How many markers do I need in my collection?
I continue to get asked “What EXACTLY do I need to have in my marker stash to color images?” “Do I really need all 344 colors (and more as the collection grows)?”
Sorry, Copic fans, there is no clear cut answer for this. But I can share my common sense approach on how to start your collection.
Your collection should start with a base of 36 markers
Why 36? This number allows you to get one blending set in each color family group with a couple to spare for skin and a gray. Here is the list that I would recommend. The colors I have chosen are some of the most common you will see in crafting and Copic tutorials and it is the reason they are in the base set of 36.
- B00, B02, B04 (beautiful sky blues)
- BG11, BG13, BG18 (mint greens) OR BG72, BG75, BG78 (sea greens)
- BV00, BV02, BV04 OR BV11, BV13, BV17 (both fairly similar blue violet series)
- V12, V15, V17 (pretty purples)
- G21, G24, G28 (nice rich greens)
- YG11, YG13, YG17 (grass greens)
- Y11, Y15, Y19 (bright yellows)
- YR04, YR07, YR09 (oranges)
- R22, R24, R29 (the must have set of reds)
- RV63, RV66, RV69 (raspberry pinks–this is a total preference ) OR RV21, RV23, RV25 (if your prefer bubble gum pinks)
- E33, E35, E37 (this is a great starter set of Earth tones or browns)
- E25, E27, E29, E00, E02 (the standard for skin tones–but there are TONS of options)
- N1 (just to have one gray for simple shadows and edging images)
Note: In the starter set above I did not include a Colorless Blender in the set, but I would still consider this to be a must-have, so that is marker number 37.
A few of my favorites
I also have a few favorites beyond these first 36, that that I use FREQUENTLY. Remember: this is a list of my favorites. Every artist–yes that means you–will find a few of their own personal favorites.
- E09 is a color I love to add to red hair and brighten up my browns.
- YR31 is one I love to use under yellows and yellow reds to warm them up.
- B0000 and BV0000 are favorites to fade backgrounds to white and fairy wings of course.
- A few more grays to color black and white objects (one series really is enough for most people)
A look at my personal collection
I currently own about 130 markers. Yikes that is a lot! And I am quite happy with my set. It does all that I want it to do and I know I do not need ALL the colors.
In addition to what’s listed above, here is what else I have in my bag:
- B21, B24, B28 (royal blues)
- B91, B95, B97, B99 (denim blues)
- BG (I have both the teens and the 70’s series)
- BG93, BG96, BG99 (very dark gray blue-green)
- BV (I have both the 0’s and the teens, but really do not need both)
- BV23, BV25, BV29 (this is a great set for shadows!)
- V01, V04, V06, V09 (not a real big fan of this series I like 04 but by itself)
- V91, V93, V95, V99 (a very light grey purple series except for the 99)
- G17 (a bright kelly green)
- YG93, YG95, YG97, YG99 (a great olive series)
- Y23, Y26, Y28 (love this series for blond hair, but do not use the 28)
- Y32, Y35, Y38 (yummy golden yellows)
- YR14, YR15, YR16, YR18 (very similar to the 0’s but slightly warmer) YR30 (a nice partner to YR31)
- R000, R01 (another skin tone)
- R83, R85, R89 (a lovely rich wine series)
- RV (I have others but honestly the ones that come out of my bag are the 60’s)
- E (I have the 20’s and the 30’s and use them both regularly)
- E11, E13, E15 (suntan skin)
- E44, E47, E49 (my newest additions a very nice gray brown group)
- C1,3,5,7,9 (these greys seem to suit me just fine)
I see you counting and it is not adding up is it? I did not list them all. There are a few that I count them in as a part of the whole, but did not list, because I’ve found I simply do not use them.
So there you have it, “Michelle’s Picks”–my personal list of markers. I hope it can help guide you in your choices. And if you have questions as always please ask!
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LOVE the info here Michelle! Great starter kit!
Thanks Colleen! Means a lot coming from you!
