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I have some. I bought them individually at a local art supply store.
I can not get a good result with them. This, however, means nothing as I am not talented in the "coloring" zone. I would not plop down hundreds of dollars without first trying out a few or taking a lesson somewhere.
I've seen gorgeous things done with them, but the best results I've seen are from the same folks who can color a card with a rock and make it look amazing!!
The one really nice thing is that they can color ribbon or even change the color on patterned paper. Now, that I can do!!
__________________ Dear Paperlicious is my blog...with a series on how I'm learning to improve my cardmaking by studying others.
I have them; I like them. I have lots of other coloring media as well. I do think they're nice to have, but I REALLY recommend that you try and find a local art supply store that carries them so you can try them out. Even if you have to buy a couple...you'll find out if you think you'll love them enough to commit.
I have them and I LOVE them...didn't think they could live up to all the "hype", but they did and then some. It's like everything though, "different strokes for different folks" but I have never been sorry for buying the pricey little things. BTW, Eclectic Paperie has the CIAO's on sale for $2.99 each right now, if you want to just try a few!
I saw all those nice images colored with the copics, especially the cards JeanneS does. So I thought I needed them. I bought a few Copics, about 5 or so. Tried them, and for me, I don't like the results. Maybe I am not using the right technique? I would also suggest before you buy, try to check them out in a store!
But I am sure you can achieve great results with the Copics. And, important is the right choice of paper!
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Originally Posted by Joan B
I have some. I bought them individually at a local art supply store.
I can not get a good result with them. This, however, means nothing as I am not talented in the "coloring" zone. I would not plop down hundreds of dollars without first trying out a few or taking a lesson somewhere.
I've seen gorgeous things done with them, but the best results I've seen are from the same folks who can color a card with a rock and make it look amazing!!
The one really nice thing is that they can color ribbon or even change the color on patterned paper. Now, that I can do!!
That is exactly what I was thinking!!
I have over 20 of them that I bought individually on sale at Dick Blick for a great price, and I like the colors they come in, I like the way they lay the ink down with no marker lines...but making anything prettier than I make with my SU! markers has eluded me...
I guess you either have it or you don't and I don't and I am cool with that;)
I also have a bunch of the copics. I took a class at the store that sold them and she recommended a special coated paper which is nice, but also nice and expensive. I use the walmart georgia pacific and it is pretty good.
The ink really soaks into the porous cardstock, so you need a little better quality. I love what they do, but they require some practice to really get the shading down.
I recommend buying color families (greens or pinks or blues) rather than buying one of every color to start. (I made this mistake; seemed logical to me--red, blue, green, yellow, etc then I had nothing to shade with!) You only need two or three in a family to see if you like them. Since Copic makes like 300 different colors...don't worry, there are plenty more to buy if you love the results.
Also buy the blender pen.
You also need to use a non water based ink to stamp your image. The shop I went to recommends Adirondack pitch black. They sell them at hobby lobby (art section) and you can use your coupon, if there is a store in your neighboorhood. hope this helps!
Copics are artist markers. Therefore the colors are really exacting. In the 300 colors there are shades that I cannot see the difference between shades. I am not near my markers (working...hee hee) so I cannot tell you any numbers, but do NOT get worried that you will "need" 300 colors. Our eyes are crafting eyes....not extremely detailed artist eyes. Now don't get excited and think I am discrediting anyone's talent here. It's just that the shade differences are minute. Test your colors on the paper that you'll be using. You'll be surprised that many shades will look the same even though the charts and the marker caps show a definite difference. Also they will be different on different paper. Yes, the paper is a huge factor. The porous paper will really soak up the ink and will not blend as easily. A coated paper will allow you to blend nicely. Try picking up colors from a plastic palette and use coated paper. Lovely.
