Copic Markers - questions

I have a good size set of Ohuhu also - as does my DD15 (she's super into art). She also has some of the HL ones and is happy with those as well.

I've been using Copics for a few years. I love them. I tried a couple of other brands and (for me) it was hard to get a good blend. There is a new brand called OLO, but I haven't tried those.

If you're wanting to color a specific stamp check out the design team cards for it and see what colors they are using.

Jenn Shurkus has this blog post that is really helpful. Jenn also does free Create With Us classes from Lawn Fawn. She provides really good coloring guides in the pdf instructions.

Sandy Allnock has really good in depth classes on Copic coloring.

I hope this helps. 

ETA: I buy most of my Copics from ScrapbookPal. They're discounted and free shipping at $50.

Just my opinion but I found that I liked using my Crafter's Companion spectrum noir triblends better than Copics. They were more budget friendly and I liked the way they blended.

These are the ones I use below. For each color, they have a light, medium, and dark so they're really good at blending. Also, I'm no artist but I found them perfect for coloring stamped images.

Link:
Spectrum Noir Triblend-Blendable Alcohol Marker Pens-Essential Blends-Set of 24, Multi a.co/d/6ujaug2

All of that. Just adding blick dot com sells them for $5.85. In store you have to buy 6 or more to get that price online there’s no minimum. I’ve used them for years and love them.

If you have no experience with alcohol markers, I'd start with a more cost effective set than a mass buy of Copics. My first markers were ProMarker, ShinHan Touch, Prismacolor Premier and Tria. I eventually went on to buy a full set of Copic Originals. All brands will work fine together, though they usually blend slightly better with their own type.

Copics are the "luxury" model and while I do think they're worth their price, it comes with the caveat of "worth it IF you colour extensively AND really enjoy the medium as your main form of colour." Copic's main advantages are their durability and refillable status, which has become a weaker selling point recently because refills halved in size but remained the same price.

I would try to get ahold of at least one bullet nib and one 'super brush' tipped pen. They are very different to work with and almost everyone has Opinions on which they prefer. Personally I like the bullet tips for most jobs, but I get a lot of my pastels in the super brush because they're better for blending/feathering.

Some points worth knowing:
1. Colorless "Blender" is better thought of as a thinner / ink pusher. If you want to blend, a light marker in the same colour family will do a much better job.
2. Paper matters. Rough, thick, and/or non-coated paper will soak up ink and look duller, often with a blotchy finish. Smooth cardstock works best.
3. Buy in colour families. Three is usually a good starting point. Get a pastel, a mid-tone and a dark.
4. Pale colours are more valuable than intense ones. Layering up a pale colour will darken it (to a point) but intense colours quickly reach their saturation point. Pale colours also work as blenders.
5. You don't need every marker. Many marker colours are almost indistinguishable from each other, especially in yellows, oranges and pinks.
6. Neutrals hit above their weight class. While they might not be the most exciting, browns, greys and other 'non-colours' get used on almost any project. They're a worthwhile purchase. I skip black because Sharpies do the same job for less, and with a lot more line thicknesses available.

Oh yeah, totally forgot about shading. Looks much better than just a flat little guy. 

Memento Tuxedo Black is great for Copics. I use it, LF's Jet Black, HA's Intense Black and MFT Extreme Black. Any ink that is safe for alcohol markers should have it stated on the back label or maybe even on the lid.

You can print digital files on a laser printer (not ink jet) using a good paper like the Neenah or Hammermill mentioned. Just give it a bit to cool down as the ink is heat set and if it's not cool it can smudge. I did this when I was taking Sandy Allnocks class. Her class materials are print and color.

Shading coloured cardstock is a great place to start. Just pick a marker close to your paper colour and have at ye! When in doubt err on the side of lighter. You can always go back with a darker marker or the same one for another pass. The overall effect will lighten as it dries, again, especially with the light colours.

I haven't had any stamping ink problems with my basic Autumn Leaves Onyx black ink. As long as you use a water based ink and let it fully dry, should be good. At least try whatever you have on hand first before buying another black.

Ditto!

I like Lawn Fawn Jet Black for Copic coloring.