Copic Chatter

missinkyfingers · 03-17-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

I used different images and colors so it's not an exact comparison, but I think these images show how much nicer the Copics are. The Huggybellas were done with Copics and the Cakeabella with SU markers (actually I also went over the flowers on the cake with a gelly roll pen). Even though I didn't really blend, because the images are so small, the colors are just more vibrant. I should do the same image with my SU markers to make an even better comparison...
What do you think?

What a difference!! You do so well with these and the shadowing......I'm not good at shadowing yet. They both look good but the copics definately has a little more flair!

TFS.

missinkyfingers · 03-17-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

Ok, I did the Huggybellas tonight with SU markers, trying to get as close to the colors as possible (Pixie, Turquoise, and Summer). It looks better than the Cakeabella did, so this image must be easier to color LOL; but I still think the Copics show more of the detail in the image and the colors are nicer. Especially considering I didn't blend really, even with the Copics, other than adding some streaks to the hair. Tried Bordering Blue for the SU shadows just to try and make an equal comparison (everything else I had was even darker)
I took the Copic picture over because it is nighttime so I am using just the artificial lighting, and it may look different because of that. It's not the greatest picture either, because of that, but I'm too impatient to wait until tomorrow to do this!
I tried watercoloring too and that looked just awful, probably due to user error

The SU colors are really dull in comparison and the shadowing just isn't as good with what you subb'd with. Now, I love SU everything and I love having the markers but for a professional even colored image, Copics takes the cake!!!

mschoener · 03-18-2009, 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

Ok, I did the Huggybellas tonight with SU markers, trying to get as close to the colors as possible (Pixie, Turquoise, and Summer). It looks better than the Cakeabella did, so this image must be easier to color LOL; but I still think the Copics show more of the detail in the image and the colors are nicer. Especially considering I didn't blend really, even with the Copics, other than adding some streaks to the hair. Tried Bordering Blue for the SU shadows just to try and make an equal comparison (everything else I had was even darker)
I took the Copic picture over because it is nighttime so I am using just the artificial lighting, and it may look different because of that. It's not the greatest picture either, because of that, but I'm too impatient to wait until tomorrow to do this!
I tried watercoloring too and that looked just awful, probably due to user error

I still like the Copic one better.

nottoocreative · 03-18-2009, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by missinkyfingers

What a difference!! You do so well with these and the shadowing......I'm not good at shadowing yet. They both look good but the copics definately has a little more flair!

TFS.

Thanks, I agree the Copics just have a special look. For the shadowing, I am not any kind of expert at any art, believe me--it is quite easy though. You just stay on ONE side of everything, and then on the BOTTOM of everything. I just run my Copic brush all along the outline on the one side/bottom in one stroke (so it doesn't get darker) and that's it. Nothing special. I see others who do something more fancy and it looks better, but I am just sharing my "technique" because it really is simple. Just use a light color like N1 or N2 (I've even used the BG10, someone suggested on a blog I think, and it looks very pretty)

nottoocreative · 03-18-2009, 05:48 AM

So, after a lot of practice last night (thanks, Demodebi for the RAKs!), I have one big question: what do you guys/gals do for SMALL images or areas? Like the Bella dress with all the flowers I did above? I saw Marianne's blog on coloring small images, but I end up with a streaky mess unless I just do a solid color...

MadgeRPh · 03-18-2009, 05:54 AM

I have a few of the Copic Ciao markers and I can't say I am bowled over by them.

What is the difference between the Ciaos and regular Copics?

Should I invest in the regular Copics?

I'm a Copic novice and would be grateful for any advice.

Sharon

nottoocreative · 03-18-2009, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadgeRPh

I have a few of the Copic Ciao markers and I can't say I am bowled over by them.

What is the difference between the Ciaos and regular Copics?

Should I invest in the regular Copics?

I'm a Copic novice and would be grateful for any advice.

Sharon

The ink is the same, and the nibs on the Ciaos are the same as the Sketch (the Originals have a smaller tip instead of the brush)...what didn't you like about them? What colors do you have?