I recommend buying color families (greens or pinks or blues) rather than buying one of every color to start. (I made this mistake; seemed logical to me--red, blue, green, yellow, etc then I had nothing to shade with!) You only need two or three in a family to see if you like them. Since Copic makes like 300 different colors...don't worry, there are plenty more to buy if you love the results.
Now I would say just the opposite, but that is what makes the world go round. There are many colors in each "family" that are VERY similar...so just be careful that you aren't getting colors that are TOO similar. If I want to darken an area I just lay down another layer. I have definitely NOT mastered the art of shading as of yet, in fact I posted a question earlier this week asking for tips on using the blender pen. I just LOVE the way that they color...takes a very light touch yet the ink flows beautifully.
Not all supplies are for all people, if you are in doubt, I would definitely just buy a few no matter which colors you decide on. If you don't like them, sell them! You won't have any problem getting rid of them! HTH!
I am getting copics for about $3.00 a marker for my daughter for Christmas. Is this an okay price? (seems expensive to me, but she really wants them since she is loves art)
Anything less than$6/marker is a good price for Copics. I found great deals on ebay. I have side by side comparison of Copics and SU pens used to color in a Hanna stamp on my blog if anyone is curious about that type of comparison. The Copic is a very smooth pen to color with and I love the tip!
To get the copics for the $3.00 I have been buying one a day with a coupon and my employee discount. At least the store is very close or I buy before I start work so not wasting gas to get there.
The Hannah on the left is the Copic the right was colored with SU pens and took a lot longer to color!
I am feeling pretty good now, thanks for asking. I will hopefully be getting out of the rehab hospital next week. Which is good since these places are terribly depressing for young people. It's like where old people go to become demoralized and die, very very sad.
I am not a great artist - in fact, my family has laughed at my attempts at drawing and my husband can even make coloring in the kids' coloring books look like it belongs in a gallery, while mine looks about the same as the kids'! In spite of this, I have found that I get great results with Copics. I experiment a little with shading and look at what other people have done, like Ellen Hutson, or go on the Lockhart site and see how Karen colored her images and try to really duplicate it. I have been very pleased. I bought mine a few at the time from Hobby Lobby with coupons or from Ellen Hutson's online store. I will continue to add to my collection, because there are so many fabulous colors you can use. You can get the richest jewel tones, or achieve the most subtle pastels.
Man oh man! I forgot that I found this awesome chart last week. I would love to give credit where credit is due...I can't remember. I am going to add that info from now on when I save stuff! Enjoy!
__________________ Shannon
Last edited by Badger53186; 01-02-2008 at 04:40 PM..
I have one Copic and it's their "Sketch" marker ("flesh" colored, #E01)... I thought this was the ONE color I never seem to have... It's been fun to play with... I just use it like I'm watercoloring... each stroke deepens the color... I'm sure I'll get more eventually as they are easy to get here in Japan... Like someone else said... definitely "try before you buy" Enjoy!
I've purchased all of the sketch copics that Hobby Lobby has in stock. I've only colored a few projects with the markers but finally printed out the Alcohol Marker Basics from the resource section and practiced blending using that tutorial. I'm now hooked on using my copics and plan to buy more. Here's a link to a card I used the blending technique on that I'm really please with!
I am glad I only purchased 6, including the blender, on sale, because they are DEFINITELY not working for me. I have tried several different types of paper that has been mentioned as good to use and have the proper black ink. I get WAY too much color on the paper and there is NO blending going on. I think I am back to my favs: reinkers and prismas with gamsol. I'm just glad I found out before investing in a set !!
__________________ "The earth laughs with flowers" Ralph Waldo Emerson
I don't get the results I'm looking for either...I bought a set for 115.00 at Blicks. I'll keep practing..really haven't tried all that much...I do a lot of one layer cards and they aren't good for that because they do bleed through the cardstock. I refuse to let them get the best of me...so one day I will master them!!! Until then I prefer watercolors or using gamsol.
Copic Markers? To Have Or Not To Have . . . That is the question
