If you love drawing, coloring, or designing, alcohol markers can take your work to the next level. These markers are different from regular water-based markers because they use alcohol-based ink, which dries fast, blends smoothly, and gives professional-looking results.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
Whether you're an artist, illustrator, or hobbyist, alcohol markers can help you create vibrant, streak-free artwork. But with so many brands out there, it can be tough to decide which ones to buy. Some markers are affordable and great for beginners, while others are high-end and used by professionals.
In this guide, we'll break down the best alcohol marker brands, what to look for when buying, and how to get the most out of them. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which markers fit your needs and budget.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying Alcohol Markers
1. Copic Alcohol Markers
2. Prismacolor Alcohol Markers
3. Ohuhu Alcohol Markers
4. Syloon Alcohol Markers
5. Winsor & Newton Alcohol Markers
6. Tombow Alcohol Markers
7. Altenew Alcohol Markers
8. KINGART Alcohol Markers
9. Arrtx Alcohol Markers
10. Mont Marte Alcohol Markers
11. Arteza Alcohol Markers
12. Grabie Alcohol Markers
FAQ
Before picking a set of alcohol markers, there are a few things to think about. Some markers are made for professional artists, while others are better for beginners or casual use. The right choice depends on your budget, what you’ll use them for, and how long you want them to last.
Alcohol markers come in a wide price range. High-end brands like Copic cost more, but they last longer because they are refillable. On the other hand, budget-friendly brands like Ohuhu or Arrtx offer great quality at a lower price, though they are not refillable.
If you’re serious about using alcohol markers, look for a set with at least 70 colors. This gives you enough shades to blend smoothly and create depth in your drawings. Some brands, like Copic, offer 358 colors, while others, like Ohuhu, have up to 320 colors.
The tip of the marker affects how it feels to draw with and how well it blends. There are three common types:
● Brush Nib – Soft and flexible, great for blending and smooth strokes.
● Chisel Nib – Good for covering large areas and making thick or thin lines.
● Fine Bullet Nib – Stiffer and better for small details.
If blending is important to you, brush nib markers are the best option.
Some brands, like Copic and Prismacolor, allow you to refill ink and replace nibs, making them last for years. Cheaper markers usually don’t have this option, so once they dry out, you’ll need to buy a new set.
Buying markers individually (open stock) is helpful if you run out of a specific color. Copic and Prismacolor sell single markers, while budget brands usually only come in sets.
If you're just starting out, an affordable brand like Ohuhu or Arrtx is a good choice. If you're looking for professional quality, Copic or Prismacolor might be worth the investment.
Copic is a big name in the art world, and it’s been around since . It started in Japan, created by a company called Too Group, and now it’s used by artists all over the globe. People love Copic because it’s super reliable—think bright colors that last a long time and markers that you can refill instead of tossing out. Whether you’re drawing comics, designing clothes, or just doodling for fun, Copic has a reputation for being a go-to choice.
Copic offers a few different types of markers, so you can pick what works best for you. Here’s the scoop on their main ones:
Copic Sketch
These are the most popular Copic markers out there. They come in 358 colors—yep, you read that right! Each marker has two tips: a soft, brush-like one for blending and a wider one for filling in big spaces. You can refill them with ink and even swap out the tips if they wear out. They’re great for pros like illustrators or designers, but anyone can use them to make cool art.
Copic Ciao
This one’s perfect if you’re just starting out or don’t want to spend too much. It’s got 180 colors, which is still a ton to play with. Like the Sketch, it has a brush tip and a broad tip, and you can refill it too. It’s a little simpler and cheaper, so it’s awesome for students or beginners who want good quality without breaking the bank.
Copic Classic
This is the original Copic marker from way back in . It’s got a square shape and comes in 214 colors. Instead of a brush tip, it has a fine point for details and a broad tip for bigger areas. It’s refillable and built to last, making it a solid pick for detailed work like architecture sketches or fashion designs.
Copic Ink
Not a marker, but super important! This is the refill ink you use to keep your markers going. It comes in all 358 colors, so you can match it to your Sketch, Ciao, or Classic markers. You can even mix it to make your own shades, which is pretty cool if you like experimenting.
