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They're so very expensive though, and I already own SU markers (all of them), blender pens, and 30+ good quality watercolour pencils.
and you can do wonderful things with all of those... don't get me wrong. I owned them all, too. But copics......oh my! They are so wonderful and blend so well and they don't streak and and and... need I go on? LOL
I am a bit fearful that I don't have the artistic skills to justify the investment. I decided to take a small plunge and yesterday ordered the Riley copics set and a couple of Riley's to experiment from Hanna Stamps.
I guess the worst you can do is buy a few, try them and if you don't like them you are stuck with a few markers. ;)
I am a bit fearful that I don't have the artistic skills to justify the investment. I decided to take a small plunge and yesterday ordered the Riley copics set and a couple of Riley's to experiment from Hanna Stamps.
I guess the worst you can do is buy a few and try them. ;)
smart move! There is what I like to call a 'learning curve' with copics. It does take some getting use to, but play with them and don't be afraid to experiment! You will love them
I'll give it a shot. Well, I have about 15 of them. I admit that I haven't spent hours with them but I'm glad I tried a few before doing a huge amount. They are, well, ........markers. There is certainly a huge learning curve until you can achieve some of the cool shading results I see others get. In fact, ((don't gasp)) I find that i get LINES! I thought I wasn't supposed to get lines when I color stuff in. If I have a large image, you can still see my stroke marks.
Anyway, I would suggest you do what I did. Get a few and play. Go to the tutorials you can find and see what you think before you sink the big bucks into them. Maybe you'll be more artistic than me and you will have the results you are looking for. Or maybe you'll enjoy them for shading, like I do, and decide that they aren't the "be all" of markers.
In fact, ((don't gasp)) I find that i get LINES! I thought I wasn't supposed to get lines when I color stuff in. If I have a large image, you can still see my stroke marks.
the key is to color in tiny circles, and always keep the edges wet. SO what does that mean? don't outline a large area then fill it in. what you want to do is start on one side or in a corner, and using circles gradually go outward coloring circles over where you just coloured so you're always coloring on a wet edge..
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The Ciao markers are less expensive then the Sketch and this way it is not as large of an expense if you don't like Copic's. The Ciao's are exactly the same as the Sketch, they just hold less ink and they come in less colors then the Sketch but the colors and everything is the same. I read everything about the Copics on Mariannes site before investing in the markers, she has a wealth of information for the beginner. http://www.ilikemarkers.blogspot.com/
I know this dosn't help keep you from buying them and the coloring supplies that you have on hand are great, but with the Copic's it opens a whole new world of coloring.
I wish I had talked myself out of them, I only bought one set a year & a half ago and although I do like them and the look they achieve, I find it hard to stomach spending more than double the price for the refills! so now I have about 5 markers that are completely dry because I'd rather spend $ on more stamps, tools, accessories rather than refills. just my thoughts.
have you thought about the copic marker club with Gina K? you spread your payments out over time & end up getting a collection at a time.
That's one question I have right there: how on earth do you decide what colours to buy first??? With 300+ to choose from, it's a bit overwhelming!
I would tell you to get a skin color, such as skin white, because SU doesn't, IMO, have a good one (blush is too dark/rosy). Also get a "shadow" color, such as pale blue-gray (sorry, I don't have them in front of me to give the correct numbers) and maybe get a "ground" color, like a pale earthy green or brown. That's ALL I have right now, I love them, but I don't feel like I have to own them all, either. You can add to them a little at a time. I get the Ciao markers from All That Scraps.com. The greatest thing, to me, is that they come in really pale colors. If you want that effect with SU markers you have to use aqua painter or blender pen.
Is there anything wrong with the colouring methods you are using now? I admit that I don't own Copics and find them too expensive to justify. I'm sure if I had them I'd be pushing you over the ledge.
However, I have learned after about 4 years of this hobby that you just don't need every new "thing" that comes out. Who knows, a cheaper version of Copics might be just around the corner.
Since you already own all the SU! markers why don't you search the "No Copics, No Problem" thread (or go to Julie Buhler's website) and just invest in some decent watercolour paper. I am still working on collecting the SU markers but I intend to master this technique so I can use what I have.
Every now and then, I find myself wondering if I should just go for it. But, I'm happy with what I already have. Do you like the effects you get with your current supplies? Would you rather be able to more easily replenish paper supplies and get new stamps? Or, is money no object and what's one more thing taking up space in your immense stamping studio? Personally, I'm happy with what I have and I have no room on the dining room table for really expensive markers. They're going to be around for awhile. There is no need to rush.
__________________ By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. Confucius
I am a bit fearful that I don't have the artistic skills to justify the investment. I decided to take a small plunge and yesterday ordered the Riley copics set and a couple of Riley's to experiment from Hanna Stamps.
