gayle
Thank you so much! I was fortunate to see a post from someone I know selling off all their Copics at $1 each. I managed to scoop half of them. I keep admiring them and organizing them…now I will use them😉
Wow! Would love to find a deal like that! I’d be happy if I could find the for 3x that!
This is incredibly helpful. I don’t think you understand how much the crafting/card making world needed this. You are an amazing angel for taking the time to put it all together. I can’t imagine the amount of work it was and I truly appreciate it!!! <3 <3 <3
Jenn, thanks so much! First thing I did was order the fine tips for my Copic sketch. Now, gotta make a list of the ones I need. Hope to see you at Papercraft Clubhouse soon.
Wow! Fabulous information, so clear and concise and absolutely the most I’ve learned about copics. Can’t wait to watch the class! Thanks!
I, too, am Copic certified, but still working on my technique and organizing my collection. This post was so helpful. I’m off to assess which Copics I need to add to my collection.
Your Facebook live was so worth the 2 hours to watch. I learned so many different tips and techniques. It was great to know the markers can have air bubbles and how to fix that. I had always heard that you couldn’t stand them up vertically. I have a few sketch and a few ciao. Thanks for making a list of colors you like. I bought some Spectrum Noir markers also and wish I had spent the money on more Copics. I agree they are well worth the investment. Thanks again for all the information. I will be watching for more to come. I do some Distress backgrounds and would love more techniques on using them.
I must say this is the most precise and informative information I have found on Copic coloring period. And to top it all off it’s free! No words can express my gratitude this right here makes it possible for me to be able to be a Copic colored. I have the full set of spectrum Noir all 216. And 6 copics which are skin tones and it is heads and tails the difference the copics make. I thought I could never do it because I don’t have enough money to buy all the color combos and you just showed me the way thank you so much
This is awesome Jenn! Great information. Thank you. And I’ve printed off your favourite blends and I’ll be sure to bring it with me to my local Michael’s. So far I’ve got about half of the markers you have on your list, not a bad start. Yes, Copics are expensive, but at least Michael’s still allows us to use a 50% coupon on them! For now. 😀
Wow! This was an amazing blog post and video!! Thanks so much for posting. I’ve been thinking about getting some copics, but didn’t know where to start and this is straightforward and makes perfect sense!
Thanks Jenn!! I couldn’t wait for this post. I was at the live, but the screen is a little small and I couldn’t see everything as clear as seeing it here up close. The live was great. I actually watched it a second time and re-watched parts I was unclear with. I wanted to get the little heart chart to see if I had some of these that you suggest. I have it now!! I really really loved this class. Thank you so much again for all you do and please keep them coming. If you get a chance, can you do something on Oxides? I have a few but would love to know which ones you think I should start with. See you again soon! Have a wonderful day!!
thank you so much for all this information – awesome!
Very helpful! I love to color with Copics but it always seems like I’m missing a color to blend with. Your blending ideas will help me a lot until I can build up my collection.
Thank you so much for sharing this information on your blog. I did watch the live cast, but my head was spinning with all of the FABULOUS information you shared with us. So glad to be able to print it out for future reference. I’ll be going through my COPIC collection to see what I need. Also, lots of value in using the nib point. I have the sketch markers so I’ll for sure what to change out the broad tip to a nib. Once again,THANKS SO MUCH.
Seriously amazing post! Thank you!!!
OMGoodness! Over the last year you shared with me about no line coloring and that was amazing. Now, you are sharing about Copics and I cannot thank you enough! I soaked up this information and I’m so glad you shared it with all of us! I wasn’t able to do the live video and hated that so I’m so glad you are sharing it here. Can’t wait to watch it! Thanks, again!
That was great info! Looking forward to seeing you at WSD St Pete, FL
I don’t have Copics, I do however have Spectrum Noir markers. This was very helpful. Thanks Jenn !
Thank you for putting the LIVE cast into readable form. I don’t always get to finish the video and have to keep going back to it (I will finish it – over half way done now) but I can always print and take the information to read with me and also, I can print the pictures out to help me keep up with the markers I have added to my collections and which ones I need.
I want to also thank you for taking the time to share you knowledge with all of us here! You can’t even image how appreciative we are to have your years of experience teaching us for FREE!
Hope to see you in East Texas some day 🙂 Our local scrapbooking store has decided to ‘dabble’ a bit in the Copics world. Being a small store, she could never invest in the markers and compete with Michaels/Hobby Lobby with the coupon offerings they do. So, thank you again!
I’ve taken a lot of Coptic classes, however, yours gave me much more info, and how to get great results using just a couple of markers instead of 3 to 4. Thanks Jenn. Great job as always.
Jenn, thanks so much for your awesome feature article about Copic markers. I have a small collection and will check to see what colors I should add. Thanks so much! 😊Nancy
Really helpful, between this and the live I’ve learnt so much, and yes I’ve been jennabled lol! Thank you for sharing all this fabulous information!