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Last night I read many threads about the differences between Copics and Spectrum Noir. My problem is that I don't get to stamp nearly as often as I'd like. The copies are awesome, yes, I know. However, for someone like me who doesn't get to stamp often, I am wondering if the copics are worth it. Crafters Companion has the Spectrum Noir sets of 6 on sale for $7 each and I've been trying for the last two weeks to determine which copics to buy. It almost would seem easier to just buy the Spectrum Noir markers because they are in sets.
Can you offer me any insight? Please and thank you!
Tami like you I do not get to stamp as often as I really would love too, but when I do the coloring media I choose is based on the image and effect I want to achieve in my project. I own coloring pencils, colored markers, ink pads, and chalks, because I like to have the variety and try different looks. It is just as important to know what is your skill level to determine how much you want to invest in your tools. I consider myself a hobbyist stamper and while I love to stamp and color with different media, I do not invest in pricey items, such as the COPICS, simply because I know I will not use them as often, and it would not be smart for me to spend that money and let them sit in a drawer.
It took me a while to venture into alcohol markers, because you also must feel comfortable using them. It takes practice, patience and more practice to be good at coloring with them. If you have an oportunity I would recommend you trying them out first (regardless of the brand) to determine if you want to invest in them. I had the chance to take a class using the SPECTRUM NOIR at a craft fair and I really liked them. I bought all their basic color collections as they suited my coloring needs and fit my budget. Now I got another coloring media that I am able to use whenever I deem them best for my project, without feeling guilt of the money I spent or not using them as often. I hope this helps you in your decision.
I suspect that how often you get to stamp is less relevant than what you're comfortable with and enjoy using. It's frustrating to use something that's either sub-standard or just plain doesn't suit you - you'll either end up wasting more of your precious stamping time because things don't work out as you hoped or you won't enjoy it as much as you could.
Unless the shipping is prohibitively expensive, why not buy yourself a set of six SNs and see how you like them? At seven bucks that seems like a sensible investment.
I use Copics because I tried them and loved them. I tried Spectrum Noir and just couldn't get on with them - everybody is different so I'd agree with Njoilif that you should try them if you can. It seems to me that $7 is a good "trial price" for the Spectrum Noirs and if you don't love them, you could pass them along to somebody who might (I sold the set I'd bought as a trial on eBay at a bit less than I paid for them - I tried them at low cost to myself and somebody else got a nearly-new set at a good price - win/win!)
When I first started stamping and coloring I wasn't sure if I would like it so I just bought the basic Prismacolor pencils and gamsol. I used that for a long time and was satisfied with the results, but when I went to the galleries here in Splitcoast and
I saw the work that these amazing women were doing with Copics I wanted to try it too. Until I saw the price and realized I couldn't justify it. I bought the Spectrum Noir markers hoping that my stamped images would be masterpieces too. I could not get the blending right....I tried and tried but nothing looked like I saw here. Now don' t get me wrong I like the Spectrum Noir markers and I also know it's user error, not marker error.
So I've compromised and when I now color,I first color the whole image in the colors I want with the markers as a base color and then I go back with a darker matching Prismacolor pencil and put in the shading.
My coloring still doesn't look like what I see these ladies do but it works for me and I'm okay with it.
I have a huge hodge podge of markers. I have some Copics, lots of Sharpies and Bics, some Twin Touch by Shinhan, and some Spectrum Noirs. I use them all with each other, according to the colors I want.
I am not an advanced "colorist" who wants to use 4 different shades of the same color. I just want my images to have a little definition, and not look "flat". I generally just use a light and darker tone of the same color and I'm happy with that look, but that's me.
I've been pleased with the Spectrum Noirs, and especially pleased with their inexpensive cost. I will say, however, that a few of the markers I got in sets of 6 dried out very quickly, and in fact, a couple of them were DOA, dry to start.
I had gotten them at Joann's with a coupon for next to nothing, so it didn't bother me too much. But I've heard others say they had dry ones too, so that's something to consider.
When they work, I like them just as well as my other markers.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Thanks to all of you for your comments! When I'm in, I'm all in and I bought the Spectrum Noirs because for the money, I just couldn't justify the cost of the copics. I too have so many inkpads it should be a sin, and I use blender pens and aqua painters, chalks and colored pencils. I'll just have to practice, practice, practice. I really appreciate your comments and responses! Thanks again! Perhaps I can stamp sometime soon and get into these challenges!
Thanks to all of you for your comments! When I'm in, I'm all in and I bought the Spectrum Noirs because for the money, I just couldn't justify the cost of the copics. I too have so many inkpads it should be a sin, and I use blender pens and aqua painters, chalks and colored pencils. I'll just have to practice, practice, practice. I really appreciate your comments and responses! Thanks again! Perhaps I can stamp sometime soon and get into these challenges!
Glad you got them. I think you will be pleased. You know the coloring medium is just a small part of any artistic project. A big part of it is the artist! Ask me how I know? Because I'm not one, lol. I am, however, happy with my efforts and so are my family and friends who receive my cards.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
Good for you! I LOVE Spectrum Noir... I switched from Copics before I got to the point of needing to purchase refills because I like the SN better and they are less expensive. Enjoy!
I agree with Bugga. I've bought 2 sets, and some of them were dry when I got them. The others seem to be drying out now, and I've had them for less than a year. I'm not impressed with the way they hold up.
Also, if they dry up and you know there is ink in the barrel, take the large end off and put some drops of alcohol in there. I use an eyedropper for this.
Then treat the marker just like you would if you had put more ink in it.
I've done this many times---if you have any questions, please pm me.
Larue what alcohol & percentage you use for the markers? I just bought some sets a month ago, and a few of the markers arrived dry, so for sure there has to be ink in the barrel. I will like to "fix" them, instead of throwing them away.
If your marker is very dry fill the eye dropper 2/3 with alcohol and put all of it in slowly. Let it sit on its dry end for about 10 minutes and try it again. If it is still dry, do the procedure again and put in 1/3 of a dropper.
I remove the large end with a piece of paper towel so I do not get ink all over my hands.
Spectrum Noir Markers
