Markers Review for Artists

Table of contents:

• -Intro & Info-
• Alcohol-based markers:
• W&N Promarker Brush
• W&N Promarker
• ShinHan TOUCH
• .Too Copic
• W&N Pigment Marker
• Spectrum Noir Illustrator
• Water-based markers:
• Kuretake Zig Real Brush
• Sakura Koi
• W&N Promarker Watercolour
• Faber-Castell PITT
• Kuretake Zig Clean Color f
• Acrylic-based markers:
• Liquitex Paint Marker
• Uni POSCA
• -Test, Storage & more-
• Highlighters:
• Pens for Highlighting

Below is a review for artist-grade maker pens types & brands. They can be used for drawing comics, cartoon characters, manga, product design, concept art and much more. They are also great for painting coloring pages.

Disclosure: some links in this article are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Most markers are designed for drawing on non-absorbent paper.

Many markers have a high level of transparency, so they are quite light. Adding more layers of the same color will make it more opaque and therefore darker.

Different nib types are suitable for different tasks. Which to use, is a matter of personal preference and the type of task.

When in need of straight lines, a chisel tip is perfect:

For filling areas (coloring), a brush nib creates a smoother surface:

A bullet nib is suitable for drawing or creating fine details, while a real brush is great for mixing colors or combined with water (for water-based markers).

Marker caps can be very helpful.

Some brands have the number and color of the marker written on the top part of the cap.

Many markers come with two different heads.

Some brands have two different cap structure, while other have a dark mark to indicate a specific head (for example brush).

Few marker brands have a body that does not roll on the drawing surface (like Copic Sketch, Spectrum Noir and Touch).

For round markers, there is either a small cap brake to prevent rolling:

Or a clip:

You can use markers for almost any drawing or painting style.

I use them for drawing cartoon characters for my daughter.

Here is my guide on how to draw accurately from photos (and draw your favorite comics).

For my tutorial on how to draw treasure maps.

And, as one of my (realistic) render styles, when drawing concept art and product design.

More on that, you can find in my guide on how to draw from imagination.

Alcohol-based markers are usually of higher quality.

Winsor & Newton Promarker Brush (formerly known as Brushmarker) are alcohol-based markers.

They are great for painting, and they blend with other brands of alcohol-based markers.

Color range: 72.

Nibs: One flexible brush nib and one broad chisel.

Note: Carefully close the cap in order to avoid damaging the brush nib.

Pros:

• Each marker is wrapped in a colored sticker that allows quick identification of the hue.
• Affordable price and very good performance.
• Smooth texture.

Cons:

• A limited number of colors.
• A cylindrical structure that causes rolling of the marker pen on the work surface.

Conclusion:

• I love these markers. They are fun to use and work well with other alcohol-based markers.

See on Amazon

Winsor & Newton Promarker are alcohol-based markers.

Color range: 173.

Nibs: Twin-tipped, with a broad chisel nib and fine bullet nib.

Due to their bullet nib, they are great for drawing. The chisel nib can be used to fill large areas.

Pros:

• A sharp, stiff head that is a suitable for drawing.
• There is an ultra-thin nib that can be purchased, unique to Promarker, which is great for precise details, a bit like a technical pen.

Cons:

• A cylindrical structure that causes rolling of the marker pen on the work surface.

Conclusion:

• I prefer a brush tip, but these are quality, affordable markers, with a hard tip for accuracy.

TOUCH Twin brush markers are excellent alcohol-based markers.

Color range: 204.

Nibs: Fine brush nib on one end and a medium-wide chisel nib on the other.

Pros:

• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired color.
• These paint markers come in a wide variety of colors.
• Beautiful, comfortable and rectangular design that prevents the marker from rolling on the work surface.
• Refillable ink and replaceable nibs (4 nib types).

Cons:

• Not as lightfast as some other brands (more on that later).

Conclusion:

• High-grade markers with comfortable structure. An affordable substitute to Copic markers, though not as lightfast.

Copic markers are professional, alcohol-based markers. They are highly regarded by many artists.

Color range: 358!

Nibs: Medium broad and flexible brush nib combination.

All types of Copic markers can be refilled.

Replaceable nibs.

Keep in mind: Opening of the cap should be gentle. Otherwise, the paint may squirt.

Copic sketch is the most popular among Copic markers and it comes in the widest range of colors (358):

Copic Ciao is the most economical of all Copic markers. They deliver the same quality but at a more attractive price.

They come in 180 colors.

On the Copic Ciao, there is no caption on the cap and its cylindrical structure causes it to roll on the work surface:

Using the broad nib for painting:

A third model, Copic Classic has a hard pointed (bullet) nib.

Copic Classic comes in 214 shades.

It has a massive square structure that prevents it from rolling on the work surface, but is less comfortable to use.

