One of the journals in the worldwide journal swap I participated in was filled with nature inspired illustrations. My entries were of leaves, created with 2 types of markers, Copic Sketch Markers and Tombow Dual Brush Pens. Color blends were used in both images, but the Copic markers produced blends that were more translucent and ethereal in appearance, while the Tombow markers seemed bolder. Part of the difference may be due to the more graphic appearance of the first illustration, or maybe it is because the Tombow markers are water-based and the Copic markers are alcohol-based. Whatever the reason, the Tombow markers seem to produce bolder, sharper looking color.
This illustration was rendered using Tombow Dual Brush Markers. I added water drops to the surface of the paper using a glossy gel medium in small blobs.
The leaves were created using Copic Sketch Markers. The center of the paper was crimped to cover the spiral binding, the left and right sides of the paper was glued to the journal pages. The left side of the leaf in the center was cut out of the watercolor paper so it would pop up when the pages are opened.
Both markers are high quality, professional grade products but you may prefer one over the other depending on your project. The water-based Tombow markers are appropriate for use on paper-based surfaces and can be thinned with water like water colors. The ink is not permanent and will not bleed through your paper’s surface unless you you saturate the paper with too much ink. The permanent, alcohol-based Copic markers can be used on a variety of surfaces including paper, ceramic, glass, fabrics, metal, leather, plastic and more. Unless you are using Copic’s special marker paper, the Copic markers will bleed through most papers, however.
Copic markers are available in a variety of different sets and color combinations in both Ciao and Sketch marker styles in sets of 12, 24, 36 and 72.
Tombow Dual Brush Markers are available in sets of 6, 10 and 96. Primary, secondary, landscape, portrait and other color sets are designed to fit the needs of individual artists.
so lovely
Thank you, Julie!
Wow! I’m often not a big fan of marker illustrations but these are beautiful. I guess the quality of the markers makes a huge difference!
Thanks, Barbara. I am glad you like the illustrations.
The higher quality markers do blend better than the bargain markers and the colors are acid-free and colorfast. The nibs last longer and are more usable. Professional grade markers also tend to have more ink, so they last longer than the cheapies. Overall, the high-quality markers are a better value even though they cost more at the outset. They are also much more fun and easier to use.
Markers are capable of so much more than simple cartoons or manga and have been used by professional artists for a wide range of artwork for decades. If you use Copic markers, you have many more ways to use them since they can be used on glass, ceramic, leather, fabric, metal, plastic and more which is more than I can say for most artist mediums.
Cynthia
I am totally crazy for Tombow brush markers. The wide brush is great for a watercolor effect, and the more pointed end give great control. You really used those rich saturated colors to great effect here. Love the water droplets, too!
Hi Jenni,
Thank you for your kind comment about the illustration. I really appreciate it. I agree with you about the Tombow Dual Brush Pens, they’re great. The brush tip is so flexible and it the tip gives great control. The colors are rich and saturated, just the way a markers should be. I only wish they had more colors to offer!
Cynthia
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