How to Understand and Use Copic Markers for Beginners

Take your adult coloring techniques to the next level when you use copic markers for your coloring pages.
Copic Markers are a great tool for coloring but they do come with a learning curve!
Here are my go-to tips for beginners looking to give them a try.
~~Featured Coloring Artist: Katie Vaz
---------------------------------
Copics are high-quality alcohol based markers and a great for blended rich colors.
There are 4 different styles of Copic markers:
• Classic
• CIAO
• Wide
• Sketch
All of the Copic markers have nibs you can swap in and out; you can also refill the inks or mix your own for custom colors. The brush tip nibs are great for things that are loose or organic where you can fill in large color blocks really nicely.
Copics markers are on the pricey side, ranging from $2 - $9 each depending on what kind and where you buy them from.
---------------------------------
Deciphering the Copic Marker labels:
Each marker has a color code, a mix of numbers and letters
• The letter indicates the color family (ex. R = red, BG = Blue Green)
• The first number indicates color saturation or intensity
○ Numbers range from 0 - 9
0 = a pure saturated color with no gray in it
9 = a very desaturated color with lots of gray in it
• The second number indicates how light or dark a color is
○ Numbers range from 000 - 9
000 = a very light, barely there color
9 = a very dark color
---------------------------------
When you first start using Copics it can be tricky to get the color to lay down evenly.
It's best to NOT use zig zag strokes because that can lead to uneven ink distribution.
Try using small even circles to fill the space with color.
You can also use 'flick' type strokes starting from the outside and pulling the tip in.
---------------------------------
2 Main Ways to Blend Copic Markers
1. You can use an array of 2 or more colors themselves
Try to pick colors that are in the same color family
Stick to colors where the second number is within 2-3 of each other
Use the lighter colors first and gradually add in the darker shades
Color the entire area first with the lighter color
Layer in the darker color using the 'flick' stroke
Then take the lighter color back over where the two colors meet
----
2. Use the colorless blender
This has the same alcohol solution as the markers but without color
The secret to this tool is it actually removes ink
Perfect for removing colors, fix mistakes, and adding fun textures
Try coloring the entire area with the colorless blender first
Then take your darker color and apply it to small portions of your area while the ink is still damp
Fill in the space all over with your lighter color in small circles
The colorless blender is also great for adding highlights
You can also use it to remove edges

[@JollyOl]

*My brain is accepting such great knowledge*

[@teehee5700]

Jewel3lc AJ LmAo

[@mudassirahmedi5617]

I am watching this instead of preparing for my engineering paper

[@micah_me6464]

100th *like*

[@danniRamirez68]

Ikr

[@clarisesuarez5527]

Me to❤

[@chantalle7340]

I would like to see more videos by you on beginners using Copics, color choices for coloring different objects such as trees, etc.

[@PoshColoringStudio]

I'll make a note for our content team! Thanks! There a few articles on our site about choosing color: www.poshcoloringstudio.com/tips-techniques/6-ways-make-color-wheel-work-you

[@ericgamer0399]

Her: "Stick to the same color family-" Me: *grabs BV00 and E00* No

[@maulikartzone2787]

😂

[@abbythebest1018]

Lol same

[@chantalle7340]

Very informative. Thank you

[@PoshColoringStudio]

We're so glad you like it!

[@karenbriones9708]

*thanks Kanye , very cool*

[@imasheepbahbah5101]

Keep on begging my niece to trach me this who uses copics does beatiful manga...finally taught me then I'd forget but now I have this vid to refer back to! Thanks! She bought me my 1st set of copics

[@Gertrude-Intrudes]

*Her: *explains** *Me: “oohhhhhhhh”*

[@danniRamirez68]

Lol, same

[@mjdancer1998]

I love how she said A BIT on the pricey side 😂😂😂

[@merafosterart3118]

Lol yeah vm.tiktok.com/JeNyqSS/

[@たこ-n7m]

😭😭😭

[@Emily-cw8hv]

I’d love to go to the place where each copic marker only costs 2$

[@marey.marshmellow5253]

Tlshp shop copic sketch 3.67 $ each

[@aitorgonzalez4657]

I didn’t know how to properly use the colorless blender marker, especially when pushing the ink to correct coloring. Thank you so much for that!

[@wxslw_]

Still can't blend and I get angry easy so not a good combination xD

[@tsuqii9530]

Athestic K/DA *Oh nooo* *prepares for rage*

[@bigbuckuk]

Why? it’s not exactly rocket science

[@wxslw_]

@@bigbuckuk I've never done rocket science .v.

[@samueljohansson6584]

Hmmmm ,still after 1year?

[@wxslw_]

@@samueljohansson6584 actually I gave up .v. I still draw and paint I just gave up on the markers though

[@FelisTerras]

Thank you so so much. I bought a set of about a dozen various colours, but when I tried using them, I ended up with lots of splotchy/uneven surfaces and no blending really worked. With your explanations, I'm going to tackle the next drawing I make. Your way of showing and explaining things is both soothing and easy to understand.

