I'm getting alcohol markers for the 1st time (they'll be here after the weekend, I can hardly wait) and so I came online to get some information on how to use them. (I do mainly watercolor) I am so happy I came across your video! It was really helpful. I'll take time to sharpen all of my Prismacolors while I'm waiting. Thanks!
That's awesome! If you think about the marker as being watercolor in pen format, you'll have a leg up on understanding how the colors work. Instead of mixing on a palette, it's premixed in the pen and you can't get the spashy blossom effect or granulation but you'll be very familiar with the washing and glazing aspects.
I have alcohol markers, not the copic (can’t afford those) but the ohuhu markers. They are vibrant and from what I’ve heard, they are pretty close to Copic but idk. However I have tried watercolor pencils like Derwent inktense and Fabre Castell Albrecht Durur watercolor pencils and they are the only medium that can definitely give alcohol markers a run for their money when it comes to vibrancy. If you try or have tried them, it would be such a joy to see your process especially combining them with colored pencils! You make such beautiful art that I would love to see how you would go about this so I can learn from you!! This flower is so awesome and you make the process look so easy!!!!
Awww, thank you. For the record, I started over twice yesterday on a new project so truly, not everything I do is wonderful but I sincerley appreciate the complement.
Just found your channel! So beautiful. I am going to check out your vids. I'd like to learn how to use copic markers for card marking. Your art is lovely!
Ahh markers + color pencils... my first love! They're so incredibly fun to work with but I was so sad when I realized that alcohol markers fade, it was what actually made me start learning watercolors to get around that problem. But I still love how incredibly fast and easy it is to get going with markers/pencil in comparison (and less messy... no water!). I also recently bought some Zest-It in hopes of making my color pencils a little smoother over my markers but realized I need a lot more pencil applied to avoid patchiness. I don't know if I'll ever actually use it in projects but it's there I suppose! I've never been a full on color pencil girl myself, partially from impatience but mostly due to my RSI lol. Maybe one day I'll try to experiment with it a bit. One day-
My concern with Zest-It is that it's oil based and that'll show on the marker paper. Watercolor paper can absorb and mask the darkening that happens when oil meets paper but marker paper won't be as forgiving. Good luck experimenting though and I'd love to hear how it goes!
@@AmyShulke oh definitely, doing test swabs on my papers I did notice that darkening too! Chances are I’ll wind up coming away with the same conclusion you did. I think playing around and seeing the results with my own eyes on top of being told tends to really help solidify when to use or not use certain materials in mixed media!
@@isaacclarke9554 I don't do any solvents so it's not essential... just in case you felt obligated to use them, maybe this let's you off the hook. Anyway, if I was hunting for a safe solvent for use with marker/pencil mixed media, I think I'd start by looking up a list of liquids which act like solvent on wax. There must be more than citrus oil and turpetine/turpenoid (which stain) and alcohol (which will damage the marker base). Again, this isn't my area of interest but that's where I'd start.
Thank you so much I really needed this! I'm new here I've been watching alot of your videos and livestreams recently and I gotta say they are all so inspiring! I was scared to try out a new medium, but now I feel braver to try new things! I am just really worried because Copics are super expensive, and what brand of markers should a beginner like me start with It is difficult to choose since there are so many brands out there and it is hard to find the brand that is suitable and budget friendly I was also wondering if the results would be the same if I were to combine this medium with oil-based pencils like Faber Castell? I know that the colour range in Prisma is far better than Faber and that they are much softer and easier to lay down, but Faber also has some stunning colours that Prisma doesn't have and I was wondering if its easier to use markers with oil-based pencils as well
You can mix pencil brands. The whole oil-based thing is mostly myth because even within an oil based brand, the individual colors all vary in their ratio of oil to wax. So stop worrying about "oil" and think more about how firm the pencil is. The firmer the pencil, the less likely it is to stick to marker friendly paper. You need a sticky, soft pencil which is why Prismacolors work. Not sure which Faber Castell pencils you're referring to but I do not like Polychromos on marker paper. It doesn't stick well and thus, it's wasted $$$ if you're primarily doing marker + pencil. You'll also not get the benefit of any stunning Polychromos colors because they're so translucent that the marker will radically change the pencil color you love. Maybe you can make Poly's work over marker but I've given up (several times) in frustration. If you do make it work, I'll happily take lessons or classes from you :)