What did you think about the 2 images above, comparing the SU and Copics?

nottoocreative · 03-18-2009, 06:56 AM

Here are a couple I tried last night...you can't tell in the photos but I used a clear Spica on the wings and some other details, and Sakura gelly roll pens on the umbrella, raincoat, etc. and on the flower words/black dots.
I tried a yellow shadow (I don't remember what color, it may have been Neopiko Pale Yellow, or YR00) to make her look like she was glowing, but I don't know if I like it...what do you think? Any suggestions for the white?
(btw I used BG10 on Changito and W2 on Belinda Bumbleboots for the shadowing, and C2 layered over BG10 on the angel wings)

RiverIsis · 03-18-2009, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadgeRPh

I have a few of the Copic Ciao markers and I can't say I am bowled over by them.

What is the difference between the Ciaos and regular Copics?

Should I invest in the regular Copics?

I'm a Copic novice and would be grateful for any advice.

Sharon

Stick with the Ciaos IMHO. Most people are using either Sketch or Ciaos the only difference is 1cc of ink and numbers on the end.

I bought one copic and Hobby Lobby and thought hmmm so what. Then I decided to take the plunge after a lot of research and following Marianne's blog.

I like the way they work but I can understand completely why some people don't.

MadgeRPh · 03-18-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

The ink is the same, and the nibs on the Ciaos are the same as the Sketch (the Originals have a smaller tip instead of the brush)...what didn't you like about them? What colors do you have?

What did you think about the 2 images above, comparing the SU and Copics?

I am sure the problem is "operator error". I am just having difficulty blending them. Since the Sketch and Ciao are pretty much the same, I either need to adjust to the ones I already have or forget them completely.

RiverIsis · 03-18-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadgeRPh

I am sure the problem is "operator error". I am just having difficulty blending them. Since the Sketch and Ciao are pretty much the same, I either need to adjust to the ones I already have or forget them completely.

I think the key is to saturate the area with the lightest color and then work light to dark in color - I tend to go over it again with the light color just to soften the blended edges.

nottoocreative · 03-18-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadgeRPh

I am sure the problem is "operator error". I am just having difficulty blending them. Since the Sketch and Ciao are pretty much the same, I either need to adjust to the ones I already have or forget them completely.

Have you checked out the tutorials? I had trouble, too (well I still need practice!) until I realized that you only go back over the edge between the 2 colors, not the whole thing. So, you color with the lighter one, then put in shadows with the darker one, and go back over the edge (between the light & dark) with the lighter one. You have to have colors that blend, too...that's why I asked what colors you are using.

MadgeRPh · 03-18-2009, 08:33 AM

Thanks for the advice ladies. I am determined to make this work and will give your suggestions a try.

WickedPixie · 03-18-2009, 10:01 AM

Well, I think I have read the entire thread now and I wanted to post this in case there was someone looking here trying to decide between Prisma's and Copics. I started with Prisma's becasue I could use a coupon at Micheals and buy a big set. I eventually got every color through DickBlick. I am not going to put them down because they allowed me to realize I love coloring with this kind of ink, but I would suggest going with Copics to begin with. Since I discovered I love them so much I now am switching to Copics because of the quality. Besides being able to refill, with my Prisma's I could tell if a marker I was coloring with was one I'd ever used before because the tip would be super sharp and pointy for the first use only, then go slightly soft. Not horribly, but noticably, and I started to think if that happened this quickly, how are they going to be in 6 months or a year?

sunnysnowflake · 03-18-2009, 10:18 AM

I didn't figure out how to really use them until I watched you tube. It was a huge help.

sparkplug17 · 03-18-2009, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverIsis

Stick with the Ciaos IMHO. Most people are using either Sketch or Ciaos the only difference is 1cc of ink and numbers on the end.

I bought one copic and Hobby Lobby and thought hmmm so what. Then I decided to take the plunge after a lot of research and following Marianne's blog.

I like the way they work but I can understand completely why some people don't.

If anyone wants to use the airbrushing system, it's easier with the Sketch and Original Copics. You can use the Ciao, but you have fiddle it, as they weren't really made to go with the airbrushing system.

But if that doesn't matter, the Ciaos are better in price.

Paper Kissy · 03-18-2009, 12:42 PM

I just wanted to vent to people who would understand.

I ordered 51 sketch markers from carpediem last week. They were supposed to arrive today, I've been stalking the fedex tracking number all day. I work an hour a day, babysitting for some kids after school, fedex was here while I was at work. They didn't leave them, signature required.