These markers dry fast, blend smoothly, and don’t fade easily. Plus, with so many colors and the option to refill, you’re not stuck buying new ones all the time. They’re a bit pricey upfront, but they last forever if you take care of them—perfect for anyone serious about art.
Prismacolor has been around for a long time, making art supplies that people really trust. They’re known for bright, bold colors and tools that help you draw or color whatever you can imagine. Based in the U.S., they’ve built a name for themselves with artists, students, and anyone who loves creating. Their alcohol markers are a big deal because they’re easy to use and give your artwork a smooth, professional look.
Prismacolor has a few different marker options, all with alcohol-based ink that dries fast and blends well. Here’s what they offer:
Prismacolor Premier Double-Ended Art Markers
These are the stars of the show! They come with two tips: a fine point for small details and a chisel tip for coloring bigger areas. You can get them in sets—like 12, 24, 48, or even 72 colors. The ink is super bright and flows nicely, so your drawings don’t look streaky. They’re not refillable, but they last a while if you cap them tight after using.
Prismacolor Technique Double-Ended Art Markers
This set is smaller—10 colors—and made for beginners or people who want to learn. It’s still got the fine and chisel tips, and the colors are picked to help you practice drawing stuff like animals or nature. It’s a fun way to start if you’re new to markers.
Important Note
Some older Prismacolor markers, like the Brush & Fine ones, aren’t made anymore. You might still find them in stores, but they’re running out. The Premier Double-Ended ones are the main focus now, so those are easier to get.
These markers are awesome because the colors pop and mix together smoothly. The double tips make them handy—you can switch from tiny lines to big patches without grabbing another tool. They’re not as pricey as some fancy brands (like Copic), but they still feel high-quality. Just be careful—they can bleed through thin paper, so use thicker stuff if you can.
Ohuhu is a company that’s all about helping everyone draw, no matter your skill level. They started with a mission to make art supplies that are good quality but don’t cost a fortune. Based on their site, they focus on bright colors and tools that spark creativity—perfect for artists, students, or anyone who loves coloring. Ohuhu listens to its fans and keeps adding new stuff, like more colors and cool designs, to keep things fresh.
Ohuhu has a bunch of alcohol marker sets, all with fast-drying ink that blends nicely. Here are some of their top ones:
Honolulu Series
This is their bestseller! You can get sets with 24, 48, 104, 120, or even 320 colors—tons of choices! Each marker has a brush tip for smooth strokes and a chisel tip for filling in big areas. They come with a colorless blender to mix colors, and the ink flows great without smudging. These are awesome for coloring books, sketches, or big art projects.
Oahu Series
Another cool option with sets like 40 or 60 colors. These have a fine tip for tiny details and a chisel tip for broader strokes. They’re refillable, so you can keep using them, and the colors are super bright. This one’s great if you want something a little different from the Honolulu vibe.
Kaala Series
This set’s got a brush tip and a slim broad tip, with up to 60 colors. It’s refillable too, and the ink dries fast, so your art stays clean. It’s a good pick for beginners or anyone who likes a mix of detailed and bold lines.
Molokai Series
A smaller set with strong, vivid colors—think 24 or 36 shades. It’s got a brush tip and a chisel tip, perfect for quick drawings or adding pops of color. This one’s easy to grab if you’re just starting out.
Refill Ink
Not a marker, but a game-changer! Ohuhu sells refill ink in 51 colors (and more coming), so you can top off your markers instead of buying new ones. It works with most of their sets, like Honolulu or Kaala, and keeps your art going strong.
Ohuhu markers are a steal—they give you tons of colors for way less money than some big-name brands. The double tips make them fun to use, and they blend smoothly without leaving messy spots. They’re not as fancy as some pro markers, but they’re perfect for students or anyone who wants to try alcohol markers without spending a lot.
Syloon, founded in in China, is a go-to name for stationery that combines style and function. With over 20 years of experience, they’ve grown into a trusted supplier, producing pens, notebooks, and markers in a massive 300,000-square-foot factory. For businesses, Syloon stands out because they offer bulk options and custom designs at budget-friendly prices. They ship worldwide, making them a solid partner for companies wanting to add trendy, quality markers to their inventory without breaking the bank.
