I’m always looking for new ways to create art. A turning point in my artmaking happened when I discovered markers. I was mostly used to sketching and drawing with pencils and fine liners, but once I picked up an art marker, I knew this was an amazing tool that would elevate my work and enhance my style.
Now I want to spread the news about how wonderful it is to use markers. I’ve gathered some information to explain why I think they’re so special. I will say that my favorites are the Arteza EverBlend-Set of 120 because I get every shade under the sun, plus they all come in an easy-to-carry case, so I can take them to the studio, to classes, or any other places I happen to be going to draw. The colours are especially bold and each pen has a fine point on one end and a chisel tip on the other. If you’ve never drawn with a marker before, these are the ones to start with.
The first markers used a wool tip and ink combined with toxic solvents like xylene or tuluol. They were primarily used for labeling and illustrating signs or posters. Solvent markers are still around but they are noxious to use and I sometimes get a headache when I draw with them. Around 1993, manufacturers exchanged those smelly solvents with alcohol to produce markers that are safe while creating incredibly vibrant results. Today, alcohol-based markers are my tool of choice and that of graphic designers, manga artists, illustrators, and fine artists around the world.
I especially like EverBlend’s sturdy plastic barrel which is triangular shaped for a really comfortable grip. They have tips in two different sizes made of fine fibers on either end. One is a 0.11” fine tip for detailing and sketching, the other end is a 0.24” chisel tip for colouring in large areas. I also love that both tips are replaceable.
A marker is one of the easiest tools to use and there is not much to do to start drawing with them. Just grab a sheet of thick-grade paper and one of these pens and simply start sketching. As pressure is applied, the ink flows smoothly onto the page. The more pressure applied, the more ink and darker the mark. Since alcohol evaporates fast, a drawing dries in seconds.
Illustrators have been using markers for years to create cartoons, fashion designs, architectural renderings, graphic novels, and more. Their fluid nature allows all sorts of techniques for enhancing my artwork or making realistic 3-D drawings. They work well for hatching, blending, or filling in large areas. I draw all my favorite subjects including portraits, landscapes, and still life drawings with them.
When choosing paper to use with alcohol-based markers, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. One is the paper’s weight. The best weight to use is anything above 90lb (243 gsm). This paper is thicker paper, which allows me to rub for blending or lifting without the paper tearing or getting grainy.
I also consider the paper’s texture, as a smoother surface lets the ink glide onto each page, without feathering or puddling. Smooth surfaces also seem to highlight the brilliance of a hue better than rougher ones.
The best way to see how a marker will look on paper is to make a swatch with each colour in the set. It does take some time, but it’s well worth it, I promise. I either draw a grid and start colouring in the boxes with each hue or I apply strokes in equal lengths to create square swatches. Once I have these paint swatches made, I’m able to see all the hues at a glance and know instantly which one to use. I keep my swatch chart above my drawing table.
The tip of the marker is referred to as the nib. As I mentioned earlier, EverBlends have two sized nibs. Here’s why:
The fluid nature of these pens makes them well suited for blending. Just mix and blend the colours on the page as long as the ink stays wet, which means I have to work quickly if I want to get the effect right. I start with broad strokes in one shade and then gradually build it up by adding additional layers until I get the shade I want. It’s fun to play around with all the effects I can get this way, such as one- and two-tone gradients, new hues, and deep shadowing.
This blog shows you just how well they blend, I recommend giving it a read.
Now that I’ve given a little insight into the magical world of using alcohol markers, I hope you’ll give them a try. There’s no limit to the number of colours there are and the ways to use them. Don’t worry if you’re a first-timer; be bold, have fun—creating art is the most important thing! Tell me how you’re doing with your marker art in the comments below, I’d love to hear!
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