Copic FAQ

[kgostamper]

I just started Suzanne Dean's Copic one class. It is very good. I need lots of practice. The only thing I would have to say is, don't buy a set. I got the anniversary set and only have 2 full families of 3.

[lovetostamp3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgostamper

I just started Suzanne Dean's Copic one class. It is very good. I need lots of practice. The only thing I would have to say is, don't buy a set. I got the anniversary set and only have 2 full families of 3.

Good luck with the class, I think she's great!

As for the Anniversary set, I hear it's nice with the two different nibs. One way to look at it, you've learned you prefer to purchase groups, and this set is supposed to be their most popular colors, so it's a good base to build on???! You can add to the colors with the ones that would go with them...... Just a thought.

I started by purchasing the sets of Ciaos thinking they would be fine and plenty for my needs! Found I not only needed more but I really like the Sketch markers! I never replaced my original Ciao markers, still use them, just added to the collection; so live and learn. They both color the same and I have fun using all of them, and that's what matters!!!! Enjoy.....

[Luv Flowers]

Hi Copic Users - I am just getting started and am trying to get a blank chart of all the sketch markers so I can use it for what I currently have. I have been having difficulties printing off a complete set, or if I do , it is so small that I can't read the numbers. Can you please help me?? Thank you in advance. Kim

[lovetostamp3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kgostamper

I just started Suzanne Dean's Copic one class. It is very good. I need lots of practice. The only thing I would have to say is, don't buy a set. I got the anniversary set and only have 2 full families of 3.

I knew I had read this...... just above our postings, Lori Craig, AKA "stamp_momma", made a list of markers to add to what you have in your set to make up groups or trios for blending. She's a certified Copic instructor, with a great blog, so she knows what she's talking about! You can check out her recommendations and go from there........ Good luck!!

[lovetostamp3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv Flowers

Hi Copic Users - I am just getting started and am trying to get a blank chart of all the sketch markers so I can use it for what I currently have. I have been having difficulties printing off a complete set, or if I do , it is so small that I can't read the numbers. Can you please help me?? Thank you in advance. Kim

Funny you should bring this up, it was just addressed recently on the Copic Chatter thread. There is a Copic Swatch Book that has larger blocks and is portable to carry with you shopping. You can find it at Oozak.com (if in stock) or at iCopic.com just to name a couple of sites. If you Google it, I'm sure more options will appear. Good luck!

[stamp_momma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Luv Flowers

Hi Copic Users - I am just getting started and am trying to get a blank chart of all the sketch markers so I can use it for what I currently have. I have been having difficulties printing off a complete set, or if I do , it is so small that I can't read the numbers. Can you please help me?? Thank you in advance. Kim

Kim - does this one work for you?

I print it on a 8.5x11 sheet of cardstock (preferably the same type of cardstock that you color with each time), and it's just perfect in that one pass of the marker with the Sketch chisel nib fits in each block. It helps to color each block with the same stoke method so you have an accurate gauge for each marker (ie: 2 passes with the broad tip or 1 pass - it's more about consistency than the number of specific passes).

[sc magnolia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovetostamp3

When I first started coloring with Copics, I learned so much from two ladies: Suzanne Dean at scrapbitz.blogspot.com, and Marianne Walker at ilikemarkers.blogspot.com. These ladies are so talented, have a little different approach, yet are great artists.

I'm not on Pinterest, yet scour it for Copic ideas and techniques. Here's a great one (one of many) for skin and hair combos. Hope it helps..... Cracking the Copic Conundrum

Thanks so much!! I just finished watching a bunch of Suzanne Dean's videos. They really helped a lot!! I ordered a few more colors suggest by sharnist and suzanne dean along with some copic xpress it blending cardstock. I hops the order comes quickly!!

[Luv Flowers]

Thank you SO much Lori - Stamp Momma for that link. It just about worked perfectly. I just had to write in some BV colors. Maybe I could have adjusted my paper some.

You are really kind to offer your time and service to others.

[Luv Flowers]

P.S. LORI - STAMP MOMMA - Thank you for telling me how to color in the boxes as well. I wasn't doing that correctly on one of my other charts.

[Barbara Jay]

One more tiny tip on coloring your chart.