I guess the worst you can do is buy a few, try them and if you don't like them you are stuck with a few markers. ;)
and unfortunately realizing I just didnt have enough blending colors (greys/purples) as I was attempting to copy how they did it.... well, I was disappointed. I've got well over 100 pens and for me.. def need to practice! Remember it's not just about the pens. Have to use the right paper and stamp ink and many seem to get different results. In spite of my coloring probs yesterday, when I used my blender pen, it caused my stamped outline (SU black ink) to bleed. Recently ordered some Memento and have heard it's much better. Good luck. They're def. addictive. Marianne's blog (ilikemarkers blogspot) is excellent!
Try the Bic Markits first- you can a set of 36 for less than $20. They work exactly the same way, they just don't have all the colors. If you REALLY like the Bics, then the investment in Copics might be worth it.
I have seen the question on what to start with MANY times, and after answering this for someone else, I decided to do a post on my blog (if any of you are interested):
I'm afraid I can't talk you out of them either. And even though there is a learning curve to achieve the kind of coloring you typically see, maybe this will help you to be a little less concerned about just jumping in and using them.
Sometimes I'll use them much more loosely, depending on the style of drawing. If you don't totally blend them together, you get more of a watercolor effect. Here is a sample from my gallery.
Copics really do give you something completely unique ~ and there's a lot you can do with them. And I really *love* the way you can color larger areas and they blend perfectly. I've used them to color skies and water [eta: I forgot! See my avatar ~ all Copics except the sky was done with pastels]. And once I wanted to use a color on a layer to match what was in the image - and since I didn't have a color cardstock to match, I just made one!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dawndreger
please talk me out of it! :p
Ok...
I bought a bunch, like 40 or 50. Read the ilikemarkers blog, asked friends for advice, played with them, never got the hang of them.
I then decided to just use them like regular markers and not stress over them so much and didnt like the results. I think you definitely have to have a certain artistic ability to use these particular markers and I do not have it. You may have it...I think it's called the Copic Gene or something...;)
I can make anything I color look as good as I feel it needs to look to make me happy, by using my blender pens and SU ink or even using Bic markers or just SU! markers...
Maybe try some of a friends before you buy them to see if you "get" them and feel they are worth the expense. Also, I think if you are perfectly happy with your coloring as is then why fix something that isnt broken, kwim?
Okay, I'm a little frightened to say this out loud, but I don't like the way they look. I have not seen one, single, solitary card done with Copics that makes me want to buy them. They all look like cartoons to me. Sort of mass produced, or mechanical if you will. I don't like the look of flat planes of color. I also think the gray outline looks odd. I am a poor colorer, I work on improving constantly, but I never want my coloring to look like Copic coloring. I guess it's because I truly prefer the more organic look of water coloring! Finally, an outrageously expensive stamping bandwagon I DON'T want to jump on! Hallelujah!!!
I jumped on....and although I haven't had much time to play with my copics yet...I love what I've done. Although I've always loved to colour...that probably helps.
I have copic ciao pens and love them. I really like the way the colouring looks and the blending you can achieve. I think the printed like effect they give, makes the cards look more professional.
The key to them is using good quality paper that doesn't absorb the ink to quickly so that you have time to work with the colour.
Okay, I'm a little frightened to say this out loud, but I don't like the way they look. I have not seen one, single, solitary card done with Copics that makes me want to buy them. They all look like cartoons to me. Sort of mass produced, or mechanical if you will. I don't like the look of flat planes of color. I also think the gray outline looks odd. I am a poor colorer, I work on improving constantly, but I never want my coloring to look like Copic coloring. I guess it's because I truly prefer the more organic look of water coloring! Finally, an outrageously expensive stamping bandwagon I DON'T want to jump on! Hallelujah!!!
Carla, I completely get where you're coming from! Although I do generally like the look we usually see with Copics (but sincerely admire you for your comments!), I think the product is a bit shortchanged with that style being so popular.
Copics can be used in a variety of ways and you can achieve a soft watercolor look with them, too. Carla, you are a very talented watercolorist! I found a few gems in your gallery . Maybe more people will start to experiment with Copics and find that they can achieve something closer to *your* look even if traditional watercoloring doesn't work well for them. Just a thought!
The best thing about having a variety of media to choose from is that we can play around with them and see what we can do and what works for the individual.
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I do not own any Copics either. I do like the look of them so I took a different approach. I invested in 120 Prismacolor pencils to use the Gamsol Magic Technique. I feel that the look is very similar for significantly less money.
I'm afraid I can't talk you out of them either. And even though there is a learning curve to achieve the kind of coloring you typically see, maybe this will help you to be a little less concerned about just jumping in and using them.
