Best Art Supplies for Marker Rendering with Copic, Prismacolor and More
I get asked constantly about the art supplies I use for marker rendering and character illustration. After years of working with alcohol-based markers, colored pencils, and mixed media, here are the tools I rely on daily. These aren't sponsorships, just honest recommendations from a working illustrator who uses them in every piece. In the end you should look to use material that compliment your style and help your workflow become more efficient.
Drawing and colored pencils for marker illustration
Staedtler Non-Photo Blue Pencil
This is my preferred pencil when sketching for marker rendering and illustration. The lead is a light blue so it doesn't show through the final colors as much and won't smear under Copic ink. The only drawback is that the lead is very soft and wastes rather quickly so buy a few pencils if you can. You'll need them if you draw daily.
Prismacolor Premier Pencils
These colored pencils have a soft lead which is good for blending and they come in a good assortment of colors. The color lays down well both under and over Copic ink. I use them for small effects like highlights in hair, clothing, or glow effects over alcohol-based markers. If you work in mixed media illustration, these are a reliable go-to for adding detail on top of marker renders.
Paint Markers for Illustration
Posca Markers
Poscas are paint markers that come in many sizes but a limited range of colors. These markers will practically cover any surface and I use them mostly for small details or intense color highlights like glow effects over Copic ink. They can blend with alcohol-based ink to an extent but just make sure you clean your Copic nibs after.
Pen-touch Markers
This is a very useful white paint marker that I use for lightening local color in my renders. The paint mixes really well with Copic ink to create very dull specular areas around a bright highlight when rendering all kinds of surfaces like skin, cloth, or metal. It blends better than Poscas but is not as bright.
Best alcohol-based markers for illustration
Copic Markers
Copics are versatile alcohol-based markers that come in a great assortment of colors, probably the best assortment of any brand out there. I predominantly use the Copic Sketch because of the brush nibs. These markers are pricey but will practically last forever. Unlike disposable markers, Copic Sketch markers are fully refillable and have replaceable nibs, making them one of the best professional art supplies for illustrators who draw regularly. The ink blends very well and can coat paper like a watercolor or a gouache depending on your style.
Watercolors for marker and mixed media illustration
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors
These watercolors are very vibrant and I use them predominantly to create smoky backgrounds in my illustration work. The pigment is highly saturated so be careful not to load your water brush too much if you are looking to lay down a more muted, less saturated color.
Staedtler Watercolour Pencils
These are one of my favorite tools for getting bright, vibrant colors with the precision of a colored pencil. What makes them stand out is that they are water soluble, so you can activate them with a water brush to create watercolor blending effects similar to the Kuretake Gansai Tambi. I reach for these when I need quick, tight details over ink where a marker would be too broad and a watercolor wash would be too loose.
Best paper for Copic markers and alcohol ink
Strathmore 400 Series 140# Vellum Surface
I use this paper because it is a very thick stock with some tooth to the surface. This paper stands up well to the layering and constant blending I do in my work. It is a little pricier than the 100# version and I would only recommend it if you work with lots of ink and layers as I do. If that isn't your style the 100# will also work well with Copic ink. If you are looking for the best paper for Copic markers or alcohol ink in general, the 400 Series is where I would start.
I hope this helps! 😊
These are the tools that show up in everything I create. If you want to see them in action, take a look at my shop or reach out about a commission. And if you found this useful, check out my post on “Marker art tips for creating tattoo effects’.