Pros:

• Copic Sketch has the largest number of shades, 358.
• They have an ovular, comfortable structure that prevents them from rolling on the work surface.
• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired color.
• All Copic marker pens are refillable.
• Copic nibs are of the highest quality and are replaceable.

Cons:

• Copic markers are quite expensive. However, when using the refill bottles, they are worth the investment.

Conclusion:

• These are my absolute favorite markers!

See on Amazon

Winsor & Newton Pigment Marker are alcohol-based (ethanol) markers with quality ink that is made of quality pigments.

Color range: 100.

Nibs: One side bullet nib, other side flat nib (chisel).

There are two types of blender: a transparent blender, as in other brands, and a unique white blender.

Pros:

• Pigment Marker is made of the highest quality pigments and therefore very durable: 100 years in gallery lighting according to Winsor & Newton.
• A white blender, unique to Pigment Marker, from titanium white pigments, that allows for the creation of new shades and brightness values.

Cons:

• These markers are ergonomic and easy to use, but the cylindrical structure does not prevent rolling on the work surface.
• Caps can damage the tips if not careful.

Conclusion:

• Quality markers for specific tasks.

Spectrum Noir Illustrator are alcohol-based markers for drawing and painting.

Color range: 216.

Nibs: One brush and one fine bullet nib.

Pros:

• Large range of colors.
• According to Spectrum Noir, these markers are non-toxic and safe to use.
• Refillable.
• Ergonomic barrel design that is fun to use, plus they will not roll on the work surface.

Cons:

• Caption on the top part of the cap to quickly find the desired color. On the other hand, the color name and number is not written on the barrel.

Conclusion:

• Fun to work with and a nice range of colors.

Water-based markers are less suitable for painting on a regular sketching and drawing paper sheet.

They work best on non-absorbent paper.

Zig Clean Color Real Brush are water-based markers and can be used together with water and a brush like painting with watercolors.

Color range: 90.

Nibs: One real brush from synthetic bristles.

Pros:

• Relatively cheap price, yet high quality performance.
• The synthetic bristles, allows for the coloring of especially narrow areas, but also large areas, depending on the degree of pressure applied.

Cons:

• Small caption makes it difficult to find the desired marker.

Conclusion:

• My favorite water-based markers.

See on Amazon

Koi Coloring Brush Pen are water-based markers.

Color range: 48.

Nibs: One brush nib.

Pros:

• Koi marker cap is equipped with a clip, which stops the marker from rolling on the work surface.
• They are fun to work with on paper designed for water-based markers.

Cons:

• A limited number of colors.

Conclusion:

• Affordable markers for the art hobbyist.

See on Amazon

Winsor & Newton Promarker Watercolour are water-based markers that can be used for drawing and painting.

Color range: 36.

Nibs: Two nibs, one brush and one bullet.

Pros:

• Two quality nibs for drawing and painting.

Cons:

• A limited number of shades.
• A cylindrical structure that causes rolling of the marker pen on the work surface.

Conclusion:

• Although limited in color range, I love working with these markers. Super fun brush.

See on Amazon

Faber-Castell PITT artist pen are water-based markers.

Color range: 60 including 11 gray shades that are equipped with a soft brush.

Nibs: One brush nib.

Markers with durable ink that contain pigments and can be purchased individually or as part of a set.

In addition, PITT artist pen are available with a big brush for quick coloring of large areas.

These marker pens come as individuals or as part of a set.

The black PITT artist pen big brush marker is great for silhouettes. (The small details are drawn with a fineliner).

White markers are great for highlights.

Pros:

• The PITT marker cap prevents the marker from rolling on the work surface.
• In the Faber-Castell PITT Series, there are also technical pens, big brush markers and calligraphy marker pens.

Cons:

• A limited number of shades.

Good to know:

If you like drawing trees, make sure you visit my guide for drawing realistic trees with pens.

Zig Clean Color f (dual tip) are water-based dye pens with bullet nibs.

Color range: 56.

Nibs: extra fine (0.5mm) and large (1.2mm) tips.

Unlike other markers, which are intended for painting and coloring, Zig clean color f is suitable for drawing, sketching, cartooning and illustration work.

Pros:

• Great for illustrations and drawing fine details.
• Comfortable round shape with easy to open caps. On the other hand, it will roll on the work surface.

Cons:

• A limited number of shades.

Operating Instructions:

• Shake the marker slightly before use.
• Then press the marker head on the painting surface several times until the color begins to flow towards the top of the marker.
• Wait a bit and let the color spread over the marker nib and then start painting.

Liquitex Paint Marker are made from acrylic, water-based ink, which is lightfast due to the pigments it is made from.

Color range: 50.

Nibs: Flat, stiff nib.

The Liquitex markers come in two sizes: 2mm by 4mm and 8mm by 15mm.