I went to michaels with a 40% off coupon today, for all their art markers, (and they now have copics!!!) so I was able to get some at a greatly reduced rate!! I went on tonight specifically to see if I could find what you would recommend so the next time I go I could be prepared, and lo-and-behold, this is what popped up. What a timely blessing. I am so glad you did this post today. Now I can print off another coupon and go get the ones I am missing at 40% off! And it is for your entire purchase, not just one item. Here is the link: http://www.michaels.com/c/IA_US_090411,default,pg.htm
Hopefully it will work in your city. Some places require local coupons. And some only let you use one coupon per day. So check before you pay. But I saved a ton of green this way and got a headstart in the basic 36. They don’t have some of the colors you suggest, but they do have quite a few. Now I just have to see where I can get the others. Anyone know of a store where they sell open stock copics AND they take Michaels coupons???
oops! forgot to say: anyone know of a store other than Michaels that sells open stock copics AND takes Michaels coupons??? Joanns takes competitors coupons, but does not sell them. Does AC Moore? Thanks!
Hi Leslie,
I am so glad this was helpful! I think JoAnn,s carries them on-line but not sure if you can use the coupons there. There are a couple great on-line shops that do reasonable prices as well oozak.com and icopic.com are two good ones. At Oozak make sure to register, prices are cheaper if you do and has no obligation.
Hobby Lobby on-site or their website, but you have to pay shipping and/or handling and there’s always the sales tax. Then I discovered http://www.markerpop.com, and when their Copic Sketch markers are on sale, they are $1.50 less give-or-take a quarter.
Anyway, when I took classes at Nossi College of Art in Nashville, TN… I would walk over and pay Hobby Lobby a visit and buy only Copic Markers, even if they cost $600 to $8.00, they were quality and professional markers!
I’d suggest shopping at Hobby Lobby and/or Michaels on-site before going online and paying for shipping!
I just found your wonderful blog! Trying to pick colours is beyond hard, when online and not IRL!
I’m looking for a Royal purple combo (not too anything but purple), and hardest is to choose a blue combo. While I love the 90′s for denim, I don’t have much denim to colour, rather a fun big frumpy ladies robe, and love to create a navy for shading of the blues… need to be pretty for clothing, go with pinks in R81,83,85!
Stuck between.. B32,34,37,39, or 21, 24, 26, 28 or 91,93,95, 97, 99.
Ordering my first 12 has led to ordering my 36! I need so much help! I can’t wait to colour tho!
Thanks for your inspiration and great info here!
hi blue not sure exactly what you mean by “royal purple, anything but purple” but You might like the Blue Violets better. They have more gray in them in general. Or there is the 60-69 series in the Blues that is actually very indigo/purply to me.
As for blues I think you will be most happy with the 93-99 with what you are describing. They are as close as you can get to navy and are lovely with R81-85. The 20′s are a bright royal blue and although I do not have the 32-39 they look very similar.
Hope that helps!
I am working on my collection and this has come in really handy, since I have signed up for the copic marker classes! Thanks!!
May ask if you can tell me where you got your bag that you keep your markers in? I have been trying to find the best way to store them, but yet keep them handy & organized.
I have been asked about the bag a couple times Melanie so maybe I need to write an article about storage :-) The bag or system in the photo is actually 3 pieces. I have 2 Copic Marker Wallets (Copic brand) that each hold 72 markers. These have flaps that Velcro close over the markers and a carrying strap you can take off if you want. Both marker wallets slide perfectly into a Thirty-one bag called the “All in one organizer” it is 12 x 8 x 6.5 and looks like it was made to carry my two Copic wallets. I love that I can slide the wallets in and tuck the top flaps down into the bag like seen in the photo and just flop the whole thing on it’s side at my desk and then carry it around with the Thirty-one bag’s handles to a crop or even just room to room. Let me know if you have more questions :-)
Great blog post! I’m thinking I’m going to slowly but surely start purchasing Copics. I’ve started using Prismacolors because I could get a set at a reasonable rate with a 50% off coupon but they are limited in the colors they offer. I can always use them in addition to Copics since they are alcohol based and work very similarly. I went on to the Oozak website someone else mentioned here and they have different kinds of Copics. I see the “Original” and the “Sketch” kind that look the most similar. Which ones should I be purchasing and is there a difference in the two? Thanks so much for this great blog post. It’s the best recommendation I’ve seen out there of what opinions are available.
