Art Markers: What Are They and Which Brands are Best?

If you're an art enthusiast that's never tried art markers, you're in for a treat! Art markers are the best markers to get those bright colors, intricate details, and bold designs just right.

When I first started buying art markers, I was overwhelmed by all the options out there. Finding your favorite art markers can be challenging when you don't know where to start! In this blog post, I'm sharing the different types of markers for artists and how to choose the best art markers for your needs and art style.

Art Markers vs. Regular Markers

Art markers and regular markers might look similar, but they have some big differences. Art markers are designed for serious drawing and coloring, with high-quality alcohol-based or water-based ink. They're easy to blend to get just the right color shades and usually come with refillable ink and replaceable nibs for long-term use.

Regular markers are usually more basic, like Sharpie permanent markers. They're great for everyday tasks like writing or casual sign-making, but don’t have the same smooth blending or professional finish as art markers.

Main Types of Professional Art Markers

Full disclosure: art markers are expensive. Before investing in your first set or even a new set, make sure to understand the different types of markers you can buy. Here's a breakdown:

Alcohol-Based Markers

Alcohol-based ink markers are loved by artists because of their smooth application and really vibrant color. You can blend and layer alcohol-based markers on a variety of surfaces. Copic Sketch Markers are a popular brand of alcohol ink art markers. One down side of these markers is they usually come at an extra cost, but you can buy replaceable nibs and refill the ink which cuts down on future costs.

Water-Based Markers

Water-based markers are really cool because they use ink that behaves like watercolor. You can achieve a softer effect and pretty color gradient washes. They're also good for filling in large areas and are pretty affordable. Tombow Dual Brush Pens are a popular water-based marker brand for both beginners and professionals.

Paint Markers

Paint markers are pretty straightforward. They combine actual paint with a marker pen, so they're great for working on surfaces like fabric, wood, or stone. You can get really bold colors with paint markers and they're popular with manga artists. Some of my favorite paint markers are Uni Posca brand.

Best Art Markers for Different Needs

Now that we’ve covered the types of markers, let’s dive into some artist favorites from well-known brands:

Copic Markers

Copic markers are a popular brand for their high-quality, long-lasting design. These double-ended markers have a brush nib on one side for fine details and a chisel tip on the other for covering large areas. They're refillable, and their nibs can be replaced, which makes them a great investment despite the higher price.

Pros:

Refillable ink
Replaceable nibs
Wide variety of colors
Excellent blending
Dual tip

Cons:

More expensive markers than other brands
Requires practice for best results

Tombow Dual Brush Pens

Tombow Dual Brush Pens are more versatile than other art markers. These brush tip markers have water-based ink with a flexible brush tip for broad strokes and a fine tip for detailed work. These pens are a favorite for coloring books, and lettering. You can also use them to blend like watercolor brushes when used with water.

Pros:

Great for blending
Dual nibs for versatility
Affordable
Can behave like watercolors

Cons:

Not refillable
Ink can fade over time

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens are your go-to for fine details in entire artworks. They have different tip types that help create everything from fine lines to broad strokes. The ink is also lightfast, so your work won't fade over time. These are a favorite among professional artists!

Pros:

Archival, lightfast ink
Various tip sizes
Great for detailed work

Cons:

Limited color variety
Not ideal for blending

Winsor & Newton Promarkers

Winsor & Newton Promarkers are alcohol-based ink markers with brilliant colors and super smooth colors. With both a bullet tip for details and a chisel tip for broader strokes, they're a great choice for different types of projects.

Pros:

Smooth, vibrant color
Dual tips
Good for blending

Cons:

Non-refillable
Limited nib options

Chartpak AD Markers

Chartpak AD Markers have bold, vibrant colors and a chisel tip that’s perfect for large lettering. They're a good choice for artists on a budget who need some good markers without breaking the bank.

Pros:

Affordable
Great for large, bold designs
Durable

Cons:

Limited to a chisel tip
Doesn’t blend as well as other brands

Blick Studio Brush Markers

If you want a Copic style marker without the price tag, Blick Studio Brush Markers are a great choice. They're alcohol-based markers with a flexible brush tip on one end and a chisel tip on the other. The dual tip makes them great for fine details or large areas, and the ink blends well.