I asked them to leave them tomorrow anyway, since they said they'd be by again at the same time most likely

They said, no, signature required no exceptions

So my only hope is that they try to deliver them a little earlier or a little later than they did today. I'm only gone an hour, gees, what are the chances. I want my markers, I am sad that they are on a truck with nobody loving them

Erin

CathyRose · 03-18-2009, 12:51 PM

Aww.. Erin, I feel your pain. If you give them the okay, why can't they leave them? How frustrating! I am waiting for more Copics too, but I am anxious for a different reason. I had a coupon so I ordered a 12 pack from one vendor. Then I found out about the sale at KraftyKrafts, so I ordered some more. Trouble is I forgot what colors were in the first order. Ack! I sure hope there aren't doubles. I feel so stupid!

mschoener · 03-18-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Kissy

I just wanted to vent to people who would understand.

I ordered 51 sketch markers from carpediem last week. They were supposed to arrive today, I've been stalking the fedex tracking number all day. I work an hour a day, babysitting for some kids after school, fedex was here while I was at work. They didn't leave them, signature required.

I asked them to leave them tomorrow anyway, since they said they'd be by again at the same time most likely

They said, no, signature required no exceptions

So my only hope is that they try to deliver them a little earlier or a little later than they did today. I'm only gone an hour, gees, what are the chances. I want my markers, I am sad that they are on a truck with nobody loving them

Erin

That's strange. I've ordered a number of times (4 or 5) from them and have never had to have a signature to get them. They just leave the box on my front porch. Did you set it up that way?

Paper Kissy · 03-18-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mschoener

That's strange. I've ordered a number of times (4 or 5) from them and have never had to have a signature to get them. They just leave the box on my front porch. Did you set it up that way?

This is my second order from carpediem, the last one contained 26 markers...and did NOT require a signature. My only guess is that it's determined by value. The order was a little over $200 for the one I was supposed to get today.

Thanks for the sympathies though

Erin

maddiesmom · 03-18-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Kissy

I just wanted to vent to people who would understand.

I ordered 51 sketch markers from carpediem last week. They were supposed to arrive today, I've been stalking the fedex tracking number all day. I work an hour a day, babysitting for some kids after school, fedex was here while I was at work. They didn't leave them, signature required.

I asked them to leave them tomorrow anyway, since they said they'd be by again at the same time most likely

They said, no, signature required no exceptions

So my only hope is that they try to deliver them a little earlier or a little later than they did today. I'm only gone an hour, gees, what are the chances. I want my markers, I am sad that they are on a truck with nobody loving them

Erin

We've had this issue with UPS (not for Copic packages). Our UPS facility is relatively close, so we call customer service and tell them not to redeliver. We ask them to keep the package at the facility for us to pick up. That way we can pick it up at our convenience and not have to worry about missing the delivery again. I feel your pain. At least the markers have each other in the package.

nottoocreative · 03-18-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Kissy

This is my second order from carpediem, the last one contained 26 markers...and did NOT require a signature. My only guess is that it's determined by value. The order was a little over $200 for the one I was supposed to get today.

Thanks for the sympathies though

Erin

This may not be very convenient, but you can go and pick them up at FedEx instead of waiting for them to redeliver (but you have to tell them that, so they don't put it on the truck the next morning). I'm surprised they wouldn't let you sign the release form and leave it on your door, I've done that before. Did you call 1-800-GOFEDEX? Maybe try speaking to someone else! Or, the local office instead?

WickedPixie · 03-18-2009, 04:11 PM

I had worries about the same issue today. I was expecting a big Copic delivery today from DickBlick, coming FedEx. I work 2.5 hours a day at the elementary school and I was worried they would try to deliver it while I was gone and want a signature (it was a BIG order! Yeah!) but when I got home it was sitting on my porch. So now I am happily organizing and filling in my chart!

evilcruella · 03-18-2009, 04:24 PM

Hello,

I am VERY new to stamping!! I see Copic markers everywhere in sites. I went to their website, but there are many different types. What types do you suggest for stamping?? Sorry if the answer is posted somewhere else - Newbie.
Thanks for any help!!

mschoener · 03-18-2009, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Kissy

This is my second order from carpediem, the last one contained 26 markers...and did NOT require a signature. My only guess is that it's determined by value. The order was a little over $200 for the one I was supposed to get today.