Syloon’s marker lineup is slim on details online, but their double-ended alcohol markers are the highlight for B2B buyers. Here’s what they bring to the table:
Double-Ended Marker Set (108 Colors)
This set offers 108 vibrant colors, perfect for retailers targeting artists, students, or hobbyists. Each marker has two tips: a 1mm round tip for fine lines and a 4mm chisel tip for broader strokes. The alcohol-based ink dries fast and blends smoothly, which customers love for drawing, coloring, or design work. The markers come in simple white plastic barrels—nothing fancy, but sturdy and practical for bulk sales. They’re not refillable, but at this price point, they’re built for one-time use and high turnover.
For wholesalers or distributors, Syloon’s markers are a win. They’re cheap to stock, with 80 colors giving plenty of variety to attract buyers—think art stores, school suppliers, or even craft kit makers. The dual tips add value, letting users switch between detailed work and big fills, which appeals to a wide crowd. Quality-wise, they hold their own for the cost—colors are bright, and blending is decent, though they might bleed through thin paper (a heads-up for customers). Plus, Syloon offers customization and bulk orders, so you can brand them for your own line or scale up for big clients. They’re not top-tier like some pricier brands, but they deliver solid performance for the price, making them easy to move in volume.
Winsor & Newton has been around since , started by two guys—William Winsor and Henry Newton—in England. They’re famous for making awesome paints, brushes, and now markers that artists everywhere love. This company is all about quality and helping people create cool stuff, whether you’re a pro or just doodling for fun. Their Promarkers are a big deal because they’re packed with bright colors and built to last.
Winsor & Newton’s Promarkers are alcohol-based markers that come with two tips. Here’s the rundown:
Promarker (189 Colors)
This is their main marker line, and it’s got 189 colors to pick from—tons of options! Each marker has a fine bullet tip for small details and a broad chisel tip for covering bigger areas. The ink is alcohol-based, so it dries fast, blends smoothly, and gives you even color without streaks. It’s not refillable, but the colors are bright and see-through, so you can layer them to make your art pop. They’re great for drawing comics, designing, or just coloring.
These markers are a hit because they’re super smooth and the colors look amazing—perfect for artists who want their work to stand out. The double tips make them easy to use for both tiny lines and big fills. They’re not the cheapest out there, but they’re worth it for the quality—you get what you pay for. Just a heads-up: they can bleed through thin paper, so use something thicker to keep things neat.
Tombow started way back in in Japan, and they’ve been making art supplies ever since. They’re known for stuff like brush pens and pencils, and they’ve got a big fan base because their products are high-quality and fun to use. Tombow’s all about helping people get creative, whether you’re drawing for school, work, or just because you love it. Their ABT PRO markers are a newer addition, made for folks who want bold, lasting colors.
Tombow’s ABT PRO markers are alcohol-based and come with two tips. Here’s what you need to know:
ABT PRO Alcohol-Based Markers (108 Colors)
These markers come in 108 colors—plenty to play with! Each one has a flexible brush tip on one end that acts like a paintbrush for smooth lines, and a chisel tip on the other for filling in bigger spaces. The ink dries fast, so no smudges, and it’s permanent, which means your art stays bright. They’re not refillable, but the tips are tough—made of nylon for the brush and polyester for the chisel—so they hold up even with lots of use. You can get them in sets like 5-packs (like “Red Tones” or “Blue Tones”) or 12-packs (like “Fashion Palette”), plus a colorless blender to mix colors.
These markers are awesome because they’re easy to hold, and the colors really stand out—great for shading or layering. The brush tip lets you switch from thin to thick lines just by pressing harder, and the chisel tip covers big areas fast. They’re a bit pricey, but people say they’re worth it for the smooth blending and bright look. Heads-up: they can bleed through regular paper, so grab some thicker marker paper for the best results.
Altenew kicked off in , started by a group of craft lovers who wanted to make pretty, high-quality art supplies. They’re based in the U.S. and focus on stuff like stamps, inks, and markers that help you create cool projects. Their Artist Markers are a big hit because they’re bright, blend well, and don’t cost a fortune—perfect for anyone who loves coloring or crafting.
