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I see where everyone is caught up with Copic. I currently use Prismacolor Pencils with Gamsol and using stumps. Having an art background I can blend and shade using this method. This is very cheap and easy.
Have others used the Gamsol method and think the markers would be better?
What advantage would it be for me to use Copic/ Prisma or Triart markers?
I realize Copic is refillable but what happens if or when this fad or company is no longer in business?
Very confused there is no place in Birmingham Alabama to try any of these markers.
I would appreciate any comments or ideas you may have.
I use both, and I feel it depends on what style of coloring / cards / look you are going for as to whether you would prefer one or the other.
To me the prismas are a little softer looking, and I don't get as smooth of a look as I do with the Markers. (Emphasis on the I - - because I know some people can get a smoother look than me with the pencils) However, that is a look I want every once in a while.
I tend to use markers more, because I like the really bright brilliant colors, and I think they are a tad more forgiving from a blending standpoint. I rarely get to the point I can't blend anymore.
This is interesting, because my daughter and mom took a class in colored pencils this afternoon. The teacher at the class also teaches the Copics class. She likes to use the colored pencils for her landscapes and for things like the Thomas Kinkade stamps more is what she said.
I agree with above poster. Prisma pencils do give a softer look, and it depends on what type of look you are wanting to achieve. I like using both pencils with baby oil (don't have any gamsol) and using copics/prisma markers with the blender. The markers do give bolder colors. You can use the pencils with the markers too. I took a class where the lady used both on her image. I don't think you have to worry about Copic going out of business anytime soon. Lots of people use them for different things outside of crafting. My former brother in law uses them for graphics design, and the Manga comic artists use them to color their drawings. I hear Triart's are refillable too, and they are the cheapest of the 3 kinds of markers you discussed. Prisma markers are not refillable, but are the next cheapest alternative to copics. I think you would probably want to start with just a few to try them first to see if you like them (and get a blender to play with moving the color around). I watched lots of youtube videos and took a couple copic classes to learn more.
They are cheap.
They have 3 tips - fine, brush & broad.
The tips are all replaceable.
The markers are refillable.
The blend and work just like the copics.
You can use them with Copics.
There are 150 colors
Scrapmart also sell them and the also have FREE shipping on TRIART products.
NOTE - they so NOT carry every Triart color though like CarpeDiem does. http://www.scrap-mart.com/triartmarkers.aspx
Have others used the Gamsol method and think the markers would be better?
Yes to the first part and no to the second! I love my Copics but I don't think they are "better" than Prisma pencils and OMS. They are different but that does not mean better. If you are happy with your pencils and with the colouring you achieve then don't feel that you need to get sucked into the marker trend. I have both and I use both but that's probably because I'm fickle and like to experiment!
As to Copic going out of business - unlikely. They have been supplying the graphic arts market for years, the recent uptake by craft users like us rubber stampers is an expansion of the business rather than the core of it.
I have a package of Bic Markers (36), about 20-25 copics and the 72 set of prisma colour pencils.
I use them all for different reasons, but I like the vivid colours of the Bics and copics the most. I'm not great with blending of the copics but I like the finished product most of the time.
I have to agree with Joanne. I have Copics, Prismas (pencil and markers), Bics, watercolors (paint, pencils and crayons)...and none is necessarily "better" than the others...just different. We're talking apples and oranges here
Do you have a Hobby Lobby near? They do carry some Copics and I picked up my first few there because like you, I wanted to try them out before investing, and they ARE an investment. The one that got me hooked was the E00 which is a fabulous skin tone for light skin. I hadn't been able to find anything prior to that I found satisfactory.
Do bear in mind, though, that they take a LOT of practice and experimentation. That's part of the appeal for me but a lot of folks prefer to just be able to sit down and color it in.
I have 2 suggestions for you if you're interesting in trying them out. First check out [email protected] Marianne has a wealth of info about Copics there. If you are still interested, pick up 3 of them...from the same color family with numbers about 2 or 3 apart. Then practice and experiment with them and see what you think.
