The 9 Best Art Markers For Professional Artists

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An Artists Guide to Picking The Best Professional Art Markers

A marker is an essential item for artists and non-artists alike, earning its place as a tool in any pencil case. Its amount of use depends on your individual practice but regardless, you would hate to be without one. With the vast variety of choices out there, it can be difficult finding the best markers, especially at the beginning of your artist journey.

Although a worthwhile investment, professional art markers can be pricey with the cheaper options sometimes lacking in quality. This means that knowing what you need individually is more important than ever. So, whether you are an aspiring comic book artist, full-time illustrator or an avid doodler, we’ll guide you through the best art markers so you too can make your very own mark.

Who uses markers?

Art markers can be used by anyone, from children to professionals. There are artists who use markers daily, such as comic and manga artists, illustrators, designers, and street artists. As there are lots of people who use them, you will find that there are quite a few types of art markers on the market.

Professional artist’s markers are made for those who use them for their art careers and practice. They are drastically different from the ones advertised for children or that you can get in a general store. Generic markers tend to have some of the same properties as the ones for artists, but from colour to texture and even buildability; what an artist needs in a marker is very different from the average doodler.

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What are the types of Art markers?

This is the key area markers differentiate. As an artist, it’s important to know what you need from a marker, as you can get different results from different types. There are 3 main types of markers that you will come across in your shopping; Water-based, alcohol-based, and solvent-based.

⭓ Alcohol-based is the most recommended type for artists. They deliver consistent strokes and are perfect for paper, as they dry quickly and evenly. They are ideal for those who need a flat permanent finish.

⭓ Water-based art markers are commonly used as children’s markers. This is because they tend to be non-toxic and water-soluble, perfect for washing off clothes. Water-based inks give off a similar finish to watercolour paints and have a good level of blend-ability.

⭓ Solvent markers are markers that we wouldn’t recommend to every new artist. As they are known for being acrylic or oil-based, their consistency can be a bit too heavy for a sketchbook. However, they are perfect for graffiti, as they leave a durable mark behind that is perfect for any rough surface.

What to look for when choosing art markers

There are a few different things you should be looking out for when purchasing markers. Having a good idea of what you want in a marker is essential, as you don’t want to splurge on the equipment you won’t enjoy. A good place to start is in art shops, with most selling singular colours of professional brands – and often having a place for you to test the marker.

It’s harder to figure out what you want when shopping online, but think about what you need and the suitability of the marker you’re researching . Always look at written reviews or even watch an artist’s review video for more information. They can be one of the pricier things in an artist tool kit, so when searching for the best art marker, try keeping these three things in mind before you buy.

The size and design

From the angle of the tip to how comfortable it is in your hands; the size and design of the marker can affect the outcome of your drawing. Markers come in different shapes and widths, either down to a fun design choice or dependent on the shape and size of their tips. The size ranges from extra-fine to fine, medium, and broad.

When it comes to shape there are three main types: bullet, brush and chisel.

⭓ The bullet tip is the most common; it’s what you find on a regular ink pen. It’s great for both colouring and writing due to its round tip with the shape allowing for smooth lines – perfect for everyday application.

⭓ The brush tip isn’t the most common tip shape, It’s mostly used for calligraphy and inking due to its flow of ink. Brush pen tips can range from soft to firm so that you can find a level of control that works for you.

⭓ The chisel tip is something you will most commonly see in a highlighter. The flat and slanted ends give you two different angles to create fine or broad lines, which is great for calligraphy and colouring larger projects.

An experienced artist will know what works best for them, but as a beginner, it can be tough to figure out what you need for the long term. If you are unable to test each type of pen shape in an art shop try and look for something similar. A ballpoint pen, a highlighter, and a round tip paint brush are all good test options when trying to figure out what you like.

The 9 Best Markers for Artists

Range of colours

A range of colours is a very important factor when purchasing markers, as colour mixing is almost impossible. Technically speaking, all pens are “blendable” with water and brush, but it can be a risk depending on the type of pen, with most pens that allow for blending being water-based.

It can be hard to justify the extra investment in markers, as extra colours mean a larger price. Instead, you can acquire sets of the colours you need over time if that works better for you and your budget. But some things should not be compromised and missing a shade of red can be risky – especially if you are a full-time or freelance artist.