I buy the refills for a lot of my marker colors .
When I am coloring the squares I don't color over the numbers on the cart.
This way I have space under the number to put a small black dot from a Sharpie pen to denote that I have a refill for that color .

It is an easy way to keep track of my marker colors and refills

[btalem]

Love this thread! Thanks for all the hard work that went into it!

[LynnInColorado]

Quote:

Originally Posted by stamp_momma

Yes, I do need a gentle nudge from time-to-time...

I've put some nice blending groups below. The colors in bold are colors you would add , the colors in regular font are already in your 36-piece anniversary set.

R81 R85 R89
RV52 RV55 - one of my favorite pinks
B21 B24 B28 - Those lighter 21 & 24 are gorgeous blues ;)
Y32 Y35 Y38 - One of my personal must have combos
B91 B93 B95 - nice for denim blue
YR12 YR15 YR18 - nice pumpkin-ish blend
E42 E44 E47
G40 G43 G48

And, for skin, I'd add E00 or E51 to your mix with the E000 and E50.

This was very helpful!! Even though I thought I double-checked, I did end up with 1 duplicate, but maybe the included colors have changed. I will send my extra R85 to first person to request.

[LynnInColorado]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnInColorado

This was very helpful!! Even though I thought I double-checked, I did end up with 1 duplicate, but maybe the included colors have changed. I will send my extra R85 to first person to request.

Marker has been claimed.

[leoniesutherland]

I just ran into this thread because I was looking for how to de-sticky my marker. You asked about a Copic class and I know this was over 3 years ago. But I just started the Kit and Clowder online classes. They are really good and you have lifetime access, unlike some where you just have a year. She also provides all the images for you to color.

[LynnInColorado]

Thanks, but the Kit and Clowder classes look too advanced for me.

[leoniesutherland]

I thought so too but she explains everything step by step. I am no artist, I can only copy LOL - but I have learned a lot from her. And even if I don't color exactly like her, my clothing coloring is 1000 times better. Best of luck on your coloring journey.

[salome000]

This past weekend, I was in Peachtree City, Ga. for the beginner and intermediate copic class, taught by Colleen Schaan (the Education Director) and I have to say this: After taking the Kit and Clowder classes and spending a year and a half watching youtube videos, I could be SO much further along had I taken these classes first!!! Colleen was the BOMB! I learned so much in two days that I'm sitting here in my craft room and looking at the stuff I did before the classes and seeing how different my work already looks and seeing how it will look after practicing all the things I learned. Look...free advice is worth what you pay for it...but I'm telling you the best thing you can do for yourself, IF you're serious about your Copic work and want to improve, is to take these classes. I drove 7 hours and paid for a hotel for 2 days. Worth every penny. You CAN find the money if you're serious! Hey...we can always find cash for copics and stamps! LOL But do yourself the favor...having seen everything there is to see on youtube and the classes I purchased from Kit and Clowder (which are good, but I learned a couple of style tips which made me better...with Kit and Clowder, I only learned ONE way of coloring. And I didn't do well with it. Now, I have several techniques and the difference astonishes even me!!!! I know people talk about how great Marianne is and I don't doubt it a bit! I hope I have a class with her some day. But Colleen was absolutely the BEST!!! TY Colleen and copic! And for the rest of you guys, take the classes!!! I promise you'll be as excited as I am when you walk out!!

[Colleen Schaan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by salome000

This past weekend, I was in Peachtree City, Ga. for the beginner and intermediate copic class, taught by Colleen Schaan (the Education Director) and I have to say this: After taking the Kit and Clowder classes and spending a year and a half watching youtube videos, I could be SO much further along had I taken these classes first!!! Colleen was the BOMB! I learned so much in two days that I'm sitting here in my craft room and looking at the stuff I did before the classes and seeing how different my work already looks and seeing how it will look after practicing all the things I learned. Look...free advice is worth what you pay for it...but I'm telling you the best thing you can do for yourself, IF you're serious about your Copic work and want to improve, is to take these classes. I drove 7 hours and paid for a hotel for 2 days. Worth every penny. You CAN find the money if you're serious! Hey...we can always find cash for copics and stamps! LOL But do yourself the favor...having seen everything there is to see on youtube and the classes I purchased from Kit and Clowder (which are good, but I learned a couple of style tips which made me better...with Kit and Clowder, I only learned ONE way of coloring. And I didn't do well with it. Now, I have several techniques and the difference astonishes even me!!!! I know people talk about how great Marianne is and I don't doubt it a bit! I hope I have a class with her some day. But Colleen was absolutely the BEST!!! TY Colleen and copic! And for the rest of you guys, take the classes!!! I promise you'll be as excited as I am when you walk out!!