@@AmyShulke Ok thank you so much! I agree that softer-based pencils are definitely a better choice, it's such a shame since Polychromos has some stunning ranges of colours, especially those Purples and Violets that I just can't get enough of XD. I was also wondering what markers would you recommend for a beginner like me? I was thinking of trying out the Arrtx alcohol markers since Copics are too pricey for me, I know the colour range is smaller but I have no idea what cheaper brand to purchase other than Ohuhu As a beginner, I believe it best for me to start with cheap supplies and then move on to more expensive ones but I'm not sure
Hello Amy….just to say how glad I am to have discovered your channel here today, 🎉…. Such great info and tips…..a really excellent tutorial video. I have subscribed and look forward to watching your previous videos. Reading the comments and your replies are very helpful indeed, too. It’s just great to be able to learn new tips and ideas….thank you !!! 🤩🤩🎉🎉
Thank you so much for the info as i teach myself how to use new mediums, my BIGGEST QUESTION has been is, what type of paper is best for copic/mixed media, I find I’m a little heavy-handed so I tend to get bleed or ‘rip’ the paper with my copics and water color markers😮 I love Canson XL watercolor paper because it won’t bleed through but dislike the texture 😅
Watercolor paper is tricky to use because it's very thirsty and has been sprayed with sizing. It's also water friendly but not terribly alcohol friendly. I do use Fabriano Artistico Hot Press occasionally but most of the time, I'm on Bristol. BTW, I don't love any of the XL line of papers so I'm not shocked it's pilling on you. Here's my video on Bristol: th-cam.com/video/nDe7H45nkjg/w-d-xo.html
In the description, I usually link to a corresponding resource page which tells you where to find the stamp plus tips and a supply list. Carmine Daisy resource page here: www.vanillaarts.com/blog/5-more-mixed-tips
@@LadyJadiAfina1989 Sorry. I’ve never used a coloring book- not my specialty. I do know many of my students use digital stamps printed with a laser printer. This way they control the size and paper brand.
@AmyShulke thanks, im asking because i found a cheap prisma alternative ( prisma hard to get in my area), and im trying to decide between the 50 set(cheaper) and the 72 set. Which would you advise i to get?? (50 or 72 set) ( Note: im more marker artist than pencil. I don't have much skill with color pencil only, so im trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for a bigger set) (Note 2: i have a set of 80 markers, but I am planning on buying another 40 as they have a brush tip, so will i need a lot of color pencils??)
Okay, whew!!! that makes more sense! So my advice is different for pencils than markers. With markers, start with a small collection and add only the colors you think you'll need. There are a ton of marker colors you will never use and the cost of upkeep makes them a stupid purchase. I'd cut my collection in half if I wasn't teaching. But for pencils, go with the largest set you can comfortably afford. 72 for you feels like a good idea. Even if there are two similar pinks in the set, you'll use them both because one will be more transparent than the other. You really don't know what you'll need until you need it. Then as you learn and grow, only buy replacements for the colors you actually use. I have a few pencils here that are 20+ years old but I do occasionally use them. It's really nice to know you need a color and find a suitable pencil waiting for you in the dusty drawer. Does that help?
@@ivypearl3895 it’s hard to please everyone but this time, we used less than usual. Thanks for the feedback because I was wondering how I could have been so wrong about the levels.
I've got a tax refund and I'd like to buy myself something special. Which coloured pencils would you recommend. The ones I have are rock hard and with very little pigment. It would take the entire pencil length to get enough colour down 😕 It'll be a special 'to me from me' gift, so I want the best I can get.
After all these years, I still recommend Prismacolor Premier 72 or 150 as a starter set. They're artist grade but on the cheaper end of the high-quality bracket. Their color palette covers all the colors with no major gaps (many sets are slim on pinks or greens). They still have the best grays on the market. And finally, as a beginner, you don't yet know what genre or style you'll eventually evolve into. Prismacolors are versatile and can help you learn what you like without a major investment. As you use Prismas, you can say "gee, for this cat, I need something more firm" and move to Polychromos. Or you can say "for these flowers, I wish I had something softer" and move to Holbein. Prismas are a logical beginner starting point.
I'm getting alcohol markers for the 1st time (they'll be here after the weekend, I can hardly wait) and so I came online to get some information on how to use them. (I do mainly watercolor) I am so happy I came across your video! It was really helpful. I'll take time to sharpen all of my Prismacolors while I'm waiting. Thanks!
That's awesome! If you think about the marker as being watercolor in pen format, you'll have a leg up on understanding how the colors work. Instead of mixing on a palette, it's premixed in the pen and you can't get the spashy blossom effect or granulation but you'll be very familiar with the washing and glazing aspects.