Altenew’s Artist Markers are alcohol-based and come with two tips. They’ve got a bunch of sets to choose from—here’s the scoop:
Cosmic Garden Set A (12 Colors)
This set’s got 12 colors inspired by space—like purples, blues, and pinks. Each marker has a brush tip for smooth strokes and a fine tip for little details. The ink dries fast and blends easily, making it great for flowers or starry designs.
Mediterranean Terrace Set B (12 Colors)
Think warm vibes—reds, oranges, and yellows—like a sunny day by the sea. It’s got the same brush and fine tips, perfect for bold drawings or layering colors.
English Country Garden Set C (12 Colors)
This one’s all about soft greens, pinks, and blues—like a garden in bloom. The brush tip is awesome for shading, and the fine tip nails tiny spots.
Bundle Sets (36 or 60 Colors)
Want more? They’ve got bigger bundles—36 or 60 colors—mixing shades from different sets. These are great if you’re stocking up or want a wider range to play with. Same dual tips, same smooth ink.
Refill Inks
Don’t toss your markers when they run dry! Altenew sells refill inks in tons of colors to match their sets. You can keep your markers going strong and even mix shades if you’re feeling creative.
These markers are a favorite because they’re bright, easy to blend, and match Altenew’s ink pads—which takes the guesswork out of coloring. The brush tip is soft and flexible, and the fine tip is perfect for tight spots. They’re cheaper than some big brands but still feel pro. One thing: they can bleed through thin paper, so use thicker stuff to keep your work clean.
KINGART has been around since , starting through a company called Loew-Cornell Inc. They’re a family-run business that loves helping artists, from beginners to pros. Their goal? High-quality supplies that don’t cost a ton, so anyone can draw, color, or create. KINGART’s alcohol markers are a big part of their lineup, known for bright colors and smooth blending.
KINGART offers a bunch of alcohol-based markers with double tips. Here’s what they’ve got:
PRO Double-Ended Sketch Markers (60 Colors)
This set comes with 60 different colors. Each marker has a chisel tip for big areas and a fine tip for small details. The ink is bright and blends well, perfect for sketches or coloring books. They come in a clear travel case, so you can take them anywhere.
PRO Double-Ended Art Markers (120 Colors)
Want more colors? This set’s got 120! It’s got the same chisel and fine tips, and the ink flows smooth and dries fast. Great for bigger projects like illustrations or designs—tons of shades to mix and match.
Studio Twin-Tip Permanent Markers (12, 36, or 60 Colors)
These come in smaller sets—12, 36, or 60 colors. They’ve got a fine tip and a chisel tip too, and they’re made to last with permanent ink. Awesome for quick drawings or adult coloring, and they come with a storage case.
Specialty Sets (12 or 24 Colors)
KINGART also has smaller themed packs—like “Floral Palette” (12 colors), “Portrait Palette” (24 colors), or “Gray Tone” (24 colors). Each has chisel and fine tips, perfect for specific stuff like flowers, faces, or shading. They’re easy to grab for focused projects.
KINGART markers are a hit because they’re bright, blend easily, and don’t cost as much as some fancy brands. The double tips let you switch between big strokes and tiny lines without grabbing another marker. They’re not refillable, but they last a while—and people love the travel cases for keeping things organized. Just watch out—they can bleed through thin paper, so use something thicker.
Arrtx started in with a goal to make cool, original art supplies that anyone can afford. They’re a company that loves helping artists, whether you’re just starting out or already know your stuff. Arrtx focuses on things like markers, pencils, and pastels, and their alcohol markers are a big deal because they’re bright, blend well, and won’t empty your wallet.
Arrtx has a bunch of alcohol-based marker sets with double tips. Here’s what they offer:
ALP Series (80 or 90 Colors)
This set comes in 80 or 90 colors—tons to choose from! Each marker has a chisel tip for big areas and a fine tip for small details. The ink dries fast and blends smoothly, great for coloring, sketching, or comics. They come in a neat gift box with slots to keep them organized, and the box lid doubles as a stand.
OROS Series (90 Colors)
This one’s got 90 colors, including 88 bright shades plus black and white. Each marker has a brush tip for soft strokes and a chisel tip for wider lines. The ink’s high-quality and blends well, perfect for drawings that need smooth shading. They’re packed in a reusable box that’s easy to carry.