Thanks for the sympathies though

Erin

That could be a reason, but usually if you sign some form that it's okay to leave the package, they'll go ahead and do that. Sorry, I hope you get your order tomorrow.

mschoener · 03-18-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilcruella

Hello,

I am VERY new to stamping!! I see Copic markers everywhere in sites. I went to their website, but there are many different types. What types do you suggest for stamping?? Sorry if the answer is posted somewhere else - Newbie.
Thanks for any help!!

There are 3 different kinds - Original, Ciao, and Sketch. Sketch has the most colors and is oval so it doesn't roll off your table; Ciao are similar to Sketch, but not as many colors and doesn't hold as much ink and is round. The Original's have different nibs. The Sketch and I think the Ciao have the brush nibs. I have 99% Sketch and a few originals that a friend of mine got me at a discount before I knew anything about Copics.

StampinWithLori · 03-18-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Kissy

This is my second order from carpediem, the last one contained 26 markers...and did NOT require a signature. My only guess is that it's determined by value. The order was a little over $200 for the one I was supposed to get today.

Erin

You're right that the value determines whether or not a signature is required. Anything over $200 has to have a signature.

The free shipping from Carpe Diem is via FedEx Home Delivery®, which is different than regular FedEx. I believe it's operated by independent owner/operators. When I was waiting for a package from Carepe Diem, I called FedEx to see if I could pick it up from the depot; they said Home Delivery doesn't operate out of the same facility and they couldn't transfer it to a "regular" FedEx place.

They're a pain in the patootie... it took three extra days to get my Copics. Fortunately, they deliver on Saturdays, so that's how I was finally able to connect with them.

Paper Kissy · 03-18-2009, 05:27 PM

Worse case, I will get them Friday, I am not working that day, but I wanted to be happily organizing and filling in my chart today too lol. Oh well, perhaps Lost will distract me

Erin

mschoener · 03-18-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paper Kissy

Worse case, I will get them Friday, I am not working that day, but I wanted to be happily organizing and filling in my chart today too lol. Oh well, perhaps Lost will distract me

Erin

Oh, LOST is AWESOME! Confusing, but awesome!

demodebi · 03-18-2009, 07:35 PM

LOVE YOUR IMAGES....

Keep going and then I'll know what I need...

On the angel I was going to color her dress, etc a color and then make the wings, etc shine..do they in person with the clear spica?....I don't have that....

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

Here are a couple I tried last night...you can't tell in the photos but I used a clear Spica on the wings and some other details, and Sakura gelly roll pens on the umbrella, raincoat, etc. and on the flower words/black dots.
I tried a yellow shadow (I don't remember what color, it may have been Neopiko Pale Yellow, or YR00) to make her look like she was glowing, but I don't know if I like it...what do you think? Any suggestions for the white?
(btw I used BG10 on Changito and W2 on Belinda Bumbleboots for the shadowing, and C2 layered over BG10 on the angel wings)

missinkyfingers · 03-18-2009, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

Here are a couple I tried last night...you can't tell in the photos but I used a clear Spica on the wings and some other details, and Sakura gelly roll pens on the umbrella, raincoat, etc. and on the flower words/black dots.
I tried a yellow shadow (I don't remember what color, it may have been Neopiko Pale Yellow, or YR00) to make her look like she was glowing, but I don't know if I like it...what do you think? Any suggestions for the white?
(btw I used BG10 on Changito and W2 on Belinda Bumbleboots for the shadowing, and C2 layered over BG10 on the angel wings)

WOW.............those are all really great.

cjbapp · 03-19-2009, 05:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

Here are a couple I tried last night...you can't tell in the photos but I used a clear Spica on the wings and some other details, and Sakura gelly roll pens on the umbrella, raincoat, etc. and on the flower words/black dots.
I tried a yellow shadow (I don't remember what color, it may have been Neopiko Pale Yellow, or YR00) to make her look like she was glowing, but I don't know if I like it...what do you think? Any suggestions for the white?
(btw I used BG10 on Changito and W2 on Belinda Bumbleboots for the shadowing, and C2 layered over BG10 on the angel wings)

Great job! I love your coloring!!

nottoocreative · 03-19-2009, 06:18 AM

Thanks you guys! practice practice practice LOL

The Spica seemed shiny when I first put it on, but the next day when I took the pictures I could not see it! Then, in different light, I could see it, but barely. So it is very subtle.
Yesterday I did another one and used an almost clear glitter glue (it is actually a fabric glue by Tulip!) and it was MUCH better...not overwhelming like Stickles or actual glitter would be, but more sparkly than the Spica. Spica is nice to use, but almost too subtle for my taste.
Unless someone else has some tips on using the Spica to make it show up more?!

