Hi All!!
I’ve been wanting to do this tutorial for awhile. I must say it’s a little nerve-wracking talking for so long, especially while I am on camera!
In the first part of the tutorial, I go over the basics – what Copics are, the numbering system, ink/paper, storage, and how I select colors. In the second part, I go over how to color the above cupcake, including where my light comes from and how to create the shadows on each side. Yes, I cover all these things in such a short period of time! But, it’s very high level – not a lot of detail to overwhelm you. 🙂
Some of the things I didn’t cover and thought about later:
- Storing vertically or horizontally: As you can see in the video, I store mine vertically. I try to store with the brush tip downward because that’s the side I use more often. I read elsewhere that you can store them either way.
- Refills: You can buy refills – no need to buy a whole new pen. The only pen that has run out on me is 0. Not surprising, since I use that one ALL the time.
If you think of other questions, leave it in the comments and I will answer there!
Here are some of the links I reference in the video:
- Blank Copic Marker Chart – download this page and use it to color in all the markers you have. Be sure to print the chart on the paper you will be using to color.
- My Copic Marker Chart – the above list colored with the markers I have.
- Neenah Solar White Cardstock – the paper I use for coloring.
- Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa
Inks – the ink I use to stamp the image I will be coloring. - Copic Sketch Markers at Dick Blick
– $5.24 per marker. Ellen Hutson sells them for $6 per marker (they also sell lots of other crafty goodies to add to your order). If you click from here, I get a small commission on sales at both sites.
- In the video, I used the cupcake stamp from Hero Arts Happy Birthday Cupcakes Stamps with Sizzix Dies.
If you’re on a budget and would like to blend with just two markers instead of three, you can watch my two-color tutorial.
CLICK HERE for a chart on how many times I have used each marker during 2016.
Enjoy!
Darlene
P.S. I made a written post about Copics awhile back that is still worth reading if you want more info.
Mary
Great tutorial Darlene! I was into the copic-coloring waters up to my ankles – – but your instruction has motivated me to get my knees wet too 🙂
Cathi
Love it! As a beginner this video has been so helpful. Would you mind listing a link to the stamp set you used. =)
Darlene DeVries
Sure Cathi – done! See above.
Cathi
Thanks, Darlene! =)
Emma F
I can honestly say, this is one of the BEST Copic tutorials I’ve seen. You explained everything so beautifully. I need to pull my hugely expensive collection out and try them again. THANK YOU!
Terri (blindstamper)
Awesome video (again)…you have a great voice, talking speed, and delivery organization of your knowledge/content. Not just anyone can teach well…I’ll bet you’re a great zumba instructor too. I’ve been wondering since your previous video about your colorless blender…it didn’t just need refilled? I’m very new to copic coloring…hate to think these expensive markers can just quit working. Thanks again!
Darlene DeVries
Terri – thank you for your nice compliments. 🙂 As far as my colorless blender, yes, it just needed to be refilled. But, since I can only get the refills online, i didn’t want to wait. So, I ran out to the store and got an overpriced pen at Michael’s. Luckily it was only one pen and I had a coupon!
Marilyn
Being a “failed” copic marker user, you’ve given me the instruction I needed to get them out and try again. Your explanation on how to choose and make the color applications is the best I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much, Darlene!
Mary Ann Huntington
That was so informative Darlene. Thank you so much.
Maria Helena
This is a great tutorial,informative,slow and easy to follow. Thank you Darlene
Loll Thompson
Darlene, thank you for the wonderful tutorial. I am just beginning with copics and this is a huge help for me!
Franny Rogers
Thanks so much for this tutorial! I’m just a beginner and need all the help I can get! Love your work!
Nanci Simmons
Great tutorial thank you..
What is the item called you store your copic in from the Container store?
Darlene DeVries
Nanci – to be honest, I don’t know what it’s called. It’s acrylic, so you should hopefully be able to find it in that section of Container Store.
Brenda B.
Thank you so much for taking the time to explain Copic Markers so very well. You are such a great instructor. I love that I can walk away from one of your videos and put the new information to work!
Lynda M
Thank you for such a clear tutorial Darlene. I’m motivated to get out my markers and try coloring again.
Annie Kong
Thanks for the tips of blank copic marker chart, currently i wrote the copic color that i have in a piece of paper and it doesn’t work well, because i do not know how the color look like, I always have to take the actual copic marker out, color on a piece of paper before deciding whether i want to use them >_< With these copic marker chart, it will be so much easier 🙂
I progress from one copic coloring to two color blending… may be i will try three color blending one of these days, thanks for the great tutorial 🙂
Angela Restad
Hello Darlene
First thing is I love your cards and tutorials.
I am not very good with Copic markers, but I do use the copic paper and it works
great, one thing about using good paper with copics is it makes it easier to blend because the ink stays on the surface longer and you also use less ink so your copics last longer and that is one of the big reasons I use the copic paper.
If you want to give me your address I will send you some copic paper to try, I bought a ream if it over a year ago and I have plenty to share if you want to give it a try and not have to pay the shipping from a store 😉
Wendy Thompson
Darlene your video tutorial is just great. Very easy to understand and well thought out. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us.
Melissa Shea
Great tut! Thank you so much! There’s so many videos on coloring w/ copics and they all seemed the same but yet I never really felt like I knew what to do. Your video really broke the markers and coloring into little itty baby steps for me!
Sue
Thanks for this video. It is very helpful!!!!
Marcia in Virginia
Thanks for this great tutorial Darlene! I am a beginner with Copics and this was exactly what I needed. You answered all my questions…at least for now. 🙂
Mary H.
Hi Darlene, discovered your blog. Really enjoy your creations and thanks for the video. You mentioned Dick Blick…and that’s where I started. I airbrush with copics too, and another blogger told me about Oozak.com. This place has the best prices for refills of any place I’ve found, and free shipping over $50. You have to register at the site (it’s free). Shipping is also the fastest of any site from which I’ve ordered. Just passing on info for anyone who might be looking to invest in copics. I have all the colors, all the refills. I thoroughly enjoy coloring with copics. Hope this helps someone else.
Margaret
Thanks so much for this video – I picked up so many tips (as I usually do with all your videos) that are going to help my coloring skills (or lack of!!).
Denny
Thank you so much for sharing this information! I’ve tried Copic markers, but didn’t know how to shade with them. Of course, this is perfect. Your instructions are very clear. I’ve bookmarked this page. Thanks again!
Karen Dunbrook
Awesome video…thank you so very much!!
KIm
Love your video I just won a set of 12 copic.too on ebay and can’t wait to try them out
Debbie Hopson
Awesome video!!! I like your teaching technique. I have subscribed to your youtube page. Have a great day!