Skin Tone Set (36 Colors)
This smaller set has 36 colors, mostly skin tones for drawing people. It’s got a brush tip and a chisel tip too. These are awesome for portraits or anything where you need realistic shades, and the ink dries quick with no smudges.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Red Eagle sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
Refill Inks
Arrtx sells refill inks so you don’t have to buy new markers. They match the ALP and OROS sets, and you can even mix them to make your own colors. It’s a smart way to keep your markers going strong.
Arrtx markers are great because they give you lots of colors for a low price—way cheaper than some big brands. The dual tips make them handy for all kinds of art, and they blend nicely without looking messy. They’re not refillable in every set, but the ink lasts a while, and the refill option helps. One thing: they can bleed through thin paper, so use thicker paper to keep your work clean.
Mont Marte started in Australia and has been around for years, helping people get creative without spending a ton. They make all kinds of art stuff—like paints, pencils, and markers—and focus on good quality at prices that won’t scare you off. Their alcohol markers are a big part of their lineup, loved for bright colors and smooth blending that work for beginners and pros alike.
Mont Marte’s alcohol markers are dual-tipped and come in a bunch of sets. Here’s what they’ve got:
Premium Dual Tip Art Markers (12, 24, or 60 Colors)
These come in sets of 12, 24, or even 60 colors. Each marker has a fine tip for small details and a chisel tip for bigger areas. The ink is alcohol-based, so it dries fast and blends well—great for coloring, sketching, or designs. They’ve got a triangle shape so they don’t roll off your desk, and they’re comfy to hold for long drawing sessions.
Dual Fine Tip Art Markers (12 Colors)
This set’s got 12 bright colors, with two fine tips on each marker—one super thin and one a bit wider. Perfect for tiny lines or detailed work, like outlines or lettering. The ink’s smooth and quick-drying, so no messy smudges.
Dual Tip Marker Bundle (60 Colors)
This is a big deal—60 colors, plus a stand and a color chart, all in one box. It’s got the fine and chisel tips, and the ink’s top-notch for blending and layering. Awesome for anyone who wants a full set to tackle any project.
Colorless Blender
Not a colored marker, but a must-have! This dual-tip blender (fine and chisel) helps you mix colors or lighten them up. It’s perfect for making smooth fades or fixing little mistakes.
Mont Marte markers are awesome because they’re bright, easy to use, and won’t cost you a fortune. The dual tips give you lots of options—fine lines or big fills—and they blend like a dream. They’re not refillable, but they last a good while, and the ergonomic design makes them comfy to hold. One thing: they can bleed through thin paper, so grab some thicker stuff for the best results.
Arteza is a company that started with a mission to make art supplies affordable and fun for everyone—beginners, pros, and everyone in between. They’ve been around for a while now, offering everything from paints to markers, and they’re big on quality without the high price tag. Their alcohol markers stand out because you can buy them in sets or just grab the colors you need, which is super handy for building your collection.
Arteza’s alcohol markers are all about variety and dual tips. Here’s what you can find on their open-stock page:
EverBlend Art Markers (Single Colors, Sets of 3)
These come in dozens of colors—like Spanish Red, Turtle Green, or Punch Pink—and you can buy them in packs of 3 so you don’t run out fast. Each marker has a fine tip for small stuff and a chisel tip for bigger areas. The ink’s bright, dries quick, and blends smooth, making them great for coloring, sketching, or drawing comics.
Open Stock System
What’s cool here is you don’t have to buy a whole set. If you’re low on a favorite color or want to try something new, you can just grab a 3-pack of that shade. They’ve got tons of options—think reds, blues, yellows, and more—so you can mix and match however you like.
Arteza markers are awesome because they’re bright, easy to blend, and won’t cost you a fortune. The dual tips let you switch from tiny details to big fills without grabbing another marker. They’re not refillable, but the open-stock idea means you can keep your stash stocked without buying extras you don’t need. One thing: they can bleed through thin paper, so use thicker paper to keep your art looking sharp.
Grabie is a company that’s all about making art exciting and easy for everyone, from kids to grown-ups. They don’t share a big “start date” story, but they focus on creating bright, quality supplies that don’t cost a lot. Think markers, paints, and pens that help you draw whatever you dream up. Their alcohol markers are a favorite because they’re colorful, blend well, and come with extras to get you started right away.
