Splitcoaststampers.com - the world's #1 papercrafting community
You're currently viewing Splitcoaststampers as a GUEST. We pride ourselves on being great hosts, but guests have limited access to some of our incredible artwork, our lively forums and other super cool features of the site! You can join our incredible papercrafting community at NO COST. So what are you waiting for?
I bought a bunch of Copics a couple of years ago and I feel I'm just not getting it. I feel my images that I color w/gamsol and colored pencil look a lot better. Is there a way to approach coloring an image? Color light all over first then gradually add darker, blend again w/original light color, and continue? Is anyone else as frustrated as I am? I sincerely wish they'd come out with a "Copics for Dummies" book or something.
Just a thought...but maybe check the copic site to see if there is a certified person in your area. I took the certification classes and was contacted by someone who wanted to learn more about coloring. I spent some time with her and she learned a lot about the pens and how to color with them. Maybe ask if they could just spend some time with you coloring images. They are so much fun to use...there is a learning curve though. You don't walk away from a certification class knowing how to use them though, you need to practice, use the right inks and papers, etc. I wish you luck...I really love Copics!!
I don't hate mine, but I do question whether I get enough use out of them and produce images worthy of the cost!
If you don't have someplace close by to take a hands on class ( which I don't ) I suggest going to YouTube and search for Copic Tutorial. You'll get a bunch of hits. Some are specifically stamping related and some are more Japanese animation related but they all offer advice on technique.
I've discovered some swear by coloring all over with your lightest shade first then adding each darker color for shadows and finishing by "blending" with the lightest shade you used all over again. Others, will start with the darkest color first and gradually go lighter. See this blog: Crafting The Web for that technique. Be sure to scroll down to see previous days postings and you will see larger images colored where it's easier to see her technique.
Hope this helps! Good Luck! Even with all this "knowledge" I am considering purchasing some Derwent Inktense pencils to try out and perhaps replace my Copics. Just not sure I want to continue using them and adding to my collection at the prices they go for. Even buying them at some of the cheapest places online, it's still a hefty investment.
I agree on technique...I actually use both, depending on the colors I'm using and the shape I'm coloring. It really can go either way. No two people will produce the same results....but each can be pretty in their own rights!
I definately don't limit myself to Copics either....I like glitter and acetate, prismacolors and there are so many new things coming out to play with!! Just like a kid in a candy shop!! LOL!
Great idea...I like to watch tutorials too...they are very much like having someone teach you!
I love my copics. I think they are the best coloring medium that I use. I have had mine for a couple of years now and it is only now that I am starting to be happy with the cards with that I made with them. Practice is the best way to learn.
The first time I tried copics (several years ago) it was a disaster and I was so disgusted and frustrated I swore I would never use them, did not understand what all the hype was, etc. Of course I was using the wrong paper, the wrong ink and was trying to color a heart and had only one red marker. I did not touch them for 6 months. Then, I gave it another try - I stamped one image about 6 times and colored it very simply - just using 3 blue markers, using the correct ink, and better paper. By the time I colored this same image 4 times I had a good handle on blending and from there I was hooked.
It takes practice and patience and would help if you took a class or could just practice with someone who has "been there". I now teach copic classes at my LSS.
I have a lot of copics and actually used them a lot. But what really frustrated me was the bleeding out of my lines and that just ruined the image and I had to start over again.
I have since then bought a whole set of derwent coloursoft, they are so much easier to use, I use the "copic" technique with them (starting with a lighter color then adding a darker one) and blend with either gamsol or baby oil and I love the results.
And then I was just sent a set of Aquamarkers from Letraset and they are great to use too with great results. I just need to figure out a way to use them with digistamps.
I still use copics primarily for skin tones.
I am nothing but THRILLED with my Copic sketches. I love the look, the feel, the coloring process....but most importantly, I love the way the ink is transparent and can blend with each other to make a more realistic, finished project.
Most any medium takes time and practice to be accomplished. It just might be that this will not be your preferred medium, but if you have not yet had a lesson, then I suggest you give it a try.
I like my copics. I am still a beginner, and I haven't taken any classes. I think we are all very critical of our own work. I was, until I had a friend look at a card I made and asked where I got the picture of the flower on my card. I told her it wasn't a picture, it was a stamp I colored. She thought it was a picture, she couldn't tell it was colored. I was so happy!! Having the right paper makes a big difference. I use PTI, the colors never bleeds out the lines.
Here is a link to Marianne Walker's blog, I Like Markers. She is the product specialist for Copic markers and she has tons of information on her blog for both beginning and advanced users. Go back to the beginning of her posts for an excellent series of tutorials.
I took the certification and teach Copic classes monthly at my LSS and have done so for 3 years now. Let me tell you, I have seen some frustrated people, but I teach all of the blending techniques taught at the certification and one usually stands out to each person.. Maybe you need to either go to a class taught by a certified designer, or watch videos on the following techniques:
Light-dark-light (this is the method you are speaking of)
Dark-to-light (Suzanne Dean has LOTS of videos on this method)
Tip-to-tip
Palette Technique
Feather-blending
Today, most of my students LOVED tip-to-tip and palette. You just need to hang out with a Copic pro or watch some videos and you will learn to use them to their full potential!! Good luck!
