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Am finally going to invest in copic markers but there seems to be three different kinds. Can someone tell me which is best for cardmaking. I do a lot of watercoloring and they're nice but I want to do something with more vibrant colors and I know that you can blend with the copics. So, which ones? Thanks for all your input
Stampers usually choose between Ciao and Sketch, which have similar brush tips. Sketch has more colors and more ink but, of course, is more expensive. It's my understanding that Ciao was originally introduced as a kid's version of the markers.
There's a wealth of info on SCS to help you decide what to get. Also check the early June postings from the I Like Markers blog: http://ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/
My preference is for the Original (square barrel) marker because it comes with a fine tip nib. The Ciao and Sketch both come with a super brush nib which I find much harder to work with in smaller spaces.
I would encourage you to try both nibs (standard fine on the Original and super brush on either the Sketch or Ciao) to see which one you prefer before making a large investment in COPIC markers. They are spendy so it's best to choose the one that is right for you.
Love the brush tip. It's like watercoloring without having to stop and pick up more paint. I haven't had any trouble getting into small places with it like I thought I might.
I like the square one too... because of the fine nib... but I love the Ciao's for the paintbrush nib. I wish there was a marker that came with those two. I hardly use the other nib.
Anyway... there are lots of great tutorials online.
Good luck choosing.
I was at a scrapping and stamping convention a while back and all the vendors sold was Ciao, when i personally like the numbers on the ends f the Sketch. I asked why they all sold Ciao and they told me it was because that is what we are "supposed" to be using as paper crafters. I think they (the ciao) sell better because they cost less.
If you like the sketch brush but you want to have the orginal point too you can get extra tips. I have original tips for my sketch markers so I can get in the tiny places more precisely.
I prefer the Sketch markers. They won't roll like the Ciao and the color code is on the ends. I can get in very small places with the brush end. I just use a very light touch with the tip. I don't care for the feel of the square barrel in my hand.
I see you have tons of advice on markers,so i'll tell you what I've learned about ink pads. I've tried every brand of ink and they all blurred with the Copics. Even Stazon blurred some. Mememto is then only brand I've found that won't blend into the Copic ink. They also have markers.
Also, you should try SampingBella's paper. Not the notebook paper but, the other. With that paper and Copic's, it feels like a hot knife through butter. (Sorry. A stupid expression but, I couldn't think of anything else to describe it.) Hope this helps.
-Oh- and defiinately get the sketch markers. I have every single one and use them everyday.
Ahhhhhhhhhh I will have to try switching nibs out. Thanks...
I definitely bought more CIAO's for budget... but now that I love them, as time goes by - and someday when I find a job, I will get Sketches.
Emily
I went with the sketch markers cause they have the numbers on the top and you can also airbrush with this one but not the others. The airbrush is such a nice effect and if you don't have an airbrush compressor they sell a can of compressed air to use for this purpose.
If you like the sketch brush but you want to have the orginal point too you can get extra tips. I have original tips for my sketch markers so I can get in the tiny places more precisely.
Did you change out the broad tip with the original tip? I love my sketch markers but I never use the broad tip end, I figured if I could switch them out and leave the original in one end and the brush end as it is I could use both ends and get better use of my markers. TIA.
I believe I have read that not using the broad tip will have no effect on how long your ink lasts. Also, if you go with an airbrush system, each pen end gives a different effect when sprayed.
I have mostly Ciao's since they cost less, and then purchase Sketch in the colors I want that don't come in Ciao. I've labeled the ends of all of my copics with color swatch number so I can easily find what I am looking for.
There is a photo on this post on my blog if you are interested: http://mmedesigns.blogspot.com/2008/10/storage.html
I like the brush tip better than the fine point. The ink goes on so smoothly, where as with the fine point I feel like I am scribbling to get good coverage.
__________________ Melissa My Blog Purring is an automatic safety valve device for happiness overflow.
I like the sketches. One reason is the numbers on the end and with my storage, I like being able to see what marker I am looking for. I also have the air compressor and the sketches work with the air compressor. The chisel tip is used with air brushing.
I've used Palette Hybrid ink with Copic Markers and didn't have any problem. I've heard that Palette and Momento are the best choices for Alcohol based markers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by traceydawnn
I see you have tons of advice on markers,so i'll tell you what I've learned about ink pads. I've tried every brand of ink and they all blurred with the Copics. Even Stazon blurred some. Mememto is then only brand I've found that won't blend into the Copic ink. They also have markers.
Also, you should try SampingBella's paper. Not the notebook paper but, the other. With that paper and Copic's, it feels like a hot knife through butter. (Sorry. A stupid expression but, I couldn't think of anything else to describe it.) Hope this helps.
-Oh- and defiinately get the sketch markers. I have every single one and use them everyday.
I learned using the classics, and the other two kinds drive me nuts. Anyway, I was taught to use only versacolor pads for stamping, then emboss stamped image with Ranger clear EP only. Then color in with copics. This combination never ever smears or runs or anything!! You pretty much have to heat- emboss the stamped image before coloring or it will smear no matter what you do. And you do have to use a smooth cardstock. Rougher, less densely textured paper/cs is too absorbent. I hate to shop at Walmart, but sometimes you just have to, so their cardstock is what I use (white). I don't actually remember the brand, though. Read that tip on an earlier thread
Last edited by SUZIE-QUZIE; 11-12-2008 at 01:21 PM..
Reason: PS!
How many of you fellow SCS have the Copic airbrushing system? I am considering making a purchase, but really haven't done any footwork on it yet, so I know very little about it.
