Design Markers
Copic Classic, Copic Sketch, Copic Wide Markers
PRO Markers - Alcohol Based
Copic Brand Markers
My go to marker brand is Copic marker. They are expensive, yes, however, they are also THE BEST, in my opinion. Why? Well, the markers are modular - you can purchase different tips for the markers. So If I want a bullet, brush or classic tip, I can buy those. You can also modify blank chisel tips to get a custom stroke. They also work with accessories produced by Copic like this Airbrushing kit.
Types of Copic Markers
Copic markers come in 3 varieties - Sketch, Classic and Ciao (and wide). I haven’t had much if any experience with the Ciao, but the sketch and Classic are solid Choices. Let’s talk about the classic and sketch. On the classic you will find a nice chisel tip and bullet tip on either end of the marker.
The chisel tip works well for blending or filling in areas and is really crisp. Again, the nice thing with Copic markers is that if you want to customize your setup, there are other tips available, like a bullet tip that is more rounded. There’s also the fine bullet tip that comes standard with the marker, but after time and use, you may want to consider refreshing and replacing the tip.
Premium markers - Alcohol Based
The Copic sketch marker is similar to the Classic, but the barrel is ovular in shape. I think this keeps it from rolling off an angled table. The Copic sketch marker has a brush tip instead of the bullet tip which I think is what gives it the name “sketch”. It’s handy if you like to use your markers is a less controlled way and lean more artistic or illustrative in your style. I do keep a few on hand for variety.
Copic Markers Are refillable!
Copic markers are also refillable. you can purchase a single marker anywhere from 5-8 USD depending on the sale you find, but then purchase refill ink that will extend the life of your marker tremendously. I’m not sure how many refills you EXACTLY get, but I’ve had a few markers for years now with moderate use and not had to purchase additional refill ink as of yet. Word on the street is you can get about 11 refills from a single vial.
Other Refillable Markers
Shinhan touch and Spectrum noir markers are another couple brands that are refillable, however I have no experience, personally, with these brands.
Beginner Markers - Alcohol Based
Prismacolor Marker
Prismacolor markers are a staple among many industrial designers and illustrators. They’ve been around for decades and are a solid choice for anyone starting out, but they don’t offer as much flexibility as the copic system and colors are somewhat limited in comparison. However, if you’re looking for a marker with a chisel tip and a bullet tip that won’t eat ALL your money, consider using prismacolors.
Shinhan Touch
I haven’t tried these yet, but I’ve heard that they are a decent alternative to both Copic and Prismacolor (for you international fans). Shinhan touch
Alternative Cheaper Brands
The marker game has changed. Long ago when I started guides like this there weren’t nearly as many options for people looking for alternate good markers.
BIANYO markers
These are a recent discovery for me. Bianyo markers (and marker paper) are a Chinese label brand of marker that seems to be mimicking copic markers above any other brand. The colors are vibrant and varied. You can find them for as little as 40-50 CENTS per marker in sets of 12, 24, 36, 72 on amazon.
For more in-depth information, check out this video review on the YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/z3o6PX0ODSw
OHUHU markers are another recent discovery for me. So far, I can say these are my top top top recommendations for cheap markers if you’re looking for a daily driver (aka something you aren’t too invested in but provides great performance) You can usually find them for anywhere from 55-90 CENTS per marker in sets of 12, 24, 36, 72 or 120 on amazon, or other retailers. Some colors are limited and you can’t refill these as far as I know, but i’m SUPER HAPPY, so far.
For more in-depth information, check out this video review on the YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/QKGh0egb4-M
Chartpak Ad markers are a long long longtime favorite marker of many illustrators and landscape designers, as well as industrial designers. They have a lightfast vibrant permanent ink and feature one nib rather than a double nib design.