__________________
{Gallery}{Blog}
I design for: Stampendous!, There She Goes, Technique Tuesday,
SRM Stickers and Deconstructed Sketches.
I love my markers, which are not Copics but do everything Copics do at a much, much more reasonable cost. I use ShinHan Twin Touch alcohol markers. They are on sale or clearance right now because they are coming out with a refillable and replaceable nibs early this coming Spring. So I am taking advantage of the clearance prices and have 3 times as many Touch markers as I could have gotten in Copics for the money. They don't have the extensive color range as Copics though but I'm OK with thar because there are ways around that (tip to tip color transfer)
There is no reason to spend tons of money on Copics for someone who isn't sure about the whole marker thing because there are less expensive but good quality alternatives like Touch markers as well as Promarkers, Prismacolor markers, Dick Blick Studio markers and some people make magic with Bic and Sharpie markers, although Bic and Sharpies are very different than the others I have mention, in my opinion.
I do have a few Copic Caio markers and I don't care too much for the brush tip. But I think that is just a practice issue. Touch markers are coming out with a brush tip also. (these have already been in use in the Asian market from what I have found on the net). I also have Dick Blick Studio markers and some old old old no longer made Design markers. I use all of them with my Touch markers and since they are all alcohol based, they work together just fine.
I am super happy with my Touch markers and the money I have saved, now I have $ for other supplies, like my Inktense pencils
Have to agree, I cant see how copics are worth the $$$! I love the results some people get but no matter how many classes I take or how many times I try I can only get them to look like regular markers!
It has to be water colors and coloring with SU inks for me!
I admit I am nowhere near a pro with copics, but I find it easier to start with the dark color then go to light. I have tried the light all over then adding the darker shades and don't like the results as well, but plan to keep practicing at it, just to make sure I am not giving up on it too easily.
To all who like Copics and get get good results....
How do you get your Copic ink to stay within your stamping lines? My biggest frustration with them is that the ink bleeds OUT of my stamped areas. I hate this as usually it ruins my image, although I have tried to correct with the colorless blender, and at times, I am successful.
FYI---I use GP paper and Gina K. For inks, I have memento and amuse...both work with Copics with no ink smearing. I wish I could use the Gina K. paper all the time as the quality is better, but due to my budget I'm afraid I have to use Georgia Pacific more often.
Thanks for any tips here...hate the ink bleeding over the lines...I have found it helps to use a very light touch...
I hated the bleeding with Copics, too. I tried all kinds of paper, but none of them were bleed-proof. I wasn't willing to pay the high prices for Xpress it blending paper, I make cards, not masterpieces that need to last a thousand years, lol!
I stumbled on a video on You Tube, not stamping related of someone coloring an anime type drawing. She did not have any trouble with bleeding at all, and some of the comments asked about what kind of paper she was using. Turns out, it was Hammermill color copy paper.
I ordered some, and while I was kind of unhappy with how thin the paper was, I discovered that this worked in my favor. Much less color was needed to saturate the paper, which means less time blending, blending, blending.
The best part?
Little to NO BLEEDING!
Blending is a dream, it is super smooth. I've tried a lot of different papers, but this is the one I will always use for Copics!
Try it first, before you give up on your Copics, I think you'll be pleasantly surpried!
HTH
To all who like Copics and get get good results....
How do you get your Copic ink to stay within your stamping lines? My biggest frustration with them is that the ink bleeds OUT of my stamped areas. I hate this as usually it ruins my image, although I have tried to correct with the colorless blender, and at times, I am successful.
Anytime I use a wet medium such as markers, watercolors, etc. I don't color on the outline. I color color to the outline and then wait for it to move/bleed and then I fill in close to the line if necessary.
The one thing I notice with people using copics the first time is they don't seem to lay down enough color. I like my Copics but they take a bit of effort to get them to blend. If you flip your piece of paper over you need to see a lot of color on the back side of the paper. This means you are doing it right.
I am Copic certified, but by no means an expert. As mentioned, you just have to find the technique that works best for you. And PRACTICE! There is a learning curve when first using them. In my classes, I teach each technique and try to provide a lot of time to practice, so they can ask questions if they are having trouble.
As for bleeding- it is dependent on the paper, ink, and often the pressure you are using and the amount of saturation. When I know I am going to be doing a lot of shading, I color the image with the lightest color but keep a little white space close to the lines. This gives me room to shade without the ink bleeding outside the image. I mostly use A Muse or Georgia Pacific paper with A Muse or Memento inks.
Keep trying. I think when you figure out how to make it work, you'll love your Copics. Don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions. I may not have all the answers, but I'll share what I do have and try to find the answers I don't have.