Here's another one with the Spica, taken closer so you can see it a tad on the middle row of flowers (it's on the wings, necklace, etc too but you can't see it in this photo)...
And an angel with colored pants, just to see how it looks...I did the shadows on the wrong side I think so just ignore that!

nottoocreative · 03-19-2009, 06:34 AM

Here's the one with the Tulip shimmer. The light was a little bluish but you can see the shimmer at least. I tried to shade more on this one (RV10 and RV13, RV17 on the trims), still need work on that! There is RV000 on the wings IRL.

Any tips on making something glow?! I tried doing the "rays" and I don't like it. I used a yellow "shadow" on her face near the candles and gray on the rest (I think it was C2 but I'm not positive)

RiverIsis · 03-19-2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

Here's the one with the Tulip shimmer. The light was a little bluish but you can see the shimmer at least. I tried to shade more on this one (RV10 and RV13, RV17 on the trims), still need work on that! There is RV000 on the wings IRL.

Any tips on making something glow?! I tried doing the "rays" and I don't like it. I used a yellow "shadow" on her face near the candles and gray on the rest (I think it was C2 but I'm not positive)

I got a "how to" book on manga for some coloring tips and the glow they did is quite harsh. The thing is the rest of the background needs to be filled in darker to make the glow show up more and the parts the glow hits need to be lighter and of course there are the shadows cast by the glow etc. HTH

Personally for a card I would probably stick with the glow you did - if I were doing artwork I may do more of a manga style... I guess it could be a situation where an airbrush system would help to fade out the color... HMMM

By the way your coloring is really good but I think I already told you that!

nottoocreative · 03-19-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiverIsis

I got a "how to" book on manga for some coloring tips and the glow they did is quite harsh. The thing is the rest of the background needs to be filled in darker to make the glow show up more and the parts the glow hits need to be lighter and of course there are the shadows cast by the glow etc. HTH

Personally for a card I would probably stick with the glow you did - if I were doing artwork I may do more of a manga style... I guess it could be a situation where an airbrush system would help to fade out the color... HMMM

By the way your coloring is really good but I think I already told you that!

Thanks, I don't mind hearing it again

Thanks for the tips, too...makes sense, maybe I'll look up a manga book. You also reminded me, I could have used chalk instead (although I haven't perfected THAT, either, at least it's softer looking). I get so caught up in the markers that I forget other options!

cjbapp · 03-19-2009, 09:22 AM

Ohhh...is there such a thing as a GLOW pen? Like glow in the dark ink??

mschoener · 03-19-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

Here's the one with the Tulip shimmer. The light was a little bluish but you can see the shimmer at least. I tried to shade more on this one (RV10 and RV13, RV17 on the trims), still need work on that! There is RV000 on the wings IRL.

Any tips on making something glow?! I tried doing the "rays" and I don't like it. I used a yellow "shadow" on her face near the candles and gray on the rest (I think it was C2 but I'm not positive)

Very cute.

nottoocreative · 03-19-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjbapp

Ohhh...is there such a thing as a GLOW pen? Like glow in the dark ink??

Hmm, I was kind of wondering the same thing. I wonder if the fluorescent Copics would work like that a little?
I know there's PAINT that is glow in the dark...

Suzy_H · 03-19-2009, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nottoocreative

Here's the one with the Tulip shimmer. The light was a little bluish but you can see the shimmer at least. I tried to shade more on this one (RV10 and RV13, RV17 on the trims), still need work on that! There is RV000 on the wings IRL.

Any tips on making something glow?! I tried doing the "rays" and I don't like it. I used a yellow "shadow" on her face near the candles and gray on the rest (I think it was C2 but I'm not positive)

Barium Yellow! I used it for a light glow on this card:
http://blog.papermonkey.org/index/20...ly-trails.html

I think it shows up a bit in the close up photo (double click to enlarge then it shows a bit), but it is a very sheer light yellow. In person this looks like a lovely soft glow. The dang camera didnt pick it up well.

I fade that into darker yellows and then use a colorless blender pen, but for easy I just used barium here.