Lightfastness

When choosing to work with a medium such as markers, it’s good to know whether the pigment will discolour when it’s exposed to light (lightfast). For each type of marker, there is a different level of permeability – most lower-end alcohol and water-based markers are not lightfast at all, whilst a high-quality alcohol marker or a solvent-based marker most likely is.

This is a key reason many artists do spend the extra money when it comes to materials, as a hobbyist spending an extra amount on pens isn’t necessary nor needed, whereas when your craft is your career and you’re selling your works, quality is of the utmost importance.

5 Best Art Markers For Beginner Artists

With vivid colours and a consistent ink the Winsor and Newton ProMarkers are the perfect introduction to alcohol markers. This twin-tipped marker comes with a bullet and chisel tip, so you can add detail and shade with ease. Along with that, these markers have so many loveable features, such as surface versatility – so they can be used on almost anything with streak-free coverage, meaning they’re perfect for the beginner who is unsure of their medium.

This set specifically is a collection of 24 pens, but you can buy between 12 and 96. The vast shade range is met with colourful names such as Lemon, Duck Egg, Moss, Cocoa, Saffron, and Putty! Even if you choose not to get this set, you’ll surely win some hearts if you choose to gift these to your favourite artist pal.

Pros:

✓ Strong Surface versatility

✓ Layer able

✓ 96 Shades

Cons:

✘ Not as blend able as advertised

✘ May Bleed due to the strength

✘ On the pricier end

Advertised for their lightfastness, the Shuttle Art Dual Tips are blendable, non-toxic, and acid-free. This set of 88 Markers is great for the beginner who wants to get into markers, as they have a no-slip grip and a triangular ergonomic shape to them, with the dual tips themselves being a 7mm chisel and 1mm bullet. What attracted us to this set was their blendability above all other factors. The set comes with a clear blending pen, and with some practice, the colours can be blended together with ease. They also come with a free case so you can take them on the go.

Pros:

✓ Affordable

✓ Comes with a blending pen

✓ Shuttle Art provides more than 100% Satisfaction Guarantee to customers.

✓ Free Travel Case

Cons:

✘ Inconsistent formula

✘ Lots of bleeding without certain paper type

✘ Will dry out if not stored in a specific way

✘ Not a great colour range

Often compared to the Copic markers we mention further down on this list, the Ohuhu Double Tipped Markers find a way to marry quality and quantity in the perfect way. Whilst this set has 120 colours, the Ohuhu marker line carries over 216 colours – excluding their range of skin tones markers. Due to this, they are often considered to be the best art markers for illustrators due to this.

Whether it’s their high rated light fastness or their vibrant colours, these pens have been rated some of the very best art markers during our research.. If you want a professional-grade marker with seamless colour mixing and an expansive range of colours, these might be the ones for you. Another great Ohuhu option are their dual-tipped fineliners which we tried and tested.

Pros:

✓ Great blend-ability
✓ Vast colour range
✓ Impressive lightfastness

Cons:

✘ Not Refillable
✘ Expensive to Replace
✘ Skin tones sold separately

The Arteza Everblend collection is another group of beloved markers and discussed by many artists. Affordable and vibrant, this 60-piece set of dye-based markers is perfect for the artist who works with tones. Whilst not 100% lightfast, these double-sided markers give a vivid colour that shows up clearly in scans. They are very buildable and are another brand with a diverse range of colours, including skin tones. This is why we recommend them to those who work with portraits, comics and manga.

Pros:

✓ Highly Pigmented

✓ Comes with a clear blender marker

✓ 100% Guarantee
✓ Great price for range

Cons:

✘ Irreplaceable inks

✘ Not super versatile for mixed media

These markers are famous in the art community and for a good reason; they are consistently good. Copic ink delivers durability, longevity and vibrant colours with their marker products, earning their place on our list. They offer replaceable inks and pen tips, they come in a range of colours – and their ink tends to not dry out. This means they are a good set if you’re planning to collect these versus buying a full set flat out.