Thanks Carmen for the glowing recommendation! I had a BLAST teaching the classes! As I say over and over... take the technique, tweak it, and practice - practice - practice! Can't wait to see more of your coloring! MWAH

[Jan R]

For anyone interested, check out the great online Copic classes run by a lovely Australian girl by the name of Alyce Keegan. The website is called "Kit and Clowder" and the classes are brilliant. They are self paced and all the videos, instructions and practise sheets are able to be downloaded and saved to use offline as well. Once you have paid for a class you can access it forever. You can upload your work for critique and help whenever you choose, although it is not compulsory. There is a great friendly Facebook Group as well that is fun to belong to. The class I started with was Skin and Hair and I was amazed how quickly my coloring improved. I have also now bought the Clothing class. Alyce also does an Animal class as well as several others. With the exchange rate at the moment these classes are very reasonable for the USA, although I was more than happy to pay for the great lessons I am getting. There is also another thread re the classes here started recently that you can check out. Just search "Coloring classes Kit and Clowder" although it was mistakenly spelt Kit and "Clover".

[Mzteaze]

I figured that there may be some newbies like me who are constantly looking for new stuff about Copics.


I found this article on their website and it has some interesting tips about paper and stamping inks that work with Copics.

[it'smefaith]

Has anyone found or made a list of colors that match Stampin' UP! colors??

Thanks,

[majormarilyn2009]

I would also like a chart for matching SU colors and Copics. SU just discontinued their Blendabilities and I have never used Copics. I have looked at some earlier posts, but some are 2+ years old. Any help would be appreciated. TIA.

[Barbara Jay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by majormarilyn2009

I would also like a chart for matching SU colors and Copics. SU just discontinued their Blendabilities and I have never used Copics. I have looked at some earlier posts, but some are 2+ years old. Any help would be appreciated. TIA.

This is the most current SU matching chart I have. I hope I can attach this correctly

[sherry107]

Thanks Barbara Jay!! I just stocked up on SU pads with Sell-a-Bration!! (The sets I had were 10yrs old!) And do have most of the Copic colors-this will be great! What a disappointment that SU discontinued their Blendabilites-they seemed like a great option for beginners-rather than the $$ I have in Copics! But do love my Copics!!

[melroycen]

We all know Copic markers can be expensive, I held off on buying them..until today! Michael's has a coupon for 45% off artist markers. What was $6.99 is only $3.85 thru Saturday. They do have a limited selection though but it's a great savings for those starting out to build their collection.

[lovestamping2]

That is a great price! And if you miss their sale you can choose from over 250 pens on Ebay by a user named Artsinga and he is only charging $4.25 per marker. I have bought hundreds from him and have been very happy with my markers.

[lovetostamp3]

I know people complain about the cost of Copics, but I read threads about other marker purchases and the markers are dry, they feel it's a waste of money, no recourse.

I started purchasing my copics about 8 or 9 years ago, and I still haven't had to reink any yet! Obviously I don't use them on a daily basis, but they are my favorite form of coloring; and I do use other mediums as well. It's been well worth the investment and I would stick with them over other alcohol markers for their performance, but that's just my preference. Sure they take practice, but at my age, everything takes practice anymore!! For some reason, it just doesn't happen as quick or as easy as it did 20 or 30 years ago!! And that's true for any art medium I seem to try, they all have their little learning curve!

[muscrat]

I have spectrum noir and blendabilities but I just don't get the same smooth blending ax the few copics I have so I think I'm investing on copics. Maybe one color family set at a time. Michaels carries them and I can use a coupon. Do they sell them by for families?

[lovetostamp3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by muscrat

I have spectrum noir and blendabilities but I just don't get the same smooth blending ax the few copics I have so I think I'm investing on copics. Maybe one color family set at a time. Michaels carries them and I can use a coupon. Do they sell them by for families?

