Copic markers come in 214 different colors.
Copic markers are designed for professional use with the environment in mind. They are refillable with replaceable nibs. Each marker is double ended, so artists can choose between two different styles of nib when working on their projects. Their marker bodies are large and square shaped for ergonomic grip. Copic uses an alcohol-based ink which produces less of an odor and dries quickly. It is also nontoxic and acid-free.
Paper to Use
Copic markers work well with very smooth-grained papers. These markers are designed for blending and really saturating paper during the drawing process. Look for heavy weight smooth-surface papers which can withstand repeated soakings with marker ink. You can also opt for marker paper, which is specifically created for markers. This paper is thin, smooth and coated with wax or a special sealant to keep the paper from absorbing ink. When using marker paper, less is more in the inking process. This paper won't absorb ink, so excess ink just pools on the surface.
Blending Colors
Blending two or more colors with Copic markers allows the artist to shade, blend and create professional, smooth-looking work. To blend, start by filling in the darker color on the object. Usually, this color is the shaded area around the edges of any object. Take the lighter color and start coloring just inside the edge of the dark area, working out into the rest of the object. The lighter color picks up the darker ink and mixes with it as you fill in the rest of the object. Copic also makes a colorless blender, which actually removes ink from the paper, but can be used to blend by gradually lightening the ink.
Crosshatching to Shade
Crosshatching is a quick method of shading objects with Copic markers. The crosshatch is a series of intersecting perpendicular lines which follow the object's edge. Crosshatches are placed in shaded areas of the object. Use a 0.1 or 0.5 multiliner thickness to crosshatch. This shows up more easily if you need to scan your image into the computer. Practice crosshatching with multiple objects to develop your skill and ability to create smooth, even strokes.
Replacing Nibs and Ink
Copic markers are environmentally friendly. You never need to throw out the marker. When the ink runs out, it's refillable. When the nibs get torn up they can be replaced. Replace the nibs by grasping the old nib firmly with a pair of tweezers and pulling it straight out. Reverse the process to insert the new nib. Artists have nine styles of nibs to choose from for their markers. Refill the ink by uncapping the broad end of the marker and unscrewing the ink refill. The ink refill has a plastic tube which drops ink out one drop at a time. Tilt the marker up at a 45-degree angle and let the ink refill drop ink onto the broad marker nib. This ink runs backwards through the nib into the marker. Place as many drops as you feel comfortable with into the marker.