Copic markers are also versatile pigment-based ink markers that work well on most surfaces, including metal, glass, and fabric. We recommend these for beginners because they are something you can build upon and experiment with, however their notable downside is the price. So if you have tried them or know they are already the best art markers for you, we suggest picking up some Copic markers in stores or online, as they are a career long investment.

Pros:

✓ Dual-tipped
✓ Replaceable tips and refillable inks
✓ Copic Airbrush system compatible

Cons:

✘ Expensive price

What pens do artists use?

Professional artists use a different range of markers. As your experience builds, you will naturally find the tools that work best for you, but there are definitely certain types that are marketed specifically to advanced users. Whilst the alcohol markers listed are great, they may not meet the needs of every type of every experienced artist. A lot of mixed media creatives use their long-lasting favourite solvent makers or water brushes, and there are illustrators who work with comics or manga, needing a varying array of pens for their different needs.

As time goes on and we move further into the digital age, more and more illustrators find themselves working on tablets for ease. However, there are those who still like the feel of a pen on paper, so here are a few different professional marker and pen suggestions.

Our Top 5 Professional Grade Marker Recommendations

We touched on these earlier, but if anything, Copics reappearance emphasises how great of a brand these pens are for professional artists. With the previously mentioned classic tip included, Copic also has an extensive range of professional grade pens; so whether you need a fine liner or a felt tip, trust that this brand has some of the best art markers for all your creative projects.

A pro tip is to look around before buying. These markers are a hefty investment, and doggy sites are more than prepared to sell you the wrong pens for the full Copic price. Luckily we found a great deal on a trusted site that sells the full range of Copic Pens. This time we have chosen the full 72 piece classic set. Whilst we recommend collecting these pens over time, you can find the 358 colour set, here.

2. Brush –

Sakura Pigma Brush Pen Set of 9 Assorted Colours

The Sakura Pigama pens, just like Copic markers, have a great reputation among artists. Known for their longevity and rich colour, these pens can last years – something this writer has seen first hand. The tips are always saturated in ink, yet they never leak or bleed by themselves or on to a page. An overall great brand for professionals with a reliable set of brush pens, if you’re into calligraphy and inking

Whilst the Sakura Pigma brand is best for fine liners and brush pens, the texture of the pen itself can be too slippery for some. This UniPin collection however comes with a textured surface, so even the most careless fiddler wouldn’t be able to drop them. The pens also have a water and fade proof ink, which is available in a beautiful range of colours. Great for any detail oriented artist!

4. Solvent based –

Molotow One4All 127HS 6 Set

These acrylic based Molotow pens are refillable, mixable and come with replaceable tips. They are some of the most versatile pens, which can be used on almost anything from plastic to wood, fabric, and even terracotta. Molotow sells a large range of coloured paint pens, however this primary set is perfect for beginners or artists who want to create their own custom shades. The refillable and replaceable options are also a big bonus if you value sustainability.

Whether it be in a set of 12 or 150, the TomBow ABT dual Brush pens have been on every list in our research. Tombow are known for their vibrant and vast colour range, but do keep in mind that you’ll lose out on some colours with smaller sets. However, if you are looking to invest in a good collection of water based pens, maybe give these a try before purchasing the larger 150 set. And don’t forget, as they are water based the Tombow brush pens can be used in conjunction with water based paints, pastels and watercolour pencils. They’re a perfect addition to any watercolour artist’s toolkit.

The Takeaway

Overall, the choice of equipment you use as an artist is your own. Of course being influenced by others can be a great way to test and find materials, but your individual needs and preferences should come first. The products we’ve included on this list are all of high quality, earning their spot as some of the best art markers on the market, but buying markers is the investment of a life time; Our opinions and the feel of pen on paper are slightly different aspects; so get out there and find what works for you.

WHAT ART MARKERS DO YOU RECOMMEND? LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.

Don’t forget you can always share your art with us! Become the next Artist of The Month or tag us on Instagram @darkyellowdot.

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SITES TO HELP:

Are Copic Markers Lightfast? | Kimberly Crick

Arteza Everblend Ultra Art Markers

Are Ohuhu Markers ACTUALLY Worth It??? | My Thoughts As A Copic User

COURSES TO HELP:

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