Grabie’s got a cool alcohol marker set that’s perfect for jumping into art. Here’s the details:
Dual-Tip Alcohol-Based Marker Set of 48 with Coloring Book
This set gives you 48 bright colors to play with. Each marker has two tips: a brush tip for smooth, flowing lines and a chisel tip for filling in big spaces. The ink dries fast so your drawings don’t smear, and it blends nicely for cool shading effects. Plus, it comes with a little coloring book made for these markers—great for relaxing or practicing. The markers have a triangle shape so they’re comfy to hold and won’t roll away, and they’re packed in a handy case for keeping them neat.
Grabie markers are awesome because they’re juicy with color and super easy to use—perfect for beginners or anyone who loves coloring. The dual tips let you switch from detailed stuff to big, bold strokes without grabbing another tool. They’re not refillable, but you get a lot for the price, and the coloring book is a fun bonus. One thing: they can bleed through regular paper, so use thicker paper or the book they give you to keep things clean.
Alcohol markers use ink that dries fast and blends smoothly. This makes them great for creating artwork with smooth color changes. They work well on special marker paper and can make very bright colors.
Yes, but start small. Alcohol markers can be fun for beginners, but they can also be pricey. It's a good idea to buy a small set first to see if you like using them before getting a big collection.
Not really. Alcohol markers work best on special marker paper or thick, smooth paper. Regular paper might soak up too much ink and make your colors look blotchy.
With good care, alcohol markers can last for years. How long they last depends on how often you use them and how you store them. Some brands let you refill the ink, which can make them last even longer.
Alcohol markers are okay for older kids to use, but younger children should be supervised. The ink is permanent and has a strong smell, so it's best to use them in a room with open windows.
Yes, you can! Most alcohol markers blend well together, even if they're different brands. Some artists like to mix brands to get more color choices.
It depends on what you like to draw. Brush tips are good for drawing lines that change from thick to thin, like in calligraphy. Chisel tips are great for coloring large areas and making straight lines. Many artists like markers with both tips.
Keep your markers lying flat, not standing up. This helps the ink stay evenly spread in the marker. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to keep the ink from drying out or changing color.
For this blog I dived into the world of alcohol based markers. Back when I started this blog they were still pretty new to me, so I decided to start an #inktober project to get better at drawing with these markers. Like the nerd that I am it turned into a big swatch and comparison project;-). By the time I'm updating this blog (4 years later) alcohol markers have become more and more mainstream for illustrators and hobbyists a like. So in this blog I'm answering one of the most asked questons: which marker brand is the best? It's a battle between the brands: the pros, the cons and of course the prices!
*This blog is updated in
Small disclaimer in advance: yes, there are many more brands of alcohol markers. To keep this project somewhat manageable (for my own bank account and mental health), I chose these 5 brands.
Do you want to see a big (almost ;-)) scientific comparison of (almost) all brands of markers in the world? Then I definitely recommend you to watch the vlogs of the Australian Jazza (part 1and part 2). I'm a big fan of his videos anyway, because he combines his creative skills with a great sense of humor.
Enough talking: here they come! The markers in order of price:
1. Twin makers (dollar stores)
When I wanted to try alcohol makers for the first time I bought a few Twinmarkers at the dollar store. For only a few euros I could see whether I'd even liked these kind of markers to begin with. Because of the low price, I didn't have too high of an expectation of these markers.
To be honest, the markers weren't as bad as I expected. But does it come close to the 'artist quality' the packaging is promising? Definitely not! Is it a nice sets for your kids or when your on a budget? Yes, they are. But you will start noticing the difference when you compare them with other brands. It starts with small things like: the colors often don't quit match the cap, no color name on the barrel of the marker, the markers are sometimes skewed and that’s annoying to hold when you’re coloring with them.
And in terms of use? To get an even color you have to use multiple layers. With these markers the color is quickly saturated, it's difficult to add more depth. Blending also doesn't go as smoothly as with the other brands. In short: okay markers to start with, but if you have a bit more budget, I would pass on these.