I have to agree with Joanne. I have Copics, Prismas (pencil and markers), Bics, watercolors (paint, pencils and crayons)...and none is necessarily "better" than the others...just different. We're talking apples and oranges here
Do you have a Hobby Lobby near? They do carry some Copics and I picked up my first few there because like you, I wanted to try them out before investing, and they ARE an investment. The one that got me hooked was the E00 which is a fabulous skin tone for light skin. I hadn't been able to find anything prior to that I found satisfactory.
Do bear in mind, though, that they take a LOT of practice and experimentation. That's part of the appeal for me but a lot of folks prefer to just be able to sit down and color it in.
I have 2 suggestions for you if you're interesting in trying them out. First check out [email protected] Marianne has a wealth of info about Copics there. If you are still interested, pick up 3 of them...from the same color family with numbers about 2 or 3 apart. Then practice and experiment with them and see what you think.
Just my 2 cents' worth ;)
I have about 45 copic sketch markers... problem I can not afford the refills!!!
What do I do now!!
I agree with all that has been said about copics and pencil crayons are different, but neither is better than the other. Its like watercolour is different than oil paint, both produce different yet still beautiful effects, but neither is better nor more desirable than the other. Depends on what your comfortable with. I love using all the different colouring mediums - markers, inks, crayons, paints. Its so much fun!
I have about 45 copic sketch markers... problem I can not afford the refills!!!
What do I do now!!
Sounds like you need to go to a LSS and have your dry markers refilled or send them to My Favorite Things for a spa vacation and rejuvenation in Florida! They have a refill station and I think they charge about $2.25 a marker to refill them for you...
or make a copic friend who you can share refills with... you each buy different refill colors and refill each others markers. Caring and Sharing! I have about 20 colors of refills so far...just the light ones and flesh tones...have not needed to refill any of the darker colors yet.
I prefer copic markers over triart; they are cheaper
however, most of the tutorials online are for copic markers, and they sometimes
list the copics used and color challenges are usually with copic markers.
this takes my guess work out of trying to figure out what colors work together,
what colors to blend together, easier to figoure out what colors to purchase next.
Even if you find single copics in a retail store, they cost about $6. each that way,
so most everyone orders online, and you need at least three markers to blend
to get the idea.
__________________ Carolyn
my avatar: (such desparation), Dear God, if you can't make me thin; make my
friends fat"
Forstall Art supply in Birmingham has the markers. They have lots of other art supplies so you can compare and learn before you commit.
As everyone else has said, Copic Markers are just different, not better or worse. If you like the style then they are easy to use and inexpensive in the long run. If it's not for you, then you don't have to go for them.
I personally LOVE the markers, but again, it matches my style. Other times I reach for my watercolors or pencils.
They are cheap.
They have 3 tips - fine, brush & broad.
The tips are all replaceable.
The markers are refillable.
The blend and work just like the copics.
You can use them with Copics.
There are 150 colors
Scrapmart also sell them and the also have FREE shipping on TRIART products.
NOTE - they so NOT carry every Triart color though like CarpeDiem does. http://www.scrap-mart.com/triartmarkers.aspx
Question about the Triart markers- are the numbers like the way Copics are numbered? I want to try them but want to make sure I get some that will blend so I can compare. Does that even make sense?
Question about the Triart markers- are the numbers like the way Copics are numbered? I want to try them but want to make sure I get some that will blend so I can compare. Does that even make sense?
TIA!
I used the same blending concept as for the Copic system.
The letter is the color group
EX: BG = blue green
The larger the number the lighter the color.
For Blue -
I have B8, B10 and B12 and the blend well together.
For Pink -
I have P6, P8, P10 and these blend very well together.
I also fill in colors that Triart does not have with Copics since they are basically the same.
EX: Triart P3 Rose I will use with Copic RV19 and Rv17
or
Copic V12 with Triart V10 & V11
The barrels are a bit smaller so I buy the refill right away as the cost is low anyway.
Copic/Prisma/Triart marker Question