I've seen the individual markers, but checking online, it looks like they have a few sets of colors. The only two I saw by family colors were a set of grey colors, and a set of skin tone colors. There also was a set of Perfect Primaries and Bold Primaries, which were more a range of colors, rather than within a color family.

carpediemmarkers.com sells them in sets and individually for a pretty good discounted price. you can always check out the colors in each set from copic.com as well. I started off with the Caio rather than Sketch, thinking I wouldn't need anymore, but once I got going, well, I did need more!!!!

Hope this helps, and good luck with your hunt. They are my favorite marker by far!!

[susie718]

What color Copic do you use to ground underneath an image? I have been using C1, but I'm wondering if there is a better option. Thanks!

[Barbara Jay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by susie718

What color Copic do you use to ground underneath an image? I have been using C1, but I'm wondering if there is a better option. Thanks!

When I am coloring an image in the blue/black family or using any color that compliments blue I use BV31 as the grounding shadow color
Barbara

[lovetostamp3]

Quote:

Originally Posted by susie718

What color Copic do you use to ground underneath an image? I have been using C1, but I'm wondering if there is a better option. Thanks!

It depends on what I'm coloring. If I just want to ground it, making a shadow look, I'll use the appropriate gray on the Copic color wheel to go with the main colors of item in my image. I do have all the grays, so that makes it an easy choice to go with cool, neutral, toner, or warm, and usually I'll pick a combo of the 0, 1, maybe 2.

If it's something like one of the TH crazy birds, which I've been coloring a lot lately, then I will use some of the E colors, E30 & E31, or E51 & E53 and possibly some E56. I find I go a lot by what my colored image is saying to me!!! I've also been doing watercoloring with them, so that's another story...........

Good luck and have fun with them. I will say, testing out your colors on scrap paper to see how they look together, has helped me many times with my choices!!!

[susie718]

Thanks to Barbara Jay and lovetostamp3 for your suggestions!

[Scrapjanny]

I know that the best way to store Copics is flat on their sides, but is it OK to store them vertically? Will the ink "settle" to one side? Thanks.

[mschoener]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrapjanny

I know that the best way to store Copics is flat on their sides, but is it OK to store them vertically? Will the ink "settle" to one side? Thanks.

Copic markers are fabulous! You can store them any way you like and they will still work perfectly. No, the ink does not settle.

[Scrapjanny]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mschoener

Copic markers are fabulous! You can store them any way you like and they will still work perfectly. No, the ink does not settle.

That's just what I wanted to hear! Thanks so much for your quick reply.

[RhodaDesignStudio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovetostamp3

I know people complain about the cost of Copics, but I read threads about other marker purchases and the markers are dry, they feel it's a waste of money, no recourse.

I started purchasing my copics about 8 or 9 years ago, and I still haven't had to reink any yet! Obviously I don't use them on a daily basis, but they are my favorite form of coloring; and I do use other mediums as well. It's been well worth the investment and I would stick with them over other alcohol markers for their performance, but that's just my preference. Sure they take practice, but at my age, everything takes practice anymore!! For some reason, it just doesn't happen as quick or as easy as it did 20 or 30 years ago!! And that's true for any art medium I seem to try, they all have their little learning curve!

I agree that they are well worth the cost. And the refill price more than makes up for the original cost. I've had to refill a few colors already (I did some really large art pieces and my daughter uses them too). A refill is around the price of one marker but will refills the color at least 3 times. That's where the value really starts to kick in!

[muscrat]

My LSS is going to order copics for me but I need recommendations for colors. I want to get three colors in each of these families that will belnd well.

Green
Red
Yellow
Orange
Blue

This should be a good start. I have R20, R22, and R24 but would still like a set of brighter reds.

[RhodaDesignStudio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by muscrat

My LSS is going to order copics for me but I need recommendations for colors. I want to get three colors in each of these families that will belnd well.

Green
Red
Yellow
Orange
Blue

This should be a good start. I have R20, R22, and R24 but would still like a set of brighter reds.

Have you looked at the Copic color chart? That's what I used to pick my first few marker families. I would recommend you look for mid-range colors in shades you think you would use the most or that fits your style the best

[muscrat]

I looked at the chart but there's too much to choose from! I thought maybe someone had a list of colors they prefer. I want to be able to shade a red from light to bright red. The same with thosev other colors I listed.