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If you’ve been curious about Copic markers but don’t want to buy single pens one at a time, a starter set is the sensible way in. It gets you a small, workable palette and shows you whether alcohol markers suit the way you draw. Here’s what to know about the Copic Markers Starter Set before you buy.
What Copic markers are known for
Copic is a Japanese brand and one of the best-known names in alcohol-based art markers. These are the features that make people choose them over cheaper markers:
- Smooth blending. The ink is alcohol-based and stays workable for a short time, so you can layer and blend neighboring shades for soft gradients. This is the main reason illustrators, manga artists and designers use them.
- Two nibs on one pen. Most Copic lines have a flexible brush tip at one end and a broader chisel tip at the other. You can do fine detail and cover larger areas without switching pens.
- Refillable and repairable. Copic sells refill ink and replacement nibs for its main marker lines, so a marker doesn’t have to be thrown away when it runs dry or the tip wears out.
- A logical color system. Each marker’s code tells you its color family and roughly how saturated and bright it is. Once you understand the codes, it’s easier to pick shades that blend well together.
What could be better
No marker is perfect, and Copics have some trade-offs you should know about:
- Cost per marker. They’re a premium product. A starter set softens that, but they still cost more than student-grade markers.
- Bleed-through. Alcohol ink goes through thin paper. Put a scrap sheet underneath, and use paper made for markers.
- A small starter palette. A starter set is meant to get you going, not to cover every color. You’ll probably want to add individual markers once you know which shades you reach for most.
- A learning curve. Blending takes practice. Your first few drawings may look streaky, and that’s normal.
- Smell. Alcohol markers have a noticeable odor, so use them in a ventilated room.
Who it’s for
This kind of set suits beginners who want to start with quality tools, and hobbyists who are moving up from cheaper markers. It also works as a gift for someone who draws, does manga or character art, or makes cards and crafts. If you only doodle now and then, or want hundreds of colors up front, it may not be the best fit.
I’ve also covered another Copic option in Level Up Your Art Game with This Copic Set!, which is worth a look if you’re comparing sets.
What to check before buying
- Marker line. Copic sells Sketch, Ciao, Classic and Wide. Sketch markers have the widest color range and an oval barrel. Ciao markers are slimmer and usually cheaper, with a smaller ink supply and fewer colors. Check which one the listing is for.
- Number and choice of colors. Look at the exact shades. A set with a few skin tones and some grays will suit different work than one made of bright primaries.
- Paper. Budget for smooth, thick marker or mixed-media paper. Ordinary copy paper will bleed and feather.
- Authenticity. Copic markers are widely counterfeited. Buy from a reputable seller, and check that the packaging and marker labeling look right.
- Extras. Some sets include a colorless blender or a case. If you don’t see one, plan to buy a blender separately.
FAQ
Are Copic markers good for beginners?
Yes, if you’re willing to practice. They’re more expensive than beginner markers, but they’re easy to blend once you get the hang of it, and you can refill them. A starter set lets you test the system before committing to a big collection.
Can I refill Copic markers?
Yes. Copic sells refill ink for its main lines, along with replacement nibs. That’s one of the things that makes them a better long-term investment than disposable markers.
What paper should I use with Copics?
Use smooth, thick paper designed for alcohol markers, such as dedicated marker paper. It keeps ink from bleeding through and helps colors blend evenly. Put a scrap sheet under your drawing to protect the surface below.
Verdict
The Copic Markers Starter Set is a good way into alcohol markers if you want to start with a respected brand rather than cheap markers. Match the marker line and the colors in the set to what you draw, buy suitable paper, and add single markers as your palette grows. Don’t expect a starter set to be a complete color range from the beginning.
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