Pros:

Affordable
Dual tips
Smooth blending

Cons:

Non-refillable
Limited durability compared to premium brands

Posca Markers

Posca Markers are actually paint pens. Because they use real paint, you can make a bold color payoff on non-traditional surfaces like fabric, wood, metal, or glass. Their water-based paint is opaque, quick-drying, and permanent once dried.

Pros:

Works on multiple surfaces
Opaque and bold colors
Water-resistant once dry

Cons:

Not refillable
Limited blending options

Ohuhu Double Tipped Art Markers

Ohuhu Double Tipped Art Markers are another excellent choice if you want high quality markers without the high price point. These alcohol-based markers come with dual tips and are great for both beginners and more experienced artists, with vibrant colors and smooth blending similar to more expensive brands.

Pros:

Affordable marker and great quality
Dual tips for versatility
Smooth blending and vibrant colors

Cons:

Not refillable
Colors may not match exactly with premium brands

Tips for Choosing the Right Art Markers

Choosing the right tools can make or break your art projects. Here are some things to think about:

Tip Types
Consider if you need fine tips for fine details or brush tips for more flexibility. Markers with dual tips, like Copic markers or Tombow Dual Brush Pens, are more versatile.
Ink Quality
Different brands have different ink quality. Look for alcohol-based markers if you need something that dries quickly and is permanent. For a softer look, water-based ink markers are a great option.
Budget
Professional artist’s markers, like Copic ink markers, come with an extra cost, but they do have features like replaceable nibs and refillable ink, which can save money in the long run. For beginners or hobbyists, affordable options like Tombow brush pens or Uni Posca paint pens are an excellent choice.
Marker Sets
Investing in different sets of markers is a good idea to cover a lot of different needs. Many popular brands offer bundles that include markers for detailed work, large areas, and everything in between.

Best Paper for Art Markers

The type of paper you use will impact your markers' performance. For alcohol-based ink, it’s important to use smooth, non-absorbent marker paper to avoid bleeding. Watercolor paper is best for water-based markers, because it absorbs water without warping. In general, the best paper is usually thick, acid-free, and can handle repeated layering without tearing.

Best Art Supplies for Serious Artists

Once you dive into the world of professional art supplies, markers are just the beginning. Pair your markers with high-quality acrylic paints, watercolour paints, and fountain pens for more versatility in your work. Investing in supplies like clear blenders, design markers, and watercolor markers can also help you expand your creative possibilities.

Where to Find Art Markers

You can find art markers at many different art supply stores. I think the best online art supply store is Amazon, but you can also find them at stores like Blick Art Materials and Michael's Craft Stores. Specialty art stores local to your area may have more choices for more serious artists.

FAQs

How do I store art markers to make them last longer?

Proper storage is key! Keep markers horizontal to distribute ink evenly and avoid drying out one side. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Can you use alcohol-based markers on regular printer paper?

You technically can use them on printer paper but it's not ideal. Alcohol-based markers tend to bleed through thin paper. It’s best to use thicker, non-absorbent paper like marker paper or cardstock for the best results.

What are some of the best art markers?

The best art marker comes down to the type you need. The best brand for a design marker will be different from illustration markers.

Some of the most popular art markers are Copic Markers for refillable blending, Tombow Dual Brush Pens for soft washes, and Ohuhu Double Tipped Art Markers for a budget friendly permanent marker option.

What kind of markers do professionals use?

Professionals often use Copic markers, Winsor & Newton Promarkers, and Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens for their high-quality ink, blending capabilities, and durability.

Which marker is best for drawing?

Posca markers have a great reputation for drawing on mixed media projects. Copic markers are a popular choice for drawing because of their smooth blending, refillable ink, and different colors.

Why are Copic markers so good?

Copic markers are consistently a favorite among artists, and for a good reason. These high-quality markers are known for their ink that blends seamlessly, plus they use replaceable nibs and refillable ink so they are a great long term investment.

Making the Best Choice for Art Markers

No matter your skill level, finding the best art markers comes down to your art style and experimenting with different markers. From Copic Sketch Markers to Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens, there’s a marker for every type of artist. Whether you’re filling in coloring books or creating your own masterpiece, choosing the right markers will make your project stand out.

Have questions about the best art markers? I'd love to help! Comment below or email me at info@artbeatbox.com

More interested in painting? Don’t forget to check out the best acrylic paints for artists!

Art Markers: What Are They and Which Brands are Best?