I have alcohol markers, not the copic (can’t afford those) but the ohuhu markers. They are vibrant and from what I’ve heard, they are pretty close to Copic but idk. However I have tried watercolor pencils like Derwent inktense and Fabre Castell Albrecht Durur watercolor pencils and they are the only medium that can definitely give alcohol markers a run for their money when it comes to vibrancy.
If you try or have tried them, it would be such a joy to see your process especially combining them with colored pencils! You make such beautiful art that I would love to see how you would go about this so I can learn from you!! This flower is so awesome and you make the process look so easy!!!!
I've got a new package of watercolor pens here, not sure yet what I'll do with them. Stay tuned in 2025 for whatever I decide to do with them :)
Thank you for sharing your art and techniques. Everything you do is wonderful and beautiful. ❤🎉❤ Kisses from Venezuela 🇻🇪
Awww, thank you. For the record, I started over twice yesterday on a new project so truly, not everything I do is wonderful but I sincerley appreciate the complement.
Just found your channel! So beautiful. I am going to check out your vids. I'd like to learn how to use copic markers for card marking. Your art is lovely!
Awesome and thank you! So glad you're finding the information helpful.
Ahh markers + color pencils... my first love! They're so incredibly fun to work with but I was so sad when I realized that alcohol markers fade, it was what actually made me start learning watercolors to get around that problem. But I still love how incredibly fast and easy it is to get going with markers/pencil in comparison (and less messy... no water!).
I also recently bought some Zest-It in hopes of making my color pencils a little smoother over my markers but realized I need a lot more pencil applied to avoid patchiness. I don't know if I'll ever actually use it in projects but it's there I suppose! I've never been a full on color pencil girl myself, partially from impatience but mostly due to my RSI lol. Maybe one day I'll try to experiment with it a bit. One day-
My concern with Zest-It is that it's oil based and that'll show on the marker paper. Watercolor paper can absorb and mask the darkening that happens when oil meets paper but marker paper won't be as forgiving. Good luck experimenting though and I'd love to hear how it goes!
@@AmyShulke oh definitely, doing test swabs on my papers I did notice that darkening too! Chances are I’ll wind up coming away with the same conclusion you did. I think playing around and seeing the results with my own eyes on top of being told tends to really help solidify when to use or not use certain materials in mixed media!
@@isaacclarke9554 I don't do any solvents so it's not essential... just in case you felt obligated to use them, maybe this let's you off the hook. Anyway, if I was hunting for a safe solvent for use with marker/pencil mixed media, I think I'd start by looking up a list of liquids which act like solvent on wax. There must be more than citrus oil and turpetine/turpenoid (which stain) and alcohol (which will damage the marker base). Again, this isn't my area of interest but that's where I'd start.
I agree burnishing is bad :) great tips thank you!
Thank you so much I really needed this! I'm new here I've been watching alot of your videos and livestreams recently and I gotta say they are all so inspiring! I was scared to try out a new medium, but now I feel braver to try new things! I am just really worried because Copics are super expensive, and what brand of markers should a beginner like me start with It is difficult to choose since there are so many brands out there and it is hard to find the brand that is suitable and budget friendly
I was also wondering if the results would be the same if I were to combine this medium with oil-based pencils like Faber Castell? I know that the colour range in Prisma is far better than Faber and that they are much softer and easier to lay down, but Faber also has some stunning colours that Prisma doesn't have and I was wondering if its easier to use markers with oil-based pencils as well
You can mix pencil brands. The whole oil-based thing is mostly myth because even within an oil based brand, the individual colors all vary in their ratio of oil to wax. So stop worrying about "oil" and think more about how firm the pencil is. The firmer the pencil, the less likely it is to stick to marker friendly paper. You need a sticky, soft pencil which is why Prismacolors work.
Not sure which Faber Castell pencils you're referring to but I do not like Polychromos on marker paper. It doesn't stick well and thus, it's wasted $$$ if you're primarily doing marker + pencil. You'll also not get the benefit of any stunning Polychromos colors because they're so translucent that the marker will radically change the pencil color you love. Maybe you can make Poly's work over marker but I've given up (several times) in frustration. If you do make it work, I'll happily take lessons or classes from you :)
@@AmyShulke Ok thank you so much! I agree that softer-based pencils are definitely a better choice, it's such a shame since Polychromos has some stunning ranges of colours, especially those Purples and Violets that I just can't get enough of XD. I was also wondering what markers would you recommend for a beginner like me? I was thinking of trying out the Arrtx alcohol markers since Copics are too pricey for me, I know the colour range is smaller but I have no idea what cheaper brand to purchase other than Ohuhu
As a beginner, I believe it best for me to start with cheap supplies and then move on to more expensive ones but I'm not sure
Hello Amy….just to say how glad I am to have discovered your channel here today, 🎉….