I hated the bleeding with Copics, too. I tried all kinds of paper, but none of them were bleed-proof. I wasn't willing to pay the high prices for Xpress it blending paper, I make cards, not masterpieces that need to last a thousand years, lol!
I stumbled on a video on You Tube, not stamping related of someone coloring an anime type drawing. She did not have any trouble with bleeding at all, and some of the comments asked about what kind of paper she was using. Turns out, it was Hammermill color copy paper.
I ordered some, and while I was kind of unhappy with how thin the paper was, I discovered that this worked in my favor. Much less color was needed to saturate the paper, which means less time blending, blending, blending.
The best part?
Little to NO BLEEDING!
Blending is a dream, it is super smooth. I've tried a lot of different papers, but this is the one I will always use for Copics!
Try it first, before you give up on your Copics, I think you'll be pleasantly surpried!
HTH
Thanks for the info on the Hammermill - might look for it.
On the bleeding issue - sometimes its not the paper/ink - its your environment. I often give my cardstock a blast from my heat tool before/after stamping to dry it out. I doubt I would have to do this in the same conditions in a more arid climate.
I stumbled on a video on You Tube, not stamping related of someone coloring an anime type drawing. She did not have any trouble with bleeding at all, and some of the comments asked about what kind of paper she was using. Turns out, it was Hammermill color copy paper.
HTH
The manga/anime underground has great resources on using alcohol based markers (the techiques are the same for all brands of alcohol markers), I've learned a lot from them, they are a very creative bunch and use their medium in new and interesting ways.
I use Twin Touch, a few Copic, Dick Blick and Design markers. I find that the blender pen tends to increase bleeding for whatever reason, in all marker brands. I was doing some texturizing and it was fine before the blender but a mess after the blender.
I have alot of Sketch and also Ciaos and have to say I really don't use them. I was never happy with the finished product. I guess it just takes practice. I prefer pencils
Guess I should practice since they cost so much $.
I HIGHLY recommend Suzanne Dean's tutorials and classes. I took her class in Buffalo in Nov. and it made much more sense to me to go dark to light with a flicking motion.
I hated the bleeding with Copics, too. I tried all kinds of paper, but none of them were bleed-proof. I wasn't willing to pay the high prices for Xpress it blending paper, I make cards, not masterpieces that need to last a thousand years, lol!
I stumbled on a video on You Tube, not stamping related of someone coloring an anime type drawing. She did not have any trouble with bleeding at all, and some of the comments asked about what kind of paper she was using. Turns out, it was Hammermill color copy paper.
I ordered some, and while I was kind of unhappy with how thin the paper was, I discovered that this worked in my favor. Much less color was needed to saturate the paper, which means less time blending, blending, blending.
The best part?
Little to NO BLEEDING!
Blending is a dream, it is super smooth. I've tried a lot of different papers, but this is the one I will always use for Copics!
Try it first, before you give up on your Copics, I think you'll be pleasantly surpried!
HTH
Could you provide a link to where the Hammermill paper can be purchased? I'd like to see how much it costs.
The manga/anime underground has great resources on using alcohol based markers (the techiques are the same for all brands of alcohol markers), I've learned a lot from them, they are a very creative bunch and use their medium in new and interesting ways.
I use Twin Touch, a few Copic, Dick Blick and Design markers. I find that the blender pen tends to increase bleeding for whatever reason, in all marker brands. I was doing some texturizing and it was fine before the blender but a mess after the blender.
Its probably because the blending pens are alcohol without color and it is thinning the alcohol in the marker. We would have the same bleeding issues if we used a water based product and added more water.
I bought a bunch of Copics when they first started getting popular and even took several classes. Never did get the hang, nor learn to like them, so I sold them all off. Have never regretting getting rid of them.
I love my copics. By far my best purchase, never regretted a dime I have spent on them. As to bleeding: I have found that darker colors bleed more, reds especially. Also the more color you lay down the more bleeding you will have. If I am going dark or know I will use lots of ink I stay back a ways from the line... the bleed will go to the line. Rarely do I have bleed go over the line unless I am being careless. Blender will correct light colors over the line. But dont add blender to a dark color over the line. You will just make a bigger mess. Trust me on this. I use palette noir or memento ink and PTI white cardstock. I have been very happy with the results. Like anything, copics take some practice. You need to get used to it and play. Also marker coloring is alot like watercolor, in that you need to plan your highlight areas in advance. Once you go to dark its difficult to remove the color in a way that makes you happy.
I have always used good quality colour copy paper for colouring and have never had a problem with it.
What a great website! I use ShinHan Twin Touch markers but they work exactly the same as Copics and I have learned how to use them by Copic Tutorials. This lady does very pretty work
**Just be aware the links above are for 28lb paper, not cardstock. Hammermil does make a Color Copy Cover cardstock of 100lb. I don't use paper for my stamping.
Here is a link to Amazon for the card stock. I personally would not go less than 80 lb. And free shipping if you purchase over $25! I use Amazon a lot because shipping to Alaska is crazy. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...D4E8YCJ5A20RT5
Do Copics frustrate you?