Heather, sorry it took so long to get back to you! I have been away from my normal desk for a weekend :-)
The Prisma Colors are similar but I would not try mixing them together. They are a different ink even though they are both alcohol based.
On the Copics the Sketch and Original are the same ink in the exact same colors the difference is the body of the marker. The original is slightly larger, square body, holds more ink and has a wider range of tips or nibs to work with. The sketch is oval in shape, has 3 nib options and tends to be the crafter’s choice as it is slightly less expensive. The Chio is also less, smaller still with a round body but can roll all over your table and fewer colors. I know several people that use Sketch primarily and add a few chio to their collection to save a few more pennies.
Hope that helps give a shout if you have another question!
I need some advice, I’m an Anime and/or Manga artist and my subjects are many, I do perspective, character design, some still life, Anime-realism portraits, I’m not so good with animals wild or domestic, but the number of Copic marker colors I have end up to be around 100 or so, would it be safe to assume I might need ALL 360+ colors in the Copic Sketch marker family?
Peter,
First off GREAT question!
I am going to say no. Sounds to me like you have a background in art and that being so I would guess somewhere along the line you had a mean teacher who said you only get the primary colors, black, white and brown if it is a good day and you have to mix the rest. (I can say this because that is all I would give my high schoolers :-)) Copics work the same way as many paints in that you can layer them to get a larger variety of colors. I have about 150ish in my set and really do not need them all. It has been fun to collect but I could do more layering and come up with many of the same colors with a much smaller group. That being said you do want a good mix of each color family and range of Earth tones and grays to make that happen. If you have specific questions about colors you are lacking or ones you think you might need please ask I am more than happy to help.
I suppose I’d be content having the Copic Sketch markers premixed in all 360+ colors for me, so that I’d have a sense of prestige and completeness!
I’ve only had one bad art teacher, she only gave us black, white, and the primary colors, but we did not have Copic available in the late 80′s or early 90′s!
As the late 90′s approached, Copic Sketch markers were more widely known and affordable individually, but the 72-color sets prices got unnaturally higher by $100 dollars now. I’ve been collecting Copic Sketch markers in hopes to have every color at my fingertips.
I have a graphic-novel story I’m working on, and I’ll need all the colors premixed and ready for me to use, because premixed color markers are easier to have than use up the one’s I have now, it’s just more convenient and easier for me!
Sincerely,
Peter Simkins
I just found this website and have found invaluable info. Thanks so much. I have just started collecting and really needed this info. Thanks thanks thanks.!
You are more than welcome Mandee if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Hi Michelle, thank you so much for this post, it is really helpful..but…I can’t find these ?YR04, YR07, YR09 (oranges)
or these ?RV63, RV66, RV69 OR RV21, RV23, RV25. Would you recomend similar ones??? Ive tried several shops, where can I find them??
thank you
Esther
I am surprised that you can’t find them BUT here are some options. YR15, YR16, YR18 are a great set.
For the RV you could try RV14, RV17, RV19.
OR if you do not mind ordering on line I would try oozak.com if you register they have the best prices and have almost everything. If they do not have one they will notify you when it comes in. Make sure to register it gives you better prices and there is no commitment.
Hope that helps!
Thanks, it sure helps, I’ll try online.
You can get the RV 63 – 69 in a trio set at Hobby Lobby 40% coupon. Michaels should have the YR colours 40 – 50% coupon
plz , i need your advice ppl , i live in the mid-east and we don’t have any copic markers dealers here , so where exactly do you by them? which country or region i can get it … but need to know from where :D
Sarah, Your best bet is on-line. Even in the states there are many of us that have better luck going on-line for Copic products. I do not know if oozak.com or icopic.com deliver in the mid-east but I would start there, carpediem.com also has a great site. If none of those work googling “where to buy Copic markers” might be your only solution.