[@elizabethdreier7582]

This was a fabulous help to me, as a beginner! I just had no idea how to start! I'm still afraid to try, but I'm going to! And I'm going to look for your book as well! Thanks so much!

[@jessicayuriarlopez4943]

This was well explained and very helpful! Thank you for posting! :D

[@susan3156]

I just paid $53 for your book. I’m looking forward to it. It makes me feel good when I support caring and kind artists. Cheers from Tasmania, Australia 🇦🇺

[@aprilrodriguez5874]

Love this video … she made it so simple to understand and follow for us beginners, thank you so much for sharing.

[@brookelambert7204]

I've been looking to buy. best video on the subject.

[@wesrobinson2990]

Very helpful to understand what the markers are capable of, and how to use them in a clear message. Thanks

[@horseyhunters9426]

You have no idea how much this helped thank you so much

[@skrillexfan2000]

This is honestly been the best and fastest teaching of Brush marker techniques and I THANK YOU FOR IT!!

[@rebeccahammitt8214]

Great video. Thank you. Far less intimidating now. You have a soft, sweet voice too. Very relaxing.

[@lpssimpleproductions538]

Omg thank YOU SOOO MUCH I was lost on how to use these properly I love them now I know how to use them :3

[@lamberto6405]

That's really fantastic. The end result looks very professional!!! Great markers!

[@ewdesignsatl]

thank you so much for the explanation on the numbers. it makes so much sense now. this is a great tutorial !

[@lamajamjoom3126]

Thank you very much for this video it was very helpful especially because I’m a beginner!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😀😀

[@pixydust4806]

After seeing this video, I just realized how coloring has its own techniques and how it effects the drawing you're coloring. I knew that but not to this extent. Btw, thnx for the tips!

[@chipblock2854]

I have watched a few videos on Copic markers but yours really tell me how to use them. Especially the blending one. I now better understand the numbers. Thanks.

[@terriok1]

So very nicely done, KaTe!

[@sebastiangarcia2590]

Thank you soooo much for making this video!!! I've been strugling so hard with copics and now I have a good result 😊

[@raghubirdalal2266]

Thank u so much u helped me a LOT. I am starting doodling so I needed copic markers. I I also needed knowledge about them before buying em. So thanks very much.

[@nunyabizzish]

This is the most helpful video I've come across tbh

[@roselewsley4125]

Thank you soooooo much, that was such a good demonstration of how to use copic pens. Please put up more videos 👏

[@49ijue]

What sketchbooks do you recommend for the Copic markers ( Not counting the Copic Sketchbook )

[@poppyssad6545]

Best are are manga paper and marker paper if you really need i can put a link to very good paper for copics

[@bettyholland8500]

Poppy's Sad yes please add a link thank you!

[@marthangugi8293]

If this still helps, I use a mixed media sketchbook. Though I put a folder under it.

[@idk.-.3834]

@@poppyssad6545 Can you leave a link?

[@yvetteirene7074]

Great video, thank you! I agree with many of the comments below some very funny and so me! Very helpful. Would love to see a video on coloring animals, such as dogs. Thank you!!

[@thewitchertales]

Ive honested always loved copic markers the comors make art so beutiful and lively and 3d! But ive been to intemidated to try them and i sketch alot. I feel alot better sbout trying them now after this, thank you!

[@Vengothics]

thank u for this i had no clue what the ends meant

[@jaelyn1526]

i literally thought the colorless blend marker was like an actual white i can use i-

[@humairaseddighi72]

I just bought an 80 pieces comic marker from amazon this really helped thank you!

[@Zia_theLibra]

Perfect. Most informal Ive found

[@debbiemarchbanks8538]

THANK YOU!! I’m not an artist and struggle with beautiful comic coloring!

[@francesarhipoff2864]

Thank you for a great informative video

[@MrGWils]

Great vid, thanks for uploading!

[@ChanaeMorris]

This is the video I needed, thank you! Can't wait to put these tips to use.

[@minaryn1501]

Thank you👍

[@barbaramatthews4735]

Thank you for sharing. The information is helpful

[@billmcswain2502]

Thank you for making this video. It helped

[@danniRamirez68]

Wow, im hoping to get copics for Christmas. This video was actually pretty helpful, thanks

[@caprisunsess1753]

I got copics for Christmas and they're really cool :) I recommend buying online tho because in the artsy store in our town each copic is 7$ but I got about 50 for 20! Which is still alot but way better than 300 bucks

[@karenskillender6684]

Your video was very helpful and informative. Thank you.

[@Nexus2Eden]

Seriously, excellent video - very helpful and inspiring. I feel like I learned a great deal - thank you.

[@em-mq8oq]

This was very helpful! >w

[@clm39able]

Great introduction. Thank you 😊

[@mattsartstory2379]

This was an amazing video!

[@alexsantoro597]

Do colorless blenders get ruined by colors over time?

[@caprisunsess1753]

yay

[@AbbyMarmionMusic]

Excellent!