Pros:

• The wide nib, 15mm, is suitable for filling a large area.
• Due to the durability of the pigments, they can be used to paint external murals.
• Can be used for drawing a base layer for acrylic paints or oil paints.

Cons:

• Less suitable for filling out coloring pages or drawing small and accurate details.
• These paint markers are intended for covering and not blending.

Uni POSCA are opaque, water-based markers.

Color range: 55.

Nibs: Bullet, they come in many sizes.

Pros:

• These markers can paint on metal, plastic, wood, fabric, glass, ceramic, paper and canvas.
• POSCA markers come in 8 sizes and 5 shapes.
• Small nib sizes are great for details.

Cons:

• These paint markers are intended for covering and not blending.

My favorite covering marker pens are Uni POSCA: See on Amazon

Lightfastness is the durability of paint (pigment or dye) to resist fading when exposed to light.

All marker pens in this review are of high quality and by well-known brands. I had no issue with any of them when it comes to fading, as long as they are kept away from direct sunlight.

Direct Sunlight Test:

Paints from most markers in this article were exposed to direct sunlight for 10 days.

The results:

Conclusion:

The marker pens that did not fade from direct sunlight are POSCA, W&N Pigment Marker, Faber-Castell PITT, W&N Watercolour & Liquitex.

It is a good practice to hang drawings and paintings away from direct sunlight. If they are not displayed, they should be kept in a drawer, cupboard or any storage that protects them from light and moisture.

Example:

Here is my Smurf drawing after exposure to direct sunlight, for more than a year.

Some colors are completely gone, while others are highly desaturated.

Most marker brands provide a blender marker that is actually a marker with colorless liquid for mixing colors.

A liquid layer for blending can be applied before or after coloring with markers.

In addition:

• Blender markers can be used to create unique textures.
• They can be used for making lighter shades.
• In the case of paint that goes out of the outline, a blender marker can partially erase the paint by pushing it back inside the contour.

When drawing comics, the outlines are made using a technical pen (also called fineliner).

To find out which are the best pens to use with markers, check out my review on drawing pens for artists.

As noted above, painting with markers is done on suitable paper that is smooth, does not absorb paint, and allows for smooth mixing between shades.

Most marker brands provide paper sheets suitable for the same brand, but can be used with other marker brands.

Thin sheets of paper are convenient for training and testing different combinations of colors, and their price is low.

For paintings intended for sale or display, it is recommended to use thick sheets of paper that do not bend easily.

Paper sheets for pencil drawing and sketching can also be used, especially with alcohol-based markers.

Marker pens can be stored in plastic bags or plastic boxes that can be left slightly open for ventilation.

There are designated cases for markers, but they are less effective for a large amount of markers.

Markers can be stored as color groups in order to quickly find the desired marker.

I store my markers in a horizontal position.

A highlighter is a marker designed to mark text so that the area around the text is highlighted and the text is still easy to read.

Therefore, highlighters come in bright neon colors, with high transparency.

Yellow color is the most common for highlighting.

Below is a review for recommended highlighter markers:

Introduced in 1971, the STABILO BOSS highlighters are water-based. They come in 9 fluorescent colors and 6 pastel colors.

• Flat body that will not roll on the work surface.
• Refillable.
• STABILO BOSS Original highlighters can be left with its cap off for up to 4 hours without drying out.

See on Amazon

Faber-Castell highlighters come in a classic, rectangular shape or ergonomic shape with small bumps for a better grip.

Faber-Castell's highlighters are water-based.

• Flat body that will not roll on the work surface.
• Highlighter Grip (1543) comes in 4 colors.
• Highlighter Textliner superfluorescent (1546) comes in 7 colors plus 6 pastel colors.
• Highlighter Textliner (1548) comes in 6 colors.

See on Amazon

The Staedtler Textsurfer highlighters come in 8 colors.

• Flat body that will not roll on the work surface.
• Twist cap for easy opening.
• Refillable.
• Large body for extra ink reservoir.
• Pigment ink.

See on Amazon

Children love to draw and paint from an early age.

For adults, highlighters are for highlighting text. For children, these are cool, shiny markers for painting.

Alcohol-based markers:

Different brands of alcohol-based markers can be used together.

Alcohol-based markers are usually higher in quality and price and are better for drawing comic books and manga.

Copic Sketch markers offer the widest range of shades, superior replaceable nibs, and they are refillable. They are expensive, but, in the long run, when using the refills, it pays off.

Water-based markers:

Water-based markers are less suitable for regular paper sheets.

Most water-based markers can be used together with a paintbrush and water.

Compared to alcohol-based markers, Water-based markers are relatively cheap.

Zig marker pens offer a nice variety of colors.

Other:

There are simple markers at lower prices and non-toxic markers for children.

Additional resources you might like:

My recommended YouTube drawing and painting channels.

*The marker pens review is based upon my personal experience. All marker pens in this guide are owned and tested by me, and all drawings were made by me.