Sorry I am not much help!
Michelle
This is a terrific list for getting started! I am a Copic Certified teacher and I’m also asked what my recommended started colors are — I see we have very similar tastes! For those going the NEXT step, I recommend adding the 00, 000 and 0000 in some of your basic colors. I never thought I’d use them, but I use them a LOT! They help you blend without removing color and are great for those fade-out effects — especially the blues, purples, yellows and grays. Great job and thanks for sharing! (BTW– do you find that with all of the colors out there, there are still colors that don’t exist? Like BRICK reds? I find that some colors are so similar that I didn’t need both — but that there are some that just don’t exist. And I have over 200…)
Hi Nancy!
I also use my lighter colors quite a bit.
And yep on the missing colors for brick reds I love E07, E09. Every once ans awhile though I will find a color I love and can pair with other color series or families but that really does not have a series that blends well together. YR31 was a good example of that for a while. It has 30 now to go with it and YR14 and YR24 and YR27 seem to blend with it nicely.
Happy coloring Nancy!
Thank you so much for this info. I have wanted to start collecting copic markers but was overwhelmed when I would look at them. Michael’s has them on sale this week,so I’m heading out with your great list. Thanks!
Raye, I hope you had good luck. Michaels has a limited selection of markers but you can get a start there and a great way to start is with a sale!!!!
wow! thats aloota colours!! :D I need your advice on which set to get… i was overwhelmed on how much colours that copic has.. I am only a beginner since my main focus was pencil sketching.. but i was getting bored of it and now i want colours!! :D … I’m debating on which set to get the A’s or the B’s?? or are those for paper crafts and stuff?? or the colour ones?? i am confuse.. :S which set did u get as a beginner? please help!
Thanks Heapsss!! :D
ps. I’m getting the the set of 36! :)
Mia there is not really a packaged set that has a great starter set. That was why I put this list together. Most people who are beginners are trying to put together 2-3 markers that blend easily together in each of the 12 color families available. So the list you see in this article is the list I put together shopping for individual markers. I know a few people that have gotten GREAT deals on sets and feel like it was worth the investment as a starter group then adding a few more. If you are careful where you shop you can get all the 36 colors I recommended for about the same price as a set usually.
Please ask if I can help more. I’ll be watching for more questions.
Thank you so much for your advice!!! :D
I came upon your webbie this morning and I’m so happy with what I found. I’m new to copics so this was the best advice to help me on my starter kit. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this post!
Lena
Absolutely! I am so glad it was helpful. If you have any Copic questions never hesitate to ask!
Great blog. I love Copic markers and I am always looking for great information.
For anyone interested, I found that I could get Copic Sketch Markers for $4.45 a piece if you go to Dick Blick Art supply. They run discount codes specials up to 20% off. The discounts don’t apply to their sets because they are on ‘special’ but if you buy them separately the discount applies. Buying them individually will give you a savings over the sets of at least $30. The discount code changes so even if the discount is only 10%….wait, it eventually will go up to 15% and if you are really patient it will go up to 20%.
Thanks for the info Sharon! Always good to know where to get a great deal!
Hi there, thank you for posting this! I’m a beginner and this is really helpful ^^
Can I ask something btw? ^^
Is the copic marker set you showed us is the base of the 36 set?
I wanna buy one but I’m not sure what kind of set I should choose. D:
thank you :)
This is not a “set” that you can purchase Michelle. I veer away from the sets because they do not do the blending groups of 2-3 markers they are more random groupings of popular colors. The above listed set are all individually purchased. If you look for sales or are willing to shop on-line you can get the price down to the “set” price even when buying them individually. hope that helps. Give a shout if you have any more questions.
Hi Michelle,
Is it possible to use copic markers on photos? My gut feeling is no, but just wondering from someone who knows :)
Thanks in advance, and big thank you for the list of starters and the great starting out tutorials!