[@apersonsm]

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much!!!

[@naelaismail3052]

This video is so helpful!

[@JeannieWhite49]

Thanks for sharing, it helps a lot!

[@Ak-os7rr]

Thank you so much this was very helpful!

[@danycarneiro2016]

Thank you very much...Very useful and informative your video.

[@nidhi2182]

Thanks because now I know how to use them!!!!

[@noorallawati5390]

Thank you for this!

[@wandafincher4713]

Thank you! This was very helpful!

[@emilyrose6546]

Super helpful!

[@fluckter_600]

learned alot just know, thank you 🙏

[@Nurse3811]

Really great advice!! Thank you

[@BUNNIFER10]

Very helpful. Thnkyou.

[@ms_sk3tch59]

This was so helpful omg

[@carlinpadgett2796]

Thank you for not making this video like 25 minutes!!

[@Emma-yc8yx]

thanks for sharing btw your voice is so soothing

[@princepeterwolf]

$2 each?! Girl where?

[@nero.5733]

Thank you so much

[@indigoimouto3703]

This saved me so much stress. I've been looking for the right markers color the shade of cake and I can't seem to find the right ones.

[@kenyon46]

I have a lot of Coptic markers I’m so afraid to use them That I might mess up my art project

[@evelynmitchell7758]

I have Copic markers that have not been used very much if not at all for the last ten years. How can I rejuvenate these so I can start using them again. Thanks

[@sketchartemis]

Thank you for this! All the info I needed and a great demonstration!

[@fliktony91]

Amazing. THANK YOU

[@astra.illust]

This helped me soooo much

[@skylargross3343]

This was really helpful thanks

[@albasabina]

Hello. Great video! Could you tell me the number of the red you're using in the video? Thank you!

[@milkkk300]

Very helpful tysm

[@Patty-qd1lz]

Are these made in the USA?

[@marvinsprettyboy]

I’m getting them for 41.99 on amazon

[@togaemrich7872]

just make sure they’re not fake :) that would suck

[@jadedeleon_]

Toga Emrich what they can be fake?? How the heck can markets be fake? Lol

[@alexsantoro597]

Jade uwu the brand.. amazon and eBay often sell knock offs/fake copic brands

[@bingbongwingawong4491]

Literally just bought 5 of them for 40 bucks

[@yuyucontent]

just got 242 for 40bucks. (it should be fake lol)

[@cyyberella]

Hey, thanks for the video, But do copic markers have a brush at the end??

[@danniRamirez68]

I think some do.....im not to sure though

[@caprisunsess1753]

Thank you, this was very helpful! I think I'm finally mature enough to get copics :) I also never got them cos each one costed 7 DOLLARS and that is waaaaay to expensive for us. This Christmas I got literally a whole pack of around 50 (?) For 20 bucks. (I just saved myself around 300$ I'm so happy)

[@numberoneJihad]

How did you get so much for so cheap??

[@caprisunsess1753]

@@numberoneJihad I dunno my mom and sister were scrolling on Amazon and they found it. I'll ask them the details after school today. A few colors were a bit dried tho but yeah we hit the jackpot

[@junem4102]

You said the first number is the saturation of that color. But another video said the second number denotes saturation. Which is right?

[@linobeann]

Ik this is kinda old but I got a marker set that looks exactly like copic they have up to 3 numbers and comes with a colourless blender but they are called graphic markers i tried the techniques you showed and they worked so im a bit confused

[@atticuslin8962]

Can young artists draw with copic?

[@caprisunsess1753]

I think it depends on the person's maturity for me I guess. When I am 8 I really really wanted copics like my sisters so my mom bought me (1!) copic and I lost it after a week. I'm now 11 and I thiiiiink I'm mature enough. We'll see though!

[@Skeleemonz]

When u spend 50+ on the markers and just got 40+ of em : 👁👄👁

[@ramonsjc]

were do you find your book you have i turned ten i i got monye for my birthday so i am buys copic just a little and that book if you can tell me what book that is and pls

[@arshianafisahaque276]

Finally my parents accepted to get me copics

[@starlight.brahxx]

I wanted to get the brush tip copic markers but got the wrong one..... 😭😭😭😭😭😢😢😢😓😓😥😥

[@deborahsanders8564]

Do you have online classes? You are the first colorist who explains and demonstrates these techniques in a manner that I “get”. Thank you.

[@growwithmukul]

Helpful af

[@micah_me6464]

_thank you_

[@Wdlfake]

The best

[@danniRamirez68]

You watch gawx art?

[@lisabromley8924]

Hello what paper are you useing ?

[@jqv002]

2:04

[@-l0s3r-16]

Me having the square shaped comic markers watching this like: 👁👄👁💥 I’m screwed

[@milissas.8364]

do you sale your books?

[@mohammedkamal6877]

Great

[@ania-edit0r10]

But how much this markers

[@natfrey]

Ania Drawing EXPENSIVE but worth it!

[@chibispock1011]

Domo arigato