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Sketch for me, because they're oval (and don't roll away as easily) and they've got the alpha-numeric name (ie R89) already printed on the cap, instead of just on the side.
I have some of both and I prefer the ciao. They feel more like a pen in my hand and I have better control of them. I find the sketch are a bit big and bulky for my hands. If you have access to both kinds, maybe pick up one of each to see which you like.
I started with the Ciao but am buying Sketch now. There are more colors in the Sketch style. When my Ciao markers run our of ink, I will replace them with Sketch.
Do not recommend the Original style because they are bulky and hard to hold. They are square like the Spectrum Noir and only have a bullet tip and a chisel tip. I find that the brush tip is easier to place the color in the spot I want and also it is easier to use the brush tip to blend.
Good luck and hope you enjoy them as much as I do. I am by NO means very artistic but do like using these markers.
If you are fairly new to these markers , I would recommend you take classes. I do watch video tutorials also but when the teacher is right there, he/she can correct the position of the marker in you hand, etc. They give you tips that will help you improve. This is a technique, like many others, that takes practice, practice, practice!
I went straight to Sketch and have no regrets. I love the form factor (oval and and numbering on the ends) and you get the best color selection.
One thing I wish they'd come out with though is a fine nib. I'd gladly replace all of the broad stroke nibs with a fine tip nib. I do love the brush end of the markers.
I purchased Sketch too. I knew that I'd want more color choices! I also knew that once I played with the airbrush system that I'd want the Sketch for that too!
Love my Ciao markers. I keep mine in the cases I bought them in, which were the 72 count sets A & B in number order so it doesn't matter to me the numbers aren't on the tops.
For me I don't feel like I over invested in the marker barrel and was most comfortable with that price point. I have odd sketch markers but I often forget about them as they aren't in order.
I can color, airbrush and easily refill them. I love them.
I also love my Ciao markers. I bought several of the sketch markers, but have since replaced them with the Ciao ones. I just have been control over them and they feel more comfortable in my hand.
I have a few sketch markers and love the brush tip. May I ask what you use the chisel tip for? Also what would you use the fine tip for besides drawing a line.
Just wanted to point out to the OP that if you do like the Ciao markers, you can buy empty markers and fill them with any of the ink colours of the sketch pens so you aren't limited to just what is sold in the Ciao line. You can also blend your own custom colours with the refill ink too. I'm taking my intermediate copic certification in a couple weeks and I just know I'll be buying more ink... yay!
Thanks girls - I have a feeling I'm going to wait a bit and see when SU's markers come out if I like those. I'm just so frustrated by the Spectrum Noirs. Have had most of them about a year and they are drying out. My covers are always on tight, I make sure of that and they are all laying flat so it isn't like all the ink is at the other end.
One thing to remember when using alcohol markers is the paper. I was at a SU workshop Mon and asked the demo about the new SU markers. I think there are a few in the Pumpkin thingy program. She said she thought SU was working on the paper to use. Forgot to ask about the ink to use when stamping the image.
I find that paper and ink make a BIG difference with the use of any coloring medium. I use Neenah and XPress-It paper with alcohol markers. At a Prisma color pencils workshop, the instructor used Neenah for our stamped images.
The ink used makes a difference since some ink will bleed badly if the alcohol ink touches it.
These are just my FYIs. Have fun with your coloring-
Thanks girls - I have a feeling I'm going to wait a bit and see when SU's markers come out if I like those. I'm just so frustrated by the Spectrum Noirs. Have had most of them about a year and they are drying out. My covers are always on tight, I make sure of that and they are all laying flat so it isn't like all the ink is at the other end.
1st contact Spectrum Noir. Loads of people have had issues with them drying out quickly.
I like all of the comments listed above... Either Ciao or Sketch are good..they are both alcohol markers. One is smaller (Ciao)and therefore less expensive. I love the Sketch for most of the reasons mentioned in the other threads. I just ordered 40 more online this week at Blicks. I found Blicks is the cheapest and free shipping too. Good luck!
Last edited by Inkable; 03-12-2014 at 03:06 PM..
Reason: Making it clearer
jumping into copics