Questions I do have:
1. How many of you have it?
2. What do you use it for?
3. How often do you use it?
4. How expensive is the whole set up?
5. Do all Copic markers work with the system?
6. Is it difficult to learn and use?
7. Is it necessary to take lessons or isi t possible to "self-teach?"
8. How costly is the purchase?
9. Where do I make such a purchase?
Any other feedback regarding the airburshing system or informative sites regarding it willbe greatly appreciated.
How many of you fellow SCS have the Copic airbrushing system? I am considering making a purchase, but really haven't done any footwork on it yet, so I know very little about it.
Questions I do have:
1. How many of you have it?
2. What do you use it for?
3. How often do you use it?
4. How expensive is the whole set up?
5. Do all Copic markers work with the system?
6. Is it difficult to learn and use?
7. Is it necessary to take lessons or isi t possible to "self-teach?"
8. How costly is the purchase?
9. Where do I make such a purchase?
Any other feedback regarding the airburshing system or informative sites regarding it willbe greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much!!
In answer to your questions:
1. Yes, I have it. You need a compressor and the ABS-3 system. I got mine at OOZAK. I got the Paasche CA300R w/ Copic compatible 10’ braided hose. It was $50 cheaper and it works the exact same.
2. I use it to make sky, I use it to airbrush the backgrounds around images I’ve colored, I use it on stencils to create multi-colored backgrounds, you can airbrush ribbon, rhinestones, brads, etc. It is really versatile.
3. I didn’t use it very often when I first got it, but now I use it quite a lot. Love it!
4. Shop around to see where you can get the best deal, I find OOZAK the best though.
5. You can rig a Ciao marker to work, but the Sketch markers work best. They fit in the ABS-3 handle that you get. You need a chisel tip to airbrush, so only Ciao’s or Sketches will work.
6. No, I set it up myself and just started playing! I did take an airbrush class at my LSS though, and that’s where I learned about airbrushing ribbon and using stencils.
7. See point 6 answer.
8. See point 4 answer.
9. See point 1 or point 4 answers.
Also, check out the COPIC FAQ Sticky, there is tons of info in there.
Sometimes it is on sale for 59.99 and Harbor Freight has the 20% off coupons in the paper quite often.
I bought this compressor from Harbour Freight and love it! I had previously received a compressor from Lowes as a gift, but it was way too loud and really hurt my ears. Hubby ended up getting that one. This compressor is quiet, easy to use and more than gets the job done. I highly recommend it!
That's it, I can't take it anymore! I'm going to ask hubby for an a/c from Harbor Freight for our 25th wedding anniversary this month. He loves that store so he'll be right in his element. ;) I'm taking a copic class next month but I'd much rather use the airbrush system.
before investing into Copics - did you look at the alternatives? Like Finecolour markers - they even look like Copics, the only difference is that the tips are not replaceable and they don't make the refills for them. But they are only $1.5-$2.. so it's something to think about, especially if you are not going to use them all the time ;)
before investing into Copics - did you look at the alternatives? Like Finecolour markers - they even look like Copics, the only difference is that the tips are not replaceable and they don't make the refills for them. But they are only $1.5-$2.. so it's something to think about, especially if you are not going to use them all the time ;)
So I'm assuming you can't airbrush with them? I think it's really cool with the airbrush effect and I'm dying to learn it. I have TONS of tombows. And I bought a bunch of scrapbooking stuff from a lady and included in it were copic markers. Unfortunately most of them were Ciaos out of the 22 total pens. I think I have an addictive personality to buying scrapbook/stamping toys which I'm sure you couldn't understand. :lol: I think I'll have to look into those Finecolour markers as well. Is Finecolour a brand name? Thanks so much!
That's it, I can't take it anymore! I'm going to ask hubby for an a/c from Harbor Freight for our 25th wedding anniversary this month. He loves that store so he'll be right in his element. ;) I'm taking a copic class next month but I'd much rather use the airbrush system.
Update: He just called to tell me they don't take coupons for air compressors! What a disappointment. And ladies get this, make sure you get the one you want or they charge a 20% restocking fee if it is opened. He bought it anyway which was sweet of him. I sure hope I like it and I will think a few times before opening her up.
I recommend the Sketch markers. The labeling on the end becomes really important once you build up a small collection; the end cap colors are not accurate so knowing the color number is essential. The oval shape is nice as it fits small hands but won't roll off the table.
The Ciao has the same tips as the Sketch. It holds less ink so will need refilling sooner, but it is cheaper to start. You need to be VERY careful when you put the cap back on as there is actually a slim inner cap that fits closely around the marker tip. They are designed for children in Japan, so the outer part of the cap is vented to prevent asphyxiation in case a child swallows the cap. You can split the nib if you try to put the cap on without being careful.
In addition, the Sketch marker line is has ALL the colors. The Ciao markers and Originals do not have the complete range of colors. Even if you start with Ciao, you may eventually need to buy some Sketch markers to get a particular color.
Last, the Sketch markers fit the airbrush handle with no adaptation. You can adapt the handle to hold Ciao markers, but if you go between the two styles it can be a pain.
Go to oozak.com and be sure to register and login for the best prices. They have fabulous customer service and if you order during normal hours, your order will ship within the hour. With their discounted pricing, you may not mind paying a bit extra for the Sketch markers!
What companies/businesses sell copic markers in their stores to try out? I've read several posts saying it's a good idea to try them out; especially being able to test out the difference between the original an sketch markers.
Copic Markers