Sometimes I'll use them much more loosely, depending on the style of drawing. If you don't totally blend them together, you get more of a watercolor effect. Here is a sample from my gallery.
Copics really do give you something completely unique ~ and there's a lot you can do with them. And I really *love* the way you can color larger areas and they blend perfectly. I've used them to color skies and water [eta: I forgot! See my avatar ~ all Copics except the sky was done with pastels]. And once I wanted to use a color on a layer to match what was in the image - and since I didn't have a color cardstock to match, I just made one!
Happy stamping ;) !
My Q is how to achieve the learning curve? I'm still going thru Marianne's blog and learning a lot. I am not an artistic person but can color and usually stay in the lines :-D But for me the blending has been tricky. And I suspect its not just cause I dont have a ton of each color range. I suspect its a matter of more practice/learning more about when to use the colorless blender. I def like the evenness of the color vs my prismas altho I havent used the gamsol yet so that may be the difference!
Leigh, I'm sure no expert but one thing I did was practice on just scrap cardstock ~ not shapes or images, just working with the colors and learning what works well together.
Prismacolor pencils can achieve a blended look, too, and it involves a lot of layering of color. I find it's easier to use layer upon layer with a light hand, but there is a technique (when I remember who did it, not SCS, I can post a link!) using Prismas with a very heavy hand that is truly impressive. And with colored pencils, an eraser can be your best friend for blending and lightening up areas.
Also, with Prismas you can use baby oil to blend with the stumps and it has a nice effect!
I have seen great post on Copics here...Oh I LOVE them, yes it is true , I LOVE them and not help talk you out of them. I would like to add one more thing...if there is a class in your area TAKE IT! Marianne is a very accomplished teacher and give you many more reasons to love them too. Interested in a class go to her blog:
ilikemarkers.blogspot.com the box to register for up coming classes in on the top right.
I love my Copics, and I love the look I can achieve with them. I decided to take the plunge a few years ago, when I was visiting a stamp store in Wisconsin and every sample card I was drawn to was colored with Copics.
I think that's kinda what you have to do. Look in the galleries. Do you like the look? If so, then make the investment. There is a learning curve to using them, but once you've achieved that curve you'll be so happy you've got them.
I wish I had talked myself out of them, I only bought one set a year & a half ago and although I do like them and the look they achieve, I find it hard to stomach spending more than double the price for the refills! so now I have about 5 markers that are completely dry because I'd rather spend $ on more stamps, tools, accessories rather than refills. just my thoughts.
have you thought about the copic marker club with Gina K? you spread your payments out over time & end up getting a collection at a time.
The price difference between the Markers and refills is about a dollar only, and each refill bottle will last you about 8 refills (original copic) or as much as 15 (Ciao)...
I just checked on oozak,com, and the cost of a refill bottle is around $5.00US.
My personal opinion is that they are worth it, but I know that they are either loved or hated...
I'll say this only because you said to talk you out of it....
I would try finding an art supply store in your area to see if you can test one out. I found a great store locally that let me try out all the different markers and to be honest, I really didn't see what was so special about the Copics. What I did with it on paper looked exactly the same as what I did with a Tombow marker, and still just didn't "wow" me. I'm really glad I did this before I ordered them because now I know I don't need them.
I have seen so many ladies here do gorgeous work with these markers, so it may just be that I don't know how to use them correctly! :-D
I also love my Copic markers. I started out with buying the markers that matched SU colors and have expanded. I read somewhere to buy the colors next to each other to shade with.Nothing compares to the Copics, they blend so well.I also have the watercolor crayons from Su and they work ok, but I find that if I am not careful i have to much water coming out and makes a mess of my image and paper.
I'll give it a shot. Well, I have about 15 of them. I admit that I haven't spent hours with them but I'm glad I tried a few before doing a huge amount. They are, well, ........markers. There is certainly a huge learning curve until you can achieve some of the cool shading results I see others get. In fact, ((don't gasp)) I find that i get LINES! I thought I wasn't supposed to get lines when I color stuff in. If I have a large image, you can still see my stroke marks.
Anyway, I would suggest you do what I did. Get a few and play. Go to the tutorials you can find and see what you think before you sink the big bucks into them. Maybe you'll be more artistic than me and you will have the results you are looking for. Or maybe you'll enjoy them for shading, like I do, and decide that they aren't the "be all" of markers.
Lines are normally caused by not saturating the paper with ink. A single stroke of color will leave streaks. The back of your cardstock should have just as much color bleeding through as the front. Be careful to cover your workspace or the ink will bleed onto it as well.
I am soooo tempted by Copics...