+ very cheap
- beginners quality
€24,95 for a 100 marker set // converted €0,25 per marker
2. Ohuhu markers
By now these might be one of the more well-known alcohol marker brands (which definitely wasn't the case yet when this blog first launched). The brandOhuhu. These markers have the reputation of being the best alternative to the famous Copic markers. So I had to try them and actually: I haven't looked back since. These are my go-to favorite markers! If you want visual proof and a deep dive into these markers, definitely check out this and this YouTube videos I made with my colleague Anne.
When I first bought the Ohuhu markers started with a set of 48 markers, but quickly added the pastel- and skintone set to my collection. By now (after a collab with Ohuhu) I've upgraded to the 320 set. Back in you could only order sets, but by now you also have open stock of the markers as well as refills available.
So what's so great about the Ohuhu, besides being very affordable? First plus point: included with your markers comes a firm storage bag and a sheet to put behind your paper against bleeding. Second plus: they look stylish and are comfortable to hold. Even more points: the brush tip is sturdy and all nibs (chisel-, brush- and/or the bullet tip - depending on your set) have a really nice ink flow. Blending and layering is pretty smooth sailing with these markers. I also didn't run into the issues that I had with some other markers, like unexpected ink bleeding or dried out nibs due to small cracks in the cap. Ohuhu seems build to last!Are there any disadvantages? A few minor ones. There are no color codes or names on the marker, only on the cap. So it’s a bit of a hassle to match all caps and markers at the end of a drawing session. Colors don't always match with the color on the cap, so swatching is advised. The swatching cards included in the bag aren't printed on marker paper, so I make my own. Another disadvantage: the storage bags don't have many compartments, so you need some hacks to keep them organized (as I've shown here how to :).
By now Ohuhu expended their range of products, including fineliners, several markerpads and bleefproof sketchbooks. In The Netherlands the brand is sold by the independent owned shop BeCreativeshop.nl. Since I rather shop there than at the big players like Amazon, I definitely recommend them! If you use the code 'NienkeVletter', you always get 5% discount on your order!
+ very affordable
+ good quality
+ fine ink flow
- small practical things with the color matching and bag organizing
€ 1.99 for individual markers, but about 70ct per marker if you buy the bigger sets
3. Winsor & Newton Promarkers
When I wrote this blog the Winsor&Newton Promarkers were my favorite brand. I'd still highly rank these - I'll explain why they shifted to the second place. Back in , because I liked the Promarkers a lot, I approached Winsor&Newton for a collaboration around my online courses Illustrative Portraits and Illustrative Characters. Winsor&Newton then spoiled me BIG TIME and completed the marker set I already owned to their full collection Promarkers. Of course I still have this set in my studio and will probably never part with it.
Why? The markers, like most W&N products, offer great quality at a good price. The ink flow is juicy, the colors are beautiful and the biggest plus? From of all the alcohol marker brands I've tried these markers give the most evenly coloring result. Where Copic and Ohuhu can have a slight speckle on paper, Promarkers creates full colored strokes. They are available in sets as well as open stock, so you can always restock your favorite colors.
Any drawbacks? The markers aren't refillable, so they're less durable than Ohuhu and Copic markers. And the reason why they were disrupted from first place by Ohuhu markers? I prefer working with a brushmarker and the tip of the Promarker is thick, but too flexibel for my taste. When you put pressure on it, the tip of the nib flicks up. If Winsor&Newton would provide a more firm tip, these would be an even bigger competitor again! The set I own mostly consists of the chisel-and bullet nib combination. If those are your preferred nibs to work with (or if you actually do prefer a. more flexibel brush nib), these are a great, high quality buy.
+ good price/quality ratio
+ nice smooth result
+ large choice of colors
+ available separately
- not refillable
- would prefer a firmer brush tip
About € 3.50 per marker (open stock sale), lower in price when bought in a set.
4. Tombow ABT PRO markers
After the cheap Twin Makers, the Tombow ABT PRO markers were the first professional brand I started working with. Because I made several workshops and tutorials for Tombow, I gathered a good collection of colors for testing as well.