Absolutely! In fact I am as we speak putting an entire class together about what else to do with your markers and inks :-) It will be released in January 2013 over at Creative Passion (creativepassionclasses.com) If you want to play with it now start in corners to see how it will look and make extra copies! Print some in black and white too ;-)
Hi, So glad to see your post on Pinterest. I am a certified teacher and people ask me all the time what to get. I will pin your post. I am from Fairmont Mn and see you are from Iowa. I don’t have many people in my group who have copics. Wonder if you are close enough for a play date!!
Julie
OK I am sure I replied to this post but now I am not seeing it! Julie I am thrilled that this has been useful to you! I would LOVE a play date, you can contact me through my blog if you want. I am at scrapweaver.com
May you check out my work in here using copic markers? I am so hugging you, virtually though. >:D< Thank you so much. Your tutorials meant a lot to me.
http://wisteriatrellis.blogspot.com/2012/11/copic-markers.html
Mary,
I checked your art out and you did wonderfully! i left a note there so make sure to take a peek! and hugs in return, I am a serious hugger!
Already did and I took a peek at your website! All of your copic creations are beyond wonderful! Seriously >:D<
Thank you so much!
I have just gotten addicted to Copic markers and found a great source… eBay!!! I am finding Copics for around $3.00 – $4.00 each! And most that you find are brand new. I am just getting started with them after taking a workshop at the most recent Scrapbook Expo in my city, and I am having so much fun! The info about basic colors and those in your own collection are a great source of information. I’ve also found several great videos on YouTube that are of all skill levels. I love the pens and can’t wait to get good at this blending art!
Glad you are having good luck on e-bay. I have heard mixed reviews shopping for Copic there. They are SO much fun I would agree! Let me know if you have any specific things I can help with.
hi
i live in the UAE, and i am 13 and i dont know where to start in scrapbooking. do u think you can give a head start??
regardz and thanx for the really great trip
and wishing u a belated merry x-mas and an advance happy new year.:D :)
i am sorry imeant tip
my bad
heehee
Vasundhara are you interested in Copic Marker coloring? Or scrapbooking? I just want to make sure you get directed in the right direction! Either way I can help!
hi
i am interested in scrapbooking and i am new to it
thanx for replying and helpin me out
regardz
vasundhara
happy scrappin
Vasundhara, I would make sure to try Debbies free classes. She has one right now called From Photos to Scrapbook Page in 5 Easy Steps. Debbie is amazing and you will learn a ton. Better yet the lessons will come to you on line! Check it out on th ehome page!
hi
i am interested in scrapbooking and i am new to it.
thanx for replying and helpin me out
regardz
vasundhara
happy scrappin
Thanks for all your information. I have the 36 markers you suggested for beginners. I have the Memento ink pad to use. I need advise on what paper that is best. I have noticed that there is a lot of bleed through with the card stock I am testing-I don’t want to use up all my ink so soon. I am near stores Achievers, Joanns, and Michaels and was hoping that I would not have to order online, but will if need be. Thank you for your help.
hi
i was came across some videos and thought this might help.
use neenah stamping paper from simon says stamp.
hope that helps.
regrdz
vasundhara
happy sketching
If you have those you could try Bazzill’s smoothies it is just their really smooth white cardstock. My personal favorite I can only get on-line right now but it is X-Press It Blending Card. It is pricier but I heart it! hope that helps :-)
I just started my Copic collection and this list has been so helpful. Thanks! I purchased a lot of the colours you recommended and they blend so nicely. I basically followed the groupings you gave almost exactly.
For those looking for Canadian sources, Pendeavours has free shipping and a great selection. artsuppliesdirect dot ca also has free shipping.
Yeah! So glad it has been helpful and THANKS for the info for Canadian shoppers! Always great to share shopping information!
Thank you for your suggestion.
I really like to draw and would like to to improve my colouring abilities using copic markers.
Any recommendation for purchasing copic markers to Singapore?