Such great info and tips…..a really excellent tutorial video.
I have subscribed and look forward to watching your previous videos.
Reading the comments and your replies are very helpful indeed, too.
It’s just great to be able to learn new tips and ideas….thank you !!!
🤩🤩🎉🎉
Thank you so much for the info as i teach myself how to use new mediums, my BIGGEST QUESTION has been is, what type of paper is best for copic/mixed media, I find I’m a little heavy-handed so I tend to get bleed or ‘rip’ the paper with my copics and water color markers😮 I love Canson XL watercolor paper because it won’t bleed through but dislike the texture 😅
Watercolor paper is tricky to use because it's very thirsty and has been sprayed with sizing. It's also water friendly but not terribly alcohol friendly. I do use Fabriano Artistico Hot Press occasionally but most of the time, I'm on Bristol. BTW, I don't love any of the XL line of papers so I'm not shocked it's pilling on you. Here's my video on Bristol: th-cam.com/video/nDe7H45nkjg/w-d-xo.html
What copic colours (numbers) did you use?
In the description, I usually link to a corresponding resource page which tells you where to find the stamp plus tips and a supply list. Carmine Daisy resource page here: www.vanillaarts.com/blog/5-more-mixed-tips
New viewer here, do you have any suggestions on good adult color books that works with your technique??
@@LadyJadiAfina1989 Sorry. I’ve never used a coloring book- not my specialty. I do know many of my students use digital stamps printed with a laser printer. This way they control the size and paper brand.
@@AmyShulke thank you
Do you have any suggestions on some cheap but good markers for beginners? I've been looking at the Ohuhu brands but idk.
how many color pencils do I need if want to use them with markers??
That's impossible to answer-- it depends upon how you use them. I typically use fewer than 10 pencils per project BUT the
@AmyShulke thanks, im asking because i found a cheap prisma alternative ( prisma hard to get in my area), and im trying to decide between the 50 set(cheaper) and the 72 set. Which would you advise i to get?? (50 or 72 set)
( Note: im more marker artist than pencil. I don't have much skill with color pencil only, so im trying to decide if it's worth the extra money for a bigger set)
(Note 2: i have a set of 80 markers, but I am planning on buying another 40 as they have a brush tip, so will i need a lot of color pencils??)
Okay, whew!!! that makes more sense! So my advice is different for pencils than markers.
With markers, start with a small collection and add only the colors you think you'll need. There are a ton of marker colors you will never use and the cost of upkeep makes them a stupid purchase. I'd cut my collection in half if I wasn't teaching.
But for pencils, go with the largest set you can comfortably afford. 72 for you feels like a good idea. Even if there are two similar pinks in the set, you'll use them both because one will be more transparent than the other. You really don't know what you'll need until you need it. Then as you learn and grow, only buy replacements for the colors you actually use. I have a few pencils here that are 20+ years old but I do occasionally use them. It's really nice to know you need a color and find a suitable pencil waiting for you in the dusty drawer.
Does that help?
@AmyShulke yes , that helped. Thank you!! 😊
Turn done the background music….. your words 😊are too important😊
Noted. I'm still learning :)
The music is fine to me. It’s lovely and mild.
@@ivypearl3895 it’s hard to please everyone but this time, we used less than usual. Thanks for the feedback because I was wondering how I could have been so wrong about the levels.
@@AmyShulkemusic volume in this video is perfectly fine...
I've got a tax refund and I'd like to buy myself something special. Which coloured pencils would you recommend.
The ones I have are rock hard and with very little pigment. It would take the entire pencil length to get enough colour down 😕
It'll be a special 'to me from me' gift, so I want the best I can get.
After all these years, I still recommend Prismacolor Premier 72 or 150 as a starter set. They're artist grade but on the cheaper end of the high-quality bracket. Their color palette covers all the colors with no major gaps (many sets are slim on pinks or greens). They still have the best grays on the market. And finally, as a beginner, you don't yet know what genre or style you'll eventually evolve into. Prismacolors are versatile and can help you learn what you like without a major investment. As you use Prismas, you can say "gee, for this cat, I need something more firm" and move to Polychromos. Or you can say "for these flowers, I wish I had something softer" and move to Holbein. Prismas are a logical beginner starting point.
Thank you so much. ❤