Although I still think these are okay alcohol markers, they aren't in my top favorite compared to other brands. The main reason? The price and the ink flow. At around €4 these markers cost more than Winsor&Newton and as much as the cheapest variant of the Copic markers (the 'student priced' Ciao marker). If the quality would be clearly better than in other brands, I'd understand the higher price point. But personally I don't think they they're better than Ohuhu or the Winsor&Newton Promarkers. Mostly because they have less ink in the (smaller) barrel and the ink flow is on the dry side, they don't always have an opaque coverage at the first layer and blending is a bit less smooth.
Nevertheless, the Tombow PRO marker also has a few nice advantages. First of all, the marker lies comfortably in your hand due to the narrower barrel. It feels totally familiar if you're used to ABT dual brushpen, because the size of both the markers and the brush tip is the same!
Since the marker is more narrow than other brands (also with a smaller chisel tip), you can deliver more detailed work. In short: if Tombow would drop in price and have a better ink flow, they would go up in my book.
+ fine brush tip
+ great for detailed work
+ available separately
- dry ink flow - higher price
Around € 4 per marker (open stock sale)
5. Copic markers
Here we are, arriving at what used to be the undefeated champion of alcohol markers. For decades Copic has been the go-to for architects, product designers, art students and world wide fans. But with the growing market of alcohol markers, they’ve now got some serious competition.For this blog I couldn't resist trying the Copic markers as well. I know: it’s a tough job. Why? First of all, the Sketch markers (the professional quality brush marker) come in no less than 357 colors. Yeah, that’s makes selecting your favorite colors a challenge doesn’t it? I think I spent at least an hour in the store. Sorry to the employees at my local art store ;)
Secondly, I allowed myself to buy a maximum of 10 markers. Why the limitation? Well, these are the most expensive markers on earth. I bought them while they were on sale, but normally these markers cost about €6 to €8. Ouch. The nibs of the markers are replaceable and all markers are refillable. With a refill of €8.26 you’re supposed to be able to refill the markers 5 to 6 times. In the long run the price of your marker will drop considerably. But still...ouch.
So the number one question: are they worth their price? Well, they are if you can afford it, they might. My first impression was good. The ink flows well, blending and layering is no problem at all. I also got gifted a small set by a client, so I had more colors to try. But when I grabs these markers a few months later, several markers had completely dried out! Even though I had the cap firmly closed. It means I have to buy new nibs and a refill to get them working again. Looking into this I read online that this is a known issue. Apparently the cap is either not closing well enough or small cracks in the cap can occur (sometimes hardly visible to the eye). And that should NOT be an issue if you're the most expensive marker on the market.
So if you'd ask my advice (and many of you often do), I would always choose Ohuhu or Winsor&Newton Promarkers over the price of Copics.
+ a high quality marker
- the price
- several dried out markers
PS A quick review of the Chameleon markers
In my search for reviews I also came across the Chameleon markers. These have a system with not only regular markers, but also so called 'color tops' that you click on top of your original marker. The colors then blend into each other, allowing you to create a nice gradient. I figured I tested these while I was at it.
The brush nibs from Chameleon are initially very firm, but quickly become softer because the tip frayes a bit, especially when you put a color top on it. In the manual they say that this fraying is intentionally, so the brushtip will feel more and more like a real brush. To be honest, this feels a bit like nonsense to me. With the fraying you lose the option to work in fine detail. And the brush nib is the smallest of all the alcohol markers I have tested. So it's not like you can color in huge areas with it.
Then the color tops. Marketing wise this might seem a smart choice, because Unique Selling Point. But in reality it's a gimmick instead of a plus.First of all: you can blend alcohol markers with each other anyway (on paper or nib-to-nib). You don't need special color tops for that. Secondly: if you specifically want the color of a certain color top, you first have to blend it into another marker first, you can't use the tops individually. Which is just such a hassle. It takes more time. More different caps of multiple markers to put on and take off. Constantly looking for the right combination. So my conclusion: it's a no for me.
"So what paper should I use with alcohol makers?"
"One more question: how exactly do you draw with alcohol based markers?"
I think I can better show than tell you! That's why I've launched 2 online courses 'Illustrative portraits' and 'Illustrative characters'. In these courses I'll tell you all about working with alcohol markers, how to draw people and how to build these illustrations step-by-step using reference pictures.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of OEM Alcohol Markers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.